Course manual 2021/2022

Course content

In the course "Biocatalysis for a Sustainable Future" you will learn the basis of biocatalysis and protein engineering with an emphasis on how enzymes are used/can be used in sustainable manufacturing of chemicals and pharmaceuticals or fighting environmental causes such as pollution. Lectures will be complemented by group assignments in which you will work on the evaluation of existing enzymatic, industrial processes as well as designing a new process. You will walk away with skills and knowledge to critically evaluate the potential and challenges of enzymatic processes for sustainable development. The course consists of lectures, exercises and a group project assignment finished with a group presentation.

Objectives

Understand the needs and challenges of society for sustainable innovation and how biotechnology and biocatalysis can help
Learn the basis of biocatalysis and protein engineering
Understand the principles and the relations between enzyme properties and their application in different areas
Analyze and evaluate real-life examples of biocatalytic processes in healthcare, agriculture, fine chemicals production, energy and the environment
Apply the knowledge to propose a change of a traditional (chemical) process for a more environmentally sustainable enzymatic one

Teaching methods

Lecture
Self-study
Presentation/symposium

Learning activities

Activity	Hours
Self study	168
Total	168	(6 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

This programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (TER part B).

Assessment

Item and weight	Details
Final grade
Written Exam	Mandatory
Presentation I.	Mandatory
Written assignment connected to Presentation I.	Mandatory
Presentation II.	Mandatory

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Weeknummer	Onderwerpen	Studiestof
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Additional information

All the lectures and exercises are in English. Reading material and further information about the course can be found on the Canvas.

Owner	Master Chemistry (joint degree)
Coordinator	I. Drienovska
Part of	Master Chemistry (joint degree), track Science for Energy and Sustainability,

Biocatalysis for a Sustainable Future