n.BA.XX.MUUEM.23HS (Renewable Materials) 
Module: Renewable Materials
This information was generated on: 16 May 2024
No.
n.BA.XX.MUUEM.23HS
Title
Renewable Materials
Credits
2

Description

Version: 2.0 start 01 August 2023

 

Study Programme Biotechnology / Chemistry
Regulations Applicable RPO, 29 January 2008, School of Life Sciences and Facility Management Academic Regulations, 15 Dec. 2009, Annex for the Bachelor of Biotechnology degree programme

RPO, 29 January 2008, School of Life Sciences and Facility Management Academic Regulations, 15 Dec. 2009, Annex for the Bachelor of Chemistry degree programme
Module Type  
X Compulsory Module    Elective Module    Optional Module
Planned Semester 5th Semester
Module Coordinator Dr. Thomas Pielhop
Telephone / E-Mail +41 (0) 58 934 51 75 / thomas.pielhop@zhaw.ch
Lecturer(s),
Speaker(s),
Associate(s)		 Dr. Thomas Pielhop, Dr. Davide Di Francesco
Entrance Requirements General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology
Learning Outcomes and Competencies This module focuses on the fundamentals of producing biochemicals and materials from biomass. It provides an overview of key metrics for biobased products, various types of biomass, their potential uses and the corresponding processing technologies. Students will:
 
  • be able to describe the significance and challenges of producing biobased chemicals and materials.
  • be able assess the sustainability of these products using key metrics
  • know the main components of biomass and be able to associate them with corresponding bioproducts.
  • be able to explain the major steps and concepts in key biorefinery technologies
  • be able to evaluate different biorefinery technologies in terms of their concepts, capabilities, and limitations
  • be able to categorise various types of biopolymers and identify key examples
  • be able to explain the importance of green solvents and name key representatives
  • Be able to discuss the significance of green fine chemicals and provide examples
Module Content Fundamental principles
  • Introduction to biobased economy (globally and within Switzerland)
  • Definitions and key metrics for biobased products
 
Biomasses
  • Extracts 1: fats, oils
  • Extracts 2: Tterpenes
  • Carbohydrates 1: mono-/disaccharides, starch
  • Carbohydrates 2: cellulose
  • Lignin
 
Technologies
  • Paper production
  • Biorefinery technologies
  • Biopolymers
  • Green solvents
  • Green fine chemicals, fragrances and flavorings

Excursions
  • Visit to a biorefinery or a manufacturer of green chemicals
Follow-up Modules Minor practicals 
Methods of Instruction  Lectures, case, studies, practice tasks, self-study and excursions
Digital Resources All resources will be made available on Moodle
Lesson Structure / Workload  
 Contact Hours 22.50
 Guided Self-Study 12
 Independent Self-Study 25.50
 Total Workload 60
Classroom Attendance In general, no; for excursions, yes
Assessment Written exam at the end of the semester  100%

For small groups, a separate module examination may also be conducted orally.

If there is a low number of participants, the lecturer may change the form of a repeat examination after consultation with the head of the study programme: e.g. an oral examination can be used to replace a written one. Please report any changes to the form of examinations by e-mail to pruefungsadmin.lsfm@zhaw.ch and Cc. Head of study programme.
Language of Instruction  German
Comments -

 

Note

Course: Renewable Materials
No.
n.BA.XX.MUUEM.23HS.V
Title
Renewable Materials

Note

  • No module description is available in the system for the cut-off date of 16 May 2024.