This project develops a laboratory which provides the foundation for a course in biochemical engineering. The biochemical engineering laboratory is comprised of four separate experimental modules providing direct experience with (1) Plant Tissue Cultivation, (2) Enzymatic Conversion of Biomass, (3) Microbial Fermentation and (4) Biological Wastewater Treatment. In order to give students exposure to "long-term" project work, they are assigned to specific modules for the duration of each instructional quarter. This addition significantly enhances the chemical engineering and science curricula by exposing students to topics within Biotechnology, providing cross-disciplinary instruction involving programs in chemistry and biology, and developing laboratory research/design projects. Major pieces of equipment in the laboratory include gyratory shaker units, 5 L fermenters, large incubators and a laminar flow hood to be utilized for both microbial and plant tissue cultivation. A biological film/activated sludge pilot plant unit is also provided for the wastewater treatment module in addition to circulating water baths for enzymatic hydrolysis experiments.Individual modules are also utilized in other laboratory coursework within the biology and chemistry programs. Specifically, biology and chemistry laboratory curricula are being enhanced by fermentation and tissue cultivation capabilities afforded by the laboratory. Biology coursework directed towards environmental science benefits from the biological wastewater treatment unit. In addition, the biochemical engineering laboratory provides independent research projects for undergraduate students from both chemical engineering and science departments.
