Energy Carriers and Platform Chemicals from Bioresources
Undergraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters Autumn
- Course code
- ENERGI270
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- Norwegian, English if English-speaking students attend
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
This course provides an introduction to chemical processes for converting bioresources into energy carriers and fine chemicals in industrial contexts, with a focus on sustainable approaches. The student will gain a thorough understanding of the principles and technologies used to transform biomass into valuable products such as biofuels, biohydrogen, biogas, and biochemicals. The course covers the entire value chain, from raw materials and processing to product recovery and utilization. Key topics include thermochemical conversion, bioconversion processes, catalytic and enzymatic transformations, as well as conceptual and practical aspects of biorefineries. These processes will be reviewed and compared with similar processes in petroleum refineries. Economic and environmental implications of utilizing bioresources will also be discussed. Elements of life cycle analysis will be introduced and applied to present the sustainability perspective of various processes.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The student
- is familiar with different types of biomass raw materials, as well as the potential and basic principles for converting bioresources into energy carriers and platform chemicals.
- has insight into key conversion technologies, conversion products, and applications within biorefining and industry.
Skills:
The student
- understands the conceptual and practical aspects of biorefining.
- is able to compare the conceptual and practical aspects of using bioresources in biorefining with petroleum refining.
- has comprehensive understanding and explanation of value chains from raw material selection to product recovery and application.
General Competence:
The student
- applies the principles of biorefining to assess issues related to production processes and/or integrating multiple conversion processes for increased resource efficiency and sustainability.
- is able to find and present scientifically based information on a current topic within renewable energy carriers and platform chemicals from bioresources.
ECTS Credits
10 ECTS
Level of Study
Bachelor/master
Semester of Instruction
Autumn- starting up in 2026.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
KJEM203: 5 studiepoeng
KJBIOREF: 5 studiepoeng
Access to the Course
To be registered to the course, it is mandatory with a valid study right at the Faculty of Science and Technology, and also to fulfill the academic prerequisites.
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures: 2 hrs/week in app. 10 weeks.
Exercises: 2 hrs/week in app. 10 weeks.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Project assignment with oral presentation, valid for five consecutive semesters.
Forms of Assessment
Digital, written exam, 4 hours
Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.
Assessment Semester
Regular exam every semester.
Reading List
The reading list will be available within July 1st for the autumn semester and December 1st for the spring semester.
Examination Support Material
Basic non-programmable calculator in accordance with faculty regulations.
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.
Course Coordinator
Contact information for the course coordinator is available at «Mitt UiB», alternatively contact the student advisor.
Course Administrator
The Faculty of Science and Technology and Department of Chemistry are administratively responsible for the course.