The MSc Global Prosperity Dissertation module provides you with the opportunity to develop and investigate a topic that captivates you and is also an opportunity to make an original contribution to knowledge. Guided by your supervisor, you will develop skills in searching literature databases, reading and critically evaluating published work as well as carrying out original research to, finally, present a written report of your work in the form of a dissertation. Your personal tutor will guide you in the process of selecting your dissertation topic and, based on it, a supervisor will be assigned to you. You may be able to reach out to potential supervisors outside the Department, in conversation with your personal tutor.

Apart from the dissertation, you will write a blog post of 1,500 words, which will become a public-facing summary of your dissertation. The blog post is an opportunity for you to disseminate your work to wider audiences and get noticed, as well as to refine your writing. We firmly believe that, as you develop as transition leaders, you will need to publicise your work and share it with potential employers and professional peers.

The weighting of the two parts is as follows:

Dissertation (12,500 words, 90% of the final mark)
	Blog post (1,500 words, 10% of the final mark)

This module aims to provide an overview of the principles of fermentation technology and fermenter operation and a framework for the quantitative evaluation of...

This module aims to provide an overview of the principles of fermentation technology and fermenter operation and a framework for the quantitative evaluation of fermentation process productivity and yield. In addition, this module focuses on the engineering characterisation of fermentation processes (from a mixing, power input and oxygen transfer perspective) and on the use of miniaturised and high throughput fermentation technologies to enable rapid fermentation process development and scale-up. The underlying principles of fermentation, bioreactor characterisation and scaling are introduced through a series of lectures, which are supported by quantitative, problem-based case studies and the use of fermentation simulation software.

Upon completion of the course, a student should be able to:

Gain in-depth knowledge required to select different expression systems and to formulate suitable growth media
	Specify fermenter operating conditions under different scenarios
	Quantify and evaluate fermentation process performance
	Clearly distinguish different bioreactor systems and their applications and appreciate the latest technology developments (perfusion modes, single-use reactors, etc)
	Gain in-depth knowledge required to design a fermenter in terms of mixing, power input and oxygen capabilities
	Understand how the engineering environment affects microbial growth kinetics
	Perform design calculations with regards to scale-up and scale-down of a fermentation process
	Appreciate how miniature and high throughput fermentation technologies can be used for the rapid acquisition of design data