Biotechnology, Process and Plant Design
Bioteknik, projektering

KBTN10, 15.0 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2025/26
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED B/K
Date of Decision: 2025-04-07
Effective: 2025-05-05

General Information

Main field: Biotechnology Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective mandatory for: MBIO1
Elective for: B4-pt
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English on demand

Aim

The course shall give the methods for feasibility studies of biotechnological processes, skills in project management and knowledge about business development.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• have knowledge about the different phases of process design from idea to plant,
• understand the methodology for feasibility studies of biotechnological processes,
• be familiar with how technology, economy, market and legislation interacts in a feasibility study,
• be familiar with the work of a project group including knowledge on some common tools for project management
• understand the basis for commercialization of business ideas such as market valuation, access to IP and financing.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to search, value and use information relevant for the project using university library resources and open electronic sources,
• be able to estimate direct and indirect costs, and to perform cost estimates for a biotechnological plant,
• be able to carry out process design using computer software.
• know how to write a marketing plan for a business idea

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• in a project group carry out an industrially related feasibility study,
• take part in oral and written reports of the feasibility study,
• be able to reflect on the role that the student will take in a project group.

Contents

Process and plant design, methods used for feasibility studies and plant design, process synthesis, cost estimation, technical and economical evaluation, pricing of material and products. Use of software. Site visits. Guest lectures. Completion of practical/theoretical task, normally in collaboration with biotechnological companies. Project management. Criteria for business evaluation, creation of a marketing plan.

Examination details

Grading scale: UG - (U, G) - (Fail, Pass)
Assessment: Oral presentations and written reports incl. marketing plan and project description. Active participation. Written self reflection.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0117. Name: Feasibility Studies.
Credits: 10.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Written report and oral presentation. Active participation. The module includes: Feasibility study of a bioprocess.
Code: 0217. Name: Business Development.
Credits: 4.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Written report. The module includes: A business idea shall be evaluated based on commercial potential, market value, IP and financial resources. A marketing plan shall be written.
Code: 0317. Name: Project Management.
Credits: 1.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Active participation, written Project description and self refection. The module includes: Fundamentals of project management.

Admission

Admission requirements:

• At least 90 credits (hp) in the engineering programme or equivalent previous education.

Reading list

• Handouts and reference materials.
• Petrides, D: Bioprocess Design and Economics. Available at: http://www.intelligen.com/.

Contact

Course coordinator: Cecilia Tullberg, cecilia.tullberg@biotek.lu.se
Course coordinator: Tekn. Dr. Carl Grey, Carl.Grey@biotek.lu.se
Course homepage: https://www.biotek.lu.se/education/undergraduate-courses/

Further information