Universidad de Jaén

Chapter 1. Options of energy uses for biomass 

Biomass as a renewable energy resource. Current situation of energy use of biomass. Perspectives. 

Chapter 2. Evaluation and characterization of biomass resources.

Types of biomass. Biomass composition. Evaluation of available resources. Agricultural residues. Forest residues. Wastes from the food industry. Energy crops.

Chapter 3. Collection and preparation of biomass.

Biomass logistics. Previous operations. Pelletizing.

Chapter 4. Processes for the use of biomass

The thermochemical pathway of biomass utilization. The biochemical pathway. Other forms of exploitation.

• Lectures: Exposition of theoretical contents of the subject. They will be taught in the classroom with the help of ICT and support of virtual teaching platform at the University of Jaen.
• Specialized Tutorials: the student will be oriented about the literature search and other materials for preparing the work to be presented in the  classroom. Doubts about the theoretical and practical contents of the subject will also be clarified.
• Classes in practice groups: preparation, discussion and public presentation of the work done by students, individually or in small groups. Work will focus on different aspects of energy use of biomass, including bibliographical or practical studies on applicable technologies
• External practices. Technical visit to an industrial plant where biomass is used with a enrgetic purpose.

Students with special educational needs should contact the Student Attention Service (Servicio de Atención y Ayudas al Estudiante) in order to receive the appropriate academic support

Student assessment will be done through three instruments as follows:
- Attendance and participation in training activities (10%): an attendance at class sessions and complementary activities and external visits will be controlled.
- Final exam on theoretical and practical content (50%). Examination of the theoretical and practical aspects
developed in the course, including clarity, mastery of concepts and realization will be assessed. This element of evaluation is especially oriented to basic skills, CB6, CB7, CB10 and CB11 as well as CE16 and CE17 specific.
- Presentation of works (40%). This element of the evaluation consists of two sections:
Group work (20%). A topic of study will be assigned at the beginning of the course and the group will produce an electronic document on certain aspects of the energy use of biomass. Important elements for the assessment of the work will be the organization of information, clarity of presentation, originality and own contributions of the student group and relevance to the objectives of the work.

Individual exhibitions (20%). Special attention will be paid to the organization of information, including the adaptation to the assigned time, clarity of presentation and answers to questions
formulated by classmates or teachers. The main competencies to which this assessment element addresses are EC7 EC8, CE13, CE16 and CE17