Studying at the University of Verona
Here you can find information on the organisational aspects of the Programme, lecture timetables, learning activities and useful contact details for your time at the University, from enrolment to graduation.
Study Plan
This information is intended exclusively for students already enrolled in this course.If you are a new student interested in enrolling, you can find information about the course of study on the course page:
Laurea magistrale in Biotecnologie per le biorisorse e lo sviluppo ecosostenibile - Enrollment from 2025/2026The Study Plan includes all modules, teaching and learning activities that each student will need to undertake during their time at the University.
Please select your Study Plan based on your enrollment year.
1° Year
| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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1 module between the following1 module among the following1 module among the following1 module between the following1 module between the following2° Year activated in the A.Y. 2020/2021
| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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1 module between the following1 module among the following1 module between the following| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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1 module between the following1 module among the following1 module among the following1 module between the following1 module between the following| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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1 module between the following1 module among the following1 module between the following| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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Legend | Type of training activity (TTA)
TAF (Type of Educational Activity) All courses and activities are classified into different types of educational activities, indicated by a letter.
Bioenergy and Biofuels (2020/2021)
Teaching code
4S008300
Teacher
Coordinator
Credits
6
Language
Italian
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
BIO/04 - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
Period
I semestre dal Oct 1, 2020 al Jan 29, 2021.
Learning outcomes
The course aims to provide bases on the definition and characteristics of fuels of different origin and intended use, focusing on innovative biotechnological solutions for the production of biofuels. Among these, the bio-fuels of I, II, III and IV generation are particularly defined, including bioethanol, biogas, biodiesel and bio-hydrogen and the implications of their use for production processes and transport as well as the consequences for the environment. The course is divided between a general part that refers to bio-fuels from cultivated plants, yeasts and bacteria and a second part dedicated to unicellular algae, in which their biological characteristics and the methods for genetic and molecular biological analysis are described. Finally, examples are given for the use of these methods for the production of different types of bio-fuels and other products with high added value.
Program
The teaching module “biofuels” supplies basis for the identification and properties of fuels from different sources. Among these biofuels are considered in detail, namely bio-ethanol, bio.diesel and bio-hydrogen and the consequence of their use for environmental, production issues and vehicle traction. For each the production processes presently in use are defined as well as the biotechnological approach to their improvement with a major reference to crops, which are in common with food-producing processes (first generation biofuels). Furthermore, alternative sources of biomass are considered, having a lower dependence on food-producing processes. Particular emphasis is dedicated to unicellular algae and the procedures for quantitative and qualitative improvement of algal biomass through classical genetics and recombinant DNA procedures towards definition of a biofuel productive process economically sound and with low environmental impact.
1) definition of biofuels, biomass of origin. Bio-gas, bio-ethanol, bio-diesel and bio-hydrogen
2) Present procedures of production and legislation
3) Energy balance of photosynthetic organisms, upper limits of productivity, factors of loss of productivity, comparison with photovoltaaics.
4) Crops as biomass for biofuels. Present state and perspectives for improvement in crops and forst organisms..
5) Unicellular algae: advantages and disadvantages with respect to crops.
6) Biodiesel from algae
7) bio-hydrogen from algae
8) Molecular genetics in unicellular algae model system and productive systems. Procedures limiting engineering of algae.
9) Growth in photobioreactors: different architectures and limits for productivity.
10) Algae as CO2 scavengers.
11) Metabolic engineering: light use efficiency.
12) lipid metabolism
13) electron transport and hydrogenases.
| Author | Title | Publishing house | Year | ISBN | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anju Krivov | Bioenergy 1st Edition (Edizione 1) | 2014 | 9780124081208 |
Examination Methods
Method of examination:
The exam will be organized in two parts:
a) Written with a series of multiple choice questions followed by an open-text question in which it describes a strategy for the production of a bio-fuel defined each time.
b) Oral in which the topics covered in class are discussed. During the course, articles will be provided on which to prepare presentations by the different students. Each presentation will be assigned a score to be added to that achieved in the written exam.
