ChemE 309 - Creativity and Innovation

Course Description

Credits: 2.  Understanding creativity and creative thinking; its challenges and dynamics through knowledge, judgment, planning, and observation.  Techniques of creative thinking.  Design and development of creative games.  Computer-aided creative thinking.  Creation, protection, and exploitation of a useful idea, including bargaining and negotiations.  Offered: jointly with PSE 309; Sp.

Designation

Prerequisites

Textbook

Students select a book on creativity and prepare a professional review.

Course Objectives

1. To convince students that each is creative
2. To help students increase and release creativity
3. To expose students to processes of innovation

Topics Covered

1. Definition of creativity and innovation (1 class)
2. Why necessary in modern society (1 class)
3. Vertical and lateral thinking (2 classes)
4. Techniques to stimulate creativity (2 classes)
5. The mind as a pattern maker (1 class)
6. Patents, copyrights, trademarks (3 classes)
7. Idea notebooks (1 class)
8. Negotiation of sale of idea or innovation (2 classes)
9. Visiting inventors as guest lecturers (2 classes)
10. Student presentations of their creation and first step of innovation (5 classes)

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.

(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.

(c) The graduate should have an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.

(f) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.

(g) An ability to communicate effectively.

(h) The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.

(i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.

(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering.