Biotechnology with Biopharmaceutical Science

Program Overview

Biotechnology with Biopharmaceutical Science – BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

The aim of this 4-year level 8 ab initio programme is to provide graduates with an Honours degree in Biotechnology with an emphasis on Biopharmaceutical Science.

It meets the growing demand of the Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical sectors for highly skilled graduates with specialist training in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biomolecular Techniques, Mammalian Cell Culture, Bioanalysis, Bioprocessing, Quality Management and Data Analytics.

This programme is designed for students who have a keen interest in Biology and who wish to pursue successful careers in the Life Sciences and in particular the Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical industries. You will have small class sizes, dedicated lecturers, and gain hands-on experience of state of the art technologies in Biotechnology.

Graduates of this programme may have careers in Biopharma Manufacturing, Process Science, Quality Control, and Research and Development in a range of Bio- Industry sectors. You may also continue your studies and undertake a Masters or Ph.D programme in Biology-related disciplines in Ireland or abroad.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate

• A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.

Mature Applicants

• Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

• International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Biology (Applied) - Credits: 20
• Chemistry - Credits: 15
• Physics for Biologists - Credits: 10
• Laboratory Practice - Credits: 5
• Mathematics for Biologists - Credits: 10

Year 2 – Semester 1

• Maths and Statistics for Quality Control - Credits: 5
• Cell Biology - Credits: 5
• Chemical Analysis for Biologists - Credits: 10
• Classification and Cultivation of Microorganisms - Credits: 5
• Fundamentals of Biochemistry - Credits: 5

Year 2 – Semester 2

• Applied Immunology - Credits: 5
• Distribution and Control of Microorganisms - Credits: 10
• Fundamentals of Molecular Biology - Credits: 5
• Spectroscopy & Chromatography - Credits: 10

Year 3 – Semester 1

• Bioananalytical Techniques - Credits: 5
• Applied Microbiology - Credits: 5
• Biopharmaceutical Science - Credits: 10
• Quality Assurance & Regulations - Credits: 5
• Topics in Biotechnology - Credits: 5

Year 3 – Semester 2

• Work Placement - Credits: 30

Year 4

• Bioanalysis - Credits: 5
• Bioanalytical Method Validation - Credits: 5
• Biomolecular Techniques - Credits: 10
• Bioprocessing - Credits: 5
• Biotechnology - Credits: 5
• Data Analytics - Credits: 5
• Mammalian Cell Culture - Credits: 5
• Project Management & Research - Credits: 5
• Quality Management - Credits: 5
• Research Project - Credits: 10

Career Opportunities

• Employment and career opportunities are available in key growth areas including the Biotechnology, Biopharmaceutical, Bioanalytical and Healthcare sectors.
• Typical jobs include Process Scientist, Bioanalyst, Biotechnologist, Production Specialist, Microbiologist and Molecular Biologist.
• Graduates may work in Regeneron, Pfizer, BMS, Edwards Lifesciences, MSD, Johnson & Johnson, Beckman Coulter, Serosep and BD Medical.

Further Study

• Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.

Program Outline

Biotechnology with Biopharmaceutical Science – BSc (Hons) - TUS

Degree Overview:

This 4-year level 8 ab initio program aims to provide graduates with an Honours degree in Biotechnology with an emphasis on Biopharmaceutical Science. It addresses the growing demand in the Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical sectors for highly skilled graduates with specialist training in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biomolecular Techniques, Mammalian Cell Culture, Bioanalysis, Bioprocessing, Quality Management, and Data Analytics. The program is designed for students with a keen interest in Biology who wish to pursue successful careers in the Life Sciences, particularly the Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical industries. It offers small class sizes, dedicated lecturers, and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technologies in Biotechnology.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Biology (Applied): Introduces students to the principles and concepts underlying how biological molecules and systems function and how they underpin the Applied Biosciences.
(Credits: 20)
• Chemistry: Introduces the learner to the basic theory and laboratory practice of physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry.
(Credits: 15)
• Physics for Biologists: Introduces students to the concepts in fundamental physics relevant to biological processes and instrumentation for bioanalysis.
(Credits: 10)
• Laboratory Practice: Implements good Laboratory techniques with emphasis on Health and Safety and teaches the learner to problem solve scientifically.
(Credits: 5)
• Mathematics for Biologists: Provides the student with the necessary mathematical theories and problem-solving skills required in the domains of biological and analytical science.
(Credits: 10)

