Biomass Innovation & Business

Science and engineering students interested in biotechnology, sustainability and business; industry professionals looking to expand their knowledge of biomass use and sustainable bio-energy; and entrepreneurs aiming to enhance their knowledge in bio-economy. 

Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to:

• Define and evaluate a biorefinery in terms of efficiency, energy balance and mass balance
• Describe conversion technologies for the production of bioenergy from a range of feedstock and critically assess their sustainability and entry barrier
• Describe and assess key conversion technologies for the production of biobased products from a range of feedstock and determine their challenges and market opportunities
• Analyse the impact of innovation and entrepreneurship in supporting the development of the bioeconomy
• Develop a business plan and presentation pitch for a bio-based product of choice in a group setting, simulating seed-funding process by venture capitalists

Indicative Module Content:

1. Biorefinery Process
- Overview of the bioeconomy and biorefinery

2. Business Plan and Presentation
- Value proposition
- Business model canvas
- Scoping exercise for a bio-based product
- Writing a business plan

3. Biomass-to-bioenergy
- First generation vs second generation
- Thermochemical conversion route
- Biochemical conversion route

4. Biomass-to-bioenergy: in-depth analysis
- Torrefaction
- Pyrolysis
- Gasification
- Fermentation
- Transesterification

5. Green biorefinery: in-depth case studies
- Biorefinery 1: Grass
UCD projects: farm4more, Agrefine
- Biorefinery 2: Microalgae
UCD projects: AlgaeBrew, SusAlgaeFuel
- Biorefinery 3: Invasive Plants
UCD project: Stalwart

Completing this course will equip you with an in-depth understanding of biorefinery processes, biomass use and business planning and opportunities.  You will develop analytical and business planning skills in the context of bioeconomy.

These competencies are highly sought after in roles across biosystems engineering and sustainability consulting.

Moreover, the skills and knowledge you gain will be transferable and applicable to your everyday life. 

This micro-credential is delivered through the UCD online learning platform (Brightspace) and will consist of online lectures encouraging student participation, groupwork and problem-based learning for report and presentation.
Online final exam.

Applicants must hold a Level 8 Honours degree with minimum 2:1 award (NFQ level 8) or international equivalence in disciplines which include mathematical, technological and analytical skills. Examples of acceptable disciplines are engineering, science, architecture and environmental related degrees.

Those without a Level 8 honours degree in a relevant subject but with >5 years relevant professional experience in a relevant field will be considered.
Minimum English language requirements will apply. The English language requirements for degree courses at UCD are listed here.

All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Group Work Assignment: Business Plan for a Biobased Product: Presentation and Report – 40%

Exam (In-person): Final written exam – 60%

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
  
  

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

This module will involve group work. These will be interactive, discussion-based tutorials and students will receive group feedback as they work through the assignments. Students will be required to present the results of their group work towards the end of the semester, group feedback will be provided after this assessment.

Graduate Diploma in Environmental Sustainability Implementation. HDip in Spectroscopic Technologies & Data Analysis for Advanced Manufacturing

Please note: Learners can avail of only one form of funding per application. 

Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy-Human Capital Initiative Pillar 3

The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has been introduced to enable more learners to address critical skills gaps and engage with lifelong learning through micro-credentials. The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy is funded by Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. 

HCI Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidies are available on identified micro-credentials only and in fixed numbers from March 2024 until October 2025.  

Please see Eligibility Criteria for further information.    

If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.