Module: Applied Bioprocessing laboratory

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Applied Bioprocessing laboratory
Module Code	BTE1008 (ITS: BE317)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will give students experience and skills with developing and running industrially relevant Up-stream and Down-stream bioprocesses, including using bench-scale bioreactors, process analytical tools and analytical separation techniques. Students will build upon their bioprocessing knowledge gained from BE214, BE215 and BE322.

Learning Outcomes

1. To carry out a microbial fermentation on a bench-scale bioreactor, perform standard off-line analysis and also calculate the oxygen consumption rate and volumetric mass transfer coefficient.
2. To understand and implement process analytical tools to monitor a microbial bioprocess and evaluate its effectiveness and relevance to industry.
3. To use experimental data and computer programming skills to simulate volumetric oxygen transfer values from the experimental bioprocess.
4. To construct a mathematical mass balance equation for the off-gas oxygen and carbon dioxide rates in an experimental bioprocess.
5. To construct a 6-page report in the format of a scientific paper.
6. To work in groups, assign individual roles during the experiment day, schedule tasks, schedule sample taking and analysis. To prepare a group scientific presentation and respond to group viva.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	22	Full day laboratory sessions carried out in a 2-wek block during semester.
Independent Study	103	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10146	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jenny Lawler	Module Teacher	Alexander Eustace, Federico Cerrone

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Quiz	Loop quiz used for pre labs	10%	n/a
Group presentation	Group presentation and q&a based on labs	30%	n/a
Report(s)	Scientific report based on labs	30%	n/a
Reflective journal	Reflection journal and skills video upload	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Pauline M. Doran: 0, Bioprocess Engineering Principles, Second Edition, 978-0-12-2208

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None