Biosolutions for Circularity and Side Stream Valorization
Course content
This is an intensive and hands-on course designed for Master's-level students seeking to enhance their understanding of biological production systems. Such systems are only truly biosolutions if circularity and utilization of all side streams are integrated in the production as well as the business case. This course offers students the chance to examine real-world production systems and learn how to optimize these processes for a spectrum of specific products, with a particular focus on the innovative utilization of waste and side streams.
A significant part of the learning experience will be gained through a group case project, where students will apply their previously acquired knowledge in biosolutions, bioprocessing, microbiology, and knowledge of biological systems to address real industrial cases. These cases are collaboratively defined with local industries e.g. in Kalundborg, offering students a unique chance to engage with real-world production challenges and develop innovative solutions in collaboration with industry partners, thus strengthening their insights into innovative problem-solving.
Here follow examples of topics to be presented. The specific topics depend on the industrial cases but are not limited to:
- Biomass Processing: Explore the conversion of biomass into valuable products.
- Enzyme Applications: Learn about the role of enzymes in bioprocessing, including their applications in biorefineries and food waste processing.
- Enzyme Production and re-circulation: Gain insights into the manufacturing and re-circulation of enzymes for various industrial applications.
- Biogas Production: Study the process of generating biogas from biological feedstocks.
- Bioethanol Production: Explore second-generation bioethanol production methods, covering unit operations and co-product valorization.
- Delve into the principles and applications of fermentation in the production of enzymes, energy carriers, food components, and single-cell protein.
- Biomass Sourcing and Logistics: Investigate the complexity of biomass sourcing and logistics in a concrete setting.
This course is an exceptional opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge and skills while actively contributing to the advancement of "Biosolutions."
MSc Programme in Biosolutions
Upon completion of this course, students will have demonstrated the following knowledge, skills, and competences:
Knowledge:
- Understanding of biological production systems and their optimization in the context of ”Biosolutions” on a conceptual level, including the important role of bi-products.
- Critically assess and set up design-specifications for monitoring systems in biological production systems.
- Proficiency in assessing and evaluating the relevance of various production processes and providing suggestions for improvements, including the choice of raw materials, their (pre- /post-)processing, and process settings.
- Comprehend the importance of monitoring and control of biological production systems, including the selection of target variables.
Skills:
- Apply techniques and theory from the course to design and
describe biological production systems on a conceptual level,
including
- Evaluating the suitability and quality of raw materials for a given industrial process
- Identifying and describing common process steps within biological production.
- Pinpointing key processing issues and challenges for a given industrial process.
- Developing concepts for valorizing existing waste/side streams from bioindustries
- Skills in data handling, analysis, and effective presentation.
- Proficiency in collaborative teamwork and problem-solving.
Competences:
- Recognize industry needs and requirements related to biological production systems in the context of "Biosolutions".
- Cultivate strong collaboration abilities
- Able to communicate solutions to industry partners.
Teaching and learning in this course encompass a variety of
methods, including:
• Lectures: Theoretical concepts, theories, and methods for
biological processes are introduced in lectures.
• Industry Visits: When possible, there will be visits to the
industry partner(s) delivering case(s) for the course.
• Extensive Project Work: Students are introduced to group case
work in a professional setting.
Collaborative project Work with Local Industries: Students work in
groups on their assigned case throughout most of the course and
maintain contact with the company 2-3 times, including a kick-off
and joint ideation session, a mid-way evaluation, and a final
presentation. This collaborative work focuses on solving real
industrial challenges defined by – and in collaboration with –
mostly local industries in Kalundborg. In case you already have an
industrial contact in Kalundborg or elsewhere, or a specific case
in mind, please consult with the course responsibles beforehand to
confirm that your case fits within the course.
See Absalon for course literature.
Basic knowledge of plant biology, microbiology, and bioprocessing.
- ECTS
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
-
Written assignment, during courseOral examination, 25 minutes with no preparation time
- Type of assessment details
- Submission of a group case report prior to the exam week,
followed by an individual oral examination of 25 minutes. The oral
exam consists of a short presentation of the group case report
followed by questioning in the case report, the presentation, and
the curricula of the course.
There is no preparation time prior to the questioning.
A combined grade is given after the oral exam. - Aid
- Only certain aids allowed (see description below)
Graphic presentation aids such as slides (PowerPoint, PDF or similar), posters, or brochures will be permitted in the oral defense, however these presentation aids should be functional without internet connection.
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
- Re-exam
-
Re-submission of a group case report prior to the re-exam week, followed by an individual oral examination of 25 minutes. The oral exam consists of a short presentation of the group case report followed by questioning in the case report, the presentation, and the curricula of the course.
There is no preparation time prior to the questioning. A combined grade is given after the oral exam.
Criteria for exam assessment
In order to obtain the grade 12, the student should convincingly and accurately demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competences described under Learning Outcome.
Single subject courses (day)
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 40
- Preparation
- 50
- Theory exercises
- 95
- Excursions
- 10
- Guidance
- 10
- Exam
- 1
- English
- 206
Kursusinformation
- Language
- English
- Course number
- NIGK24002U
- ECTS
- 7,5 ECTS
- Programme level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
-
1 block
- Placement
- Block 4
- Schedulegroup
-
CThe course is taught in Kalundborg
- Capacity
- 50
The number of places might be reduced if you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student. - Studyboard
- Study Board for the Biological Area
Contracting department
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Sune Tjalfe Thomsen (3-767777436c6a71316e7831676e)
- Lisbeth Garbrecht Thygesen (3-6f6a77436c6a71316e7831676e)
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