An enquiry-based chemical engineering design project for first-year students.

This work describes the student-centred approach followed in the Design Project in the first-year Chemical Engineering course at The University of Manchester. This new approach has allowed students to reinforce and apply subject knowledge, whilst developing key skills such as teamwork and communication. The introduction of peerassessment also provided students with the opportunity to make informed decisions and judgements and to learn from their peers. Design tasks aimed at developing critical thinking and problem solving skills within an industrial setting were employed. The project has been successful at improving students’ engagement and sense of responsibility within a more active learning environment.