Environmental Biotechnology and Bioprocessmodeling (MLJ640)

The course seeks to increase students' knowledge and understanding of environmental biotechnology applications in addition to showing students how knowledge of microbial communities and their processes that can be beneficially used, e.g. in the bioremediation of contaminated sites, and using our understanding of microorganisms in the environment to control their detrimental effects. Moreover, the course will introduce students to SUMO, a widely used process modeling program in environmental engineering applications. The students will learn how to apply their theoretical knowledge to operational scenarios.

The course will be divided into the following 5 Modules:

Module 1: Review Important Concepts in Environmental Microbiology.

In this module the course will cover advanced topics in environment microbiology related to microbial communities the relationships between microorganisms and microbial processes in different environments.

Module 2: Bioremediation

The bioremediation modules student will cover acclimation, detoxification, sorption, and bioavailability, effect of chemical structure on biodegradation, xenobiotics, cometabolism and application of bioremediation strategies.

Module 3: Oil Reservoir microbiology

This topic covers microbial communities in oil reservoirs, reservoir souring, biocorrosion and biofouling, microbial upgrading of oil and microbial influenced oil recovery.

Module 4: Methods in Environmental microbial biotechnology

This section will involve compulsory laboratory sessions relating to the first 3 modules. In addition the students will learn about the methods used in environmental biotechnology

Module 5: Bioprocessmodeling

This section will teach modeling to the students via hands-on exercises using the SUMO program.

Knowledge

Students should gain understanding of the role of microorganisms in their environment and how this knowledge can be used to solve environmental and industrial problems.

After completing this course students should have the knowledge in principles for construction of multi-component models for activated sludge systems

Skills Outcome

Students should be able to utilize the knowledge gained on the role and importance of microorganisms in the environment and how the knowledge can be exploited. Students will be able to apply this knowledge in both real life and in a laboratory setting. In addition students will gain some basic environmental microbiology laboratory skills.

After completing this course students should have the skill to use the SUMO software as a tool for modeling of activated sludge systems.

General Competency

To build on their prior knowledge of environmental microbiology giving students a deeper understanding of the impact of microorganisms on the environment and how to apply this knowledge in order to utilize microorganisms for bioremediation and in the oil industry.

After completing this course students should have the competance for simulation based design of carbon and nutrient removing activated systems

Students are required to attend a laboratory section of this course relating to methods used in environmental microbial biotechnology.

Mandatory lab assignments shall be completed at the times and in the groups that are assigned and published on Canvas. Valid absence due to illness or for other reasons must be communicated to the laboratory personnel as soon as possible. In cases of valid absence, it may be possible to complete the lab assignments at other times, where agreed with the teaching staff. This is not an entitlement.

Labs must be approved in order to access the course examinations. No resit is offered for the laboratory section. If a student wishes to redo the lab, this can be done next time the subject is taught.

4 hours of lectures a week plus compulsory laboratory exercises

The course is based primarily on a series of lectures.