Module Details

Module Code: AGRI S9Z06
Full Title: Bioremediation & Bioenergy
Valid From:: Semester 2 - 2018/19 ( February 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner:: Siobhan Jordan
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: This module focuses on issues of current importance to the agriculture sector in the areas of bioremediation and bioenergy. This module examines recent developments in the areas of bioremediation, bioenergy and biofuel development, including consideration of regulatory and ethical aspects where appropriate.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Critically evaluate existing and emerging technologies in the area of bioremediation.
MLO2 Examine, evaluate and apply the fundamental principles, operating criterias and design options for the conversion of biomass to bioenergy.
MLO3 Appraise the environmental impact, efficiency and sustainability of current and future energy sources and uses.
MLO4 Critically reflect on regulatory and ethical issues related to energy production.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Bioremediation
Fundamental principles; Site characterization; In situ and ex situ techniques for treating soils and aquatic systems contaminated by pollutants including hydrocarbons, solvents, pesticides and dioxins; Bioreactor design and application; Bioremediation using adapted cultures and genetically-engineered microbes; Phytoremediation; Phycoremediation.
Sustainable Bioenergy Production
Technical and economic feasibility and environmental sustainability of different biomass feedstocks; Sustainable energy options in agriculture; Bioenergy processing technologies (Fermentation, transesterification, anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, gasification); Design and analyses of bioenergy production systems; Different biorefinery systems and concepts including lignocellulosic feedstock, microalgae, whole-crop and green biorefinery; Emerging technologies.
Energy Smart Agriculture
Global energy trends; Energy security; Sustainable energy options in Agriculture; Direct and indirect energy consumption in Agriculture; Energy efficiency and energy conservation; Energy inputs and GHG emissions. Methods of energy analysis; Carbon balances; Use of biomass and biomass waste for carbon-neutral production of biofuel, electricity and biofertilizers.
Energy Policy and Regulation
EU legislation and energy policy (RES-Directive, Biofuels Directive); Overview of National Regulations (National Renewable Energy Action Plans); Emissions trading.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work40.00%
Final Examination60.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Group Project % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will work in a group to conduct a detailed energy analysis of a selected agricultural system.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The students will complete an advanced laboratory class in fermentation technology during which they will work in groups to design and carry out their own experiment to produce bioethanol from selected sugar substrates. Students will be required to submit a comprehensive report on the experiment.
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be asked to answer 3 out of 4 questions.
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Weekly lectures will be delivered in 1 x 3 hour block which will allow time for group discussion and student engagement. All lecture notes will be provided to the students through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This VLE will also be used for access to helpful YouTube video clips, pod casts and peer reviewed publications of interest to the course. Every Week 2.77 2.77
Practical Contact Advanced laboratory practical class in Fermentation Technology Once per semester 0.40 6
Lecture Contact Master class 'Energy efficiency analysis in Agriculture' Once per semester 0.20 3
Online (Contact) Contact Online Discussion Forum Twice per semester 0.13 1
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 6.00 6
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 11.50
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.50
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Pepper, I. L., Gerba, C.P., Gentry, T.J.. (2015), Environmental Microbiology, 3rd Ed.. Academic Press.
  • Bundschuh, J. & Chen, G.. (2014), Sustainable Energy Solutions in Agriculture, CRC Press.
  • Hillel, D.. (2008), Soil in the Environment, Academic Press.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Boyle, G.. (2012), Renewable Energy, 3rd Ed.. Oxford University Press.
  • Cushion, E., Whiteman, A., Dieterie, G.. (2009), Bioenergy development: Issues and impacts for poverty and natural resource.
  • Silveira, S.. (2005), Bioenergy: Realising the potential, Oxford University Press.
  • Heldt, H-W., Piechulla, B.. (2011), Plant Biochemistry, 4th Ed.. Academic Press.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • E.F. Aransiola, T.V. Ojumu, O.O. Oyekola, T.F. Madzimbamuto,. (2014), A review of current technology for biodiesel production: State of the art, Biomass and Bioenergy, 61, p.276.
  • N. Sarkar, S. K. Ghosh, S. Bannerjee, K. Aikat. (2012), Bioethanol production from agricultural wastes: An overview, Renewable Energy, 37, p.19.
  • M. Balat. (2011), Production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic materials via the biochemical, 52, p.858.
  • J. Mata-Alvarez, J.Dosta, M.S.Romero-Güiza, X.Fonoll, M.Peces, S.Astals. (2014), A critical review on anaerobic co-digestion achievements between 2010 and 2013, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 36, p.383.
  • H. Long, X. Li, H. Wang, J. Jia. (2013), Biomass resources and their bioenergy potential estimation:Areview, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 26, p.344.
  • L. López-Bellidoa, J. Wery, R. J. López-Bellido. (2014), Energy crops: Prospects in the context of sustainable agriculture, European Journal of Agronomy, 60, p.1.
Other Resources