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Home > Course Catalog > Course Descriptions > (BIOF) Bio-Fuels
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BIOF 101 Fundamentals of Alternative Energy and the Environment I (3 credits)
This course is an overview of the alternative methods of energy production currently available for use and those that are nearing implementation in the near future. The course is designed to expose students to the spectrum of energy production methods other than petroleum based, the methods used to make the energy, the science behind each energy method, the environmental impact of their use, and the economics of their implementation. Topics covered include bio-fuels, biomass, solar, wind, hydrogen fuel cells, geothermal, gasification, nuclear and hydroelectric. (O)
BIOF 102 Fundamentals of Alternative Energy and the Environment II (3)
This course explores the relationship between humans and their environment. Topics covered include: agricultural, industrial, and urban pollution; waste management and treatment; greenhouse effect and global warming; natural resource consumption/management and population growth; conventional and alternative energy sources, nuclear energy; and effects of natural disasters. Emphasis is placed on understanding current environmental issues from a scientific standpoint. Cross reference with BIOL 124. (O)
BIOF 201 Fundamentals of Bio-fuels Production (3)
This is a lab/lecture course designed to expose students to the spectrum of bio-fuels currently or soon to be in use, the production methods used to make the bio-fuels, the science behind the production methods, and the laboratory instrumentation, practices and applications utilized in research and industry settings involved in bio-fuels production. BIOF 201 is designed to: 1) discuss the methods of production, utilization, economics and environmental impact of starch/corn based and lignocellulosic based ethanol; waste oil, seed based and algae based bio-diesel; bio-mass conversion to syngas, liquid fuels and other products; 2) expose students to a broad range of industry standard laboratory equipment, bioreactors/fermentators, techniques and processes basic to industrial manufacturing of bio-fuels; 3) develop a basic understanding of theory behind, applications of and procedures utilized in the proper use of the technologies; and 4) develop minimum levels of competency in the proper operation and maintenance of equipment. Prerequisites: BIOF 101, CHEM 116. (F)
BIOF 220 Pilot Plant Operation and Advance Process Control (3)
This course is a lab/lecture course designed to train students in the safe operation of a pilot plant size ethanol fermentation system. Emphasis is placed on the process control system, its calibration, operation and safety aspects associated with production of ethanol using a corn based dry mill process and with chemical analysis, characterization of the product, and quality assurance/quality control of ethanol production. Students will be able to: 1) discuss the different methods of production of ethanol from starch and cellulose based starting materials and outline the specific steps involved with each, 2) safely operate a pilot plant size fermentation system from processing of the raw materials to production of the product to chemical analysis and quality control of final product, 3) program, calibrate and maintain various types of sensors/actuators/transducers involved in the process control system of the pilot plant fermenter, 4) disassemble, clean and sterilize, and reassemble those parts of the pilot plant that require routine cleaning and maintenance, 5) analyze and interpret process data from the fermenter while adjusting the system to maximize production efficiency, and 6) develop minimum levels of competency in the proper operation and maintenance of the equipment. Prerequisites: ELEC 254, ELEC 255, BIOF 201. Corequisite: NANO 211. (S)
BIOF X92 Experimental Course (1-9)
A course designed to meet special departmental needs during new course development. It is used for one year after which time the course is assigned a different number.
BIOF 299 Special Topics (1-9)
A course designed to meet special departmental needs.
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