The views, attitudes and learning style preferences of Higher National Chemical Engineering students

Chemical engineering graduates will enter industry with an array of skills and aptitudes such as numeracy, problem solving and the ability to relate ideas to everyday life. The ability to solve everyday industrial problems in a cost-effective manner is one of the key requirements of those working in the industry, and students should be given ample opportunities to develop these skills during their studies. This research paper provides detailed perspectives on these issues, including the intellectual learning styles, attitudes and opinions of a group of Scottish Higher National Chemical Process Engineering students studying chemistry. These students are at the earlier stages of their formal learning in chemical engineering and some intend to go onto university for a further 1–3 years in order to complete their degree. The evidence from the students is positive and suggests that their overall learning within chemical process engineering might be contributing towards the achievements of desirable goals and aptitudes of future graduates. Implications arising from the study are considered in relation to early stage chemical process engineering students.