Year 2 - Semester 1:

• Maths and Statistics for Quality Control: Introduces data handling & analysis, interpretation of results, probability, and quality tools with further mathematical applications in science.
(Credits: 5)
• Cell Biology: Reviews essential cell structures and cellular and molecular processes and how they are integrated into the development and function of the eukaryotic organism.
(Credits: 5) (Credits: 10)
• Classification and Cultivation of Microorganisms: Provides a basic understanding of fundamentals of Microbiology.
(Credits: 5)
• Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Details the structure and biological functions of the major biomolecules and applies this in its examination of fundamental biochemical processes.
(Credits: 5)
• Distribution and Control of Microorganisms: Provides a basic understanding of fundamentals of Microbiology pertaining to the Distribution / Control of microorganisms in Food, Water, and Public Health.
(Credits: 10)
• Fundamentals of Molecular Biology: Introduces the techniques involved in molecular biology and familiarizes students with their theoretical basis and practical uses.
(Credits: 5)
• Spectroscopy & Chromatography: Introduces the learner to the basic principles of a range of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques.
(Credits: 10)

Year 3 - Semester 1:

• Bioananalytical Techniques: Provides knowledge and understanding of Analytical Techniques as it applies to the Biosciences.
(Credits: 5)
• Applied Microbiology: Builds on basic practical microbiological skills to provide the learner with the knowledge base and skill set relevant to employment in the pharmaceutical, analytical biologics, food, and public health sectors.
(Credits: 5)
• Biopharmaceutical Science: Provides an overview of the evolution of Pharmaceuticals to Biopharmaceuticals.
(Credits: 10)
• Quality Assurance & Regulations: Introduces the student to quality assurance & regulations within science-based organizations.
(Credits: 5)
• Topics in Biotechnology: Introduces students to novel and different aspects of Biotechnology with regard to areas such as Food Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, and Environmental/Green Biotechnology.
(Credits: 5)

Year 3 - Semester 2:

• Work Placement: Involves the learner taking a six to eight-month work placement with an TUS-approved Industrial partner.
(Credits: 30)

Year 4:

• Bioanalysis: Provides in-depth knowledge of Advanced Bioanalytical Techniques and their applications to the Biological Sciences.
(Credits: 5)
• Bioanalytical Method Validation: Provides detailed knowledge of method validation, with a particular focus on bioanalytical methods.
(Credits: 5)
• Biomolecular Techniques: Provides detailed knowledge of scientific and technological advances in biomolecular techniques, with a particular focus on molecular biology and protein chemistry/proteomics.
(Credits: 10)
• Bioprocessing: Equips students with an in-depth understanding of the key theoretical and process design concepts relating to the production and properties of biomolecules of industrial importance using microbial and mammalian cells.
(Credits: 5)
• Biotechnology: Provides detailed knowledge of the scientific and technological advances in cell biology and bioprocessing, functional genomics, and biotechnology.
(Credits: 5)
• Data Analytics: Provides knowledge and practical application of statistical concepts for data-driven analytic methods.
(Credits: 5)
• Mammalian Cell Culture: Equips students with the practical skills to culture and manipulate mammalian cells as well as studying the theory of mammalian cell culture and the properties and behaviour of the cells at the molecular level.
(Credits: 5)
• Project Management & Research: Allows the student to build-on and develop their project management, scientific writing, and critical evaluation skills.
(Credits: 5)
• Quality Management: Provides knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques employed in quality management.
(Credits: 5)
• Research Project: Involves conducting a major project and preparing a dissertation.

Teaching:

The program offers small class sizes and dedicated lecturers. Students gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technologies in Biotechnology.

Careers:

Graduates of this program may have careers in Biopharma Manufacturing, Process Science, Quality Control, and Research and Development in a range of Bio-Industry sectors.