Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who have passed the module should be able to

• explain how biomass is analyzed, characterized, treated and converted
• explain the possibilities and techniques that are available for process control

Skills

• select appropriate analyses for the characterization of a specific biomass considering the subsequent use in a biorefinery
• analyze and quantify the content of relevant components and compounds in a specific biomass
• design and perform experiments to evaluate the potential of a specific biomass in a biorefinery:
• test and evaluate pre-treatment techniques
• perform bench-scale fermentations
• purify intermediate and end products
• write a project report following the standards of the field of study, include relevant original scientific literature, use the correct terminology and communicate the research-based foundation, problem and results of the project in writing, graphically and orally in a coherent way
• assess and select relevant original scientific literature and current scientific methods, models and other tools used in the project and asses the problem of the project and results in relevant scientific contexts and social conditions

Competences

• devise the most appropriate process scheme including pre-treatment process, fermentation, purification, and down-stream processing for common types of biomass
• handle the planning, implementation and management of complex and unpredictable research and/or developmental tasks and take professional responsibility for implementing academic assignments and interdisciplinary collaborations
• take responsibility for own professional development and specialization

Type of instruction

Project work

Extent and expected workload

450 hours

Exam

Prerequisite for enrollment for the exam

• An approved PBL competency profile is a prerequisite for participation in the project exam.

Exams