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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Design and Operation of Bioreactors
Module Code BE322 (ITS) / BTE1011 (Banner)
Faculty Science & Health School Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinatorBrian Freeland
Module TeachersDenise Harold, Paul Cahill, Paula Meleady
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Array
Description

In this module the student is introduced to the main features of bioreactors including their design, control, operation and instrumentation.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the main features of bioreactors and associated instrumentation
2. Demonstrate an understanding of temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen control in bioreactors
3. Demonstrate an understanding of heat and mass transfer in bioreactors, including the role of mixing, agitator design and sparger design
4. Apply simple rules for the scale-up of bioreactors
5. Communicate effectively in written or other non-oral formats, adapting to the audience profile as required.
6. Demonstrate appropriate listening skills to enhance communication.
7. Demonstrate the effective use of digital technology for communication.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture12On campus lectures (bioreactors)
Online activity12Online asynchronous lectures
Independent Study16Completion of problem sets
Independent Study4Viewing and study of solutions to problem sets
Group work6Completion of team assignment (bioreactors)
Independent Study75Study and revision
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Bioreactor construction and instrumentation
The main characteristics of bioreactors. The standard configuration. Temperature, pH and DO probes. Biomass probes and PAT.

Control of bioreactors
The feedback concept. On-off control. PI control. Controller response characteristics

Heat, mass and momentum transfer in bioreactors
Power number and Reynolds number in bioreactors. The formation and dynamics of bubbles in agitated systems. Measuring and predicting the kLa in bioreactors. Sterilization and cooling of bioreactors.

Scale-up bioreactors
Geometric similarity. Mixing times. Scale-up rules.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
In Class TestIn-class test on bioreactor design and operation and processes50%n/a
AssignmentTeam assignment (including team presentation)25%n/a
AssignmentIndividual assignment on a research article related to bioprocessing and bioreactors25%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • B. Atkinson and F. Mavituna: 1991, Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology Handbook, 2nd Ed., Macmillan, 1561590126
  • P. Doran: 1995, Bioprocess Engineering Principles, P. Doran, Academic Press, London, 0122208552
  • H.W. Blanch and D.S. Clark: 1996, Biochemical Engineering, Marcel Dekker, New York, 0824789490
  • J.D. Bu'Lock and B. Kristiansen: 1987, Basic Biotechnology, Academic Press, London, 0121407527
  • A.H.Scragg: 1991, Bioreactors in Biotechnology - A Practical Approach, E. Horwood, New York, 0130851434
  • J.E. Bailey and D.F. Ollis: 1986, Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals, 2nd, McGraw-Hill, New York, 0070032122
Other Resources

None

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