Upstream Process Development – PhD Course

Want to gain an understanding of the theory and skills needed to make decisions related to upstream process development?
Develop a solid understanding of the theory and practical skills essential for making informed decisions in upstream process development. This course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge needed to effectively navigate the complexities of bioprocess development, from initial cell growth to large-scale production.
Throughout the course, you will explore the principles of cell metabolism, growth, and product formation, as well as the critical factors that influence these processes. You will also delve into media formulation and the impact of various process parameters on overall efficiency and product quality.
A key component of the course is the introduction to the theory and application of Design of Experiments (DoE), a powerful tool used to optimize bioprocesses and drive production improvements. You’ll learn how to apply DoE principles to both process development and production scenarios, gaining hands-on experience through workshops and real-world examples.
Finally, the course addresses the challenges of scaling up bioprocesses, from bench-scale experiments to full production. You’ll gain insights into the mathematical approaches and risk assessments necessary to ensure successful scale-up and mitigate potential risks.
For more details on scope, form and exam please see course base.
Course schedule
Day 1-3
- Biochemistry of Cell Growth and Physiology
- Cell Metabolism, Growth + Product Formation: Science of cell physiology and factors affecting process.
- Media Formulation: Media as a nutrition source, and a process input.
- Critical Process parameters: Various process parameters and their effects
- Modes of Operation: Overview of process modes (batch, fed-batch, perfusion)
Day 4
- Design of experiments
- Principles of Quality by Design: QbD and other consideration for process knowledge
- Theory of DOE: Mathematical and Statistical Background
- Application to screening: Specific Examples/Workshop
- Application to Optimization: Specific Examples/Workshop
Day 5
- Scale-up
- Challenges with scale-up: Differences at “bench” and production scale.
- Measuring across scales: Overview of various metrics used for comparison.
- Mathematical Approaches: Example of different tools and theories behind scaling.
- Risk Assessment: Considering Module 2B and options to mitigate risk.
* The course schedule is subject to possible adjustments.
Content
1. Biochemistry of Cell Growth and Physiology
A) Cell Metabolism, Growth + Product Formation: Science of cell physiology and factors affecting process.
B) Media Formulation: Media as a nutrition source, and a process input.
C) Critical Process parameters: Various process parameters and their effects
D) Modes of Operation: Overview of process modes (batch, fed-batch, perfusion)
2. Design of experiments
A) Principles of Quality by Design: QbD and other consideration for process knowledge
B) Theory of DOE: Mathematical and Statistical Background
C) Application to screening: Specific Examples/Workshop
D) Application to Optimization: Specific Examples/Workshop
3. Scale-up
A) Challenges with scale-up: Differences at “bench” and production scale.
B) Measuring across scales: Overview of various metrics used for comparison.
C) Mathematical Approaches: Example of different tools and theories behind scaling.
D) Risk Assessment: Considering Module 2B and options to mitigate risk.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Design and optimize biomanufacturing processes based on measured bioreaction parameters
- Utilize basic principles of Design of Experiment (DoE) for process development
- Identify the main challenges associated with fermentation scale-up and mitigate risks.
Who should attend?
This course is ideal for professionals involved in upstream bioprocess development and optimization. It is particularly beneficial for:
- Production Managers: Overseeing bioprocess operations, seeking to enhance decision-making and process scalability.
- Process Development Scientists: Focused on designing and optimizing biomanufacturing processes.
- Bioprocess Engineers: Involved in scaling up and improving bioprocess efficiency.
- R&D Scientists: Engaged in early-stage process development who want to deepen their understanding of DoE and scale-up strategies.
Important information
The course will be conducted physically at DTU Lyngby Campus
Here you will find important information for short course participants regarding cancellation policies, location and waitlist policies.
Fee, registration and location
NB!
The course is free for PhD students in universities in Denmark.
The course fee for PhDs registered at international institutions is 10,600 DKK (for no EU/EEA citizens there will be a tuition fee as well)
When registering, please reach out to Program Coordinator, Khaled Chatila (khachat@dtu.dk). Send your name, university or company and department.
The application deadline is 2 weeks prior to course start.
The course will take place in the pilot plant facilities at the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering on DTU’s Lyngby campus.
NB!
- PhD students from Universities in Denmark must register though the Study Planner.
- PhD students from the EU must select the “EU” option during registration.
- PhD students from outside the EU must select the “Non-EU” option during registration.
The AIM-Bio project – funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation
This course was developed in the framework of the AIM-Bio project (Accelerated Innovation in Manufacturing Biologics), in collaboration between DTU Bioengineering, DTU Chemical Engineering, and the Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) at North Carolina State University. The AIM-Bio project is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Course instructor
Registration
Duration | 5 days |
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Place | DTU Lyngby Campus |
ECTS | 2.5 |
Price |
10.600,00 DKK – 13.700,00 DKK |
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Questions?
Contact Khaled Chatila about registration
Phone: (+45) 45 25 26 39
Email: khachat@dtu.dk

Questions?
Contact José Luis Martinez Ruiz about academiuc content
Phone: (+45) 45 25 26 30
Email: jlmr@dtu.dk
For companies
Are you looking to educate several employees with a course or a degree?
Mail us at learnforlife@dtu.dk