Prerequisite/Recommended prerequisite for participation in the module

The module builds on knowledge gained in Biomass conversion, Biomolecules and Biochemistry I or similar

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

• Introduction to material use and resources, environmental aspects and biomass as material resources
• Definition, types, accessibility and characteristics of raw materials for biochemicals production
• Microbial conversion of biomass and microbial metabolism related to specific biochemicals production
• Different pretreatment methods in relation to biomass and biochemicals production
• Laboratory scale experiments on microbial production of biochemicals
• Analyses of substrates, intermediate and end products and calculation of yields and productivity of biochemicals production

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• Have knowledge about current and potential possibilities to replace fossil-based chemicals by biochemicals through sustainable biotechnological processes
• Can account for the potential of biomass as a renewable resource for chemical production
• Can explain how different biochemicals can be produced by microorganisms
• Can account for different pretreatment methods in relation to different types of biomass and bioproducts

Skills

• Can suggest a suitable pretreatment and microbial process for the production of biochemicals from a specific biomass
• Can design and perform simple laboratory-scale fermentations with a pure microbial culture
• Can analyze substrates, intermediates and end products, derive significant information from experimental data and calculate yields and production rates for the production of biochemicals

Competences

• Can evaluate the efficiency of the production of a specific biochemical based upon experimental data

Type of instruction

• Project work

Extent and expected workload

450 hours

Exam

Exams

Name of exam	Sustainable Production of Biochemicals
Type of exam	Oral exam based on a project
ECTS	15
Assessment	7-point grading scale
Type of grading	Internal examination
Criteria of assessment	As stated in the Joint Programme Regulations