Catalytic Conversions for Biobased Chemicals and Products from edX

Biomass is the only renewable feedstock which contains the carbon atoms needed to make the molecules to create chemicals, materials and fuels. However, the majority of our current scientific and industrial knowledge on conversion is based on fossil feedstock processing.

Join the MOOC Catalytic Conversions for Biobased Chemicals and Products if you want to advance your career and explore the relevant fundamental knowledge on (bio)catalytic conversionfor producing(new) biobased building blocks, chemicals and products.

The focus on this course is the design of an effective (catalytic) process for the conversions of biobased feedstocks to desired products. Unique for bioconversion is the presence of the elements O, N, P, S and large quantities of water. You will therefore will explore:

Microbial, biochemical and chemical (i.e., catalytic) conversion routes.
How to use biocatalysts, home- or heterogeneous catalysts and optimize the process of conversion. Tune catalysts to their specific advantages and disadvantages for biobased conversions.
The influence of the reactor choice as an inevitable asset in the process.
How to describe the productivity of catalytic processes depending on the choice of the reactor and how the choice of the reactor can add to the stability of the conversion process.

The knowledge gained in this course will allow you to design processes specifically targeted on biomass based conversions. Learners will also have the opportunity to interact with chemists, engineers and scientists who mainly focus on the traditional fossil-based conversions.

This course is part of the MicroMasters Program in Chemistry and Technology for Sustainability: a series of 3 courses and a final capstone project designed togive you the skills needed tocontribute toand embrace the transition from a fossil-based economy to a biobased one. It's especially valuable to those who have (or ambition to have) a career in industries such as: the (bio)chemical industry, agrifood water companies, energy producers, logistics, and related (non-)governmental organizations.

Explore the other courses in the MicroMasters Program:

Biorefinery: From Biomass to Building Blocks of Biobased Products
From Fossil Resources to Biomass: A Business and Economics Perspective
Capstone Chemistry and Technology - Final project and exam (only available to learners who have obtained verified certificates in all other courses of the MicroMasters programme).

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to efficiently convert biobased feedstocks into desired products
To understand, evaluate and design a process based on either homogeneous, heterogeneous or biocatalysts

Critically evaluate the pros and cons of a biobased conversion route vs a fossil-based conversion route

How to efficiently convert biobased feedstocks into desired products
To understand, evaluate and design a process based on either homogeneous, heterogeneous or biocatalysts
Critically evaluate the pros and cons of a biobased conversion route vs a fossil-based conversion route

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Biobased ConversionsThis introduction module starts by refreshing your knowledge of the three pillars of this course: chemical conversions, microbial conversions and reactor design. You'll then be introduced to homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, learn about anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms and start applying mass balances on different types of reactors.

Module 2: Development and Performance of CatalystsHere the focus is on the catalyst. You learn how heterogeneous catalysts are synthesised and how a suitable microorganism or mixed culture is selected. It's also important to verify if your conversion has been efficient. You'll therefore learn several methods of how to quantify the performance of your catalyst.

Module 3: Reaction Kinetics in Reactor DesignA perfect catalyst can still give disappointing results if it's not run under ideal conditions. In this module, deactivation processes are central and you will study how to account for them in reaction kinetics. We'll also counter thermal deactivation either by cooling with cold water or by evaporation.

Module 4: Improving Biobased Conversion ProcessesIn this module, we'll touch upon improving a biobased conversion process. You'll see what tools are useful for the characterisation of your catalyst and we'll touch upon strain engineering. You'll also learn how to determine the limiting factor that impacts your conversion rate. Finally, we will take a closer look at improving conversion rates in heterogeneous catalysts.

Module 5: ExamIt's time to test what you have learned on biobased conversion processes!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for professionals with a career in the (bio)chemical industry, agrifood water companies, energy producers, logistics, and related (non-)governmental organizations

Taught by experts Harry Bitter and Marian Vermue, who focus on traditional fossil-based conversions

Examines biobased conversions, which are highly relevant to the transition from a fossil-based economy to a biobased one

Teaches learners how to design processes based on either homogeneous, heterogeneous, or biocatalysts

Provides a foundation in chemical conversions, microbial conversions, and reactor design

May require students to have some background knowledge in chemistry and biology

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 Catalytic Conversions for Biobased Chemicals and Products with these activities:

Seek Mentorship from Industry Professionals in Biobased Chemicals

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Connect with experts in the field of biobased chemicals to gain insights, career guidance, and support.

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Identify potential mentors through professional networking events, industry conferences, or online platforms.
Reach out to potential mentors via email or LinkedIn, expressing your interest and qualifications.
Prepare for meetings with mentors by researching their backgrounds and preparing questions.

Review Chemical Engineering Fundamentals

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Refresh your knowledge of chemical engineering fundamentals to strengthen your understanding of the underlying principles of biobased conversions.

Browse courses on Chemical Engineering

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Review your notes and textbooks from previous chemical engineering courses.
Go over online resources and videos that provide overviews of chemical engineering concepts.
Take practice quizzes and answer end-of-chapter questions to test your understanding.

Participate in Study Groups for Biocatalysis Discussions

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Engage with peers in study groups to discuss complex concepts, share perspectives, and enhance your comprehension of biocatalysis.

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Join or form a study group with other students enrolled in the course.
Choose specific topics or concepts related to biocatalysis for each study session.
Prepare for the sessions by reviewing course materials and gathering questions.
During the sessions, actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights.

Four other activities

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Practice Quantitative Reaction Kinetics Problems

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Enhance your problem-solving skills in quantitative reaction kinetics by seeking out and following guided tutorials.

