Biotherapeutics

The MSc in Biotherapeutics educates students on the practical uses of molecular advances in the discovery of protein and other biomolecular drug candidates and their development into biotherapeutics. It will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the development of biotherapeutics, beginning with pre-clinical modelling and target identification together with antibody engineering, biochemical and biophysical characterisation, and development issues for bioprocessing.

Systems biology of biotechnological processes and approaches to the analysis of proteomics-based discovery data will be covered in detail together with mathematical modelling, bioinformatics analysis and data integration strategies. Regulatory issues and innovation and commercialisation strategies will also be covered. A practical 6-month drug discovery laboratory project will form a significant component of the experience of how drug candidates are identified and brought through the development pipeline.

Expert faculty and senior industry practitioners working at the forefront of their disciplines
Hands-on practical experience in bioprocessing
Large research component in hi-tech research lab
Company visits and access to The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) on campus

This programme will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the development of biotherapeutics, beginning with pre-clinical modelling and target identification together with antibody engineering, biochemical and biophysical characterisation, and development issues for bioprocessing. Systems biology of biotechnological processes and approaches to the analysis of proteomics based discovery data will be covered in detail together with mathematical modelling, bioinformatics analysis and data integration strategies. Regulatory issues, and innovation and commercialisation strategies, will also be covered. Mammalian cell culture and bioprocess laboratory structure will be comprehensively covered in addition to novel approaches to therapeutic development. A practical drug discovery laboratory project will form a significant component of the experience of how candidates are identified and brought through the development pipeline.

Stage 1 - Core
Professional Career DevelopmentBIOC40180
Biotherapeutic Pipeline IPHAR40200
Biotherapeutic Pipeline IIPHAR40210
Systems Biology in Drug DevPHAR40220
Project in Biotherapeutics DevPHAR40230

Stage 1 - Option
Biomedical DiagnosticsBIOC40260
The Business of Biotechnology and ScienceBMOL40120
Biological ImagingBMOL40180
Multicellular SystemsBMOL40190
BioprocessingBMOL40360
HCS MicroscopyCELB40160
Recombinant DNA TechnologyMICR40010
Microbial and Animal Cell ProductsMICR40020
Emerging Issues in BiotechnologyMICR40100
Regulatory Affairs for Life SciencesPHAR40240

The programme is intended for applicants who have an Upper Second Class Honours Degree, or international equivalent, in a biological or chemical science. This includes a BSc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry or an equivalent qualification.

Graduates with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology or with proven relevant industrial experience may be considered for places. The number of places is limited and selection will be made on the candidate's performance in his/her primary degree and experience. A significant amount of lab experience will be required, e.g. a laboratory based project or equivalent component(s), at a senior stage of the student's degree.

2 academic references will be required, at least one to be from a science faculty member

Early Applications
In previous years, all spaces on this suite of programmes have been offered by May of the previous academic year. Please submit your application as soon as possible.

English Language Requirements
If English is not your native language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes. English Language qualifications include a minimum score of 550 (213 computer based) for Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or 6.5 (with a score of 6 obtained in each category) for International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Other evidence of proficiency in English may be accepted such as the Cambridge Certificate. Tests used as evidence of language proficiency must have been completed within the last 12 months.

Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

The following entry routes are available:

MSc Biotherapeutics FT (F102)
Duration 1 Years Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

1 year full time.
MODE OF DELIVERY: Face-to-Face

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.

Careers & Employability
This graduate degree in Biotherapeutics has been developed in consultation with the Biopharmaceutical industry and is recognised and valued by them. A key feature is the undertaking of a significant drug discovery and development laboratory project which is reviewed by industry partners. This engagement is designed to help graduates identify opportunities in the industry at the earliest stage.

Prospective employers include Novartis, GSK, Eli Lilly and Co., Johnson & Johnson Ltd., Pfizer, Janssen Biologics, AstraZeneca, MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb, Abbott and Sanofi.