Module: Bioprocessing Laboratory 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Bioprocessing Laboratory 1
Module Code	BTE1028 (ITS: BE560)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

The aim of this module is to provide students with practical experience of up to date bioprocessing techniques and equipment, and further their understanding of the principles of operation of bioreactors and auxiliary on-line measuring equipment, including data acquisition systems. Students will achieve this by performing laboratory experiments incorporating elements of bioreactor operation and bioreaction monitoring techniques. Students will gain experience of various USP and DSP unit operations, and will learn how to interpret the data that they collect and complete a written report.

Learning Outcomes

1. Set up a laboratory scale bioreactor and explain the functioning of all components
2. Carry out a complete sterilization of the bioreactor and auxiliary equipment
3. Explain the functioning of all electrodes/sensors used in the bioreactors and how to calibrate and maintain them
4. Inoculate bioreactor and monitor bioreactor conditions
5. Determine the volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient (kLa) for a bioreactor
6. Measure the heat transfer coefficient for heating and cooling in a bioreactor
7. Take samples over the course of the fermentation and measure the biomass concentration
8. Operate an ultrafiltration module and measure NWP
9. Pack a chromatography column and measure efficiency
10. Produce a report in a format suitable for publication in a scientific journal

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	28	No Description
Independent Study	97	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20112	Part of Term	Semester 2
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	David Collins

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Report(s)	Written Laboratory Reports	100%	Week 1

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

Dismantling of bioreactor, identification of each component and function

Cleaning and re-assembly of bioreactor, preparation for sterilization

Preparation of cell culture medium

Preparation of pH, pO2 electrodes, calibration and insertion to bioreactor

Sterilization of bioreactor

Inoculation of bioreactor

Cell Culture

Sampling at regular intervals for determination of cell mass, number and viability; also analyte concentration

On-line monitoring of culture and data collection

Determination of volumetric mass transfer coefficient

Determination of heat transfer coefficient

Use of a Kaye Validator for thermal mapping

Mixing comparison - Disposable -v- SS Bioreactors

Ultrafiltration

Chromatography

Data Analysis and Report Preparation

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Laboratory Manual, BE560 Bioprocessing Laboratory Manual,