Development of a Problem Based Learning Elective in Green Engineering
Green engineering is the design of products and processes that maximise resource and energy efficiency, minimise waste and cause no harm to the environment. In modern society, engineers equipped with the skills to develop sustainable technologies are tremendously valuable.
In 2004, the University of Sydney offered an elective in ‘Green Engineering’ to final year undergraduates for the first time in Australia. The objectives were to:
i) introduce students to a different engineering paradigm;
ii) demonstrate to students how their studies relate to ‘real world’ engineering;
iii) improve the quality of learning by engaging students as active partners;
iv) introduce students to cutting edge research to spark their curiosity.
Students were introduced to cutting edge examples of sustainable technologies in chemical and biomolecular engineering. Five case studies were delivered using a problem based learning (PBL) methodology which involved substantial group work as well as self-directed learning. This learning approach was a challenge for many students who had not previously been exposed to it.
Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. In particular, student satisfaction with the course had a mean score of 4.43 (out of 5) with all students agreeing or strongly agreeing with the statement “Overall I was satisfied with the quality of this unit of study”. Students were also satisfied with the way the course helped to develop valuable generic attributes (4.43). Individual students commented that the ‘think outside the box’ nature of the unit was a highlight they would like to see incorporated more widely into their degree.