Course detail

Bioengineering I

FCH-BA_BIO1Acad. year: 2022/2023

In the course Bioengineering I, students will learn how to solve the system mass balances, what type of bioreactors exist and how they can be used and applied for different cultivation methods. The subject deals with the kinetics of enzymatic reactions, phase flow characteristics, transport cell processes, microbial kinetics and cultivation methods (batch, fed-batch and continuous system). Furthermore, students will learn about bioreactor mixing, aeration and mass transfer, and sterilisation conditions of bioreactor systems.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Offered to foreign students

The home faculty only

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The desired result of this course will be:
a) theoretical knowledge of basic bioengineering apparatus,
b) the ability to balance bioreactors systems and solve calculations concerning microbial growth kinetics and kinetics of enzymatic reactions,
c) skills to process bioengineering results and to apply them to practical tasks,
d) gain of overview about the present situation in the science and research in bioengineering field,
e) competence to process the final knowledge in other courses of the study field and final student's works.

Prerequisites

Primary in this course is the knowledge of the basic biochemical and microbiological apparatus. In particular, it is built on the problems of enzymes, cell morphology and physiology. The ability to apply chemical engineering principles, especially the physical description of unit operations in reactors, is also required.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course uses teaching methods in the form of Lectures - 2 teaching hours per week, seminars - 1 teaching hour per week. The e-learning system (LMS Moodle), as well as MS Teams, is available for lecturing.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Conditions for passing the exam:
Students will present one 10-minutes presentation focused on the bioengineering topics
Students will pass a written test from calculations and short theoretical questions at the end of the semester (at least 50% success)
The results of the written and oral exams will be included in the assessment.
ECTS classification.

Course curriculum

1. Introduction to bioengineering.
2. Thermodynamics and stoichiometry in Bioengineering
3. Bioreactors & fermenters and basic technological operations
4. Design of fermenter, types of fermenter
5. Sterilization
6. Microbial growth kinetics
7. Storage of microorganisms and media for cultivation
8. Microbial balances in batch and continuous fermentation
9. Cell growth measurement
10. Downstream processes
11. Kinetics of one-substrate enzyme-catalyzed reactions
12. Kinetics of multisubstrate enzymatic reactions
13. Kinetics of inhibited enzymatic systems

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The course aims to provide students with basic information in the field of Bioengineering. Students should understand the connection between bioengineering and biotechnology and should be able to solve fundamental problems and calculations related to the balancing of systems, the function of bioreactors and their necessary basic technological operations associated with their use. Another critical point in this subject is to understand the growth kinetics of microorganisms. An essential part of the course is the explanation of downstream processes. Last but not least, students will understand the kinetics of enzymatic reactions.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Attendance at lectures is not obligatory, but it is recommended. Students will be required to give one 10-minute presentation on a topic they choose at the beginning of the semester upon consultation with the lecturer.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

A. Kovalcik, Bioengineering, e-learning course, 2020, FCH BUT Brno
A. Kovalčík Bioengineering I and calculations, E-learning textbook, FCH, BUT Brno, August 2021 (EN)

Recommended reading

M.C.Flickinger: Upstream industrial biotechnology, Wiley, 2013 (EN)

eLearning

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BKCP_CHTPO Bachelor's

    specialization BT , 3. year of study, winter semester, compulsory

  • Programme BPCP_CHTPO Bachelor's

    specialization BT , 3. year of study, winter semester, compulsory

  • Programme BKCP_CHTPO Bachelor's

    specialization PCH , 3. year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

  • Programme BPCP_CHTPO Bachelor's

    specialization PCH , 3. year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

  • Programme BKCP_CHTPO Bachelor's

    specialization CHPL , 3. year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

  • Programme BPCP_CHTPO Bachelor's

    specialization CHPL , 3. year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

  • Programme BPCP_CHMA Bachelor's, 3. year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme NPAP_ENVI Master's, 1. year of study, winter semester, compulsory

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