Overview

This unit will equip you with a detailed understanding of advanced biopolymers. Wood and non-wood lignocellulose fibres will be covered in detail, including the isolation and utilisation of various components. You will cover the efficient, large-scale production of cellulose nanomaterials derived from wood fibres, investigate alternative fibre sources, and learn … For more content click the Read More button below. The course covers the relationship between fibre surface chemistry and functionality, biopolymer structural arrangement and functionality, biopolymers as an alternative to petroleum-derived analogues, development of packaging materials, and market opportunities for biopolymers.

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-FLEXIBLE

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Associate Professor Warren Batchelor

Unit Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Warren Batchelor

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1.

Appraise the different types of naturally occurring biopolymers in terms of availability, morphology, composition and functionality to select the most appropriate manufacturing process.

2.

Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of different biopolymers.

3.

Assess the biomass composition balance of a mill and propose opportunities for business growth and development.

4.

Design a biopolymer product based on market needs and formulate the most effective composition and process to achieve the required properties.

Teaching approach

Peer assisted learning
Active learning
Online learning
Case-based teaching

Assessment summary

Continuous assessment: 60%

Final assessment: 40%

This unit contains threshold 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 - Weekly quiz
2 - Weekly participation activities
3 - Assignment 1: Polysaccharide application
4 - Assignment 2: Proteins
5 - Presentation
6 - Lab report
7 - Final assessment

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Laboratories
Practical activities
Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

Learning resources

Technology resources

Other unit costs

The following items are 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 AUD35 to AUD55)
    - Safety glasses (Approximately AUD8)
    - 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