Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

The student learns basic principles of biorefining processes and how especially wood based biomass can be utilized as raw material for biorefining processes.

Content (course unit)

1. Plant biomass material and potential as raw material
2. Wood: structure and potential as a bio based raw material
3. Wood based biorefining processes: mechanical and chemical pulping, chemical and thermochemical conversion
-hydrolysis and fermentation
-combustion, torrefaction, gasification, pyrolysis, liquidification
4. Special topics
a. Bioethanol production and Kraft mill
b. Bioethanol purification processes
c. Kraft mill and energy production: new process concepts

Further information (course unit)

Course material:
Papermaking science and technology. Book 20, Biorefining of forest resources
Different articles related to biomass utilization as raw material for bio based products and energy production

Assessment methods and criteria

Grading is based on lecture tasks, home assignments, group work, preliminary assignments and an exam.
Exam is a compulsory part of the course: 75%
Home assignments (10%) and group work (15%) are also a compulsory part of the course.
Preliminary assignments for visiting lecturers and lecture tasks earn you extra points.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Contact teaching, lecture tasks, home assignments, group work, preliminary assignments, visiting lecturers and an exam. An excursion might also be arranged.

Student workload

Lectures: around 32 hours
Independent work: 49 hours

Practical training and working life cooperation

Visiting lecturers from companies involved in biorefining business.

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student manages the assigned tasks under supervision. The student demonstrates weak knowledge in the exam and/or some of the course activities are missing.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student is able to combine information from different sources and make conclusions. The student demonstrates good activity and knowledge during the course. The student works responsibly as a group member.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student can combine information from different sources and make excellent conclusions of various topics. The student is very active during the lectures and the assignments are very well prepared. Student demonstrates own thinking and capabilities on drawing conclusions.
Student works responsibly and in a committed manner considering the community and deadlines. Student utilizes the possibility to learn during the lectures by visiting lecturers and demonstrates excellent knowledge in the exam.