Application of Statistics in Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory to Reinforce Students’ Ability in Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation

Abstract

Bioprocess Engineering is a highly interdisciplinary field of study, which deals with the design and development of equipments and processes for the manufacturing of bioproducts from biological materials. It finds varied applications in the field of agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and chemicals. The course demands practical exposure where-in students can actively experience the interconnection between biology and engineering. The present study was conducted for VI semester undergraduate students of Engineering in Biotechnology for Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory. The laboratory comprises fermentation studies for the production of valuable products, aimed at understanding the relationship between variables and kinetic parameters of the microorganism. The exercise results in the generation of voluminous data, which necessitates for optimization of the process parameters. Collection, analysis and interpretation of the data play an important role in understanding the relationship between process parameter and productivity for optimization of the process. Application of statistical methods to facilitate such learning was performed in Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory. Through this process, students successfully demonstrated their ability in planning&conduct of experiment, choosing proper statistical tools for analysis&interpretation of data to draw meaningful conclusion, and formulating testable hypothesis. As part of this course implementation and framework, the results evaluation and assessment of student learning through defined rubrics combined with feedback are presented. The assessment and feedback revealed the significance of statistical usage in understanding of submerged fermentation process.