NIGK24002U Advanced Production Systems

Volume 2024/2025
Education

MSc Programme in Biosolutions

Content

This is an intensive and practical course designed for Master's-level students seeking to enhance their understanding of biological production systems. The course provides students with the opportunity to explore concrete production systems and adapt these processes for specific products.

 

A significant part of the learning experience will be gained through a group case project. In this project, students apply their previously acquired knowledge in biosolutions, bioprocessing, microbiology, and knowledge of biological systems to solve real industrial cases. These cases are collaboratively defined with local industries e.g. in Kalundborg, offering students a unique chance to engage with real-world production challenges and solutions. In the group cases the students will be gaining insights into innovative approaches.

 

Here follow examples of topics to be presented. The specific topics depend on the industrial cases but are not limited to:

  • Biomass Processing: Explore the conversion of biomass into valuable products.
  • Enzyme Applications: Learn about the role of enzymes in bioprocessing, including their applications in biorefineries and food processing.
  • Enzyme Production: Gain insights into the manufacturing of enzymes for various industrial applications.
  • Biogas Production: Study the process of generating biogas from biological feedstocks.
  • Bioethanol Production: Explore second-generation bioethanol production methods, covering unit operations and co-product valorization.
  • Delve into the principles and applications of fermentation in the production of enzymes, energy carriers, food components, and single-cell protein.
  • Biomass Sourcing and Logistics: Investigate the complexity of biomass sourcing and logistics.

 

This course is an exceptional opportunity for students to enrich their knowledge and skills while actively contributing to the advancement of "Biosolutions."

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of this course, students will have demonstrated the following knowledge, skills, and competences:

 

Knowledge:

  • Understanding of biological production systems and their optimization in the context of ”Biosolutions” on a conceptual level, including the role of bi-products"
  • Critically assess and set up design-specifications for monitoring systems in biological production systems.
  • Proficiency in assessing and evaluating the relevance of various production processes and providing suggestions for improvements, including the choice of raw materials, their (pre-)processing, and process settings.
  • Comprehend the importance of monitoring and control of industrial processes within biology-based industrial production, including the selection of target variables.

 

Skills:

  • Apply techniques and theory from the course to design and describe biological production systems on a conceptual level, including:
    • Evaluating the suitability and quality of raw materials for a given biology-based industrial process
    • Identifying and describing common process steps within biological production.
    • Pinpointing key processing issues and challenges for a given biology-based industrial process.
  • Skills in data handling, analysis, and effective presentation.
  • Proficiency in collaborative teamwork and problem-solving.

 

Competences:

  • Recognize industry needs and requirements related to biological production systems in the context of "Biosolutions".
  • Cultivate strong collaboration abilities
  • Able to communicate solutions to industry partners.
Literature

See Absalon for course literature.

Basic knowledge of plant biology, microbiology, and bioprocessing.
Teaching and learning in this course encompass a variety of methods, including:
• Lectures: Theoretical concepts, theories, and methods for biological processes are introduced in lectures.
• Industry Visits: When possible, there will be visits to the industry partner(s) delivering case(s) for the course.
• Extensive Project Work: Students are introduced to group case work in a professional setting.

Collaborative project Work with Local Industries: Students work in groups on their assigned case throughout most of the course and maintain contact with the company 2-3 times, including a kick-off and joint ideation session, a mid-way evaluation, and a final presentation. This collaborative work focuses on solving real industrial challenges defined by – and in collaboration with – mostly local industries in Kalundborg.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 40
  • Preparation
  • 40
  • Theory exercises
  • 10
  • Excursions
  • 8
  • Project work
  • 85
  • Seminar
  • 6
  • Guidance
  • 6
  • Exam Preparation
  • 10
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Total
  • 206
Oral
Individual
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, during course
Oral examination, 25 minutes with no preparation time
Type of assessment details
Submission of a group case report prior to the exam week, followed by an individual oral examination of 25 minutes. The oral exam consists of a short presentation of the group case report followed by questioning in the case report, the presentation, and the curricula of the course.
A combined grade is given after the oral exam.
Aid
Only certain aids allowed

Graphic presentation aids such as slides (PowerPoint, PDF or similar), posters, or brochures will be permitted in the oral defense, however these presentation aids should be functional without internet connection.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Re-exam

Re-submission of a group case report prior to the re-exam week, followed by an individual oral examination of 25 minutes. The oral exam consists of a short presentation of the group case report followed by questioning in the case report, the presentation, and the curricula of the course. 
There is no preparation time prior to the questioning. A combined grade is given after the oral exam.

Criteria for exam assesment

In order to obtain the grade 12, the student should convincingly and accurately demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competences described under Learning Outcome.