Sustainable Production of Biochemicals

2020/2021

Prerequisite/Recommended prerequisite for participation in the module

The module builds on knowledge gained in Biomass conversion, Biomolecules and Biochemistry I or similar

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

  • Introduction to material use and resources, environmental aspects and biomass as material resources
  • Definition, types, accessibility and characteristics of raw materials for biochemicals production
  • Microbial conversion of biomass and microbial metabolism related to specific biochemicals production
  • Different pretreatment methods in relation to biomass and biochemicals production
  • Laboratory scale experiments on microbial production of biochemicals
  • Analyses of substrates, intermediate and end products and calculation of yields and productivity of biochemicals production

Learning objectives

Knowledge

  • Have knowledge about current and potential possibilities to replace fossil-based chemicals by biochemicals through sustainable biotechnological processes
  • Can account for the potential of biomass as a renewable resource for chemical production
  • Can explain how different biochemicals can be produced by microorganisms
  • Can account for different pretreatment methods in relation to different types of biomass and bioproducts

Skills

  • Can suggest a suitable pretreatment and microbial process for the production of biochemicals from a specific biomass
  • Can design and perform simple laboratory-scale fermentations with a pure microbial culture
  • Can analyze substrates, intermediates and end products, derive significant information from experimental data and calculate yields and production rates for the production of biochemicals

Competences

  • Can evaluate the efficiency of the production of a specific biochemical based upon experimental data

Type of instruction

  • Project work

Extent and expected workload

450 hours

Exam

Exams

Name of examSustainable Production of Biochemicals
Type of exam
Oral exam based on a project
ECTS15
Assessment7-point grading scale
Type of gradingInternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleBæredygtig produktion af biokemikalier
Module codeK-BBT-B3-13
Module typeProject
Duration1 semester
SemesterAutumn
ECTS15
Language of instructionEnglish
Empty-place SchemeYes
Location of the lectureCampus Copenhagen
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Study BoardStudy Board of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering
DepartmentDepartment of Chemistry and Bioscience
FacultyFaculty of Engineering and Science