Enzymatic Biorefining in Practice

Course content

The process of converting biomass to energy and chemicals is called biorefining. A factory that uses enzymes and yeast to transform straw into ethanol and electricity is an examples of a biorefinery.

This is a practical course in which the students plan and execute enzymatic biorefinery experiments using stirred tank reactors. The students work in small teams. The use of plant cell wall degrading enzymes in industrially relevant experiments will be in focus. The course will include lectures to provide the theoretical basis required for understanding the experimental set-up and for interpreting the resulting data. In addition, attention will also be given to how laboratory journals must be kept to ensure.

The course is relevant for student of biotechnology, food science, sustainable & renewable energy. 

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

Theoretical background and fundamental principles of industrial enzymatic biorefining processes.

An understanding of fundamental biotechnological and experimental techniques

 

Skills

Theoretical and practical skills required for research into complex enzymatic processes.

Skills in experimental set-up for biorefining experiments.

Skills in data recording, observation and interpretation.

Skill in good scientific practice and keeping good laboratory journal records.

 

Competences

The student will:

  • gain competences in biorefining in practice.
  • be able to critically compare different disciplines and methods and explain their applications.
  • be able to transparently record experimental processes and results.
  • be able to explain sources of error and assess data quality.

Teaching will take place in the form of lectures and in the context of laboratory experiments. Experiments are carried out in small teams and has the form of independent projects.

The course will be based on primary literature which can be found on Absalon during the course

A basic knowledge of agriculture, forestry, breeding, chemistry, and/or biotechnology are required, preferable with a BSc within one of these topics.

These two courses are recommended qualifications:

NPLK19004U Enzymology and Experimental Biochemistry and LBIK10136U Heterologous Expression

Oral
Individual
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)
ECTS
5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 20 minutes
Assesment of oral presentation based on practical and written work prepared during the course. A short presentation in groups is followed by 20 min individual oral exam.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several examiners
Criteria for exam assessment

In order to pass, the student should convincingly and accurately demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competences described under Learning Outcome’.

Single subject courses (day)

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 16
  • Class Instruction
  • 16
  • Preparation
  • 40
  • Laboratory
  • 50
  • Guidance
  • 6
  • Exam Preparation
  • 10
  • English
  • 138