Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who complete the module must be able to

• account for general microbial cultivation techniques
• account for perspectives in utilisation of biomass resources
• optimize production of target products through genetic engineering, microbial fermentation or extraction
• account for technologies for conversion of biomass to target products
• explain biomass chemistry
• account for microorganisms as biocatalysts in the biological processes and processing of biomass
• account for bottlenecks and inhibition effects
• account for bioenergy technologies: Biogas process, bioethanol production, biohydrogen, microbial fuel cells (MFC), biodiesel production, combustion, and gasification.
• explain process optimization and scaling up
• account for biorefinery concept and design

Skills

• transform microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) genetically
• identify microorganisms based on molecular techniques
• perform biomass and bioenergy mass balances
• draw flow sheets of biorefineries for selected biomasses (incl. unit operation choices and process mass balances)
• carry out biomass resource mapping
• write an electronic 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 and problem and results in writing, graphically and orally in a professionally reasoned and coherent way
• use relevant software to present, analyze and visualize theories, hypotheses and data in writing as well as orally
• 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 and social contexts

Competences

• handle the planning, implementation and management of complex and unpredictable research and/or developmental tasks and take professional responsibility to implement 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

Exams