(58a) Energizing An Introductory Chemical Engineering Course with Biodiesel

The biorefining industry is experiencing tremendous growth in the United States as well as in the State of Alabama. Therefore, it is important that chemical engineering departments include instruction and education in the area of biofuels and biorefining in the traditional chemical engineering curriculum. Biofuel production is also a timely and relevant way to make chemical engineering "come alive" and stimulate interest and improve retention among students.

The Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alabama in Hunstville is incorporating a hands-on laboratory activity allowing students to produce their own biodiesel into the introductory chemical engineering course. This presentation will describe the development and implementation of this lab activity. Included in the presentation will be the necessary materials and supplies, procedures, cost estimates, examples of supplemental lecture material, and outcomes from student evaluation.