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Implementing a systematic process for rapidly embedding sustainability within chemical engineering education: a case study of James Cook University, Australia
School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
E-mail: madoc.sheehan@jcu.edu.au
; Fax: 61 7 4775 1184
; Tel: 61 7 4781 4153
b
The Natural Edge Project Research Group, Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
E-mail: cheryl.desha@qut.edu.au
Chem. Educ. Res. Pract., 2012,13, 112-119
DOI:
10.1039/C1RP90068D
Received
29 Sep 2011,
Accepted
23 Jan 2012
First published online
23 Feb 2012
Sustainability has emerged as a primary context for engineering education in the 21st Century, particularly the sub-discipline of chemical engineering. However, there is confusion over how to go about integrating sustainability knowledge and skills systemically within bachelor degrees. This paper addresses this challenge, using a case study of an Australian chemical engineering degree to highlight important practical considerations for embedding sustainability at the core of the curriculum. The paper begins with context for considering a systematic process for rapid curriculum renewal. The authors then summarise a 2-year federally funded project, which comprised piloting a model for rapid curriculum renewal led by the chemical engineering staff. Model elements contributing to the renewal of this engineering degree and described in this paper include: industry outreach; staff professional development; attribute identification and alignment; program mapping; and curriculum and teaching resource development. Personal reflections on the progress and process of rapid curriculum renewal in sustainability by the authors and participating engineering staff will be presented as a means to discuss and identify methodological improvements, as well as highlight barriers to project implementation. It is hoped that this paper will provide an example of a formalised methodology on which program reform and curriculum renewal for sustainability can be built upon in other higher education institutions.
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Chemistry Education Research and Practice
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