Overview

This online course introduces options for integrating biocatalysis and synthetic biology into sustainable chemical manufacturing processes.

You'll learn about successful examples of biocatalyst design, process operation and biorefining for sustainable manufacturing.

Course content and structure

This is a self-paced online course. You'll be able to access lectures and materials when it suits you, over a nine-month period.

The course will cover the following topics:

• Biorefining principles and challenges
• Feedstocks and exploitation: process challenges
• Feedstocks to synthetic building blocks
• Successful and emerging enzyme chemistries for biocatalysis
• Biocatalytic reactor design and operation
• High throughput fermentation and biocatalytic process development
• Industry perspective on biocatalytic process development
• Biocatalytic process development for pharmaceutical applications
• Overview of biocatalyst engineering and synthetic biology
• Enzyme discovery and metagenomics

Who the course is for

This course is relevant to those working in the following industries:

• fine and specialty chemicals
• pharmaceuticals
• personal care products
• diagnostics
• biorefining, biofuels and bulk polymer sectors

Learning outcomes

This course will help you:

• strengthen your knowledge in biocatalysis, and whole biotransformation processes, from fermentation to product
• understand the range of chemical conversions accessible by biocatalysis, and examples of successful industrial applications
• discover the industrial potential of synthetic biology
• explore the challenges and options for large scale biocatalysis

Modular Training for the Bioprocess Industries (MBI)

The award-winning MBI programme is a series of UCL-accredited short courses for people working in the bioprocessing industry. It's designed and delivered in collaboration with over 70 industrial experts.

The programme provides flexible professional development training. You can choose to take standalone courses or combine them for a Certificate, Diploma or Master's qualification. It complements in-house training by providing broader perspectives for more informed decision-making.

Courses have so far been delivered to over 900 individuals from more than 300 companies, 30% of which are non-UK, demonstrating its strong international impact.

MBI plays a central role in the department's knowledge-transfer activities. This ensures that cutting-edge research is undertaken to capture the value of integrating engineering with complex and fast-moving biology, which helps keep the global industry ahead in manufacturing.

Benefits of MBI

By attending an MBI course, you'll:

• benefit from knowledge transfer and upskilling in core bioprocessing fundamentals and trends in industry
• gain a deeper understanding of process options and engineering constraints
• acquire the tools to optimise process performance and economics
• learn about the latest technical and regulatory developments
• have access to cutting edge research methodologies
• network with sector leaders and subject matter experts
• increase your flexibility, motivation, creativity and professional status

Further information

There is more information about the MBI on the Department of Biochemical Engineering's website. If you have questions about fees or how to combine courses for a specific qualification, please email mbi-training@ucl.ac.uk

Course team

Dr Frank Baganz - Module Leader

Frank is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biochemical Engineering at UCL.

Course information last modified: 30 Nov 2022, 16:00