045665 Introduction to Biosystems Engineering

Details
Department of Agricultural Sciences
Earliest Possible Year7
Duration1 semester
 
Credits15 (ECTS)
Course LevelMSc
 
Examinationevaluation of project report


Aid allowed

Description of Examination: pass/fail, internal examiner

Evaluation of project report and oral examination
 
Organisation of TeachingNote that the course is conducted full time in the first half of the semester (first 9 weeks), 1st September to 31st of October 2003. Thus all teaching (lectures, exercises, group-work, case-stuidies, supevision) will be by appointment.
 
Block PlacementE SUP
 
Teaching LanguageEnglish
 
Optional Prerequisites025111 
025121 
015311 Mathematics, basic course
010611 Statistics, Basic Course
(Applied Physics either A or B). B.Sc. in appropriate area from other universities and with similar prerequisites.
 
Restrictions45, no more than 20 from one country
 
Course Objectives
The course objective is to make the students competent in selecting and applying fundamental systems analysis tools (Life Cycle Analysis, Mass and Energy Flow Analysis, Environmental Impact Assessment, Cost Benefit Analysis and Foot Print Analysis), in order to perform holistic analysis, modeling, development and synthesis of technology for bio-production systems.
 
Course Contents
The course is initiated by an overview of biosystems engineering , and an overview of the principles used in a system approach (Systems Analysis and Design, Life Cycle Analysis, Mass and Energy Flow analysis, Cost Benefit analysis and Foot Print Analysis, Environmental Impact Assessment) to evaluate and develop bio-production systems. Methods and tools for definition of system concepts, system requirement specification and problem identification will be introduced as well as theory and practical use of selected basic methodologies for assessment and development of bio-production systems, such as GPS, GIS, GPRS, ICT, ISO standards, Spatial Statistics. Students will practice the application of these methodologies on a range of operating bio-production systems. Finally, a thorough analyses and development plan for a selected system will be carried out as a group project-work, applying appropriate methodologies.

The course is jointly organized by the NOVA-University (HU, KVL. NHL, SLU and BH). The joint course aims at creating a strong student identity in relation to biosystems engineering and to establish networks between students, NOVA-faculties, research stations and companies as a basis for subject choice and collaboration (projects and internships) in subsequent elements of the Biosystems Engineering programme.

Having passed the course students should:
· Know the range of production technologies within biosystems engineering as well as their main characteristics,
· Understand the principles of the systems approach in problem solving and development,
· Be able to use selected basic tools for analysis, modeling, simulation (simulink) and development of technology for bio-processes,
· Know a representative range of biosystems engineering actors within the NOVA university framework, Nordic research stations, manufacturers and operators,
· Have obtained experience in problem based, interdisciplinary group work.
 
Teaching And Learning Methods
The course is defined within the NOVA framework and as such demands full time study during the 9-week course period. The first 2 weeks will be spent on introduction to basic methodologies of biosystems engineering. During the following 3 weeks students will travel through the Nordic countries by bus, visiting selected companies, research stations and campuses. At each company/research station a company representative and a NOVA University staff member will give presentations on issues related to the actual biosystem production unit. Also students will be given related assignments that are to be solved in groups, and presented and discussed in plenum afterwards. The groups, which preferably should be formed by members from different countries and different disciplines, should also choose and describe a subject for the project work during the last 4 weeks of the course, normally in collaboration with an appropriate company/research station. Group collaboration may be arranged over the internet. The groups have to choose a system and describe and analyse the whole system or part of it, applying appropriate methodologies and putting forward sustainable systems development/optimization plans of the present and the future of the system. In relation to the excursion students will have to contribute to travel expenses equivalent to approximately ~ 300 Euro.
 
Course Litterature
A course compendium will be made available at the beginning of the course at production costs.
 
Course Coordinator
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Christer Nielsson, christer.nilsson@vv.slu.se, Department of Agricultural Sciences/DSH guests, Phone: 3528
Henrik Have, hha@kvl.dk, Department of Agricultural Sciences/Environment, Resources and Technology, Phone: 35283571
 
Study Board
Study Committee AHJ
 
Course Scope
lectures55
Excursions95
preparation120
project work170
examination10

450