PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING IN CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING COURSE

This work shows the experience of using Problem-Based Learning to the subject Chemical Reaction Engineering that belongs to the Chemical Degree of University of Vigo. In this subject is studying and optimizing chemical reactions in order to define the most optimal reactor design. Hence, the interactions of flow phenomena, mass transfer, heat transfer, and reaction kinetics are of prime importance in order to relate reactor performance to feed composition and operating conditions. Taking in account the aims of Chemical Reaction Engineering, we considered as appropriated learning technique the used of new methodology such as Problem-Based Learning. Several interviews make to students indicate the positive attitude toward using Problem-Based Learning. We verified the total integration of the students into the system, participating and proposing numerous activities. Moreover, we detected that the knowledge of methods, practical applications and the reality of chemical engineering was increased significantly with this methodology.