The course covers the bioprocessing and economic principles involved in the operation, development and design of large scale biotechnology-based processes. It includes analysis of fermentation kinetics, batch and continuous modes of operation, bioprocess optimisation, principles of fermentor scale up, downstream processing and bioprocess design, as well as principles of economic feasibility analysis. Selected bioprocesses will be examined in detail, including ethanol production from renewable resources, biopharmaceutical manufacture and manufacture of other bioproducts from bacterial, yeast and mammalian hosts. Laboratory sessions and problem solving tutorials will supplement lecture material. A detailed case study will be undertaken in students which will investigate economic and technical feasibility of a bioprocess.

This advanced course will cover the same core material as Biotechnology B (BIOT3021), but will have a more extensive laboratory/ research component integrated with a technical/ economic feasibility evaluation and business plan for a bioprocess-derived product.