Program Overview

Industrial Biotechnology & Biomanufacturing

The MEngSc in Industrial Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing is a full-time 12-month programme taught by staff from the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science at UCC in Ireland. This interdisciplinary degree combines microbiology, biotechnology, and process & chemical engineering, catering to those coming from biological, chemical, or engineering backgrounds.

Course Outline

The programme equips students with knowledge and skills for careers in industrial biotechnology, engineering biology, biomanufacturing, biorefinery, and bio-economy sectors. There is a strong emphasis on industry-relevant and practical skills training alongside state-of-the-art academic content. Students learn to develop bioprocess solutions and acquire employment-related skills such as planning, teamwork, negotiating, communicating, and presenting ideas and results.

The MEngSc comprises two components: 60 credits of coursework via taught modules and a research dissertation based on independent research worth 30 credits.

Modules

• MB6004 Advanced Molecular Microbial Biotechnology (5 credits)
• MB6015 Microbial Strain Engineering (5 credits)
• MB6016 Microbial Physiology in Bioreactors (5 credits)
• MB6017 Biorefinery Concepts for the Bio-based Economy (5 credits)
• PE6037 Experimental Design and Data Analysis for Bioprocessing (5 credits)
• PE6038 Industrial Bioprocessing Systems (5 credits)
• PE6039 Manufacturing Excellence in the Bioprocessing Industries (5 credits)
• PE6040 Engineering Principles and Operation of Microbial Bioprocesses (10 credits)
• PE6041 Bioprocess Design Studio (10 credits)
• PE6042 Sustainable Biochemical Engineering (5 credits)
• MB6020 Dissertation in Industrial Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing (30 credits)

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the MEngSc, students should be able to:

• Select, design, construct, and develop microbial strains for application in biotechnology.
• Develop and implement bioprocesses at increasing scales.
• Integrate strain and bioprocess development in a holistic way by combining biological and engineering principles.
• Implement state-of-the-art methodologies for both strain engineering and bioprocess development, monitoring, and smart control.
• Critically evaluate the parameters required for bioprocess development, including concepts like techno-economic feasibility and Life Cycle Assessment.
• Apply the latest concepts in data analytics and bioprocess monitoring, including aspects of digitalisation and digital twinning.
• Work professionally and effectively in a team to undertake research and development to build new bioprocesses for novel applications.
• Appreciate the importance of the societal aspects of industrial biotechnology, including concepts like the regulatory environment, ethical research, and safe and sustainable design.
• Complete a body of independent research in an area related to biotechnology or biomanufacturing and present research findings in a dissertation.

Course Practicalities

The MEngSc in Industrial Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing is a full-time 12-month programme. The first part, from September to June, involves attending lectures, tutorials, and practical training sessions from Monday to Friday. The programme requires extensive use of technology to aid teaching and learning but is an in-person course. From June to September, students carry out a mentored industry-focused research project in industry or within a research laboratory at UCC or another institution, which can also be at an international location.

Assessment

Assessment is mainly by continuous assessment, featuring a strong focus on group work, reflecting industry norms and enabling students to acquire a broad portfolio of relevant skills. The research project is assessed via the dissertation submitted by the student.

Why Choose This Course

The Industrial Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing programme is designed for those seeking exciting careers with a positive impact on society. By doing this course, students can be part of the generation driving the transition from a fossil-based society to a sustainable one for future generations. The interdisciplinarity of the course, combining engineering and biotechnology skills, is a key selling point, as there are few postgraduate programmes offering this combination tailored for the biorefinery and biomanufacturing sectors.

Requirements

Applicants must have obtained at least a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a subject related to the programme, such as Process and Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or another relevant engineering or life-science subject. Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements but present with significant and directly relevant work experience.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is 8,000, and the Non-EU fee is 28,000.

How To Apply

Applications are made through the UCC online application portal, which usually opens around mid-October. Scanned copies of supporting documents, including original qualification documents and transcripts, must be uploaded. A non-refundable 50 application fee applies to most courses. The closing date for non-EU applications is open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June, with early application advised.