Cross-curricular project-based laboratory learning enables hands-on interdisciplinary education for chemical engineering students

Abstract

To enhance students’ interdisciplinary awareness and understanding of (i) high-pressure reactors, (ii) zeolites as catalysts and (iii) analysis of complex reactor effluents with unknown compounds, the laboratory exercises of two courses are coupled into a cross-curricular Project-Based laboratory Learning trajectory. The alkylation of anisole with 1-hexene proves to be an excellent case study for students to learn new objectives and strengthen the skills acquired in prior courses, emulating the work of expert engineers and analytical chemists. The time-efficient cross-curricular project proves effective in fostering teamwork and addressing complex engineering and analytical challenges. Student testimonials highlight the integrated project's success in providing new insights and cultivating advanced decision-making skills during experimentation. This approach also encourages future interdisciplinary collaborations between chemical engineering and analytical practice classes.