Transdisciplinarity in a bio-engineering course
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Date
2021-06-14
Authors
Massardier, Valerie
Livi, Sébastien
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
In order to face environmental issues related to resource management and the protection of our ecosystems, future engineers must be aware of the need to develop new sustainable technologies. Our multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary course aims at sensitizing students to the major challenges related to the environment and resources. In particular, bio-engineering for the production of biosourced and biodegradable polymer materials, waste treatment and recovery, as well as ecosystems remediation are addressed. The aim of the lectures, in the first part of the course, is to introduce notions of ecology, biotechnology, polymer materials and process engineering, in order to prepare the project part which allows students to develop achievements on bio-based materials. The students choose from four project areas: the design and construction of a biodegradation reactor, the production of enzymes by genetic modification of bacterial strains, the implementation and optimization of biodegradation processes, the development and transformation of polymer materials, in particular bio-based and biodegradable materials. Finally, students are invited to consider the importance of interactions between complementary disciplines for the success of sustainable and responsible complex projects such as those in the field of bio-engineering.
Description
Keywords
Ecology , Bio-based polymers , Enzymes , Biodegradation , Process engineering , Human Sciences
Citation
Massardier, V. and Livi, S. (2021) ‘Transdisciplinarity in a bio-engineering course’, EESD2021: Proceedings of the 10th Engineering Education for Sustainable Development Conference, 'Building Flourishing Communities', University College Cork, Ireland, 14-16 June.