Problem-solving and concept integration using a computational tool in first-year undergraduate chemical engineering

A computational MATLAB Tool with examples based on typical Chemical Engineering (ChE) problems has been designed. The Tool is intended to assist students with the development of problem-solving skills and to encourage cross-course learning in the first-year ChE curriculum. The Tool is module-based, with each module consisting of problems from a first-year ChE course. Each of the problems is solved with emphasis placed on the specific problem-solving methodology followed to reach the solution and includes an application of MATLAB, the programming language taught in the first-year ChE computational programming course. Extension problems for additional practice are also included. The Tool has been specifically designed for first-year students to help them develop their programming skills early in their education and to encourage connections between the first-year ChE courses. The Tool has been used by first-year ChE students and their feedback is presented. A copy of the MATLAB Tool can be obtained by contacting the corresponding author.

► A MATLAB Tool that includes basic Chemical Engineering problems has been designed.
► The Tool is intended to encourage cross-course learning in first year ChE students.
► A typical ChE problem is described to illustrate the key features of the Tool.
► Students suggest adding the Tool in the first-year ChE undergraduate curriculum.
► Students indicate that the Tool motivates the use of MATLAB in upper-year courses.