Sustainable Bioprocessing (CHEN90031)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject aims to establish an understanding of how chemical and biochemical engineering principles can be applied to the sustainable production of chemical products. The subject will focus on the application of biological conversion processes, in particular the use of microorganisms, and the conversion of renewable biomass feedstocks using chemical and biochemical pathways. This subject introduces students to the area of sustainable chemical production and bioprocessing, an area of growing importance to society.

Topics covered will include: biochemistry of biological feedstocks; basic microbiology, cell structure and nutritional requirements; products from microbes and bioprocesses; cell growth kinetics and product formation; batch and continuous microbial growth and product formation; cellular maintenance energy and endogenous respiration; design of fermentation processes; bioreactor design and kinetics; industrial sterilisation & aseptic design; chemical conversion of biomass; biochemical separation processes.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

  • Interpret the key biochemical and microbial concepts underlying sustainable bioprocessing
  • Apply mathematically complex biochemical and microbial conversions
  • Design key aspects of an industrial-scale bioprocess
  • Appraise important chemical engineering issues relating to sustainability of resources and sustainable development.

Generic skills

  • Capacity for independent thought
  • The ability to analyse and solve open-ended problems
  • The ability to comprehend complex concepts and communicate lucidly this understanding
  • Awareness of advanced technologies in the discipline
  • Ability to work in a team (practical work component)

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Note: the following subject/s can also be taken concurrently (at the same time)

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
CHEN30001 Reactors and Catalysis
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

OR

Admission into one of the following: MC-CHEMENG Master of Chemical Engineering, MC-SCIBIT Master of Biotechnology, Chemical specialisation (formal) in the MC-ENG Master of Engineering

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

One examination. The examination paper will consist of problems designed to test whether the student has acquired the ability to apply fundamental principles to the solutions of problems involving bioprocesses. The problems set for the exam will be similar in style to those undertaken in the tutorial classes, but will require the student to show that they can extend themselves beyond the level of the simpler tutorial problems. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1, 2, and 4 are addressed in the examination.

  • 3 hours
Hurdle requirement: At least 40% in the final exam is required to pass the subject.		During the examination period70%

One written 1-hour mid-semester test. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1, 2 and 4 are addressed in the mid-semester test.

  • 1 hours
Mid semester20%

Two practical work assignments. (10% total; 5% each). ILO 3 is assessed in the practical work.

  • 13-15 hours (of work required)
From Week 2 to Week 510%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorGreg Martin
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3x 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week, and 2x-2 hour practical work sessions per semester.
    Total time commitment200 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Associate Professor Greg Martin

    Email: gjmartin@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated 200 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    None

    Recommended texts and other resources

    Schuler, M.L. ,2002 , and Kargi F. Bioprocess Engineering – Basic Concepts, 2nd edition, Prentice hall PTD, Upper Saddle River NY

    Bailey J.E. and Ollis, D.F., 1986, Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals, 2nd edition, McGraw-Hill NY

     

  • Subject notes

    LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

    The subject will be delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials. Students will also complete experiments which will reinforce the material covered in lectures.

     

    INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

    Students will have access to lecture notes and lecture slides.

     

    CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

    The skills gained in this subject are crucial to the career of a process engineer. They will be important for students wishing to progress to jobs in engineering design offices and in operational roles within a wide range of industries including petrochemicals, food processing, wastewater treatment and pulp and paper manufacture.



  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CoursePh.D.- Engineering
    CourseDoctor of Philosophy - Engineering
    CourseMaster of Philosophy - Engineering
    CourseMaster of Biotechnology
    Specialisation (formal)Chemical with Business
    Specialisation (formal)Chemical
    Specialisation (formal)Biochemical
  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

    Additional information for this subject

    Subject coordinator approval required

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 4 March 2025