Journal of Engineering Education Transformations

A. Sharanappa ¹, L. R. Patil ¹, V. S. Hombalimath ¹, Deepak Yaraguppi ¹, Anil R. Shet ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, KLE Technological University, Hubballi- 580 031, IN

Abstract

Bioprocess Engineering is a highly interdisciplinary field of study, which deals with the design and development of equipments and processes for the manufacturing of bioproducts from biological materials. It finds varied applications in the field of agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and chemicals. The course demands practical exposure where-in students can actively experience the interconnection between biology and engineering. The present study was conducted for VI semester undergraduate students of Engineering in Biotechnology for Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory. The laboratory comprises fermentation studies for the production of valuable products, aimed at understanding the relationship between variables and kinetic parameters of the microorganism. The exercise results in the generation of voluminous data, which necessitates for optimization of the process parameters. Collection, analysis and interpretation of the data play an important role in understanding the relationship between process parameter and productivity for optimization of the process. Application of statistical methods to facilitate such learning was performed in Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory. Through this process, students successfully demonstrated their ability in planning&conduct of experiment, choosing proper statistical tools for analysis&interpretation of data to draw meaningful conclusion, and formulating testable hypothesis. As part of this course implementation and framework, the results evaluation and assessment of student learning through defined rubrics combined with feedback are presented. The assessment and feedback revealed the significance of statistical usage in understanding of submerged fermentation process.

Keywords

Statistical Methods, Fermentation, Bioprocess Engineering, Kinetic Parameters.

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Sharanappa Achappa ¹, L. R. Patil ², V. S. Hombalimath ², Anil R. Shet ²

Affiliations
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, KLE Technological University, Hubballi - 580 031, IN
2 Department of Biotechnology, KLE Technological University, Hubballi - 580 031, IN

Abstract

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field involving biology, computer science, mathematics & statistics concerned with the development & application of computer hardware & software to acquire, storage, analysis & visualization of biological information to draw a meaningful conclusion. This interdisciplinary nature makes bioinformatics an ideal framework to experience students the interplay between different scientific areas, while touching on societal aspects mainly on health and environment. Implementing Project-based learning (PBL) in Bioinformatics laboratory promoted students involving in experiential learning and critical thinking through group activities, improves problem analyzing and solving skills, bridge the gap between teaching and understanding the course, concentrate on the fundamentals and its application etc. This paper presents the experience with PBL implementation for V semester students in Bioinformatics laboratory course. An open ended problem on different diseases was floated to the group (group comprising up to 4 students, maximum 4 groups in a batch). Cascade of laboratory experiments were performed to understand the molecular aspect of protein involved in pathogenesis. The activity was instrumental in addressing graduate attributes namely: problem identification & solving, identification of proper tools, data analysis and interpretation, communication skill and ability to work in teams were the major outcomes of this course. Rubrics-based assessment was performed to measure the attainment. Overall results show that the students were engaged in active learning and their understanding of the subject was enhanced.

Keywords

PBL, Bioinformatics, Pathogenesis.

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