Course - Environmental Biotechnology - TBT4130
TBT4130 - Environmental Biotechnology
About
Examination arrangement
Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades
| Evaluation | Weighting | Duration | Grade deviation | Examination aids |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | 20/100 | |||
| School exam | 80/100 | 4 hours | D |
Course content
The course is an introduction to environmental biotechnology and focuses on the utilization of microbial processes in waste and water treatment, and bioremediation. Topics included are microbial energy metabolism, microbial growth kinetics and elementary chemostat theory, relevant microbiological processes, microbial ecology, approaches for studying microbial communities, and basic principles in bioremediation and biological water and waste treatment.
Learning outcome
By the end of the course, the student should be able to
- Classify microbes according to energy source and carbon source and evaluate energy outcome of the energy metabolism according to electron acceptor and electron donor usage
- Apply Monod's kinetics and basic chemostat theory to determine microbial growth rates, biomass yield, and substrate concentration and removal rate
- Carry out an experiment with nitrification in a continuous lab-scale bioreactor for ammonia removal
- Describe suitable methods for characterizing the activity, function, diversity, and composition of microbial communities
- Define basic concepts in microbial ecology, such as carrying capacity, succession, r- and K-selection, ecological niches
- Outline the principles of methods for quantification of organic carbon in wastewater and calculate the theoretical oxygen demand (ThOD) for simple organic compounds
- Explain the microbial processes and growth requirements undelaying the activated sludge process, nitrification, denitrification, enhanced phosphorus removal, and anaerobic digestion
- Evaluate alternative process schemes for combined biological nutrient removal (BNR)
- Describe the most commonly applied disinfection methods, and the steps typically involved in drinking water treatment process train
- Evaluate the potential for biodegradation of organic pollutants, taking microbial and physical/chemical environments, as well as the chemical structure of the compound itself, into consideration
Learning methods and activities
Lectures, laboratory project, calculatory exercises, and one all-day excursion. Compulsory attendance on exercises and laboratory project will take place on scheduled exercise sessions. The laboratory project takes place over a 5-6 weeks period, and requires more attendance, but at flexible times.
Compulsory assignments
- Exercises
Further on evaluation
The final grade is based on written exam (80%) and report (20%). If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may change from written to oral. When re-taking to improve the grade, the individual partial assessment can be re-taken.
Specific conditions
Limited admission to classes. For more information: https://i.ntnu.no/wiki/-/wiki/English/Admission+to+courses+with+restricted+admission
Recommended previous knowledge
Prior knowledge in biochemistry and microbiology is a prerequisite. The course TBT4170 Biotechnology, or similar courses, is recommended. Admission to this course is restricted. Please register within the given deadline.
Course materials
Course material is specified at the beginning of the course.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIK4017 | 7.5 | ||
| MB102314 | 3.0 | AUTUMN 2019 | |
| TBT4131 | 7.5 | AUTUMN 2024 |
No
Version: 1
Credits:
7.5 SP
Study level: Second degree level
Term no.: 1
Teaching semester: SPRING 2025
Extraordinary deadline for course registration: 2024-12-01
Language of instruction: English, Norwegian
Location: Trondheim
- Technological subjects
Department with academic responsibility
Department of Biotechnology and Food Science
Examination
Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
- Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
- Spring ORD School exam 80/100 D 2025-05-15 15:00 INSPERA
-
Room Building Number of candidates SL311 brun sone Sluppenvegen 14 23 - Spring ORD Assignment 20/100 INSPERA
-
Room Building Number of candidates - Summer UTS School exam 80/100 D INSPERA
-
Room Building Number of candidates
- * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"