Work in Progress:Development of Hands-on Desktop Learning Modules for Bioengineering Courses

Current engineering courses heavily rely on traditional lectures to cover engineering concepts. The engineering education community, however, recognizes that this is not the best method for teaching engineering materials. Our team has focused on expanding the use of well researched, though still new to engineering, teaching pedagogies of hands-on, active and problem-based learning through the development of Desktop Learning Modules (DLMs). The DLMs contain miniaturized processes such as shell and tube or double pipe heat exchangers (chemical engineering) and hydraulic flow channels (civil engineering). A unique expandable electronic system within the DLM connects with a sensor system, allowing cartridges to be interchanged. We are expanding applications by creating new cartridges for teaching bioengineering concepts. One such cartridge will simulate cell sedimentation, particularly applied to the separation of prostate circulating tumor cells (PCTCs) within human blood. This cartridge mimics the partial separation of cells in an elutriator or apheresis device. For this a cylindrically shaped elutriator containing millimeter-sized polymer particles of variable size and density is being used to mimic hindered settling and help students understand concepts related to separation of PCTCs from white blood cells. The cell separation DLM is being implemented into a Fluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer course ChE 332 in the spring 2013 semester. Assessment consists of the use of concept tests before and after use of the DLM to determine improvement in understanding basic concepts and persistence and/or repair of misconceptions. A physical model of the cell separations DLM and preliminary classroom assessment data will be presented at the 2013 ASEE Meeting as a “work in progress”. Future work will include development and implementation of cell sensor and thermoregulation cartridges.