In the context of education for chemical engineering, the learning is always made more interesting and appealing by providing real-life examples, coupled with problem- or project-based learning. Recent development in computer-based learning (e.g. virtual process plant) has been well received, and has aided learning in courses related to control and unit operations. These teaching pedagogies have proven their efficacy in training chemical engineering graduates with high cognitive and problem solving skills. However, there remains a gap in the training for industry-ready graduates: students should be given more opportunities to develop skills to solve every-day industrial problems in a cost-effective manner. The ideal solution to bridge the gap would be a fully functioning industrial manufacturing plant, where students have full access to a variety of learning activities. But this is rarely achievable given the constraints on cost, time and space.
An alternative is to use model of the manufacturing plant as the basis for skill training. This study aimed to explore the use of innovative teaching tools to enhance the applied industrial component in the cGMP (continuous Good Manufacturing Practices) course of SITâs pharmaceutical engineering program. In the cGMP undergraduate class, the students are employed as employees in the 3D pharmaceutical manufacturing plant. They are tasked to carry out cGMP related activities, using scenarios generated from the model plant. The feedback from the students are generally positive. The model plant is a great tool for visualization, which is especially helpful for students without any industrial experience. The development and implementation of the proposed teaching pedagogy have provided a fresh look into the practicability of conventional chemical engineering education, and also add value to produce industry-ready graduates.
