Conference Session

Environmental Engineering Curricula

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James E. Kilduff, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Jong-In Han, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Tagged Divisions

Environmental Engineering

material and energy balances. Table 1includes the suggested topics and the time that will be spentBasic MicrobiologyFundamental microbiology such as cell biology, metabolism, kinetics, and molecularbiology, will first be taught. Uniqueness of this part is that a significant amount ofengineering aspects will be incorporated, in particular in the area of metabolism andkinetics, which the science counterpart does not traditionally emphasize. This allowsengineering students to have a clue on how much and how fast substrate includingpollutants will be transformed. A goal of this part of the course is that students becomefamiliar with basic microbial concepts and terminologies

Conference Session

Capstone Courses II

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

C. Stewart Slater, Rowan University; Mariano Savelski, Rowan University; Robert Hesketh, Rowan University

Tagged Divisions

Environmental Engineering

analyzed. Green engineering metrics for lab-scale (discovery),intermediate and pilot-scale processes were compared. Life cycle assessment was made usingoverall material and energy balances along with environmental performance tools. Tier 1 toolssuch as economic criteria, environmental criteria, exposure limits, toxicity weighting inanalyzing various drug production pathways.Since organic solvents typically account for 80% of all chemicals in a pharmaceutical process, asignificant part of the work focuses on process modifications to reduce solvents used. Severalprocess opportunities for greener processes were explored. A life cycle assessment is conductedto compare these alternatives and show broader impacts on the ecosystem (greenhouse

Conference Session

Capstone Courses II

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Borchers, Kettering University; David Rinard, Steelcase, Inc.; Trevor Harding, Kettering University; Terri Lynch-Caris, Kettering University

Tagged Divisions

Environmental Engineering

selection, and computer tools. Page 11.1327.54.) Process design and improvement. Students will be introduced to methods of identifying the most damaging part of the process flow through material and energy balances. Common practices for reducing energy consumption and waste will be discussed. In addition, strategies for environmentally sustainable product packaging and delivery will be presented.5.) End-of-use strategies. This module addresses strategies and challenges associated with reducing the environmental impact of a product after it has been used by a consumer or business. Discussion will focus on re-use, remanufacturing