A brief introduction to CRCD at ISU

At Iowa State University, we have developed a unique and valuable experience for our students by giving them an opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams on cutting-edge problems involving biorenewables, while using novel problem-based learning approaches. The focus of four new 1-credit laboratory classes is to bring important emergent areas from the development of biorenewable sources of chemicals into new and existing courses in the Chemical Engineering curriculum. The laboratory components are being offered in parallel with four lecture courses. These new classes are open to undergraduates as well as graduate students. New engineers entering the work force need to combine knowledge of appropriate technologies with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, continue to learn as new possibilities evolve, realize the societal impacts of these technologies, and communicate their solutions and the benefits and risks that come with implementation. That collection of attributes suggests that problem-based learning is an excellent context in which to learn. The four laboratory modules we have developed address topics at the top of the priority research needs lists published recently by the National Research Council and industry roadmap groups studying the emergence of a chemical industry based on biorenewables. Under the direction of faculty members active in each area, the modules address:

• bioinformatics for enzyme engineering
• metabolic engineering for product yield
• processing of plant materials for product recovery
• utilization of biobased polymers for tissue engineering

In these courses, students directed their own learning in multi-disciplinary teams under the guidance of a faculty member trained in using problem-based learning. The common core training elements of the four laboratory classes included an orientation to research ethics, design of experiments, analysis of data, teamwork, communication, and self-assessment of learning. Novel problem-solving, teamwork, oral and written report rubrics were developed and used to assess and evaluate knowledge acquisition, problem-solving skill development, attitude toward lifelong learning, and improvements in metacognition. These rubrics have broad impact and are also currently being implemented in the graduate program to assess students’ research performance).