S.T.A.R.T: Bioreactor Engineering

What is your familiarity with the concept of microbial growth phases (e.g., lag, log, stationary, death)?

• I am very familiar and understand each phase

• I have some understanding but may need a refresher

• I have only basic knowledge of these phases

• I am not familiar at all

Answer explanation

This question helps gauge students' prior exposure to microbial growth phases, foundational knowledge for studying cell culture and bioreactor engineering.

How would you describe your understanding of Monod’s equation for microbial growth?

• I am very familiar and understand how to apply it

• I have a basic understanding but might need guidance

• I have only heard of it, with little knowledge

• I am not familiar with it at all

Answer explanation

Monod’s equation is essential for describing microbial growth in bioreactors. This question assesses how much support students may need with growth models.

How comfortable are you with graphing and analyzing data, particularly growth curves?

• • Very comfortable; I can interpret and analyze data

• Somewhat comfortable; I may need help with complex analysis

• Not very comfortable; I need guidance to interpret data

• Not at all comfortable

Answer explanation

Analyzing growth data is important for understanding microbial kinetics. Students who are less comfortable may require support with data interpretation and graphical analysis.

How familiar are you with the application of scaling-up principles in bioprocessing?

• Very familiar; I understand the impact of scale on process conditions

• Somewhat familiar; I have a basic understanding but need more details

• Slightly familiar; I have heard of it but lack knowledge

• Not familiar at all

Answer explanation

Scaling up a process from lab to production scale is a key part of bioprocess engineering. Understanding scaling principles is important for bioreactor design and operations in industrial settings.

How familiar are you with different bioreactor types (e.g., stirred-tank, bubble column, airlift bioreactors)?

• Very familiar; I know the characteristics and applications of each type

• Somewhat familiar; I know a few types and their basic functions

• I have only heard of them, but I don’t know the differences

• Not familiar at all

Answer explanation

Understanding different bioreactor types is essential, as each is suited to specific applications and operational conditions. This question assesses students' familiarity with fundamental bioreactor design types.

How familiar are you with the concepts of substrate consumption and product formation in bioreactors?

• Very familiar; I understand how substrates are consumed and products are formed

• Somewhat familiar; I know the basics but need more details

• Slightly familiar; I need a lot of support with these concepts

• Not familiar at all

Answer explanation

Understanding substrate consumption and product formation is critical for bioreactor optimization and productivity analysis. This question identifies if students have basic knowledge of metabolic pathways in bioreactor settings.