Department of Chemical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
CE10079: Biology & bio-processes |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Certificate |
| Period: | Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| EX 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description: | Aims: The course assumes that the majority of students will have done some biology at GCSE but none at A-level. It is therefore an introduction to aspects of biology and fermentation that enable us to exploit micro- organism systems in order to develop useful products and processes (e.g. enzymes, alcohol, effluent treatment, pharmaceuticals and food stuffs). Learning Outcomes: After successfully completing this unit the student should: * Have an understanding of the importance of biological systems in the modern process industries; * Be aware of the different types and classifications of organisms which exist in the microbial kingdom; *Understand the basic chemistry, structure and function of the main classes of biochemicals; * Have a basic understanding of the role of DNA and genetics in regulating biological activity, and how DNA can be manipulated to produce "new" processes and products; * Be aware of the major internal structures in microbial cells and their functions; understand that enzymes are responsible for the catalysis of biochemical reactions, and how these reactions are regulated; * Have a basic knowledge of at least two commercial bio-processes. Skills: This course is designed to provide a knowledge base and industrial awareness of bioprocesses, to act as a foundation for design and synthesis in subsequent courses. This knowledge is taught and assessed. Content: * Introduction to biochemical processes and the types of product that are currently produced on industrial scale. * Classification of organisms within the microbial kingdom and the types of compound which they require for growth or which they can produce as products. * Basic chemistry, structure and function of these biochemical compounds. * The role of DNA and genetics in regulation of metabolic and microbial activity, and its significance in modern biotechnology. * Basic structure of microbial cells, including intra-cellular structures and their biological function. *The role of enzymes in regulation and catalysis of biochemical reactions. * Introduction to metabolic pathways and the coupling of degradative and synthetic reactions. * Case studies of selected commercial bioprocesses, e.g. sewage treatment, alcoholic beverage production, cheese production, antibiotic production, food processing etc. |