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Bioprocessing Technologies
Certificate
Course Details
Course Code | SG_SBIOT_E08 |
---|---|
Level | 8 |
Duration | 1 year |
Credits | 30 |
Method of Delivery | Online |
Campus Locations | Sligo |
Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
The Certificate in Science Biopharmaceutical Science (Special Purpose Award – Level 8) has been developed in consultation with the Biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland to ensure the course offers the skill and experience that is required for this growing industry sector in Ireland. This programme has been developed by ATU Sligo and NIBRT in consultation with industry to develop a National Biopharma Training Programme to provide jobseekers with the following skillsets including cell culture processing, protein purification, biopharmaceutical validation, quality systems, bioanalytics and lean sigma.
The course is offered in conjunction with NIBRT (National Institute for Biopharmaceutical Research and Training) with all of the laboratory work-taking place at their state-of-the-art facility in Dublin. The course is offered in an online manner utilising ATU Sligos online delivery technologies. The modules are further supported with virtual labs and video tutorials (using live streaming of practical sessions by NIBRT trainers, where operations could be demonstrated and discussed in detail with students).
The subjects included in this programme are, Recombinant drug discovery & development, Formulation & Fill Finish, Biocontamination control and Facilities & Utilities. The course also includes a practical laboratory module at the NIBRT Biopharmaceutical Training facility.
This course is particularly suited to provide the core skills to transition those with previous experience as operators, technicians or supervisory/managerial grades to similar roles within the (bio)pharma manufacturing sector and also to more specialised roles. The course is structured to include the requisite knowledge, skills and professional competence required to be part of this workforce and has a large practical component associated with it.
This course is unique. It is part of the award winning suite of courses offered by NIBRT/ATU Sligo (Taoiseachs Public Service Excellence Awards). It is a blend of the latest cutting edge academic modules in Biopharmaceuticals and exposure to a state of the art and award winning industrial biopharma training facility (www.nibrt.ie).
The majority of this course is online utilising ATU Sligo’s online delivery technologies. The course is offered in conjunction with NIBRT, with a practical laboratory module to be taken at their state-of-the-art facility in Dublin, providing unique opportunities for learners to gain first-hand expertise. (This is usually two days attendance during Semester 2).
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Biocontamination ControlThis module aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the general principles and methods of Biocontamination control; establishing and verifying the formal system for contamination control and associated test methods and requirements; traditional and modern methods of microbial detection; expressing, interpreting and reporting results; training and documentation requirements. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss and critically evaluate the most relevant microbes for the biopharmaceutical industry and identify and discuss appropriate prevention techniques for each contaminant. 2. Source and interpret the theory behind the detection test methods available, including traditional and rapid identification testing. 3. Develop and justify an appropriate monitoring regime for a pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical facility. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Formulation Fill Finish and Delivery of BiopharmaceuticalsThis module aims to provide students with an understanding of the main considerations in the formulation and fill finish of a biopharmaceutical. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe protein structure and what contributes to protein destabilisation. 2. Describe what excipients are added to a protein formulation and why they are added. 3. Explain the principles and applications of typical fill-finish and freeze-drying technologies. 4. Perform research on a relevant topic and analyse, evaluate and draw conclusions accordingly. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Recombinant Drug Development and EngineeringThe subject aim is to introduce the students to the drug discovery and development process. The subject will compare traditional pharmaceutical drug development to biopharmaceutical drug development. The module will include an in depth study of the different modes and methods of recombinant protein expression in different cellular hosts. The module will introduce the analysis and manipulation of recombinant protein expression in the biopharmaceutical sector. Learning Outcomes 1. Differentiate between irrational and rational drug design. Describe the methods of drug target identification and validation. 3. Categorize the essential steps in the design and regulation of a recombinant expression system. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Biopharmaceutical Science PracticalThis Biopharma laboratory practical module will provide students with practical knowledge, know-how and practical skills associated with biopharmaceutical operations. The relevant learning is achieved through the completion of a sequence of laboratory-based and pilot-plant based practicals and experiments that are designed to impart the required expertise. There will also be some research project work associated with the laboratory practicals. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate a range of practical knowledge and skills associated with upstream bioprocessing operations 2. Demonstrate a range of practical knowledge and skills associated downstream bioprocessing operations. 3. Demonstrate a range of practical knowledge and skills associated with aseptic processing and filling operations 4. Perform project work related to the practical sessions 5. Evaluate the data and results obtained from the practical sessions 6. Demonstrate effective communication skills in a written format. |
10 | Elective |
2 |
Biopharmaceutical Science ProjectThe project aims to provide students with the opportunity to apply and integrate the skills and knowledge they have gained on the programme of study to date. The student should bring the learning from the modules covered in the course to conceive, define and agree a project which is relevant to the subject matter they are studying. A supervisor will be assigned to each project. The supervisor will act as a guide in agreeing the relevance and scope of the project and monitor the progress on a regular basis. Updates will be sent to the supervisor on an agreed basis. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify a problem which needs to be addressed of importance to the organisation. |
10 | Elective |
2 |
Biopharmaceutical Facilities and UtilitiesThis module aims to provide the student with a good understanding of the main support service areas involving both facilities and utilities that underpin the modern biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. Learning Outcomes 1. Outline the main elements and features of facilities and utilities relating to the modern biopharmaceutical industry. 6. Perform research on a relevant topic and analyse, evaluate and draw conclusions accordingly.Communicate and explain scientific data relating to facilities and utilities for biopharmaceutical processing. |
05 | Mandatory |
Recommended Study Hours per week
Examination and Assessment
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
Progression
This self-contained minor award enables learners to exit with a Certificate or progress to complete a full Level 8 Honours degree in Biopharmaceutical Science.
This graduate programme in Biopharmaceutical Science aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the critical aspects of Biopharmaceutical Processing and Support Services, with specific focus on the product lifecycle of Biological products and associated processes
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
The programme is open to students who have obtained an ordinary degree (Level 7) or its equivalent in an appropriate discipline (i.e. Engineering or Life Sciences).
Applicants who may not have the aforementioned qualifications but who may have relevant industrial experience may apply for consideration under the RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) process in accordance with the policies of ATU Sligo in this area. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie
English requirement
Applicants whose first language is not English should provide evidence of English language proficiency. For further information on English language requirements click here
Careers
This award is aligned to and directly addresses the skills requirements of the Bio-Pharma/Pharmachem sector identified in the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs of the Biopharma Industry in Ireland. This report highlights the important contribution to the Irish economy in terms of employment and manufacturing exports from the biopharma sector. The ability to efficiently manufacture highly complex advanced therapeutics in a cost-effective manner will be a key determinant of Irish biopharmas future success. The ongoing provision of appropriately trained individuals is pivotal to this.
In preparing this Prorgamme ATU Sligo and NIBRT has consulted extensively with BioPharmachem Ireland (BPCI), IDA, Industry clients and Higher Education Institutes to determine the best model to meet the current/future skills needs for this sector.
One of the key features of the programme is that it combines cutting-edge skills in Biopharmaceutical Science and Medical Biotechnology with an understanding of the legislative and quality control system framework in which this takes place within the industry.
Further Information
Who Should Apply?
This course is particularly suited to provide the core skills to transition those with previous experience as operators, technicians or supervisory/managerial grades to similar roles within the (bio)pharma manufacturing sector and also to more specialised roles.
Contact Information
Life Sciences