Active Problem Solving and Applied Research Methods in a Graduate Course on Numerical Methods

Autor/inn/en	Maase, Eric L.; High, Karen A.
Titel	Active Problem Solving and Applied Research Methods in a Graduate Course on Numerical Methods
Quelle	In: Chemical Engineering Education, 42 (2008) 1, S.23-32 (10 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0009-2479
Schlagwörter	Graduate Students; Mathematical Models; Chemical Engineering; Programming; Equations (Mathematics); Learning Experience; Number Concepts; Active Learning; Problem Based Learning; Case Method (Teaching Technique); Student Projects; Course Descriptions; Course Evaluation; Scientific Methodology + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Graduate Study; Student; Students; Aufbaustudium; Graduiertenstudium; Hauptstudium; Studentin; Mathematical model; Mathematisches Modell; Chemisches Prüfverfahren; Programmierung; Equations; Mathematics; Gleichungslehre; Lernerfahrung; Number concept; Zahlbegriff; Aktives Lernen; Problem-based learning; Problemorientiertes Lernen; Case method; Fallmethode; Schulprojekt; Kursstrukturplan
Abstract	"Chemical Engineering Modeling" is a first-semester graduate course traditionally taught in a lecture format at Oklahoma State University. The course as taught by the author for the past seven years focuses on numerical and mathematical methods as necessary skills for incoming graduate students. Recent changes to the course have included Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)/Excel and MATLAB demonstrations, activities, and assignments. These computer tools were employed by the students in solving algebraic, ordinary differential equations (initial value and boundary value) and partial differential equations (parabolic and elliptic). During the Fall of 2006, components were added to the course to expose students to case studies, active problem solving, teamwork, and experimentation with an overall aim of promoting creative and critical thinking as students identify and practice the art of modeling. The 13 graduate students during the Fall 2006 course were tasked with a semester project to "Design an encapsulated drug (of your group's choice) that effectively delivers an appropriate dose for an appropriate number of hours. Select the most cost-effective method." The students began by creating an initial experimental protocol for their physical model (equipment/supplies needed, data collection procedure), developing computer modeling/numerical methods appropriate for solving the mathematical model, necessary simplifications made to begin the research, and expectations of future considerations that more appropriately model the real system. Throughout the semester the students improved their physical and mathematical modeling abilities to give them appropriate tools to reach the goal of successfully designing and presenting encapsulated drugs. Assessments are presented examining the effectiveness of the team-based, active-learning experience. Modeling, experimental design, experimental procedure and competence, and proficiency in applied numerical methods and computer programming are evaluated. (Contains 3 figures and 7 tables.) (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Chemical Engineering Education, Chemical Engineering Division of ASEE. P.O. Box 142097, Gainesville FL 32614. Tel: 352-392-0861; Fax: 352-392-0861; e-mail: cee@che.ufl.edu; Website: http://cee.che.ufl.edu/index.html
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10