ENE418/CBE418-ENE518/CBE518: “Fundamentals of Biofuels”
Semester: Spring
Offered: 2017
What are biofuels, and why are we making them? What are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation biofuels? What is the controversy surrounding the food versus fuel debate? Will thermocatalysis or genetic engineering improve biofuel production? Can we make biofuels directly from light or electricity? These are some of the questions we will answer through engaging discussions, primary literature readings, and hands-on experience in making biofuels. In precept, we will make bioethanol from corn (beer) or molasses (wine), biodiesel from cooking oil, and oil from algae. Grades are based on participation, an oral presentation, and three short lab reports.
CBE441: “Chemical Reaction Engineering”
Semester: Spring
Offered: 2016
Introduction to chemical reaction engineering and reactor design in chemical and biological processes. Concepts of chemical kinetics for both homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions. Coupled transport and chemical/biological rate processes.