Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title CHEM384 - Biorenewable Chemicals from Biomass
Code CHEM384
Coordinator Prof JA Lopez-Sanchez
Chemistry
J.Lopez-Sanchez@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):

 

Aims

• To provide the students with basic knowledge of the chemistry of biomass and its applications.
• To develop the skills required to evaluate routes to biorenewable chemicals, taking into consideration current economic, technological and sustainability issues.
• To provide the students with an understanding of the current transformations that the chemical industry is undergoing and to enable them to identify potential business opportunities.
• To provide the students with updated knowledge and skills in an emerging industrial activity that will widen and enhance career options.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) The students should be able to demonstrate and apply nderstanding of the main biorefinity models

(LO2) The students should be able to demonstrate and apply knowledge of Biomass composition and its sources

(LO3) The students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main systhetic routes to derive chemicals from biomass

(LO4) The students should be able to demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the main biorefinity models

(LO5) The students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the sustainability issues associated with the use of biomass

(LO6) The students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the main technologies, companies, industries, challenges and trends in the emerging bioeconomy

(LO7) The students should be able to identify and critically evaluate routes and opportunities to desired chemicals from biomass, taking into account pathways for commercialisation

(LO8) Students should be able to identify the potential applications of bioderived chemicals

(S1) skills in the evaluation, interpretation and synthesis of chemical information and data

(S2) the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts,concepts, principles and theories relating to renewable chemicals and biomass transformations

(S3) skills in communicating scientific material and arguments

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Media analysis

(S5) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S6) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking

(S7) Information skills - Information accessing:[Locating relevant information] [Identifying and evaluating information sources]

(S8) Skills in using technology - Information accessing

(S9) Commercial awareness - Relevant understanding of organisations


Teaching and Learning Strategies

The material is delivered in 18 lectures which are supported by essay feedback and support sessions.


Syllabus

 

1. The Biorefinery Concept and the Bio-based Economy
- a. Green Chemistry and Biomass
- b. Sources of Biomass and Sustainability
- c. The Biorefinery concept
- d. The Bioeconomy
2. Bioefinery Introduction and Classification
3. Main Platforms in Biomass Conversion I
- a. Syngas Platform
- b. Biogas Platform
- c. C6 and C6/C5 Sugar Platform
- d. Plant-based Oil Platform
4. Main Platforms in Biomass Conversion II
- e. Algae Oil Platform
- f. Organic solutions Platform
- g. Lignin Platform
- h. Pyrolysis Oil Platform
5. Biomass Transformations, Pretreatment of Biomass: Thermal, Chemo and Bio-catalytic Methods
6. Evaluating Biobased Product Opportunities: Resources, Examples and How to write your Essay
7. Commercial & Near Market Products: C1 and C2 containing compounds.
8. Commertial & Near Market Products: C2 containing compounds
9. Commercial & Near Ma rket Products: C3 containing compounds I
10. Commercial & Near Market Products: C3 containing compounds II
11. Commercial & Near Market Products: C4 containing compounds
12. Commercial & Near Market Products: C5 containing compounds.
13. Commercial & Near Market Products: C6 containing compounds.
14. Commercial & Near Market Products: Biorenewable Aromatic compounds.
15. Commercial & Near Market Products from Lignin
16. Biobased Chemicals:
- a. Opportunities and Growth Prediction
- b. Benefits of Integration of Fuels and Chemicals Production
- c. Product Commercialisation


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 18

  2

      20
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 55
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Formal examination  90 minutes    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
3000 word essay to utilise scientific and open access information sources to critically evaluate a particular chemical route/problem within the area of "Biorenewable Chemicals from Biomass".  Minimum 3000 words    20