Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	Cell Factories
School	Chemical Engineering
Department	Chemical Engineering
Module Code	04 21317
Module Lead	Dr TW Overton
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module allows students to understand the principles of the large scale industrial production of a range of molecules, both pharmaceuticals and chemicals, by fermentation and cell culture. The module comprises one week of seminars, tutorials and practical classes and one week in the pilot plant. Material covered will include: choice of production system based on product (bacterial, yeast, eukaryotic cell); benefits and weaknesses of each system; the way in which each system can be used industrially at a variety of scales; and analytical techniques for monitoring upstream bioprocesses. The enquiry-based learning module design will allow students to construct their own learning path through the module material and complete a portfolio of coursework that will be assessed to determine whether learning outcomes have been met.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the mod7le the student should be able to: Describe and compare the principles of animal, insect, bacterial, yeast and fungal cell culture. Discuss the problems associated with the scale-up of such bioprocesses. Present and criticise a current relevant research paper to an audience of peers. Discuss the advantages/disadvantages of the wide range of analytical techniques used for monitoring bio-processes and apply such knowledge to the design and operation of bioreactors for specific industrial bioprocesses. Plan and carryout laboratory and pilot scale fermentation processes and make process decisions based upon process measurements.
Assessment	21317-01 : Main Report : Coursework (60%) 21317-03 : Paper Critique : Coursework (20%) 21317-04 : Practical Report : Coursework (20%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 20% virtual poster session, 20% virtual practical, 60% written coursework. Reassessment: 100% written coursework.
Other	None
Reading List	Bailey, JE & Ollis, DF (1986) Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals 2nd Edition. McGraw Hill Shapiro, H.M. (ed.) (2003) Practical Flow Cytometry. 3rd edn. Alan R. Liss Inc., New York. Ratledge C & Kristiansen B (2006) Basic Biotechnology 3rd Edition. Cambridge University press Stryer L (1995) Biochemistry 4th Edition. WH Freeman & Company