Abstract:

"Industrial Chemical Technology" is a core subject of the 1st year of the Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering. It has a duration of 4.5 credits and on average, has about 300 students. Until the 2019-20 academic year, the methodology applied in the subject was based on the participatory master lesson with problem solving in the classroom. To reinforce the training in analysis and problem solving and thus achieve a deeper learning, in the 2020-21 academic year a methodological change was proposed. This proposal consisted of the implementation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) through the resolution of problems based on real industrial processes. Specifically, students solve in groups more open problems than those carried out in class, having to search, select and justify data and complementary information. In this way, it is intended that students acquire a more global vision of the processes of the chemical industry and that they are able to face and solve problems more similar to those that may be encountered in their professional future.

This paper describes the main results achieved by students after the implementation of the new methodology. The academic results achieved by the students through the evaluation activities carried out are presented, and the assessment made by the students of the methodology is analysed from the responses to a satisfaction survey.

Keywords:

Problem-Based Learning, chemical technology, industrial engineering, deep learning, application, resolution, problems.