Module: Bioreactor Design, Modelling & Monitoring

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Bioreactor Design, Modelling & Monitoring
Module Code	BE584 (ITS) / BTE1035 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinator	Yandi Lan
Module Teachers	Brian Freeland, David Collins, Denise Harold, Paul Cahill
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

The aim of this module is to further students’ grasp of the complex interactions between the reaction conditions seen in practical bioreactors and the physiological responses expressed by microbial cells. This module deals with the engineering science of bioreactor design, of the selection and sizing of equipment to perform specific bioreaction tasks, the reaction conditions that can be monitored and manipulated in order to optimise bioreactions, and the data that can be collected and used to model the processes. Students will be introduced to modelling of bioreaction processes under ideal and non-ideal conditions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the principles involved in the classification of bioreactors
2. Assess the suitability of bioreactor configurations for a given process; rationalise the choice of bioreactor design
3. Distinguish between the different types of mathematical models applied to microbial or animal cell bioreactors (Structured / Unstructured; Segregated / Non-Segregated)
4. Apply basic kinetic models to batch, fed-batch and continuous bioreactors
5. Apply basic principles of mass and energy conservation to analyse bioreactor systems
6. Analyze and interpret experimental data from bioreactors, predict and monitor bioreactor operation

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	16	No Description
Independent Study	109	No Description
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

Classification and configuration of bioreactors

Bioreactor operation: sterilization, inoculation, sampling, feeding

The basic kinetic models for biological growth

Kinetic models for enzyme reactors (free & immobilized)

Instrumentation and Control Strategies

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

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

Doran, P.: 1995, Bioprocess Engineering Principles, Academic Press,
Nielsen, J. & Villadsen, J.: 1994, Bioreaction Engineering Principles, Plenum Press,
Bailey J.E. & Ollis D.F.: 1986, Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals, 2nd Ed., McGraw-Hill,

Other Resources

None