6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Postgraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
Department of Chemical Engineering
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
The unit covers biomass reaction engineering including kinetics, reaction/mass transfer limitations, selectivity, improving reaction rates, and homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The role of biotechnology including enzymatic reactions, fermentation, selectivity will also be studied together with common separation liquid and liquid-solid separation processes.
Global concepts relevant to biorefineries will be emphasised including the carbon cycle (micro and macro perspectives), overall sustainability of water, energy, and minimising by-products from biorefineries.
Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- analyse new developments in fundamental aspects of biorefineries
- evaluate and recommend an appropriate biorefining approach for various biomass feedstocks
- assess and critique new advances and applications for biorefineries from a technical perspective
- review and critique recent biorefinery research literature and summarise the findings and insights
- create and analyse experimental data to produce an accurate and detailed report
Assessment
Continuous assessment: 50%
Final Examination: 50% (2 hours)
Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.
Workload requirements
2 hours lectures, 3 hours tutorial and 7 hours of private study per week. 8 hours of laboratories during the semester
See also Unit timetable information