FTE-12303 Introduction Biosystems Engineering part 1

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Contents:

This course is the introduction course to the domain biosystems engineering. Students get an overview of the technology used in different biosystems for the production of food and non-food and they will get a good insight into the role of the different courses in the study programme.
Systems approach is the connecting thread in the course and the course will start therefore with an introduction to systems theory and analysis. The course then continues with lectures, tutorials, and practicals on topics relevant in nowadays biosystems engineering: automation, energy, environment and welfare, climate control, and (agro)production chains and logistics. Special attention is given to the importance of the (agro)production chain for technology in biosystems. Students work in small groups on calculations and computer simulations related to real problems in the area of biosystems engineering. Excursions are organized to make the technology visible to the students on different levels in the production chain (farm, processing industry, wholesaler) visible.
The course also incorporates some skills modules. The module CCI makes the students acquainted with the more advanced functions of office applications (Word, PowerPoint and especially Excel). The module Information literacy makes the students acquainted with retrieval of information from different sources. Students have to prepare a report on relevant technology in the framework of biosystems engineering. An introduction to oral presenting is also part of the course and at the end of the course the students have to give a brief presentation on the report they prepared.
In the first part are the introduction to systems theory and analysis, two of the five relevant topics, the module CCI and the introduction of the module information literacy.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course the students are expected to be:
- acquainted with the domain of biosystems engineering;
- able to identify the different elements of system analysis and apply systems analysis to a simple biosystem;
- acquainted with the technology and technological issues in biosystems engineering: automation, energy, environment and welfare, climate control, and (agro)production chains and logistics;
- possessing advanced ICT skills for office applications.

Activities:

Lectures, tutorials, practicals, excursions.

Examination:

Written exam, test for CCI.

Literature:

A reader with course information and relevant literature is available at the beginning of the course.