Course Description
Welcome to this cutting-edge course on Modern Biotechnologies in Wastewater Treatment! This advanced-level course, offered by PurdueX, is designed to equip graduate students and working professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to apply state-of-the-art biotechnologies in the field of wastewater treatment. As we face growing environmental challenges, the importance of efficient and effective wastewater treatment cannot be overstated. This course will take you on an exciting journey through the latest advancements in biotechnology and their practical applications in improving wastewater treatment systems.
What students will learn from the course
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of modern biotechnologies used in wastewater treatment
- Learn how to apply these biotechnologies to characterize, understand, and optimize wastewater treatment systems and plants
- Develop the ability to select appropriate biotechniques for specific wastewater treatment challenges
- Acquire skills to assess public health risks associated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and viruses in wastewater
- Master the fundamentals of microbiology and their relevance to wastewater treatment
- Understand stoichiometry and microbial metabolism in the context of wastewater treatment
- Explore membrane treatment systems and biofouling challenges
- Learn about cutting-edge molecular microbiology tools and their applications
- Delve into the critical issues of antibiotic resistance and viral contamination in wastewater
Pre-requisites or skills necessary to complete the course
This course is designed for individuals with a background in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields. While there are no specific prerequisites listed, a basic understanding of biology, chemistry, and environmental processes would be beneficial. The course is pitched at an advanced level, so some prior knowledge in these areas will help you get the most out of the material.
What the course will cover
- Fundamentals of microbiology and its applications in wastewater treatment
- Stoichiometry and microbial metabolism in biological wastewater treatment systems
- Membrane treatment systems and strategies to combat biofouling
- Advanced molecular microbiology tools for analyzing and optimizing wastewater treatment processes
- The challenge of antibiotic resistance in wastewater and its implications for public health
- Viral contamination in wastewater and associated risks
- Biotechnological approaches to characterize and improve biological wastewater treatment plants
- Integration of modern biotechnologies in wastewater treatment plant operations
Who this course is for
- Graduate students in environmental engineering, biotechnology, or related fields
- Working professionals in the wastewater treatment industry
- Environmental scientists and researchers looking to expand their knowledge of biotechnology applications
- Engineers seeking to incorporate cutting-edge biotechnologies into their wastewater treatment projects
- Policymakers and regulators involved in water quality and public health
How learners can use these skills in the real world
- Implement advanced biotechnological approaches to improve wastewater treatment plant efficiency
- Develop innovative solutions to combat antibiotic resistance and viral contamination in water systems
- Design more effective membrane treatment systems with reduced biofouling
- Conduct sophisticated microbial community analyses to optimize biological wastewater treatment processes
- Contribute to public health initiatives by assessing and mitigating risks associated with wastewater contaminants
- Advance research in environmental biotechnology and wastewater treatment
- Provide expert consultancy services to wastewater treatment facilities and environmental agencies
Syllabus
Week 1:
- Introduction of Microbiology
- Fields of Microbiology
- Microbe Types and Metabolic Lifestyles
Week 2:
- Electron Donor and Acceptor
- Stoichiometry and Half-reactions
- Free Energy
- Cell Synthesis
- Developing Overall Stoichiometric Equations
Week 3:
- Membrane Filtration
- Membrane Filtration Challenges
- Microbial Aggregation and Biofilm
- Biofouling and Control
Week 4:
- Molecular Ecology Study
- Microbial Community Analysis
- Activity Assays and FAME
- Fluorescence in situ Hybridization
- Molecular Microbiology Tools
Week 5:
- Antibiotics
- Antibiotic Resistance
- Horizontal Gene Transfer
- Evolution and Selfish Gene
- Viruses
This comprehensive course offers a unique opportunity to gain expertise in a rapidly evolving field that is crucial for environmental protection and public health. Don't miss out on this chance to be at the forefront of wastewater treatment technology!