From Fossil Resources to Biomass: A Chemistry Perspective from edX

The upcoming years are all about creating a sustainable future where it is necessary to move away from fossil resources and explore and implement the opportunities that biomass as a renewable energy source gives us.

Join this course if you want to learn how to create a sustainable future by moving away from dependence on fossil resources to biomass resources for the production of food, chemicals and energy-carriers. You will learn what biomass is, how to produce biomass renewable energy- and biomass fuel and how to make biobased products.

You will get a solid understanding of how chemistry works in a biobased economy and in the production of biomass renewable products. Your valuable knowledge will help your company drive into sustainability and actually make the transition to use biomass resources to produce biobased products.

You will learn about the products that can be derived from biomass and the processes used to do so.

We will explore catalytic conversion of biomass by discussing types of catalysts, special challenges for catalysis when converting biomass into biomass energy and the interplay of catalysis and up/down stream processes. Then we dive into biorefinery. Biorefinery deals with the challenge of extracting valuable biomass components and converting them to final products. To achieve this you first need knowledge of the different types of biomass, the molecules present and their chemical characteristics. Biorefinery is all about efficient processing. Aspects of processing include the harvesting, pre-treatments, conversion and separation technologies.

Stating the obvious; a biobased economy runs on biomass. To apply the gained knowledge to the production of crops, it is therefore important to understand which factors play a major role in crop growth, yield formation and quality. In this module you’ll learn to identify design criteria for the production of biobased crops on both crop- and farm level.

Join the MicroMasters programme

This MOOC is part of two MicroMasters Programs: Economics and Policies for a Circular Bio-Economy andBusiness and Operations for a Circular Bio-Economy.

The Business and Operations for a Circular Bio-Economy MicroMasters Program will provide you with the knowledge and tools to analyse the business and operations side of the switch to biobased products.

The MicroMasters Program Economics and Policies for a Circular Bio-Economy covers the economic and policy side of converting biological resources into biobased products. You will able to contribute substantially to managerial decision-making as well as policy development. Both programmes consist of 3 courses and a final project; the capstone.

Explore the other courses in the MicroMasters programmes:

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the basic chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain
Understand the factors and methods that can influence production of biobased crops
Understand how the composition and chemical nature of biomass fractions determines the processing steps within a biorefinery

Understand the potential of microorganisms for the production of biobased products.
Explain how catalysis can contribute to a biobased economy

Understand the basic chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain
Understand the factors and methods that can influence production of biobased crops
Understand how the composition and chemical nature of biomass fractions determines the processing steps within a biorefinery
Understand the potential of microorganisms for the production of biobased products.
Explain how catalysis can contribute to a biobased economy

Syllabus

1: Introduction to Biobased Sciences

Learn about the products that can be derived from biomass and the processes used to do so, compared to current fossil based products and processes.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Offers a comprehensive overview of concepts that underlie the biobased value chain

Develops a solid understanding of how chemistry operates within the biobased economy, which is a vital skill for the future workforce

Presented by internationally-recognized experts in the field

Covers a wide range of topics, including biobased chemistry, biorefinery and bioconversion

Offers optional participation in a MicroMasters program, allowing for further specialization and potential career advancement

Requires a strong foundation in chemistry and biology for successful completion

Reviews summary

Chemistry for sustainable biobased economy

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and excellent overview of the transition from fossil resources to biomass from a chemistry perspective. Students frequently commend the knowledgeable instructors from Wageningen University for their ability to clearly explain complex topics like biorefinery and catalytic conversion. The content is generally described as well-structured and relevant, providing practical insights for those interested in sustainability and chemical engineering. While many find it a solid foundation, some note that certain modules might be too theoretical or assume prior knowledge, and a few wished for deeper dives into specific chemical mechanisms or more active forum discussions.

Highly relevant for professionals seeking sustainable solutions.

"Highly recommended for professionals in sustainability or chemical engineering."

"As someone working in renewable energy, this course gave me a much-needed broader perspective on the entire value chain."

"The focus on sustainability is crucial. The content on bioconversion and chemical conversion was well-presented."

"This course gave me a much-needed broader perspective on the entire value chain."

Instructors are highly knowledgeable and effective communicators.

