Implementation of Problem-Based Learning in Process Safety and Risk Management Unit

Problem-based learning (PBL) has been identified by numerous educational professionals as superior to the traditional teaching system, which may promote higher-level learning. In particular, the Active Learning Approach should be used as a catalyst to promote the values and ideals of student learning. This method has been introduced in one of the chemical engineering units, i.e. CHEN4001 Process Safety and Risk Management for the undergraduate program at Curtin University Malaysia. This unit covers the fundamental risk and process safety principles and reviews of the historical accident scenarios to help students develop an understanding for the complexities involved in managing the risks in the process industries. Hence, this paper demonstrates the application of PBL approach in the CHEN4001 Process Safety and Risk Management unit. Furthermore, the student learning and unit evaluation for CHEN4001 with PBL implementation are discussed.