Oil and Biodiesel course

Course objectives

• Laboratory-based quality assessments of oil and biodiesel
• Lipid extraction and pretreatment using mechanical, thermal, and solvent-based techniques
• Transesterification reactions, emphasizing feedstock-specific challenges and catalyst optimization
• Sustainability and socioenvironmental evaluation of oil feedstocks and Biodiesel

The course begins on September 12 and ends on October 4. Classes are held on Fridays and Saturdays.

Teaching takes place at Borgir, in the laboratory on the 1st floor.

Participation is free of charge and open to everyone interested in the subject. Please register here. 

Instructors:

• Mariana Lara Menegazzo – Professor at the Federal University of Grande Dourados. Environmental Engineer with MSc and PhD in Environmental Technology.
• Carmen Cenos – Professor at the Federal University of Espirito Santo. Background in the chemical industry, PhD in Environmental Technology.

Assistants:

• Gustavo Graciano Fonseca – Professor at the Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences, University of Akureyri
• Sean Michael Scully – Adjunct at the Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences, University of Akureyri

Course outline:

• Introduction to oil and biodiesel
• Oil and Fat Extraction & Pretreatment
• Transesterification
• Sustainability
• Visual and sensory analysis of oils and fats
• Extraction methods for lipidrich feedstocks
• Biodiesel production
• Quality parameters

Who is this for? Whether you're a student, professor, science teacher, professional, or simply curious about sustainable energy, this course is for you. We especially welcome:

• Students in fisheries science, biotechnology, and related fields, both undergraduate and graduate, looking to gain practical lab experience and deepen their understanding of biofuels.
• Professors and researchers at UNAK who want to connect their work to real-world sustainability challenges.
• Science teachers in elementary or high schools are interested in bringing lab-based sustainability practices into their classrooms.
• Industry professionals like engineers, technicians, project managers, and researchers that work in sustainability, energy, or waste agroindustry.
• Community members who are interested about renewable energy, environmental responsibility, or simply want to learn something new.

If you know someone who fits one of these profiles, please feel free to share this invitation with them.

Course dates:

• Friday, September 12 – 8:00-11:00 and 13-17
• Saturday, September 13 – 8:00- 12:00
• Friday, September 19 – 8:00-11:00 and 13-17
• Saturday, September 20 – 8:00- 12:00
• Friday, September 26 – 8:00-11:00 and 13-17
• Saturday, September 27 – 8:00- 12:00
• Friday, October 4 – 8:00-11:00 and 13-17
• Saturday, October 5 – 8:00- 12:00

For further information, please send inquiries to: marianamenegazzo@ufgd.edu.br