University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota’s Department of Bio-based
Products received a NIFA Higher Education Challenge Grant
in 2005 (agreement
number: 2005-38411-15870) to develop laboratory exercises
related to bio-based products engineering. They are intended
to provide a hands-on, rigorous experience for students to
learn the basic science and engineering aspects of biomass
characterization, biomass conversion, bio-based products
manufacturing, properties characterization, and performance
evaluation.
The U.S. is approaching a bio-based revolution that will
fundamentally change the production and consumption of materials
and products, including energy. Traditional fields of agriculture,
natural resources, forestry, and forest products must embrace
a more trans-disciplinary approach to their programs and
curricula in order to play a vital and central role in the
future bio-economy. To facilitate instruction in bio-based
materials, this project will:
- provide students with laboratory experience in biomass
characterization, biomass conversion (thermo-chemical and
biochemical), general engineering including reaction kinetics,
heat transfer and filtration related to bio-based products
manufacturing;
- incorporate student-centered learning techniques whereby
students are encouraged to actively engage in the learning
process in classrooms and particularly in laboratory settings,
and;
- assess student learning through traditional assessment
tools including performance assessment and student self-assessment.
Learn more about NIFA Higher
Education Challenge Grants.
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