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BSEN30310

Academic Year 2024/2025

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

Subject:
Biosystems Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Biosystems & Food Engineering
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Fionnuala Murphy
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will introduce students to the fundamental principles of biomass feedstock supply for the bioeconomy, with a focus on both dedicated production of biomass and recovery of residues/wastes. The physical characterisation and chemistry of biorenewable feedstocks such as bioenergy crops, algae, forestry , and agricultural residues 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.

About this Module

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 biomass resource availability considering the sustainability and logistics of biomass production and supply chains.
(5) Critically analyse relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

Indicative Module Content:

Week 1: Introduction to Bioeconomy Feedstocks
Weeks 2 and 3: Biomass Resource Assessment and Characterisation
Weeks 4 to 6: Bioeconomy Feedstocks: Specific Case Studies (part 1)
Weeks 7 to 9: Bioeconomy Supply Chains and Logistics
Weeks 10 and 11: Bioeconomy Feedstocks: Specific Case Studies (part 2)
Week 12: Project Work

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Specified Learning Activities

48
Autonomous Student Learning

26
Online Learning

6
Total

104

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.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


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


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: Individual assignment on biomass resource assessment. Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
45
 Yes
Group Work Assignment: Group project on regional biomass supply chain development. Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
55
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
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.

Reading and support material will be provided on a regular basis within the module in Brightspace.

Name Role
Dr Fionnuala Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Antonio Calvi Tutor
Maneesh Mediboyina Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 13:00 - 14:50
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