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An ontological approach to chemical engineering curriculum development

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

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Authors

Bussemaker, M 
Trokanas, N 
Ceceljaa, F 

Abstract

Continuous reflection and evolution of curricula in chemical engineering is beneficial for adaptation to evolving industries and technologies and for improving student experience. To this end it was necessary to develop a method to enable a holistic reflection on the curriculum and to examine potential areas of improvement and change. The curriculum was modelled using knowledge modelling through the development of an ontology, Chemical Engineering Education Ontology (ChEEdO) in the Protégé 3.5 environment. ChEEdO models topics, taught modules and the learning outcomes of the modules within the domain of chemical engineering. The learning outcomes were related to the topics using verb properties from Bloom’s taxonomy and the context of each learning outcome. The functionality of semantic reasoning via the ontology was demonstrated with a case study. The modelling results showed that the ontology could be successfully utilised for curriculum development, horizontal and vertical integration and to identify appropriate pre-requisite learning.

Description

Keywords

knowledge modelling, curriculum development, ontology, chemical engineering, education

Journal Title

Computers & Chemical Engineering

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0098-1354

Volume Title

Publisher

Elsevier