Aims and Fit of Module

The aim of this module is to introduce all elements for the production of biologics for human medical application using advanced fermentation, separation, and purification technologies.

Learning outcomes

A	understand the fundamental concepts of biochemical engineering
B	understand the behavior of microorganisms and their industrial application
C	evaluate batch and continuous fermentation processes, the operations of aeration, agitation and sterilisation, and downstream processing
D	explain the principles behind the key unit operations of biomanufacturing, mass transfer, mass balances and energy balances, homogenisation, centrifugation, filtration and purification via chromatography

Method of teaching and learning

The module will be delivered through standard lectures, which relevant lecture handouts will accompany. Students will also be guided to sections of specific textbooks and if the reading of specific reviews or literature sources is required, then copies of these will be made available in the library for use by the students. At intervals during the module, tutorials will be held for the students to deeply understand the principle of this module. 

Students will attend a 2-hour lecture per week and a 1-hour tutorial in 10 weeks. Industry site visits are to be selected to visit pharmaceutical companies. Students will also be given guidance and opportunities to practice the various skills mentioned in the specifications. Self-study activities will be extensions or consolidations of work carried out in the lecture and tutorial. There will be 2-day field trips arranged for students to better understand the aims of the teaching. Assessment components of this module will include: 1) questions or tests in lectures or tutorials; 2) coursework to review the topics; 3) group discussion or report that summarises the field visit; and 4) presentation of a critique of the teaching topics. The feedback will help improve the teaching quality and ensure the quality of summative assessment.