LPLK10360U From Plants to Bioenergy

Volume 2019/2020
Education

MSc Programme in Agriculture
MSc Programme in Biology-Biotechnology
MSc Programme in Forest and Nature Management
MSc Programme in Environmental Science

Content

The course will provide the theoretical basis for understanding carbon and nitrogen sequestration in plants, the biosynthesis and structure of type I and type II plant cell walls, introduction to enzymes for plant polymer conversion and methods for processing and conversion of biomass into solid and liquid energy carriers. New breeding technologies will be provided and strategies for utilizing candidate genes in molecular breeding for plants with improve biomass conversion potential presented. Use of life-cycle assessment for comparing bioenergy production methods will be provided.

There is a demand for a sufficient understanding of the molecular breeding and carbohydrate chemistry to develop technologies for this new direction in the roadmap of biofuel study and production.This international course is based on the premise that demands are set by EU and globally for utilization of bioenergy in transportation by converting lignocellulosic biomass into ethanol and other liquid energy carriers.

Topics covered are:

  • Cell wall components and their structure
  • New plant breeding strategies for biomass improvement
  • Carbon and Nitrogen partitioning
  • Conversion technologies for biomass to energy carriers
  • LCA of bioenergy production
  • General principles of circular bioeconomy
  • Biomass production from farming, forestry, and algae
Learning Outcome

Learning Outcome


Knowledge

  • Describe the structure and biochemistry of carbohydrates, cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose
  • Describe plants as ligno-cellulosic, starchy or sugar and oil crops  for bioenergy
  • Describe molecular breeding towards altering biomass make-up
  • Describe the function of hydrolytic enzymes important for plant polymer conversion
  • Summarize processing and conversion of biomass to solid, liquid and gasious energy carriers


Skills

  • Compare differences in cell wall structure and composition between plant species
  • Describe chemical, mechanical, and microbial operations and techniques used in biomass conversion
  • Familiar with genetic tools to modify biomass composition
  • Identify target genes encoding enzymes relevant for bioconversion
  • Participate in academic discussions on sustainability of bioenergy production systems


Competencies

  • Assessment of C- and N- sequestration in different crop plants in response to growth condition
  • Be able to propose a complete conversion route for a specific biomass to a suitable energy carrier.
  • Propose an ideal crop plant for bioenergy
Literature

See Absalon for course literature. Articles, laboratory notes and monographs.

A basic knowledge of agriculture and forestry production, breeding and biotechnology are required

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
A combination of foundation lectures, calculation exercises, excursions to industry, self studies, poster presentation and discussion.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 4
  • Excursions
  • 20
  • Lectures
  • 70
  • Practical exercises
  • 4
  • Preparation
  • 60
  • Project work
  • 20
  • Theory exercises
  • 28
  • Total
  • 206
Written
Oral
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)

feedback on written exercises will be in writing and oral

Otherwise oral feedback in discussion

Poster preparation and presentation: oral feedback peerfeedback

Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written examination, 4 hours under invigilation
Poster presentation 20%, and written exam 80%
Exam registration requirements

Participation in 80% of teaching activity, which includes lectures, lab exercises and excursions.

Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Re-exam

As the ordinary exam.

If 10 or fewer register for the reexamination the examination form will be oral.

There cannot be dispensated for the requirement of participation in laboratory excersises and excursions, and students who do not fulfil the requirement has to follow the course the following study year.

Criteria for exam assesment

See learning outcome