This project introduces biochemical engineering unit operations into the Lafayette College curriculum. Three groups of students are affected. All chemical engineering students learn to operate a computer controlled bioreactor in their dynamic design course. Those chemical engineering majors interested in biochemical engineering as a career can perform sequential experiments on all unit operations common in the biotechnology industry, from growing cells in the bioreactor, to measuring product formation and enzyme kinetics, to separation and purification of the final product. Liberal Arts students are introduced to the intriguing combination of biology and technology by performing simple experiments in an interdisciplinary course. One of the goals of the project for chemical engineering students--a substantial number of whom go on to careers in medicine, biomedical engineering, and the pharmaceutical industry--is for them to have the opportunity for hands-on experience with equipment and techniques they are sure to encounter in their professional endeavors.
