Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. This course explores the scientific and technological foundations of bioenergy. Students will critically analyze feedstocks across the three major generations of biofuels, assessing their unique characteristics, applications and limitations. Key enabling technologies — including pretreatment methods, fermentation processes and conversion pathways — are examined in depth. The course covers topics such as ethanol, biodiesel, biogas, biohydrogen and other emerging biofuels and bioproducts, reinforced through case studies and applied quantitative analyses of yield and productivity. Broader discussions and projects highlight recent advances in bioenergy research and the integration of biorefinery concepts, preparing students to critically assess the challenges and opportunities of the field. Prerequisites: BESC 201 and junior or senior classification.