Bioindustry 4.0

NIBRT and ATU Sligo have aligned to provide certificate programmes that are short, accredited programmes designed in association with industry partners. These programmes focus on upskilling students on the key competencies required for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. These part-time programmes are delivered via a blend of online learning with ATU Sligo, and practical modules in the NIBRT facility.

About this programme:

The programme is aimed at manufacturing, quality, engineering and site management personnel who are looking to increase their understanding and application of the latest digital trends and technologies in the BioIndustry 4.0 field. It will provide a postgraduate qualification in BioIndustry 4.0 that will form both an introduction for new or proposed entrants to the area and additional skills and knowledge to those working in the area.

Award:
Certificate in BioIndustry 4.0- Level 9 (30 Credits)

Modules:

Sem 1 Modules 15 credits (3 modules x 5 credits)
• Introduction to BioIndustry 4.0
• Biologics Manufacturing: Current & Future
• Regulation, Risk and Compliance

Sem 2 Modules 15 credits (2 Modules= 1 x 10 credits, 1 x 5 credits)
• Bio-Industry 4.0 Theory and Practice (10)
• Bio-Industry Data & Digital Technologies

The programme is open to students who have obtained an honour's degree (Level 8) or equivalent in an appropriate discipline (i.e. Engineering or Life Sciences). Other candidates with alternative honours degrees and relevant experience in the Biopharmaceutical / Pharmaceutical industry (typically 5 years duration in a GMP environment) may apply for consideration through the ATU Sligo RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) process.

Applications for online programmes are accepted on the atu sligo website.

All programmes advertised will run subject to sufficient student numbers.

ATU sligo online has two intakes per year, the main one being in September with a smaller listing of programmes for January. For confirmation on start dates check www.itsligo.ie/online

For September, applications open from 1st February each year. Closing date for receipt of applications is 31st august.

For January, applications open from 1st November each year. Closing date for applications is mid-January.

The online application form requires personal details, previous qualifications, professional accreditations, employment history and a personal statement. We recommend collating all the necessary paperwork i.e. Transcripts of previous qualifications, academic certificates before you submit an application.

Once submitted, our admissions team will contact you to confirm eligibility and request copies of any previous qualifications.

Academic staff review every application and approve eligible candidates for the programme.

Admissions team will notify you if you are accepted onto the course and will request deposit to confirm your place.

Places are limited, so please apply early.

1 year part-time

Delivery Method: Online

On-Campus Attendance
Lectures will be delivered online, with all the practical/laboratory work taking place in NIBRT's state of the art facilities.

Most of our online courses have about 2-3 hours of live lectures per week (but this can vary per programme). The rest of your study time consists of independent learning, communicating with your lecturers and classmates and carrying out assignments.

Live lectures normally take place between 6pm and 10pm, Monday to Thursday but this may vary depending on the availability of specific lecturers. If the Live Classroom scheduled times for the live online lectures do not suit you, recordings will be made available through Moodle and other accessible platforms. These recordings can be downloaded and watched later, at a time that suits you.

Please note, you may be required to take some time off work for the below:

• Exams Christmas Exams: 2 – 4 days in January each year. Summer Exams: 2 – 4 days in May each year.

• Workshops/Practical Classes: Approximately 2 – 4 days per year depending on the course you are studying. You will receive notification of the dates from your lecturer for each specific subject requirement.

During our Online & Flexible Learning Induction, you will meet with your Course Co-ordinator who will be available to answer any questions you might have, and they will give you your timetable for the upcoming academic year.

If you have any further questions, please contact our Admissions Team on admissions@itsligo.ie.

To help balance work, life, and online learning, it is important to understand the time that you will have to dedicate to your studies. This will help you to stay focused, reduce stress, and achieve your goals while also working full-time.

For part-time online or blended learning, it is recommended that you should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to your studies.

Career Opportunities
Students will graduate with the following skills and attributes to work in the Industry:

• Comprehensive grounding in biopharma related aspects of Industry 4.0 (BioIndustry 4.0), with specific knowledge of digital technologies.

• Skills to be employed in technical, manufacturing and quality roles within the growing biopharmaceutical industry.

• Proficiency to work and communicate with autonomy and effectively through various media.

• Skill to use a range of problem solving skills, tools and techniques of enquiry relevant to digitisation.

The progamme will provide a postgraduate qualification in BioIndustry 4.0 that will form both an introduction for new or proposed entrants to the area and additional skills and knowledge to those working in the area.

Further Study
Upon successful completion of this programme students can progress onto the L9 BioPharmaceutical Science suite of programmes.