Improvements in Computational Methods Courses in Chemical Engineering

As more core courses in the undergraduate curriculum require significant ability using computer skills, we see a need for improved methods of instruction in computer methods courses required in the chemical engineering curriculum. It is important to provide students with a series of approaches and activities that ensure (1) that students are applying algorithmic thinking and not just learning how to operate in a single computing environment, (2) that students are able to develop their abilities to formulate problems in a computational context, and (3) that students are applying numerical algorithms in meaningful ways and not just following a template. To that end, we discuss here overviews of our computational methods courses and implementation that encourages behavior independent of choice of computer software. We also share here our plans to evaluate student abilities and perceptions in courses following computer methods to assess the effectiveness of the courses. We share results here from preliminary self-assessment surveys plus plans for implementation for the Spring 2012 semester.