Browse courses on Chemical Kinetics

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Look for video tutorials or online simulations that walk through reaction kinetics problems.
Identify practice problems and exercises in your textbook or online sources.
Follow the steps provided in the tutorials to solve the problems, paying attention to the underlying concepts.

Solve Practice Problems on Reactor Design

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Strengthen your understanding of reactor design principles by engaging in repetitive practice problems.

Browse courses on Reactor Design

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Find practice problems and exercises in your textbook or online resources.
Attempt to solve the problems independently, referring to your notes and course materials as needed.
Check your solutions against provided answer keys or consult with your instructor for feedback.

Develop a Mind Map for Biobased Conversion Processes

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Create a visual representation of the key concepts and interconnections in biobased conversion processes to enhance your understanding and retention.

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Brainstorm the main themes and subtopics related to biobased conversions.
Organize and categorize the topics into a logical structure using branches and sub-branches.
Add annotations, notes, and examples to each branch to explain the concepts.

Volunteer at a Biofuel Production Facility

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Gain practical experience in biobased conversions by volunteering at a facility that produces biofuels.

Browse courses on Biofuels

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Research and identify biofuel production facilities in your area.
Contact the facilities to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend orientation and safety training provided by the facility.
Assist with tasks related to biofuel production, such as monitoring equipment, collecting samples, or performing quality control tests.

Career center

Learners who complete Catalytic Conversions for Biobased Chemicals and Products will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Catalysis Scientist

Catalysis Scientists research and develop new catalysts for use in various chemical processes, including the production of biobased chemicals and products. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of catalysis, including the design, synthesis, and characterisation of catalysts. The course also covers topics such as reaction kinetics and reactor design, which are essential for the development of efficient and selective catalysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Catalysis Scientist

Bioprocess Engineer

Bioprocess Engineers design and optimise processes for the production of biobased chemicals and products using biological systems. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of biobased conversions, including microbial, biochemical, and chemical (i.e., catalytic) conversion routes. The course also covers topics such as reactor design and process optimisation, which are essential for the successful implementation of bioprocesses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bioprocess Engineer

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design and implement chemical processes for the production of various products, including biobased chemicals and products. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of catalytic conversions, which are essential for the development of efficient and sustainable chemical processes. The course also covers topics such as reactor design and process optimisation, which are critical for the successful implementation of chemical processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Process Engineer

Process Engineers design and optimise processes for the production of chemicals and products, including biobased chemicals and products. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of process design and optimisation, including topics such as mass and energy balances, reactor design, and process control. The course also covers specific topics related to biobased conversions, such as the use of biocatalysts and the design of sustainable processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Process Engineer

Biotechnologist

Biotechnologists research and develop new products and processes using biological systems, including biobased chemicals and products. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of biobased conversions, including microbial, biochemical, and chemical (i.e., catalytic) conversion routes. The course also covers topics such as reactor design and process optimisation, which are essential for the successful implementation of biobased processes.

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Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new materials, including biobased materials. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of biobased conversions, including microbial, biochemical, and chemical (i.e., catalytic) conversion routes. The course also covers topics such as reactor design and process optimisation, which are essential for the successful implementation of biobased processes.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research on various topics, including the development of new biobased chemicals and products. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of biobased conversions, including microbial, biochemical, and chemical (i.e., catalytic) conversion routes. The course also covers topics such as reactor design and process optimisation, which are essential for the successful implementation of biobased processes.

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Pharmaceutical Scientist

Pharmaceutical Scientists research and develop new pharmaceutical products, including biobased pharmaceuticals. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of biobased conversions, including microbial, biochemical, and chemical (i.e., catalytic) conversion routes. The course also covers topics such as reactor design and process optimisation, which are essential for the successful implementation of biobased processes.

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Energy Engineer

Energy Engineers design and implement solutions to energy problems, including the development of sustainable processes for the production of biofuels and other energy products. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of biobased conversions, which are essential for the development of sustainable processes. The course also covers topics such as reactor design and process optimisation, which are essential for the successful implementation of biobased processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Engineer

Agricultural Scientist

Agricultural Scientists research and develop new agricultural products and processes, including biobased products. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of biobased conversions, including microbial, biochemical, and chemical (i.e., catalytic) conversion routes. The course also covers topics such as reactor design and process optimisation, which are essential for the successful implementation of biobased processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Scientist

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, including the development of sustainable processes for the production of chemicals and products. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of biobased conversions, which are essential for the development of sustainable processes. The course also covers topics such as reactor design and process optimisation, which are essential for the successful implementation of biobased processes.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide advice on environmental issues to businesses and governments. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of biobased conversions, which are essential for the development of sustainable processes. The course also covers topics such as reactor design and process optimisation, which are essential for the successful implementation of biobased processes.

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Food Scientist

Food Scientists research and develop new food products and processes, including biobased food products. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of biobased conversions, including microbial, biochemical, and chemical (i.e., catalytic) conversion routes. The course also covers topics such as reactor design and process optimisation, which are essential for the successful implementation of biobased processes.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and develop public policy, including policies related to biobased products and processes. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of biobased conversions, which are essential for understanding the potential benefits and challenges of biobased products and processes. The course also covers topics such as reactor design and process optimisation, which are essential for the successful implementation of biobased processes.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for businesses and organisations. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of biobased conversions, which are essential for understanding the potential benefits and challenges of biobased products and processes. The course also covers topics such as reactor design and process optimisation, which are essential for the successful implementation of biobased processes.

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