NPLK24003U Biosolutions in Industrial Application

Volume 2025/2026
Education

MSc Programme in Biosolutions

Content

 

This course will introduce to the terminology and definition of biosolutions to give a common understanding.  The students will be introduced to basic concepts and terms in the field. Biosolutions uses tools from biology for a production of sustainable alternatives in e.g. food sector, environmental solutions, industrial production and sustainable agricultural production.

 

This course will provide examples of the different types of processes needed in production. The students will be presented to the overarching approach for developing biosolution primarily in an industrial setting and visits to industry will be included where possible. The course will introduce to the different steps in the design phase of innovative problem-solving cases involving companies and other experts.

 

The focus will be on introducing the biological knowledge and concepts in the following parts in a production for biosolutions:

 

General competences such as

  • Introduction to several topics as ex chemistry, enzymology
  • How to work in a group
  • Innovation and engineer process modelsnfor design and problem solving

 

Knowledge of the different processes involved in production of biosolutions

  • Choice of raw material and how this will influence the planning of the process.
  • Different types of processing with a special emphasis on enzymes in fermentation

 

Introduction to requirements and regulations

  • From research (R/D) to production - issues related to upscaling
  • An introduction to the necessary rules and regulations – including intellectual property rights
  • The need for quality control and assessment both for the input and output of the process (Quality assessment and quality control - QA and QC). 
  • Manufacturing environment – the regulatory requirement e.g. good manufacturing practice (GMP).

 

As an important aspect to have a sustainable production - the circularity mindset will be introduced - utilizing side streams as possible raw material. Further, the impact on the environment and how this can be handled, e.g. water management. For all areas the theory will be presented together with the challenges and possible solutions. 

Learning Outcome

The course aims at introducing the students to the concept of biosolutions and the mindset of how to develop, plan, assess, and improve sustainable production systems. 

 

The students will get an overview of the different steps in the process  from raw material to final product. Likewise the students will be introduced to the wider framework: legal, sustainability: environment, social, financial. This will include the biological background needed to address the challenges in the cases presented in the course.

 

In addition, the terminology for this field will be introduced. 

 

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

Knowledge:

  • Understanding what is included in the term - Biosolutions.
  • Know the biological background for the input needed in fermentation.
  • Knowledge of the terminology used in this field and the required steps in the production
  • Critically reflect on current knowledge, which raw materials are and can be used in the proces of the production line.
  • Know the difference between the science and engineer models
  • Comprehend the Circularity mindset
  • Comprehend the need for a legal framework.

 

Skills:

  • Apply the theoretical knowledge to design experimental strategies and address circularity.
  • Being able to evaluate any presented challenges in all steps of the process.
  • Being able to discuss and evaluate challenges in collaborating teams and with non-specialists
  • Being able to use the science and engineer models
  • Able to communicate and present to peers.

 

Competences:

  • Acquire tools to address challenges e.g. Double diamond , Engineering process model or corresponding approaches
  • Be able to collaborate and discuss with peers to find solution for overall challenges.
  • Be able to take own responsibility for professional development, build upon former knowlegde

See Absalon for manuals and course literature, including scientific articles.

Participants should have a basic knowledge of biotechnology, and insight in either fermentation or biological organisms for production.
The teaching will be a combination of lectures and guest lecturers will give examples of Biosolutions from their respective companies industry.

The different topics in the course will be combined with visit to relevant industry and guest lectures from industry. The course will include a project based on a Biosolution. The students will need to describe the Biosolutions aspects, identity challenges and solutions. The outcome will be presented in a poster and communicated as a pitch to all. 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) presenting the different steps in biosolutions in an industrial setting.
• Extensive Project Work: The students will be introduced to ways to approach projects and problems using innovative tools like Double Diamond approach and methods for the different steps in the problem solving process. The students will present the groupwork as a poster and present their suggestions.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 36
  • Preparation
  • 110
  • Theory exercises
  • 36
  • Excursions
  • 18
  • Guidance
  • 5
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Total
  • 206
Oral
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)

Feedback in this course will be provided through various means, including:

  • Continuous feedback as supervision during the group work
  • Feedback on the poster from peer students and teachers
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 20 minutes (no preparation time)
Type of assessment details
The individual oral examination starts with a pitch of the project and the tool chosen for solving the problem followed by questions in the project and in the curriculum.
There is no preparation time prior to the questioning
Exam registration requirements

Hand-in and participate in poster presentation

Aid
Written aids allowed

The student may bring a print-out of their PowerPoint slides for the pitch and scientific papers in the curriculum.

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

Same as the ordinary exam.

Hand-in of a poster is a prerequisite, and if the requirement isn't met the poster need to be handed in 3 weeks before the re-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.