Module: Bioreactor Design, Modelling & Monitoring

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Bioreactor Design, Modelling & Monitoring
Module Code	BTE1035 (ITS: BE584)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	10174	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Yandi Lan	Module Teacher	Brian Freeland, David Collins, Denise Harold, Paul Cahill

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown

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

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None