Biotechnology and process design

• Relate the metabolism of different types of microorganisms to the corresponding biotechnological products
• Select suitable medium components and design quantitatively a medium in a given case study
• Solve fermentation kinetic problems and mass-transport problems as well as evaluate the results
• Extract information from the scientific literature
• Perform pilot plant experiments and use the results for simple design of down stream processing equipment
• Calculate and evaluate operational parameters from experimental data
• Design a simple fermentation process based on knowledge of process kinetics and microbiology
• Choose the most suitable unit operations for down stream processing in a given biotechnological production process based on technical arguments but also discussing feasibility and sustainability issues
• Write technical reports and present results from practical work

The CDIO concept is applied at the course: Conceive, design, implement and operate using engineering methods to problem solving. Laboratory experiments and theory on fermentation kinetics and technology, as well as downstream processing of fermentation products using different methods, such as membrane processes, filtration, crystallization and centrifugation, with focus on the unit operations involved.Batch, fed-batch and chemostat. Bioreactor design. Mixing and aeration. Media design and sterilisation. Instrumentation and control of fermentation processes. There will be developed a definition of the problem to be examined, experimental plan, statistical treatment of results and literature searching.
The students will work individually as well as in groups with theoretical and practical exercises and a project. The project is a theoretical project that concerns design of a fermentation process including downstream processing.

28022/28020/23932, Knowledge of chemical engineering concepts that are used in the chemical, biotechnological, and the pharmaceutical industry

Classroom lectures, theoretical and practical exercises, group work, industrial visits (if possible), project. Theory and exercises will be integrated.

Teaching material and most of teaching occurs in English.
Participation in industrial visits is compulsory.
Active participation in the 13-weeks practical exercises is necessary for successful participation in the 3-weeks project.