Biochemical & Pharmaceutical Engineering (BIEN90004)

AIMS

This subject aims to build on the principles introduced in CHEN90031 Bioprocess Engineering to provide a more advanced understanding of biochemical production processes with a focus on pharmaceutical production. Students will learn about pharmaceutical and biochemical production processes in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Pharmaceutical products will include opiates, blood plasma products, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and other medicines. Unit operations will include the growth of animal, plant and fungal cells, cell disruption and methods for product purification, such as chromatography. Case studies will include the production of recombinant proteins and amino acids and the genetic techniques required to make these products. The sustainable production of other biochemicals will also be discussed, including biofuels and the growth of algae. Students will learn how cellular processes can be used by chemical engineers to improve process efficiencies, clean up our environment and reduce chemical waste. Regulation, Good Manufacturing Practice and Validation processes will be introduced, along with the design of laboratories, pilot plants and manufacturing facilities and associated utilities and services. Students will also be introduced to relevant analytical techniques used to track production and purity and will become familiar with the research literature in this field.