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MRes in Sustainable Bioenergy

 

Why study this course?

The global bioenergy market is undergoing dramatic growth as governments around the world look to biological sources to supply a larger share of transport fuel and electricity generation. As a result, the industry needs qualified people with the right skills to drive the sector forward.

This course is designed to provide graduates with an advanced knowledge and understanding of sustainable bioenergy production. Focusing on technical information, it is ideal for people currently within the industry and the public sector who wish to expand their knowledge base as well as individuals wishing to enter the field to pursue a career in bioenergy.

Course structure 

The course consists of a major bioenergy research project, 20 credits of taught subject modules and up to 20 credits of generic training courses, and optional modules.

The structure of the MRes is very flexible, allowing you to fit study around employment. As a guide, 75 per cent of the course is delivered via interactive e-learning, which you can undertake anytime, anywhere. The other 25 per cent is delivered through intensive week-long residential courses held at the University each semester, incorporating lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory practicals, industrial visits and tutorials. The course can be taken on a full or part-time basis.

Research projects are typically conducted off site, for example within laboratories based in industry, although there is provision to undertake them within the University.

Taught modules

Taught modules are usually completed within the early part of the course, providing a good knowledge base for the research project. Assessment is in the form of written coursework, presentations, examinations and a final project report. Taught modules include: 

• Sustainability and Biofuels D24SBF (20 credits) (core)
  Plant biomass resources can be converted to produce bioenergy, particularly in the form of biofuels. The application of bioenergy technologies has the potential to result in environmental benefits and greenhouse gas (GHG) savings. This module will address key sustainability components in relation to the production of bioenergy from sustainable resources. Three broad themes will be examined, encompassing life cycle analysis (LCA); farm system economics, energy and environmental trade-offs; and social and ethical dimensions.

• Biofuel Fermentation B24BFF (10 credits) (optional)
  The conversion of plant biomass to fuels such as ethanol and butanol is a complex multi-staged process. This module will focus on the challenges which need to be addressed to achieve sustainable conversion of lignocellulosic materials to fuels. Topics will include the accessibility and extraction of sugars using enzyme toolkits that can be applied to multiple plant biomass streams; the generation of substrates that are suitable for use in fermentation; the development of microbial strains that can utilise sugars for conversion to fuels; and the optimisation of fermentation to achieve efficient biofuel production.

Course duration

Full-time - 12 months
Part-time – three years

Admission requirements

Bachelors degree (minimum of 2:ii) in biology, chemistry, engineering or other relevant science from an approved university. Relevant workplace experience may, in some circumstances, be accepted as qualification for entry.

Frequently asked questions page, including English Language requirements 

• How to apply

 

Funding Opportunities 

You are encouraged to locate funding from industrial partners. Only limited grants are available for University supported studentships. 

Information on funding opportunities for Home/EU and international students 

Fees

Information on fees 

Accommodation

Information

 

Enquiries and further information

Please contact: Agatha Frischmuth, Bioenergy Course Administrator
Email: agatha.frischmuth@nottingham.ac.uk
Web: www.nottingham.ac.uk/bioenergy

Download a course leaflet (pdf)

 

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