Complementary role of large language models in educating undergraduate design of distillation column: Methodology development

This paper explores the integration of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, in chemical engineering education, departing from conventional practices that may not be universally accepted. While there is ongoing debate surrounding the acceptance of LLMs, driven by concerns over computational...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Zong Yang Kong, Vincentius Surya Kurnia Adi, Juan Gabriel Segovia-Hernández, Jaka Sunarso
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2023-12-01
Series:Digital Chemical Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772508123000443
_version_ 1827587829223391232
author Zong Yang Kong
Vincentius Surya Kurnia Adi
Juan Gabriel Segovia-Hernández
Jaka Sunarso
author_facet Zong Yang Kong
Vincentius Surya Kurnia Adi
Juan Gabriel Segovia-Hernández
Jaka Sunarso
author_sort Zong Yang Kong
collection DOAJ
description This paper explores the integration of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, in chemical engineering education, departing from conventional practices that may not be universally accepted. While there is ongoing debate surrounding the acceptance of LLMs, driven by concerns over computational instability and potential inconsistencies, their inevitability in shaping our communication and interaction with technology cannot be ignored. As educators, we are positioned to play a vital role in guiding students toward the responsible, effective, and synergetic use of LLMs. Focusing specifically on distillation column design in undergraduate mass-transfer courses, this study demonstrates how ChatGPT can be utilized as an auxiliary tool to create interactive learning environments and simulate real-world engineering thinking processes. It emphasizes the need for students to develop critical thinking skills and a thorough understanding of LLM principles, taking responsibility for their use and creations. While ChatGPT should not be solely relied upon, its integration with fundamental principles of chemical engineering is crucial. The effectiveness and limitations of ChatGPT are exemplified through two case studies, showcasing the importance of manual calculations and established simulation software as primary tools for guiding and validating engineering results and analyses. This paper also addresses the pedagogical implications of integrating LLMs into mass transfer courses, encompassing curriculum integration, facilitation, guidance, and ethical considerations. Recommendations are provided for incorporating LLMs effectively into the curriculum. Overall, this study contributes to the advancement of chemical engineering education by examining the benefits and limitations of LLMs as educational aids in the design process.
first_indexed 2024-03-09T00:24:33Z
format Article
id doaj.art-b3c06dc0a9bd4a8fb6d0e585d7248da1
institution Directory Open Access Journal
issn 2772-5081
language English
last_indexed 2024-03-09T00:24:33Z
publishDate 2023-12-01
publisher Elsevier
record_format Article
series Digital Chemical Engineering
spelling doaj.art-b3c06dc0a9bd4a8fb6d0e585d7248da12023-12-12T04:37:12ZengElsevierDigital Chemical Engineering2772-50812023-12-019100126Complementary role of large language models in educating undergraduate design of distillation column: Methodology developmentZong Yang Kong0Vincentius Surya Kurnia Adi1Juan Gabriel Segovia-Hernández2Jaka Sunarso3Department of Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia; Corresponding authors.Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan; Corresponding authors.Universidad de Guanajuato, Campus Guanajuato, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Noria Alta s/n, 36050 Guanajuato, Gto, MexicoResearch Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, MalaysiaThis paper explores the integration of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, in chemical engineering education, departing from conventional practices that may not be universally accepted. While there is ongoing debate surrounding the acceptance of LLMs, driven by concerns over computational instability and potential inconsistencies, their inevitability in shaping our communication and interaction with technology cannot be ignored. As educators, we are positioned to play a vital role in guiding students toward the responsible, effective, and synergetic use of LLMs. Focusing specifically on distillation column design in undergraduate mass-transfer courses, this study demonstrates how ChatGPT can be utilized as an auxiliary tool to create interactive learning environments and simulate real-world engineering thinking processes. It emphasizes the need for students to develop critical thinking skills and a thorough understanding of LLM principles, taking responsibility for their use and creations. While ChatGPT should not be solely relied upon, its integration with fundamental principles of chemical engineering is crucial. The effectiveness and limitations of ChatGPT are exemplified through two case studies, showcasing the importance of manual calculations and established simulation software as primary tools for guiding and validating engineering results and analyses. This paper also addresses the pedagogical implications of integrating LLMs into mass transfer courses, encompassing curriculum integration, facilitation, guidance, and ethical considerations. Recommendations are provided for incorporating LLMs effectively into the curriculum. Overall, this study contributes to the advancement of chemical engineering education by examining the benefits and limitations of LLMs as educational aids in the design process.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772508123000443ChatGPTChemical engineering educationLarge language modelsDistillationIndustry 4.0Mass transfer
spellingShingle Zong Yang Kong
Vincentius Surya Kurnia Adi
Juan Gabriel Segovia-Hernández
Jaka Sunarso
Complementary role of large language models in educating undergraduate design of distillation column: Methodology development
Digital Chemical Engineering
ChatGPT
Chemical engineering education
Large language models
Distillation
Industry 4.0
Mass transfer
title Complementary role of large language models in educating undergraduate design of distillation column: Methodology development
title_full Complementary role of large language models in educating undergraduate design of distillation column: Methodology development
title_fullStr Complementary role of large language models in educating undergraduate design of distillation column: Methodology development
title_full_unstemmed Complementary role of large language models in educating undergraduate design of distillation column: Methodology development
title_short Complementary role of large language models in educating undergraduate design of distillation column: Methodology development
title_sort complementary role of large language models in educating undergraduate design of distillation column methodology development
topic ChatGPT
Chemical engineering education
Large language models
Distillation
Industry 4.0
Mass transfer
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772508123000443
work_keys_str_mv AT zongyangkong complementaryroleoflargelanguagemodelsineducatingundergraduatedesignofdistillationcolumnmethodologydevelopment
AT vincentiussuryakurniaadi complementaryroleoflargelanguagemodelsineducatingundergraduatedesignofdistillationcolumnmethodologydevelopment
AT juangabrielsegoviahernandez complementaryroleoflargelanguagemodelsineducatingundergraduatedesignofdistillationcolumnmethodologydevelopment
AT jakasunarso complementaryroleoflargelanguagemodelsineducatingundergraduatedesignofdistillationcolumnmethodologydevelopment