14069 - Biomass and Bioenergy Modulübersicht

Module Number: 14069
Module Title:Biomass and Bioenergy
  Biomasse und Bioenergie
Department: Faculty 5 - Business, Law and Social Sciences
Responsible Staff Member:
  • Prof. Dr. phil. Hirschl, Bernd
Language of Teaching / Examination:English
Duration:1 semester
Frequency of Offer: Every semester
Credits: 6
Learning Outcome:Students are able to understand the multifunctionality of biomass and know the various pathways of biomass conversion into energy. They are prepared to have critical knowledge regarding biomass cultivation for energy generation by discussing social and environmental concerns, like land use or the competition with food chains. After attending the module, students have expertise in interpreting and presenting scientific texts.
Contents:Sustainable energy generation is seen as one of the largest present challenges of our society. The module “Biomass and Bioenergy” will discuss climate neutral energy systems, where biomass is a sustainable carbon neutral source of energy. This module is highly interdisciplinary.

Topics will include:
  • Overview on biomass production (agriculture and forestry)
  • Biomass residual waste
  • Energy conversion technologies
  • Social and ecological aspects of biomass use
  • Current bioenergy policies
The module is designed for Bachelor students to develop their research, argumentation and presentation skills.
Recommended Prerequisites:none
Mandatory Prerequisites:none
Forms of Teaching and Proportion:
  • Seminar / 4 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Self organised studies / 120 Hours
Teaching Materials and Literature:The following literature can be used for preparation:
  • Book: Kaltschmitt, M., ed. (2018) Energy from Organic Materials (Biomass). A Volume in the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology, 1439 p. Springer DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7813-7
  • Book: Srivastava, N., Verma, B. & Mishra, P.K., eds. 2023. Agroindustrial Waste for Green Fuel Application. Springer DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6230-1
  • Journal “Biomass and Bioenergy” (Elsevier)
  • Journal “Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments” (Elsevier)
Module Examination:Prerequisite + Final Module Examination (MAP)
Assessment Mode for Module Examination:Prerequisite:
  • Presentation (15 minutes + discussion)
Final Module Examination:
  • Written exam, 120 min
Evaluation of Module Examination:Performance Verification – graded
Limited Number of Participants:20
Part of the Study Programme:
  • Bachelor (research-oriented) / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2015
  • Master (research-oriented) / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2011
  • Master (research-oriented) / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2021
  • Master (research-oriented) - Double Degree / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2021
Remarks:The ERM course coordinator Mister Elhag has recommended this module as Wahlpflichtfach for ERM Bachelor students. It is also open for ERM Master and PhD students.
Module Components:
  • Seminar: Biomass and Bioenergy
  • Examination: Biomass and Bioenergy
Components to be offered in the Current Semester: