280005 Introduction to Biosystems Engineering

Details
Department of Agricultural Sciences
Earliest Possible YearMSc. 1 year
DurationOne block
 
Credits15 (ECTS)
Course LevelMSc
Core course for NOVA framework in Biosystems Engineering (NORBE)
 
ExaminationContinuous Assessment

written examination and oral examination

Portfolio Examination


All aids allowed

Description of Examination: The portfolio consists of a written project report, exercises and cases and the log book associated with the excursion. The portfolio examination will start with an oral presentation by the students of their project followed by questioning from the examiners on topics related to the presentation and their portfolio

Weight: Project report: 50% Oral presentation of project: 20% Portfolio examination: 30%



13-point scale, internal examiner
 
Requirement For Attending ExamCompleted min. 75% of exercises and cases, and submitted excursion log book
 
Organisation of TeachingLectures Exercises Cases Excursion Project work
 
Block PlacementBlock 1
Week Structure: B

Block 1
Week Structure: C
 
Teaching LanguageEnglish
 
Optional PrerequisitesBSc in an agricultural/food, natural resource, engineering or related area
 
Areas of Competence the Course Will Address
Basic sciences: None

Applied Science and Technology:
Understand the range of technologies within biosystems engineering as well as their main design and performance characteristics

Understand the principles of the systems approach for problem definition, analysis, development and utilization of technology in bioproduction systems

Apply selected tools for analysis, modelling, simulation and development of technology for bio-processes

Knowledge of a representative range of biosystems engineering actors within the NOVA university framework, Nordic research stations, manufacturers and operators

Apply the principles of problem oriented, interdisciplinary group work

Ethics and values:
Reflect on environmental and resource economic aspects
 
Course Objectives
Biosystems engineering is an emerging discipline that integrates life sciences with technology in the advancement and application of fundamental concepts of biological systems.

The course objective is to introduce students to the diversity of engineering and technology applications in bio-production and bio-processing systems, and competent in selecting and applying systems analysis tools to perform holistic analysis, modelling, development and synthesis of biosystems technologies.
 
Course Contents
The course is initiated by an overview of biosystems engineering areas and applications encompassing the entire food production system, from the management of natural resources, to the production, storage, handling, processing and utilization of food, fiber and other biological products. This is followed by an introduction to the principles and key methods, including computational tools, for a systems approach to analysis, design synthesis and evaluation of technology in and for biological production systems. Topics include Problem Identification, Systems Analysis, Mass and Energy Flow analysis, Life Cycle Analysis, Cost Benefit Analysis, Foot Print Analysis, Environmental Impact Assessment, Stereology and Image Analysis, and ISO Standards.
 
Teaching And Learning Methods
The course is jointly organized by NOVA-University (HU, KVL, NHL, SLU and BH) and demands full time study during the 9-week course period. The first 2-3 weeks will be spent on an introduction to the types of systems and problems that biosystems engineers and technologists work with and to key tools and methodologies for the modeling, analysis, design and integration of technology in biological production systems. During the following 2-3 weeks students will travel through some of the Nordic and Baltic 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 an actual biosystem production unit. Students will also be assigned cases that are to be analysed and solved in groups, and then presented and discussed in colloquia. The project groups, which will preferably be made up of participants from different countries and different disciplines, will choose and describe a subject for the concentrated course project work which will be mainly take place over the final 4 weeks, normally in collaboration with a company or research station. Group collaboration may be arranged over the internet. The groups will choose a system and describe and analyse this system or part of it, applying appropriate methodologies and putting forward sustainable systems development/optimization plans. The 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 a Biosystems Engineering programme. In relation to the excursion students will be expected to contribute to travel expenses an amount equivalent to approximately 300 Euros.
 
Course Litterature
A course compendium will be made available at the beginning of the course at production costs
 
Course Coordinator
Dvora-Laiô Wulfsohn, dw@life.ku.dk, Department of Agricultural Sciences/Environment, Resources and Technology, Phone: 35333395
Henrik Have, hha@kvl.dk, Department of Agricultural Sciences/Environment, Resources and Technology, Phone: 35283571
Hans-Werner Griepentrog, hwg@life.ku.dk, Department of Agricultural Sciences/Environment, Resources and Technology, Phone: 35333572
 
Attendance Fee
? 300
 
Study Board
Study Committee NSN
 
Course Scope
lectures26
Colloquia20
theoretical exercises30
Excursions90
project work136
preparation108
examination2

412