Bioseparations refer to the methods used to separate and purify biobased products from complex mixtures. Bioseparations play a pivotal role in producing high quality biobased products from renewable carbon sources (e.g., biomass) and converting them into fuels and chemicals. Research in bioseparations has been crucial to learning how to address energy priorities set forth by the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).

We are excited to announce our Bioseparations Lesson Plans for educators and students. All of these lesson plans were created by the U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories. Participating national laboratories include Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The goal of these lesson plans is to make learning the critical skills and knowledge of the bioseparations process engaging, accessible, and applicable to real-world scenarios.

Sneak Peek at the Bioseparations Lesson Plans

These lesson plans are intended for use at the early undergraduate, community college or university level. They are engaging, comprehensive, and interactive. Here is what you will find in our lessons:

• Process Guidance: Independent of the type of bioseparations process, our lessons will provide clear and concise guidance every step of the way.
• Practical Application: Each lesson will provide you with practical, real-world bioseparations exercises that will encourage problem-solving.
• Self-Assessment: As you progress through the lesson, you can assess your understanding by answering questions designed to reinforce your learning.
• Career Pathways: Discover and explore energy careers in the growing bioenergy industry. From operations to communications to research, everyone can contribute their unique talents.

There are varying, engaging topics to choose from. Lesson titles include:

• Optimizing Separations
• Bioseparations with Chromatography
• Introduction to Bioenergy Process Development – From Laboratory to Industrial Process
• From Complexity to Clarity: Computational Analysis in Bioseparations Techniques
• Biofuels, Sustainability, and Me: A Titration Lab

Are You Ready to Begin?

Don’t wait to get started learning more about bioseparations and how our world will improve with cost-efficient means to turn renewable carbon resources into fuels and chemicals that will make us become more energy efficient. Our lessons will provide you with knowledge and tools about bioseparations and why there is value in learning more.