Various aspects of biomass conversion to energy, chemical, and
bioproducts. The presentations are linked to introduce the
student to opportunities in the emerging bio-economy. Topics
include biomass types and characteristics, technologies,
systems analysis, economics, and environmental aspects of
biorefineries.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Graduate students will be expected to engage in article summary assignments at depth by emphasizing primary literature, submitting a comprehensive critical review of a selected biorefinery topic, and delivering a presentation with independent analysis of technical, economic, or sustainability tradeoffs. Graduate students are also expected to lead a class discussion using greater synthesis and deeper scholarly interpretation.
Athena Title
Biorefinery Egr
Prerequisite
BCHE 3145 and BCHE 3420
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
• Prepare the student to gain an understanding of opportunities in a bio-based industrial economy.
• Gain familiarity with various biomass sources and their properties, quantities, methods of production, handling, storage etc.
• Understand conversion technologies – thermochemcial and biological.
• Understand the economics of biomass conversion.
• Gain an appreciation of the dependence of today’s human lifestyle on fossil fuels for energy and products – and explore alternatives to these resources.
• Develop an ability to read and comprehend novel technologies and systems that claim conversion of biomass to value added products that replace those derived from fossil fuels.
