Course Description Document

Course Title
Advanced Bioprocess Engineering

Course Aims
This course is offered as an option in the 3rd and 4th years of the undergraduate programme, as well
as the MSc programme. Its primary aim is to review the relevant fundamentals of biochemistry,
microbiology, and molecular biology, coupled with process engineering principles to the design and
operation of fermentation reactors which are widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, brewing and
waste treatment industries. Aspects of mass transfer, heat transfer, mixing and rheology with
biochemical and biological constraints will be presented.

Course Syllabus
The following topics will be covered in the course:

Overview & Introduction

Cellular Systems
Metabolism
Monoclonal Antibody Engineering Technology & Genetic Engineering
Cellular & Process Characterisation
Proteomics, Genomics & Metabolomics
Cellular Therapies
Analysis of Data & Design of Experiments
Reactors, Fluid Flow, Mixing & Scaling-up
Modelling of bioprocesses

Pre-Requisites
None.

Learning Outcomes
Specific objectives of the course are to:

Introduction of the principles behind cellular engineering

cell types
glycosylation
cell cycle

metabolism
Introduction of the principles behind Monoclonal Antibody Technology & Generic Engineering
Introduction of the principles of cellular & process characterisation
monitoring
flow cytometry
ELISA
Genomics
Proteomics
Metabolomics
Introduction of the principles of cellular therapies
Introduction of the principles of data analyses & design of experiments
Introduction of the principles behind fermentation processes, such as
reactor design
impeller design and mixing
aeration
sterilisation
operation modes
process scale-up
Introduction the principles of modelling of bioprocess

Teaching Methods
I strongly advise you to attend all the lectures since I expect you to learn and understand the
material presented during the lectures.
The following rules will apply during my lectures:
The lectures start on the hour.
Do not be late out of courtesy to your fellow students and because it
annoys me.
Keep all unnecessary noises to a minimum.
Ask any questions you may have. I seek an active participation on
your part.
Problem sheets will be provided and discussed in the lectures. There is no assessment of the
problem sheets.
Weekly office hours have been scheduled and timetabled. Office hours are intended for you
to come to my office and ask me any questions you may have regarding the course. I will
answer your questions but I will not be redelivering my lectures.

Assessment
A final exam in June will evaluate your understanding of the material. You will be responsible for all
the material presented in the lectures and included in the handouts. I will not be requiring you to
know any additional information contained in the assigned reading, since this is to assist you in
understanding the presented material.

Reading List
You are responsible for all the material that is covered in the lectures. Your lecture notes
and problem sheets are the only required material for the examination. Further
reading is provided to assist you with the understanding of the material
presented; however, it should be used only as a reference.
For even more in depth reading into biochemical engineering principles, refer
to:
1. Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals, J.E. Bailey & D.F.
Ollis (Chemical Engineering Library)