The Effectiveness of Computer Program-Aided Assignments to Solve Differential Equations in Chemical Engineering Course

Abstract

Chemical Engineering is a field of applied science that aims to develop technology that can be implemented in the chemical industry. Several courses in this field use a mathematical approach to determine the condition of a process requiring high accuracy. Mathematical modeling for solving problems in the field of chemical engineering is generally in the form of differential equations that can be solved analytically or numerically. Analytical methods are usually used for problems with limited and simple models, while numerical methods are more suitable for complex problems in the chemical process. Numerical method solutions are easier to obtain with the help of computer programs, including Solver in Excel, Polymath, or Matlab. The use of the computer program provides a relatively fast solution with high accuracy. This study was conducted to evaluate the use of computer programs by students in Chemical Reaction Engineering (CRE) courses. The assessment was carried out based on the exam results. The considered parameters include the duration of the exam, accuracy of answers, as well as understanding of concepts or algorithms of problem-solving.