FTE-34306 Quantitative Analysis of Innovative Biosystems

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

This course focuses on the quantitative analysis of new design concepts, innovative ideas and technology for biosystems. The analysis of biosystems is performed at farm level or parts of it. Sensitivity analysis is applied to biosystems with greenhouse production or dairy production. The students will learn to analyse the effects on various aspects of sustainability issues: costs and benefits of investments, various environmental impacts, animal welfare, labour requirement, and product quality. The results of the analysis cover 1) type of effects or relationships, 2) pros and cons, 3) limiting and/or critical factors and variables, and 4) options for improved performance. A full assessment of all aspects of the design concepts is characterized by limited availability and uncertainty of information and students have to consult experts and various information sources to make best educated assumptions. Students work in small groups on case studies (dairy or horticulture), analyse the feasibility of innovative farm system designs, and reflect on the chosen assumptions and calculation methods. Methods of engineering design will not be covered during this course, but we do expect that students are able to apply these methods.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- identify and explain the relevant sustainability issues of selected biosystems and/or components of selected biosystems;
- apply relevant evaluation tools and models for the quantification of the various sustainability issues;
- plan and perform sensitivity analysis on the sustainability issues of (components of) the selected biosystems;
- interpret and reflect on the results of the sensitivity analysis;
- determine appropriate operational characteristics for new technology and associated working methods so they can be included in the sensitivity analysis;
- present and justify an improved technology and/or a biosystem based on outcomes of the analysis, in a poster, oral presentation and a scientific report.

Activities:

- lectures;
- tutorials;
- case work in groups.

Examination:

The examination consists of three parts, with relative weight:
- individual assignments (40%);
- final report (40%);
- and final presentation (20%).

Literature:

Reader.