BTLW100057 Evaluation of biotechnological production processes

Type
course with continuous assessment
Semester hours
3
Lecturer (assistant)
Kozma, Bence , Ata, Özge , Teles Barbosa, Felipe
Organisation
Biotechnology and Food Science
Offered in
Sommersemester 2026
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

The course includes the evaluation of different biotechnological processes. It includes the calculations of given set of process parameters from microbial and mammalian cell cultures, to train students in decision-making and practical assessment for biotechnological applications. In more detail, the following topics will be addressed:
•Calculation of basic process parameters such as biomass and product yields, titers, specific and volumetric productivities, substrate consumption rates, specific growth rates.
•Data visualization and preparation of a statistical analysis plan to analyze the collected data in the most effective way.
•Comparison of bioprocesses for different product classes and evaluation of these processes according to criteria of productivity, substrate yield, profitability, and sustainability using statistical and mathematical methods.
•Formulation and resolution of optimization problems for decision-making regarding process parameters and to assist in the planning of future experiments.
Previous knowledge expected

Basic knowledge on enzyme kinetics, bioprocess parameters, bioreactor operation modes and descriptive statistics is expected. It is not required but having taken “Fundamentals of Bioprocess Engineering (790123)” is recommended.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After completing the course, students will be able to:
•Analyze and evaluate bioprocesses based on different process parameters (titer, substrate conversion, volumetric productivity).
•Identify, request, compile, independently process, and present the data necessary for analysis and evaluation.
•Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of current bioprocesses, evaluate them based on key data, and propose solutions and improvements.
•Select, calculate, and evaluate the most relevant parameters for the different product classes using literature data and laboratory data.
•Apply the basic concepts for the analysis and evaluation of industrially relevant products.
•Evaluate bioprocesses in terms of their sustainability using common assessment metrics and estimations of CO₂ emissions.
•Prepare analysis and evaluation through reflection and presentation in small groups, tailored to different stakeholders (scientific peers, management, or public stakeholders). They will be able to provide other students with an overview of the design and evaluation of bioprocesses and compare their own calculations with the scientific literature and professionally present these comparisons.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.