Course detail

Bioengineering I

FCH-BA_BIO1Acad. year: 2025/2026

In the course Bioengineering I, students will learn how to solve the system mass balances, what type of bioreactors exist and how they can be used and applied for different cultivation methods. The subject deals with the kinetics of enzymatic reactions, phase flow characteristics, transport cell processes, microbial kinetics and cultivation methods (batch, fed-batch and continuous system). Furthermore, students will learn about bioreactor mixing, aeration and mass transfer, and sterilisation conditions of bioreactor systems.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. Ing. Stanislav Obruča, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology (ÚCHPBT)

Entry knowledge

Primary in this course is the knowledge of the basic biochemical and microbiological apparatus. In particular, it is built on the problems of enzymes, cell morphology and physiology. The ability to apply chemical engineering principles, especially the physical description of unit operations in reactors, is also required.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Conditions for passing the exam:
Students will present one 10-minutes presentation focused on the bioengineering topics
Students will pass a written test from calculations and short theoretical questions at the end of the semester (at least 50% success)
The results of the written and oral exams will be included in the assessment.
ECTS classification.
Attendance at lectures is not obligatory, but it is recommended. Students will be required to give one 10-minute presentation on a topic they choose at the beginning of the semester upon consultation with the lecturer.

Aims

The course aims to provide students with basic information in the field of Bioengineering. Students should understand the connection between bioengineering and biotechnology and should be able to solve fundamental problems and calculations related to the balancing of systems, the function of bioreactors and their necessary basic technological operations associated with their use. Another critical point in this subject is to understand the growth kinetics of microorganisms. An essential part of the course is the explanation of downstream processes. Last but not least, students will understand the kinetics of enzymatic reactions.
The desired result of this course will be:
a) theoretical knowledge of basic bioengineering apparatus,
b) the ability to balance bioreactors systems and solve calculations concerning microbial growth kinetics and kinetics of enzymatic reactions,
c) skills to process bioengineering results and to apply them to practical tasks,
d) gain of overview about the present situation in the science and research in bioengineering field,
e) competence to process the final knowledge in other courses of the study field and final student's works.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

A. Kovalcik, Bioengineering, e-learning course, 2020, FCH BUT Brno
A. Kovalčík Bioengineering I and calculations, E-learning textbook, FCH, BUT Brno, August 2021 (EN)