Key information

Next planned course: This Fall 2023 course is closed.
Registration deadline: X
Host university: NMBU
Course responsible: Svein Jarl Horn

Grading: Written assignment (pass/fail)
Credits: 5 ECTS
Format: On-site

Registration

Important! Registration is binding! Do not register for a course unless you are sure that you can attend.
This course is closed. The following information is for informational purposes only.

  1. Register to BioCat using the form at the bottom of this page
  2. Register through NMBU, the host university
    • NMBU students must register through the NMBU registration system.
    • Non-NMBU students must apply for guest status in Søknadsweb (Opens for applications July 1st. Choose “1508 enkeltemner, Ph.D” ). When guest status is approved you can register for the course in Studentweb.

Content

In the emerging bioeconomy there is a need to develop novel processes for converting biomass to a range of products, a concept often referred to as biorefining. In this regard, the application of biocatalysis is a key technology.

A biocatalytic process encompass any process that use enzymes for converting a feedstock to a product. Biocatalysis may be carried out by single enzymes, enzyme cocktails, pure cultures of microbial cells (fermentation) or microbial communities. This course will give the student a thorough understanding of enzymes, with a particular emphasis on how biocatalysis can be applied in industrial scale processes. This will include topics such as industrial enzyme production, production of second generation bioethanol, feed and food applications, and biogas production.

Lectures topics

  • Introduction-bioeconomy
  • Feedstock-lignocellulose and other waste streams
  • Sources of biocatalysts
  • Enzymes –the fundamentals
  • Industrial enzyme production
  • Fermentation
  • Microbial oils
  • Microbial communities and biogas
  • Pretreatment and enzymatic degradation of lignocellulosic biomass
  • Food and feed applications
  • Industry presentations

Work requirement

Self-study of relevant journal papers, lectures, written report on a selected topic, and oral presentation of report.

Upcoming course plan for Fall 2023

Exam and evaluation

Written assignment, Pass/fail evaluation.