Implementation of a problem-based learning methodology to a chemical engineering master course

Abstract

[EN] Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching methodology which uses comprehensive real-world problems to introduce the different concepts of the course to students. In this way, PBL methodology tries to develop, among others, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, critical thinking skills, and, the most important, it can promote life-long learning. PBL methodology was introduced to design the classes of a corrosion course. Corrosion is a course which belongs to the Master of Chemical Engineering and to the Master of Industrial Security and Environmental of the Universitat Politècnica de Valencia (Spain). In this study it is explained how PBL methodology was designed to cover all the concepts of the course in order that students could acquire generic, technical and specific competences. The crucial part to succeed in the implementation of the PBL methodology is the design of the problems. In the study it is detailed how problems were designed and the main difficulties found during the implementation of the methodology in the corrosion course.