"The instructors from Wageningen University are very knowledgeable and explain complex topics like biorefinery and catalytic conversion clearly."

"The instructors simplify complex chemical processes effectively."

"The instructors did a good job. My main critique is that the forum discussions were not very active."

"I found the module on chemical conversion very insightful, showing the challenges and solutions."

Provides a broad, holistic understanding of the biobased economy.

"This course provides an excellent overview of the transition from fossil fuels to biomass, focusing on the chemical perspective."

"A truly comprehensive course! It covers everything from biomass production to advanced chemical conversion processes."

"Excellent course for anyone interested in the future of energy and materials. I learned a lot about biomass types, production, and various conversion methods."

"Solid introduction to the chemical aspects of the biobased economy. I appreciated the balance between theory and practical applications."

Quizzes and forum activity could be improved for some.

"My main critique is that the forum discussions were not very active, which made it harder to clarify doubts or engage with peers."

"The quizzes were also sometimes poorly worded, making it hard to understand what was being asked."

"The practical examples were helpful when they were included, but I wished there were more."

Inconsistent pacing and a high-level overview for some learners.

"The course has good information, but I found the pace inconsistent. Some modules moved too quickly through complex chemical concepts, assuming prior knowledge..."

"I found this course quite challenging. While the topic is important, the lectures often jumped between concepts without clear transitions."

"The course covers a lot of ground, which is good, but sometimes it felt a bit superficial on certain chemical topics. As a chemist, I was hoping for more in-depth explanations..."

"It's more of a high-level overview for a broader audience rather than a deep dive for specialists."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in From Fossil Resources to Biomass: A Chemistry Perspective with these activities:

Review Biological Systems

Show steps

This course requires a basic understanding of biological systems.

Browse courses on Biological Molecules

Show steps

Review your notes or summaries from relevant classes.
Go over visual aids and diagrams related to the topics.
Solve practice problems or do self-test questions if available.

Find a Mentor in the Biobased Field

Show steps

A mentor can provide you with valuable guidance, support, and insights into the biobased industry.

Show steps

Identify professionals in the biobased field who are willing to mentor.
Reach out to potential mentors via email, LinkedIn, or industry events.
Explain your career goals and interests in the field.
Set up regular meetings to discuss your progress and receive feedback.

Attend Industry Webinars and Conferences

Show steps

Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and connect with professionals in the biobased industry.

Show steps

Identify relevant industry webinars and conferences.
Register and attend the events.
Take notes on key insights and industry trends.
Network with speakers and attendees.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Solve Catalyst Equations

Show steps

Regularly practicing catalysis equations will help you better understand their role in the biobased economy.

Browse courses on Catalysis

Show steps

Find a list of common catalysis equations.
Solve the equations to find the products and reactants.
Check your answers against a key or ask a tutor if needed.

Follow Crop Modelling Tutorials

Show steps

Search for and follow tutorials on crop modelling software and simulation tools to enhance your understanding of factors impacting crop growth and yield.

Show steps

Identify suitable tutorials or online courses on crop modelling.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, working through the examples.
Apply the modelling techniques to analyze real-world crop scenarios.
Share your results and discuss them with peers or mentors.

Contribute to Open-Source Bioenergy Projects

Show steps

Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the advancement of bioenergy technologies.

Show steps

Identify open-source bioenergy projects on platforms like GitHub.
Choose a project that aligns with your interests and skillset.
Read the project documentation and contribute to code or documentation.
Test your changes and submit pull requests.

Design a Bioconversion Process

Show steps

This deliverable will help you apply the principles of bioconversion and fermentation to a practical process.

Browse courses on Bioconversion

Show steps

Choose a specific target molecule or product you want to produce.
Research and select the most suitable microorganisms for your process.
Design the bioreactor and fermentation conditions.
Outline the downstream processing steps for product purification.
Write a report summarizing your design and its potential impact.

