CHE6882 · Biomass and biorefineries

Overview

The unit covers biomass reaction engineering including kinetics, reaction/mass transfer limitations, selectivity, improving reaction rates, and homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The role of biotechnology including enzymatic reactions, fermentation, selectivity will also be studied together with common separation liquid and liquid-solid separation processes. Global concepts relevant to biorefineries will be emphasised including the carbon cycle (micro and macro perspectives), overall sustainability of water, energy, and minimising by-products from biorefineries.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Continuous assessment: 100% Final grades: PGO (pass grade only) or NGO (fail)

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

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Analyse new developments in fundamental aspects of biorefineries by identifying the main pathways of chemical conversion within biorefineries, the resulting products and their applications.
2. Critically evaluate and critique new advances and applications for biorefineries from a technical perspective to devise a strategy based on the economic factors, safety considerations and environmental impacts and use them to inform engineering decision-making.
3. Research, analyse and recommend an appropriate biorefining approach for various biomass feedstocks.
4. Review and critique recent biorefinery research literature to systematically synthesise the findings and insights to design a solution to a problem and/or the project.
5. Create and analyse experimental data to produce an accurate and detailed report.

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.