This educational project introduces a ChatBot, created by the authors using the free version of IBM Watson Assistant, to support independent student work in a Chemical Engineering course for second-year chemistry degree students. A ChatBot is an AI-driven program designed to simulate human conversations through Natural Language Processing (NLP).

The ChatBot, named EQAssistant (derived from the course name "Enginyeria Química" in Catalan), is designed to help students solve problems step-by-step or review course material. The system is intended primarily for reinforcing basic concepts through simple problems, though it is not suitable for solving complex or lengthy exercises due to the conversational format. The ChatBot supports both closed questions with predefined conversation flows and open-ended questions leveraging NLP to interpret student input.

An example of its functionality involves problem-solving, where students receive a set of 8 questions, 5 of which are multiple-choice and 3 of which require written responses. The program follows 47 steps, with each student response triggering a different feedback path. When students make mistakes, the ChatBot provides immediate explanations, thus offering valuable educational support. Additionally, the NLP functionality allows the system to recognize various student inputs, further enhancing its interactivity and adaptability.

Although the ChatBot does not evaluate student performance directly, it identifies areas that require further review based on student responses. It automatically suggests supplemental learning materials, such as videos and notes, to help improve understanding. The system also allows instructors to gather data on common student mistakes, helping them tailor their future lessons to address areas of difficulty.

This project highlights the potential of AI-driven educational tools, demonstrating how they can enhance student engagement, provide personalized support, and complement traditional teaching methods. The use of EQAssistant not only aids in the immediate understanding of concepts but also fosters long-term retention through interactive learning. The tool serves as an innovative solution to support autonomous study while offering instructors valuable insights into student progress and learning needs.

Keywords: Chatbot, chemical engineering, autonomous learning.