Program Overview

Program Overview

The MSc Programme in Biosolutions offers an intensive and practical course, Advanced Production Systems, designed for Master's-level students seeking to enhance their understanding of biological production systems.

Course Description

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore concrete production systems and adapt these processes for specific products. A significant part of the learning experience will be gained through a group case project, where students apply their previously acquired knowledge in biosolutions, bioprocessing, microbiology, and knowledge of biological systems to solve real industrial cases.

Topics Covered

The course covers various topics, including:

• Biomass Processing: Explore the conversion of biomass into valuable products.
• Enzyme Applications: Learn about the role of enzymes in bioprocessing, including their applications in biorefineries and food processing.
• Enzyme Production: Gain insights into the manufacturing of enzymes for various industrial applications.
• Biogas Production: Study the process of generating biogas from biological feedstocks.
• Bioethanol Production: Explore second-generation bioethanol production methods, covering unit operations and co-product valorization.
• Fermentation: Delve into the principles and applications of fermentation in the production of enzymes, energy carriers, food components, and single-cell protein.
• Biomass Sourcing and Logistics: Investigate the complexity of biomass sourcing and logistics.

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of this course, students will have demonstrated the following knowledge, skills, and competences:

Knowledge:

• Understanding of biological production systems and their optimization in the context of "Biosolutions" on a conceptual level, including the role of bi-products.
• Critically assess and set up design-specifications for monitoring systems in biological production systems.
• Proficiency in assessing and evaluating the relevance of various production processes and providing suggestions for improvements, including the choice of raw materials, their (pre-)processing, and process settings.
• Comprehend the importance of monitoring and control of industrial processes within biology-based industrial production, including the selection of target variables.

Skills:

• Apply techniques and theory from the course to design and describe biological production systems on a conceptual level, including:
  • Evaluating the suitability and quality of raw materials for a given biology-based industrial process.
  • Identifying and describing common process steps within biological production.
  • Pinpointing key processing issues and challenges for a given biology-based industrial process.
• Skills in data handling, analysis, and effective presentation.
• Proficiency in collaborative teamwork and problem-solving.

Competences:

• Recognize industry needs and requirements related to biological production systems in the context of "Biosolutions".
• Cultivate strong collaboration abilities.
• Able to communicate solutions to industry partners.

Literature

See course literature for details.

Recommended Academic Qualifications

Basic knowledge of plant biology, microbiology, and bioprocessing.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Teaching and learning in this course encompass a variety of methods, including:

• Lectures: Theoretical concepts, theories, and methods for biological processes are introduced in lectures.
• Industry Visits: When possible, there will be visits to the industry partner(s) delivering case(s) for the course.
• Extensive Project Work: Students are introduced to group case work in a professional setting.

Workload

The workload for this course is as follows:

• Lectures: 40 hours
• Preparation: 40 hours
• Theory exercises: 10 hours
• Excursions: 8 hours
• Project work: 85 hours
• Seminar: 6 hours
• Guidance: 6 hours
• Exam Preparation: 10 hours
• Exam: 1 hour
• Total: 206 hours

Assessment

The assessment for this course consists of:

• Submission of a group case report prior to the exam week, followed by an individual oral examination of 25 minutes.
• The oral exam consists of a short presentation of the group case report followed by questioning in the case report, the presentation, and the curricula of the course.
• A combined grade is given after the oral exam.

Course Information

• Language: English
• Course code: NIGK24002U
• Credit: 7.5 ECTS
• Level: Full Degree Master
• Duration: 1 block
• Placement: Block 4
• Schedule: C
• Course capacity: 50

Study Board

The study board for this course is the Study Board for the Biological Area.

Contracting Department

The contracting department for this course is the Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management.

Contracting Faculty

The contracting faculty for this course is the Faculty of Science.

Course Coordinators

The course coordinators for this course are Sune Tjalfe Thomsen and Lisbeth Garbrecht Thygesen.