CHE5882 - Biomass and biorefineries

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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 … For more content click the Read More button below.

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

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

S2-01-CLAYTON-ONLINE

T3-57-OS-CHI-SEU-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Professor Gil Garnier

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Gil Garnier

Dr Bai-Qian Dai

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Analyse new developments in fundamental aspects of biorefineries by identifying the main pathways of chemical conversion within biorefineries, the resulting products and their applications.

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.

Research, analyse and recommend an appropriate biorefining approach for various biomass feedstocks.

Review and critique recent biorefinery research literature to systematically synthesise the finding and insights to design a solution to a problem and/or the project

Create and analyse experimental data to produce an accurate and detailed report

Teaching approach

Online learning

Problem-based learning

Active learning

The unit consists of lectures, practice classes, and a group project. Learning in the unit is mainly through lecture materials, book chapters and contemporary journal papers which will be supplied throughout the semester. For some of the assignment problems, there are no right or wrong answers, but students will be expected to provide solutions based on the application of theory taught in the class or given through reading materials. The practical classes will be run online in discussion mode, both individual and as group discussion.

Assessment summary

Continuous assessment: 70%

Final assessment: 30%

This unit contains hurdle requirements 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

1 - Moodle quiz

2 - Case study 1

3 - Case study 2

4 - Executive group report

5 - Final assessment

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Lectures

Practical activities

Workload requirements

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.

Learning resources

Technology resources

Other unit costs

Costs are indicative and subject to change.

Electronics, calculators and tools, at your own cost:
You are required to have a Faculty-approved scientific calculator - approximately $50

Protective clothing and equipment, at your own cost:

Laboratory coat - approximately $35 to $50
Safety glasses - approximately $8, or prescription safety glasses (if required) - approximately $350
Laboratory-appropriate enclosed footwear (non-porous material, equipped with non-absorbent, slip-resistant soles)

Availability in areas of study

Biological engineering