Module: Introduction to Bioprocess Engineering

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Introduction to Bioprocess Engineering
Module Code	BE580 (ITS) / BTE1031 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinator	Yandi Lan
Module Teachers	Brian Freeland, David Collins, Denise Harold, Janosch Heller, Paul Cahill
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination

Description

The aim of this module is to introduce the Biopharmaceutical and other related industries and their associated processing principles and techniques. The module will expand the students’ knowledge and understanding of bioprocessing in industry, and will improve the students’ analytical abilities and problem solving methodologies in this area. This module also forms a basis for more advanced modules in bioreactors and bioseparations.

Learning Outcomes

1. Gain systematic understanding to describe in qualitative terms the operation of a variety of upstream and downstream biopharmaceutical process operations.
2. Gain advanced knowledge to manipulate and perform calculations on process variables with particular emphasis on data analysis and evaluation.
3. Gain complex and advanced skills to apply steady and unsteady-state material and energy balance concepts to batch, fed batch and continuous processes.
4. Gain systematic knowledge to perform simple design calculations for a variety of rate-controlled process equipment.
5. Gain critical awareness to evaluate equipment design on the basis of performance for a range of processes.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	16	synchronous/a-synchronous/in-person lecture
Independent Study	68	Reference to reading material and preparation for assessments.
Assignment Completion	40	Completion of assignments.
Assessment Feedback	1	Feedback given to students regarding assignment.
Lecture	16	synchronous/a-synchronous/in-person lecture
Independent Study	68	Reference to reading material and preparation for assessments.
Assignment Completion	40	Completion of assignments.
Assessment Feedback	1	Feedback given to students regarding assignments.
Total Workload: 250

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

Upstream & Downstream processes in the biopharmaceutical industry

Engineering calculations - units, variables and dimensional analysis

Steady and unsteady state material and energy balances

Principles and applications of heat transfer

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
In Class Test	In class calculations of bioprocesses addressing the students' critical understanding of process variables.	20%	Week 4
Loop Exam	Loop examination including MCQ and calculations of bioprocesses to assess students' critical understanding using engineering methods to solve the bioprocess questions.	40%	Week 8
Assignment	Simulation of bioprocess: students will design their bioprocesses for manufacturing their products, using engineering methods to develop and evaluate the bioprocess. Process design (descriptions and diagrams) and calculations are required in the assessment.	40%	Week 10

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

Pauline M. Doran: 2012, Bioprocess Engineering Principles, 2, Academic Press, 9780122208515
Morris, A.: 2011, Handbook on Material and Energy Balance Calculations in Materials Processing, Wiley, 978-1-118-065

Other Resources

None