Career center

Learners who complete From Fossil Resources to Biomass: A Chemistry Perspective will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Biobased Innovation Scientist

Scientists working on Biobased Innovations research and develop biobased products and technologies. They use their knowledge of chemistry, biology, engineering, and other fields to create new materials, processes, and products that are derived from renewable resources, helping to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and create a more sustainable future. This course provides a solid foundation in the chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain, which is essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biobased Innovation Scientist

Bioprocess Engineer

Bioprocess Engineers design, develop, and operate processes for the production of biobased products. They use their knowledge of biology, chemistry, and engineering to optimize these processes for efficiency and productivity. This course provides a strong foundation in the chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain, as well as in biorefinery and bioconversion processes, which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bioprocess Engineer

Biomass Production Specialist

Biomass Production Specialists manage the production of biomass for use in biobased products and energy. They develop and implement strategies to improve crop yields and quality, and they work with farmers to ensure that biomass is produced in a sustainable manner. This course provides a strong foundation in the factors and methods that can influence production of biobased crops, which is essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomass Production Specialist

Biorefinery Manager

Biorefinery Managers oversee the operation of biorefineries, which convert biomass into biobased products and energy. They are responsible for ensuring that the biorefinery operates efficiently and profitably, and they work with engineers and scientists to develop new products and processes. This course provides a strong foundation in the chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain, as well as in biorefinery and bioconversion processes, which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biorefinery Manager

Biofuels Scientist

Biofuels Scientists research and develop biofuels, which are renewable fuels that are produced from biomass. They use their knowledge of chemistry, biology, and engineering to develop new biofuels that are more efficient and environmentally friendly. This course provides a strong foundation in the chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain, as well as in biorefinery and bioconversion processes, which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biofuels Scientist

Industrial Biotechnology Engineer

Industrial Biotechnology Engineers design, develop, and operate processes for the production of biobased products using biotechnology. They use their knowledge of biology, chemistry, and engineering to optimize these processes for efficiency and productivity. This course provides a strong foundation in the chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain, as well as in bioconversion processes, which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Biotechnology Engineer

Biobased Materials Scientist

Biobased Materials Scientists research and develop new materials that are derived from renewable resources. They use their knowledge of chemistry, biology, and materials science to create new materials that are stronger, lighter, and more sustainable than traditional materials. This course provides a strong foundation in the chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain, which is essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biobased Materials Scientist

Circular Bioeconomy Consultant

Circular Bioeconomy Consultants help businesses and organizations to transition to a circular bioeconomy, which is a sustainable economic model that is based on the use of renewable resources. They provide advice on how to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and develop new biobased products. This course provides a strong foundation in the chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain, as well as in the economic and policy aspects of a circular bioeconomy, which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Circular Bioeconomy Consultant

Biomimicry Specialist

Biomimicry Specialists use nature as a model for innovation. They study the structures, functions, and behaviors of plants and animals to develop new products and technologies that are more sustainable and efficient. This course may provide a useful foundation in the chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain, which can be applied to the development of biomimetic products and technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomimicry Specialist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activities. They develop and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution, climate change, and waste management. This course may provide a useful foundation in the chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain, which can be applied to the development of sustainable solutions to environmental problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Agricultural Scientist

Agricultural Scientists research and develop new ways to produce food and fiber. They study the genetics, physiology, and ecology of plants and animals to develop new crops and livestock breeds that are more productive and resistant to pests and diseases. This course may provide a useful foundation in the factors and methods that can influence production of biobased crops, which can be applied to the development of new crops for food and fiber production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Scientist

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, develop, and operate processes for the production of chemicals and other products. They use their knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, and engineering to optimize these processes for efficiency and productivity. This course may provide a useful foundation in the chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain, which can be applied to the development of new processes for the production of biobased products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new materials for use in a variety of applications, such as electronics, aerospace, and medicine. They study the structure, properties, and behavior of materials to develop new materials that are stronger, lighter, and more durable. This course may provide a useful foundation in the chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain, which can be applied to the development of new biobased materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Biochemist

Biochemists study the chemical reactions that occur in living organisms. They use their knowledge of chemistry, biology, and physics to understand how cells function and how diseases develop. This course may provide a useful foundation in the chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain, which can be applied to the development of new biobased products and processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biochemist

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design, develop, and operate systems to protect the environment from pollution. They use their knowledge of chemistry, biology, and engineering to develop solutions to environmental problems, such as air and water pollution, and hazardous waste management. This course may provide a useful foundation in the chemical and technological concepts underlying the biobased value chain, which can be applied to the development of new processes for the production of biobased products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer