CHE5322 - Advanced biochemical engineering

Overview

Your unit is central to the growing biotechnology industry within pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, waste materials, food and water, bioenergy and bioplastics sectors. It begins with an introduction to biological production systems, that is, cells, nutrients and bioreactors and advances to understanding operational considerations for maximising productivity from suspended, genetically engineered and immobilised cultures. The unit explores process selection, scaling and bioprocess unit operations. Biochemical engineering concepts will be developed within workshops and practice classes complemented with practical laboratory sessions. There will also be an opportunity for activities where, within teams, you will research your own biological engineering solutions to important issues or opportunities.

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-FLEXIBLE

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Amin Valiei

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Amin Valiei

Learning outcomes

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

Apply chemical engineering principles eg fluid flow, mixing, heat transfer and mass transfer principles to bioreactors.

Assess the performance of bioreactors and troubleshoot operational problems in biomanufacturing.

Demonstrate an understanding of the socio-economic context of advanced biotechnology applications, such as regulatory and ethical responsibilities, in assessing complex problems.

Solve open-ended problems by investigating emerging trends in the field and identifying and proposing creative processes.

Engage effectively with others by utilising your team's diverse abilities and perspectives.

Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts within a range of settings, including oral presentations and written reports.

Teaching approach

Peer assisted learning

Field trips

Online learning

Assessment summary

Continuous assessment: 75%

Final assessment: 25%

This unit contains a hurdle requirement 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 - Weekly problems

2 - Practical reports

3 - Moodle quiz

4 - Group report and pitch

5 - Final assessment

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Laboratories

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.

Other unit costs

The following item is mandatory for practical aspects of the unit and should be purchased at your own cost as you will be reusing them throughout your course.

Calculator

Protective clothing and equipment:
• 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)

Costs are indicative only.

Availability in areas of study

E6014 Master of Engineering - Specialisation: Biological engineering
E6017 Master of Advanced Engineering - Specialisation: Bioresource engineering