Enhancing students’ digital skills through a Biotechnology & Bioprocessing module designed for chemical engineers

Abstract

The transformation of the chemical engineering profession is occurring in response to the industry needs of the rapidly-developing bioeconomy and biosector across Europe. To meet these requirements, a new Biotechnology and Bioprocessing module has been designed and offered to Chemical Engineering undergraduates at Aston University, UK. This module bridges chemical engineering and biosciences disciplines, providing students with new skills and knowledge to better understand the opportunities available to chemical engineering professionals within the biosector. Here, we evaluate how the use of digital technologies enhances the student’s learning experience using a range of innovative learning activities delivered in a digital environment. The student’s and author’s perceptions are evaluated, and future improvements identified. This module will contribute to preparing graduates for a successful career in the highly competitive landscape of the bioeconomy and biosector. This pedagogical approach prepares graduates for, hybrid and remote study and working patterns and; changing industrial and digital learning demands.

Keywords:

• Digital learning
• active learner
• collaborative learning
• virtual labs
• employability skills

Reviewing Editor:

• Stephen Darwin, Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Chile

Subjects:

• Biotechnology
• Engineering Education
• Chemical Engineering

Author’s contribution

AFC contributed to all aspects of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Additional information

Funding

The author acknowledges the BBSRC Grant No BB/V010603/1.