BSEN30310

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Academic Year 2025/2026

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The Bioeconomy; A strategy for sustainable fuel, material and chemical production (BSEN30310)

Subject: : Biosystems Engineering

College: : Engineering & Architecture

School: : Biosystems & Food Engineering

Level: : 3 (Degree)

Credits: : 5

Module Coordinator: : Dr Antonio Calvi

Trimester: : Autumn

Mode of Delivery: : On Campus

Internship Module: : No

How will I be graded? : Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will introduce students to the fundamental principles of biomass feedstock supply for the bioeconomy, with a focus on both dedicated production of biomass and recovery of residues/wastes. The physical characterisation and chemistry of biorenewable feedstocks such as bioenergy crops, algae, forestry , and agricultural residues are examined. The module will examine the varying supply chains (collection, storage, transport) for different biomass sources for further processing to bioenergy and bioproducts via biorefining. The focus of the module is on the application of engineering science to develop integrated biomass feedstock management systems with an emphasis on sustainability.

About this Module

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What will I learn?

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to;\ (1) Display knowledge and understanding to identify, quantify and and characterise the feedstocks that are suited for the bioeconomy and identify markets each biomass can be used for.\ (2) Analyse the essential processes and technologies involved in biomass production, resource recovery and pre-treatment.\ (3) Understand the logistics and optimisation of biomass supply chains. \ (4) Calculate biomass resource availability considering the sustainability and logistics of biomass production and supply chains.\ (5) Critically analyse relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.\ \

Indicative Module Content:

Week 1: Introduction to Bioeconomy Feedstocks\ Weeks 2 and 3: Biomass Resource Assessment and Characterisation\ Weeks 4 to 6: Bioeconomy Feedstocks: Specific Case Studies (part 1)\ Weeks 7 to 9: Bioeconomy Supply Chains and Logistics\ Weeks 10 and 11: Bioeconomy Feedstocks: Specific Case Studies (part 2)\ Week 12: Project Work

How will I learn?

Student Effort Hours:

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Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

The majority of teaching will be delivered through lectures during which there will be class discussion where appropriate.\ The tutorials will be based on a problem-based learning approach during which students will engage in group work.

Am I eligible to take this module?

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.

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Module Requisites and Incompatibles

Incompatibles:\ BSEN40190 - Adv Biofuels & Renew Energ\ \ \  \

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Strategy

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Carry forward of passed components

Yes

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What happens if I fail?

Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \

Assessment feedback

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment\ • Group/class feedback, post-assessment\

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The tutorials for this module will involve group work. These will be interactive, discussion-based tutorials and students will receive group feedback as they work through the tutorial.

Reading List

Reading and support material will be provided on a regular basis within the module in Brightspace.

Associated Staff

When is this module offered?

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.

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