Exploration of the use of Project Based Learning (PBL) methodology in two accredited engineering programs at the Autonomous University of Yucatán

The aim of this work was an exploratory qualitative investigation of the use of the PBL methodology in two currently accredited undergraduate programs at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering of the Autonomous University of Yucatan: Industrial Chemical Engineering (IQI) and Industrial Logistics Engineering (IIL). Project Based Learning (PBL) is considered today as one of the most effective methods in engineering education, because it allows students to develop competencies and skills that are increasingly demanded by organizations to new professionals and trainees. The methodology consisted of consulting the programs of the mentioned degrees and courses, in particular the didactic plans elaborated by the professors of each subject in order to select those that use project-based learning as an evaluation instrument. An exploration instrument was applied to students of the last semesters, with the purpose of knowing if this methodology is reaching its objectives and if the student has knowledge of the project-based learning methodology.  The results showed that 72% of the curricula of the Industrial Logistics Engineering career apply this methodology (PBL) and 52% in Industrial Chemical Engineering. In conclusion, it was observed that a significant number of subjects in the undergraduate courses studied use project-based learning as a product for evaluating course performance; however, the PBL methodology is used empirically.