CHE5322 · Advanced biochemical engineering

Overview

Your unit is central to the growing biotechnology industry within pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, waste materials, food and water, bioenergy and bioplastics sectors. It begins with an introduction to biological production systems, that is, cells, nutrients and bioreactors and advances to understanding operational considerations for maximising productivity from suspended, genetically engineered and immobilised cultures. The unit explores process selection, scaling and bioprocess unit operations. Biochemical engineering concepts will be developed within workshops and practice classes complemented with practical laboratory sessions. There will also be an opportunity for activities where, within teams, you will research your own biological engineering solutions to important issues or opportunities.

Areas of study: E6014 Master of Engineering - Specialisation: Biological engineering E6017 Master of Advanced Engineering - Specialisation: Bioresource engineering

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 75% Final assessment: 25% This unit contains a hurdle requirement that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Apply chemical engineering principles eg fluid flow, mixing, heat transfer and mass transfer principles to bioreactors.
2. Assess the performance of bioreactors and troubleshoot operational problems in biomanufacturing.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the socio-economic context of advanced biotechnology applications, such as regulatory and ethical responsibilities, in assessing complex problems.
4. Solve open-ended problems by investigating emerging trends in the field and identifying and proposing creative processes.
5. Engage effectively with others by utilising your team's diverse abilities and perspectives.
6. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts within a range of settings, including oral presentations and written reports.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.