Bioprocess Engineering

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Structure and function of biological macromolecules; biochemical pathways; genetics and cellular control processes; cell structure and function; microbial diversity and survey of microbial groups methods for characterisation, cultivation and enumeration of microorganisms; and survey of applications in biochemical and environmental engineering.

Enzymic process. Michaelis-Menten approach. Kinetics of enzyme inhibition. Immobilised enzymes. Batch microbial growth and product formation. Continuous culture. Microbial growth kinetics. Application of Monod model to batch and chemostat culture. Kinetics of product formation. Maintenance energy and endogenous respiration. Design of fermentation processes. Medium formulation and inoculum preparation. Industrial sterilisation processes. Calculation of sterility level. HTST sterilisation. Design of continuous sterilisers. Air sterilisation. Vessel design for aseptic operation. Fermenter design configurations. Aeration of fermenters. Oxygen requirements of microorganisms. Mixing in fermenters. Biochemical separation processes.

Practical work (Microbiology laboratory).

The objectives are to introduce students to the biological and kinetic concepts underlying bioprocesses engineering and to acquaint them with procedures for the design and control of industrial scale fermentation and biological waste treatment processes.

Information Not Available

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• capacity for independent thought

• the ability to analyse and solve open-ended problems

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

• awareness of advanced technologies in the discipline

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

Students may only gain credit for one of 411-393 Bioprocess Engineering or 411-392 Fermentation Process Engineering.