This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.

Discover the role of biorefining, biomass, and sustainability in the bioeconomy

Ever wondered how farm crops, food waste, or leftover plant materials can become biofuels, bioplastics, or other valuable products?

This two-week course from Aberystwyth University takes you on an introductory journey to the world of biorefining, showing how land and businesses can turn biomass into opportunities for a sustainable, circular bioeconomy. You will follow the journey of the Biomass through pre-treatment juicing and pressing, to the fermentation vessels and extraction of the desired compounds.

Explore the fundamentals of biorefining

By harnessing the power of enzymes and microorganisms, we can transform renewable resources into the essential products of modern life. You’ll begin with an introduction to the fundamental principles of biorefining, where organic biomass is processed into high-value outputs like carbon-neutral biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and specialised biochemicals.

With the support of UK-focused examples, you’ll explore real-world ways farmers, entrepreneurs, and businesses can reduce waste, create new products, and contribute to climate-friendly solutions.

Syllabus

Week 1
Industrial Biotechnology and Biorefining
- Welcome to the Course
  Welcome to the Course
- Welcome to Week 1
  Welcome to Week 1
- Understanding Biorefining
  Introduction to Biorefining
- Biomass Biorefinery Case Studies
  Reading Activities
- Check your understanding
  Week 1 Quiz
Week 2
Biorefinery at AberInnovation
- Biorefinery at AberInnovation
  Biorefinery at AberInnovation
- Test your knowledge
  Week 2 Quiz
- Summary
  Week 2 Summary

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service:

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Describe the role of biorefining in the circular bioeconomy, including key concepts, terminology, and UK-relevant drivers for innovation in land-based sectors.
Explain key industrial biotechnology processes used in biorefining (e.g. fermentation, downstream processing), highlighting their purpose, benefits, limitations, and sustainability implications.
Assess the challenges and opportunities facing bio-based industries, including policy, market trends, infrastructure, and environmental impact.
Apply your learning to a real-world context by outlining how your land, business, or sector could engage with biorefining and contribute to the bioeconomy.

Who is the course for?

Ideal for farmers, advisers, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about using land and biological resources to create sustainable products and move away from fossil fuels.

Who will you learn with?

Meirion Roberts

I'm the Lecturer in Food Science at IBERS Distance Learning. I'm a Physics Graduate with over 15 years' experience in the Food Industry, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Who developed the course?

Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth University has a proud reputation for leading edge research, teaching excellence and an exceptional student experience. It’s a place for the adventurous, the curious and the creative.

What's included?

Aberystwyth University are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:

Unlimited access to this course

Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes

A PDF Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you’re eligible

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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