Integration of Biological Systems Content into the Process Dynamics and Control Curriculum

Abstract

The evolution of the chemical engineering discipline motivates a reevaluation of the process dynamics and control curriculum. A key requirement of future courses is the introduction of theoretical concepts and application examples relevant to emerging areas such as complex biological systems. We outline the critical concepts required to integrate biological content within the traditional framework of process dynamics and control. Our initial experience with three courses is outlined to demonstrate alternative approaches to achieve this integration. The paper concludes with a discussion of open issues which require further attention from the process control and biological systems communities.

Simulation-Based Guided Explorations in Process Dynamics and Control

“…While textbook revisions provide a structured means of renovating PD&C courses , some instructors, such as Gray [15] , Parker [16] , Doyle [16,17] , and Henson [16] , have developed new courses in PD&C that combine biological systems with traditional PD&C topics. The addition of these topics requires the elimination of some of the traditional content, but these investigators have found the addition to be beneficial in enhancing student learning.…”