Program Overview

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology PF6205

Course Fact File

Outline

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Explain the basics of molecular biology and its application to pharmaceutical biotechnology.
• Review the techniques for processing and purification of biopharmaceuticals.

Module Objective: To study the basic science and the applications of biotechnology derived pharmaceuticals, with special emphasis on their production, formulation delivery and clinical use.

Module Content: Introduction of pharmaceutical biotechnology: Fundamental molecular biology, Genetic basis of disease, Protein structure, stability and analysis, Biochemistry of protein processing, Blotting techniques and immunoassays, Polymerase chain reaction technology, Genomics, proteomics and additional biotechnology-related techniques, Industrial Biochemistry, Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics, Gene therapy and gene delivery. Vaccines, traditional and DNA vaccines.
Processing and control of Biopharmaceuticals: Sources of Biopharmaceuticals, Stability and purity of biotech products; Analytical techniques and QC testing for biotech products; Production and downstream processing of biotech products. Formulation and delivery of biotech products - peptide and protein drugs. Registration of biotech product and Biosimilars.

Additional Teaching Mode Information

Teaching Method(s): 35hr(s) Directed Study (Distance learning); 2 x 1hr(s) Lectures (Guest Speaker); 1 x 2hr(s) Workshops.
Module Co-ordinator: Prof Caitriona O'Driscoll, School of Pharmacy.

Practicalities

The module incorporates printed module workbooks, teleconferences, web-based seminars and online assessments. The module runs for approximately four weeks. The average amount of directed study that you are advised to undertake per module is about 10-15 hours per week. The module consists of continuous assessment elements and a written exam. The written exam takes place in April.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: Formal Written Examination 80 marks; Continuous Assessment 20 marks (written assignments and in-term tests).

Requirements

All candidates must be approved by the programme committee within the School of Pharmacy. Applicants may be short listed for interview.
A candidate must have obtained at least a Second Class Honours primary degree in a relevant science discipline (NFQ level 8) which has been approved by the programme committee (e.g. pharmacy, chemistry or the biological sciences);

Candidates must be currently employed in a relevant pharmaceutical sector (ideally greater than two years experience) and for the duration of the programme;

Consideration may be given to other applicants with suitable equivalent professional qualifications and significant industrial experience (greater than 5 years relevant experience in the industry).

If you are applying with Qualifications obtained outside Ireland and you wish to verify if you meet the minimum academic and English language requirements for this programme please view the grades comparison table by country and for details of recognised English language tests.

Fees and Costs

There is an €35 application fee to be paid on submitting your application plus the module fee.