Accelerating Students' Learning of Chromatography with an Experiential Module on Process Development and Scaleup

The objective of the presented module is to train students with no background in process development and scaleup of chromatographic processes to a high level of competency within 40 contact hours. The key pedagogical approach is "progression" where students' capabilities are gradually built up with appropriate scaffolding provided at each stage of their learning. The module is broken up into three steps, with each step covering a different aspect of chromatography. Knowledge gained in one step is the foundation for work in the next. In the first step, students investigate several chromatographic column packing materials and perform a solvent selection process. Design of experiment (DOE) to systematically vary process parameters for method development is introduced in the second step. In the last step, students use a preparative-LC system to perform a larger-scale separation. Students explore different scale-up scenarios, including volume fraction collection and column overloading. Pedagogic outcomes of the module were determined through surveys, interviews, and personal interaction during the study. Results clearly indicate that students engaged well with the module while meeting overall learning objectives. The module is equally suitable for third- or fourth-year university students or industry practitioners unfamiliar with chromatography as part of continuing professional development.