فصلنامه آموزش مهندسی ایران
پیاپی 103 (پاییز 1403)

In this paper, after a brief investigation of the history of chemical engineering in Iran and the world, the published papers related to chemical engineering education in the Iranian Journal of Engineering Education, on the occasion of its 25th anniversary of publication, were reviewed. In educational part of the present work, the novel educational methods such as remote education, e-learning, game-based education, virtual reality education and the outcomes of these methods are discussed. In addition, from the research perspective, the latest directions of chemical engineering such as stimuli-responsive polymeric micelles, drug delivery, cancer therapy, antimicrobial active packaging films, active food packaging, advanced electro spun nanofiber yarn-based textiles, wound healing applications, advanced technologies for water and wastewater treatment, application of nanomaterials and ionic metals, green and renewable energies, and the applications of artificial intelligence in chemical engineering were reviewed. From the foresight vision and considering the global changes such as environmental challenges, limited world resources, the novel areas of chemical engineering and its future, with emphasis on chemical engineering education, have been investigated. With progresses in many interdisciplinary areas such as energy and decarbonization, water, food, air, human health and medicine, it is being expected that great changes occur in the education of chemical engineering.

This article introduces the concept of green chemical engineering as the intersection of “green chemistry” and “green engineering”, emphasizing its importance in the chemical engineering curriculum. This article first describes the twelve goals and principles of “Green Chemistry” and “Green Engineering”. It highlights their role in promoting environmental sustainability and reducing the ecological footprint of chemical processes. After this introduction, green chemical engineering is explored in more detail, focusing on its sustainability criteria and how these principles can be applied to create more environmentally friendly and sustainable chemical processes. The discussion then turns to how the concept of green chemical engineering can be seamlessly integrated into the chemical engineering curriculum and suggests changes and additions to existing courses to include sustainable engineering topics. Finally, the article ends with a short summary and calls for the inclusion of green principles in the educational framework for preparing future engineers for the challenges of sustainable development and emphasizing the importance of equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for innovation and responsibility in preserving the environment for sustainable development.

This paper discusses the impacts of digital technologies on the effectiveness of chemical engineering education and their potential to enhance students’ professional skills. The integration of digital technologies, such as spreadsheets, mathematical softwares, industrial simulators, virtual and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence tools, has revolutionized the field of chemical engineering education by creating interactive and contemporary learning environments. These tools can enhance the comprehension and application of concepts and facilitate problem analysis and solving. They also provide virtual practical experiences and stimulate greater engagement with the subject matter among students. However, the adoption of digital technologies also presents certain challenges that should be addressed carefully. These include the need for adequate infrastructure, training, and appropriate assessment methods for fair evaluation of student performance. Despite these challenges, the effective utilization of digital technologies in chemical engineering education can enable students to cultivate and refine their technical and professional skills. Moreover, it can assist professors and researchers in developing advanced tools and improving the overall educational experience.

Nanomaterials with their unique properties have created a revolution in various fields of science and technology because their application has improved the efficiency of many processes.This review paper first introduces fabrication methods and characterization techniques for nanomaterials. Top-down and bottom-up approaches are two main strategies for the synthesis of nanomaterials. Each approach offers a variety of methods with considerations for scalability. Besides, various microscopic and spectroscopic methods which are used for the characterization of nanomaterials including size analysis, morphology and chemical composition are discussed. In the following, the focus of this article is on the effect of nanotechnology in chemical engineering. Examples include the development of highly efficient catalysts and adsorbents for the oil and gas industry, the creation of advanced drug delivery systems, and innovations in water treatment. It should be considered that the future of nanomaterials lies in nanoarchitecture, which is based on nanotechnology to create complex and functional material systems by integrating with other disciplines.

Biotechnology is a fascinating field of science that has emerged from the study of yeast and other microorganisms and their role in the fermentation of various substances. This field has undergone significant theoretical changes and has led to remarkable scientific and industrial advancements. Biotechnology can be broadly defined as applying biological technologies to develop new products and processes that benefit humanity. In this article, we aim to better understand the past and future of this growing science and to identify appropriate strategies for its growth and development in Iran’s scientific and technological landscape. To achieve this, we will first explore the evolution of this field and then examine the impact of international economic and research institutions. Finally, we will assess the status of similar institutions in Iran and the role of chemical engineering in advancing biotechnology, and make suggestions accordingly. With the right strategies and support, Iran can become a leader in this field and reap the benefits of this exciting science.

In this article, the role of chemical engineering in human health applications is mentioned first, with a particular focus on (bio)medical engineering. Then, the historical background of this role at the beginning of chemical engineers’ activities in this field will be examined with emphasis on important issues. In the following, the future horizons of chemical engineering in several important fields of application in medicine, such as biomaterials, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering, are explained briefly. Then, the importance of applying chemical engineering principles in the link between chemical engineering and tissue engineering/clinical medicine (translational medicine) is intensively expressed. Finally, how the lessons related to (bio)medical engineering emerged in the chemical engineering educational program and its development until today, including the master’s program of chemical-biomedical engineering in Iran, and a short conclusion will be presented at the end.

Currently, the engineering education system in Iran primarily focuses on hard and traditional skills and lacks a well-defined program for teaching soft skills to engineers. Improving the quality of undergraduate programs requires the integration of education with the practical knowledge gained in the society, state agencies, and economic enterprises. This can significantly enhance the educational innovation and future career advancement of engineers. Utilizing the professional experiences of engineers in the structure of university courses or extracurricular activities is one of the effective measures to improve the quality of engineering education. These experiences can serve as a communication bridge between the university and industry and familiarize students with the real-world challenges and opportunities of the profession. In this research, this idea has been explored and analyzed in several different undergraduate programs at the University of Tehran. To evaluate the impact of successful engineers’ professional experiences on undergraduate education, a systematic survey was designed and evaluated based on psychological criteria. The detailed feedback from students was collected and the results were analyzed. Finally, based on the findings of this study, recommendations are provided to improve the quality of engineering education. The serious and continuous implementation of these measures can play a significant role in the development and advancement of the country’s engineering education system and adequately prepare students for their professional environment.