Academic program review is design for the purpose of providing high quality program to its constituencies through periodic and ongoing evaluation of the program. Systematic review of academic programs demonstrates that they are aligned with University mission and strategic initiatives and identifies program strength and area in need of improvement. Academic program reviews also to ensure continuous quality improvement of all courses including those that are reviewed through an external accreditation process. Curriculum review at department level is vital to further improve delivery methods, assessment and evaluation in all courses. 

1.1 Program Background  

This program offers chemical engineering courses which are focusing more on the specialization in energy engineering application and natural resources which are abundance in our country. Natural resources such as oil, gas, fossil, agricultural products biochemistry as well as renewable energy have the potential to be utilized and developed for the benefit of the country. In order to solve the problems in energy management and pollution which is related to these natural resources processes namely air, water and environmental pollution, require the latest knowledge in engineering. In line with country rapid development, more chemical engineers are needed to cater for the inadequacy of this professional.  

The Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with Honours Program is a 4-year programme (8 semesters). This program had been taken as part of curriculum review for this assignment. The Chemical Engineering Program began its student’s admission in 1994. The current annual intake is approximately 60 students. Faculty of Engineering has started Outcome Based Education (OBE) for its undergraduate program since 2006. Many initiatives have been implemented to impart awareness as well as knowledge on OBE among the staff members and students.  A comprehensive OBE has been implemented for session 2010/2011 onwards. The Program Educational Objectives (PEO) and Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO) of Chemical Engineering Programme were formulated with a consideration of UNIMAS and the Faculty of Engineering vision and mission as well as various inputs from the stakeholders (external examiners’ and industrial advisory panels). The PLO, curriculum and course syllabus have been designed and planned in accordance with Engineering Programme Accreditation Manuals (2017), of which all the 12 criteria suggested by Malaysian Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) have been adopted. The program also adopting Faculty of Engineering Quality Manual System to ensure high quality delivery of teaching and learning for the bachelor programme. The Department appointed external examiners to conduct programme assessment and rigorously carried out industrial advisory panels (IAP) meetings for every academic session. These activities are important to ensure and improve the programme’s quality in term of teaching and learning; enhance OBE understanding and continuously develop the programme’s curriculum content and structure to meet the current engineering standard and practices.  

For this assignment purposes, three courses had been chosen in chemical engineering program for reviewing and suggestions for improvement. List of the courses are as follows:  

1.2 Program Educational Objectives (PEO) 

The goal of this program is to produce future engineer who is skilful, efficient and high calibre based on the department programme objectives as follows: 

PEO1 - Graduates are able to apply engineering knowledge at their respective career. 
PEO2 - Graduates are able to pursue their career in national and multinational organisations. 
PEO3 - Graduates are competent to explore, utilize and diversify natural resources sustainably. 
PEO4 - Graduates utilise engineering tools and skills necessary to perform job as professional in their workplace. 

1.3 Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) 

Students will be able to achieve the following programme outcomes upon their graduation: 

PLO1 - Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, engineering fundamentals and an engineering specialization to the solution of complex Chemical Engineering problems 
PLO2 - Identify, formulate, conduct research literature and analyses complex Chemical Engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences 
PLO3 - Design solutions for complex Chemical Engineering problems and design systems, components or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal and environmental considerations 
PLO4 - Conduct investigation of complex Chemical Engineering problems using research-based knowledge and research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis of information to provide valid conclusions 
PLO5  - Create, select and apply appropriate techniques, resources and modern engineering and IT tools, including prediction and modelling, to complex Chemical Engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations.  
PLO6 - Apply reasoning informed by contextual knowledge to assess societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant to professional engineering practice and solutions to complex engineering problems 
PLO7 - Understand and evaluate the sustainability and impact of professional engineering work in the solutions of complex engineering problems in societal and environmental contexts 
PLO8 - Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of engineering practice 
PLO9 - Communicate effectively on complex engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large, such as being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear instructions  

PLO10 - Function effectively as an individual and as a member or leader in diverse teams and in multidisciplinary settings.
PLO11 - Recognize the need for, and have the preparation and ability to engage in independent and life-long learning in the broadest context of technological change. 

PLO12 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and economic decision making and apply these to one’s own work as a member and leader in a team, to manage projects in multidisciplinary environments and to cultivate entrepreneurship skills.