BSEN30310 The Bioeconomy; A strategy for sustainable fuel, material and chemical production

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module will introduce students to the fundamental principles of biomass feedstock supply for the bioeconomy, with a focus on both dedication production of biomass and recovery of residues/wastes. The physical characterisation and chemistry of biorenewable feedstocks such as bioenergy crops, algae (micro- and macro-), forestry residues, agricultural residues, and organic municipal waste are examined. The module will examine the varying supply chains (collection, storage, transport) for different biomass sources for further processing to bioenergy and bioproducts via biorefining. The focus of the module is on the application of engineering science to develop integrated biomass feedstock management systems with an emphasis on sustainability.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to;
(1) Display knowledge and understanding to identify, quantify and and characterise the feedstocks that are suited for the bioeconomy and identify markets each biomass can be used for.
(2) Analyse the essential processes and technologies involved in biomass production, resource recovery and pre-treatment.
(3) Understand the logistics and optimisation of biomass supply chains.
(4) Calculate design parameters and efficiencies of sustainable biomass production and supply chains.
(5) Critically analyse relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

18

Tutorial

6

Specified Learning Activities

24

Autonomous Student Learning

26

Online Learning

24

Total

98

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The majority of teaching will be delivered through lectures during which there will be class discussion where appropriate.
The tutorials will be based on a problem-based learning approach during which students will engage in group work.
The individual journal entries will be based on reflective learning.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
BSEN40190 - Adv Biofuels & Renew Energ


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Journal: Reflective Journal on contribution to group project Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10

Assignment: Final assignment Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50

Continuous Assessment: Individual project Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The tutorials for this module will involve group work. These will be interactive, discussion-based tutorials and students will receive group feedback as they work through the tutorial. Individual reflective journals are an element of the assessment for this module. Students will receive feedback on their journal entries, this will be given periodically throughout the semester.

Name Role
Dr Fionnuala Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Amanda Sosa Tutor
Dr Joseph Sweeney Tutor
Luis Alejandro Vergara Tutor