Reform Pathways and Future Prospects for Undergraduate Education in Coal Chemical Engineering under the New Engineering Paradigm

Abstract

In response to the dual challenges posed by China’s national “dual carbon” (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality) strategy and energy structure transformation, the coal chemical industry is rapidly evolving toward high-end, intelligent, and green development. Traditional educational models for cultivating coal chemical engineering talent have become increasingly inadequate in meeting the urgent demand for interdisciplinary, innovative engineers required by both the New Engineering initiative and industrial upgrading. Guided by the principles of New Engineering, this paper systematically analyzes the core challenges in current undergraduate education in coal chemical engineering and proposes a four-dimensional reform framework: industry-driven curriculum design, digital-technology-enabled pedagogy, engineering-competency-centered practice, and values-based education. By reconstructing course content, innovating blended teaching methodologies, building integrated virtual–physical practice platforms, and deepening the integration of ideological and political education into professional courses, this approach aims to cultivate high-caliber professionals equipped with solid theoretical foundations, exceptional engineering capabilities, sharp innovation awareness, and a strong sense of national mission. The paper further outlines future directions for coal chemical engineering education—toward greater intelligence, interdisciplinary integration, and ecological sustainability.

Keywords: New Engineering, Coal chemical engineering, Teaching reform, Industry–education integration, Digital education, Curriculum-based ideological and political education

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/17-1-13

Publication date: January 30th 2026