Using engineering design software to motivate student learning for math-based material in biotechnology courses

This paper explores the implementation of process engineering design software, specifically UniSim¹, as a vehicle to investigate student interest, engagement, and confidence in learning engineering design and their experiences of group work. This research gathered information about student's perception and experience about (1) the role of engineering design software as a motivator for learning engineering design calculation and (2) the importance of group work in engineering education. This paper outlines the results of a pilot project concerning second- and third-year biotechnology students' experiences in learning engineering design concepts using simulation software. The process design software was found to be an excellent complement to traditional classroom teaching as it facilitated learning via repeated practice allowing students to perform engineering design calculation of problems with various levels of difficulty while the complete solutions of the problems were generated by the software. Problem solving using the software not only helped students to confirm their hand calculations but also allowed them to better focus on comprehending and analyzing the results of complex problems. According to survey results, over 70% of students commented that the simulation-based learning modules increased their interest in learning math-based concepts in the process engineering design and therefore facilitated their understanding of the course materials. Students also commented higher performance working in groups due to idea sharing and troubleshooting together. This survey could serve as a basis for instructors intending to further implement software-based learning at their respective institutions.