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Integrating sustainability principles into a chemical engineering laboratory curriculum
Farmer, Jennifer Lyn Kirou, Victoria Chan, Ariel
Farmer, Jennifer Lyn
Kirou, Victoria
Chan, Ariel
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EESD2025_#80_Farmer.pdf
Adobe PDF, 472.51 KB
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Editors
Date
2025
Educational Level
Curriculum Area
Geographical Setting
Canada
Abstract
Integrating sustainability into the chemical engineering curriculum prepares students to become forward- thinking engineers by applying sustainability principles to fundamental concepts. They learn how to design eco-friendly products and processes that incorporate Green Chemistry Principles and circular economy indicators. In our program at the [name redacted], we align these efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, and the [name redacted] net-zero mandate, ensuring students are equipped to tackle global challenges. Through practical exercises and structured support, students learn to apply sustainable engineering concepts to real-world problems. Vertical and horizontal integration across years enables progressive skill development, connecting theory to practice through laboratory education. Guided by the 12 Graduate Attributes (GA) established by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, we continuously improve curriculum quality to bridge knowledge and skills gaps between classroom and industry. Our modernized laboratory curriculum strengthens student competencies in Problem Analysis (GA2), Investigation (GA3), Use of Engineering Tools (GA5), Communication Skills (GA7), and Professionalism (GA8). In this work, we highlight our approach to integrating sustainability into laboratory education through biodiesel production projects. In second year, students study the chemistry of biodiesel production at the bench scale, analyze product quality using spectroscopic techniques, and evaluate yield, safety, environmental impact, and cost. Building on this foundation, third-year students optimize biodiesel production in pilot-scale reactors in our Unit Operations Laboratory, applying simulation software to design and optimize reactor systems and operating conditions. Through these integrated projects, students connect knowledge across organic chemistry, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, separation processes, process design, sustainability, and safety. Using biodiesel production as a mechanism for integration, students see the intersection of applied chemistry and chemical
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Keywords (free text)
chemical engineering, laboratory learning, industry collaboration, engineering education, engineering for sustainable development, education for sustainabilty, sustainability in engineering