411-254 Biomolecular Process Principles

610-141 Chemistry A; 610-142 Chemistry B; 650-141 Biology of Cells and Organisms.

Definition and scope of biomolecular and bioprocess engineering. Survey of industrial applications. The role of the biomolecular engineer. Anatomy of some typical industrial processes: brewing, vaccine production, biological C, N and P removal, artificial skin productin, self-assembled biosensors. Role of microbial, plant and animal cells in bioprocessing. Microorganisms, structure and function. Survey of relevant microbial groups. Microbiological methods. Microbial applications in process engineering. Bioproducts from plant cells. Structure and function of plant cells. Plant tissue culture methods. Human and animal cells and culture methods. Application to tissue engineering. Structure, function and properties of biological marcromolecules. Carbohydrates. Proteins. Lipids. Nucleic acids. Stability and physical properties of biomacromolecules.

Practical work (microbiology laboratory)

The subject will enhance the following generic skills:

• capacity for independent thought

• ability to communicate effectively

• ability to work in a team (practical work component)

• awarenes of advanced technologies in the discipline

• the ability to comprehend complex concepts and communicate lucidly this understanding

One written 3-hour end-of-semester examination (90%); practical work assignments not exceeding a combined total of 1000 words (10%).