Theory and Practices for Photobioreactors
About the course
PhD course mainly aimed at PHOTOSYNTECH students. The course is also available to non-photosyntech students from UiT and Nord. It is not available as a singular course.
This course will introduce PHOTOSYNTECH PhD students to the fundamentals of photobioreactors by linking basic theory to operational demonstrations and data interpretation. By the end of this course students will have sound theoretical knowledge enabling them to model and design various configurations of photobioreactors. Case studies, reflecting the interests of the instructors, will emphasize examples involving marine diatoms, green algae and heterotroph/mixotroph strategies. Each student will be expected to investigate at least one topic in depth and develop a professional quality review article accompanied by a class presentation.
Admission requirements
Objectives of the course
Course content
- Basic theory of microbial and photosynthetic growth/reaction kinetics
- Basic theory of mass balances and gas transfer in bioreactors
- Demonstration of industrial scale algal cultivation for carbon capture and utilization
Knowledge:
- The course aims enable students to develop quantitative problem-solving skills, a basic theoretical understanding and design criterea related photosynthetic organisms cultivated in bioreactors.
Skills:
- Students will develop the ability to apply knowledge of modern biology to different biotechnology, bioengineering and ecology applications
- They will develop the ability to independently gain technical knowledge from available scientific literature
- Students will develop basic skills enabling them to solve quantitative problems related to the design and operation of photobioreactors including reactive mass balances and mass transfer principles.
- They will develop their ability to communicate effectively in professional/technical settings
General competence:
- Gain competence that allows for a necessary understanding and problem-solving approach using the quantitative aspects of photobioreactors and , advanced cultivation of photosynthetic organisms. Students will also gain a basic competence of industrial mass cultivation of marine microalgae.
Teaching methods
The course is comprised of five online lectures (ca. 2 hrs) followed by an excursion to the UiT/Finnfjord Carbon Capture facitlity where they will particpate in a workshop designed to demonstrate industrial scale mass cultivation of marine microalgae.
There will be one problem-based homework assignment at the end of the online lectures. Students will work in groups to develop writen reports on the modern state of photobioreactors related to sustainablity and present this report in a student led oral workshop at the end of the course.
Language of instruction and examination
The course will be taught in English. Work requirements and exams will be given in English and must be submitted in English.Examination
| Assignment | Weighting: 1/2 |
Grade: Passed / Not Passed |
| Assignment | Weighting: 1/2 |
Grade: Passed / Not Passed |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Attendance in Finnfjord workshop | Grade: Approved – not approved |
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