Biopharmaceutical Analysis & Cell Culture - Waterford

This Certificate programme is also an elective module of the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Analytical Science with Quality Management. Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Cell Culture. Applications can be made through www.pac.ie

Why was this course developed?
The Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Cell Culture will provide students with an in-depth knowledge and skills in biopharmaceutical production, analysis and cell culture-related topics. Students will be exposed to a set of technologies that provide state-of–the-art tools for genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, drug discovery, screening and the analysis of biomolecules, such as DNA, proteins and small metabolites (biopharmaceuticals).

This course was developed to provide the student with an in-depth knowledge of and the skills used in biopharmaceutical production, analysis and cell culture-related topics. Students will be exposed to a set of technologies that provide state-of-the-art tools for genomics, proteomics, screening and the analysis of recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies. In addition, an overview of emerging cell and gene therapies, including genome editing, will be provided. The course will also introduce different techniques to analyse biopharmaceuticals, including immunoassays and next-generation bioarrays and bioassays. The practical aspects of the course will cover up/downstream biopharmaceutical purification and analysis techniques, and essential cell culture skills.

The course will also train the student to critically evaluate approaches for method development and quality monitoring in biopharmaceutical production and to identify future trends in the biopharmaceutical industry. In summary, this course will furnish the student with a competency required to undertake mammalian cell culture projects, the ability to select the best techniques needed to analyse different biopharmaceuticals, and a qualification that is particularly relevant to the rapidly growing biopharmaceutical sector.

How is this course delivered?
The Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Cell Culture programme is taught using a block approach on a part-time basis to facilitate students in full-time employment.

Since this course is also offered as one module of the two year MSc in Analytical Science with Quality Management programme, the Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Cell Culture is only offered once every two years.

Over the duration of the programme, students will be required to attend SETU Waterford for approximately 8 days from January to June.

This programme will be delivered through a blend of lectures, laboratory practicals and independent study. Students will be required to attend SETU Waterford for five days of lectures, in addition to three days of laboratory practicals.

The Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Cell Culture programme is aimed at those already working in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. This programme is also suitable for students intending to/already undertaking postgraduate research study.

Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Cell Culture Entry Requirements

•Applicants for entry to this Postgraduate Certificate course should hold a bachelor's degree at honours level minimum 2.2 (Level 8) in an appropriate subject area or equivalent qualification.

•In addition, in order to fully appreciate the industrial impact of the quality content of this programme, it has been deemed necessary to have a minimum of two years relevant industrial work experience.

•Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT's English Language Requirements for details.

APPLICATIONS CLOSING 1 Nov 22

4 months part-time.

This course places a strong emphasis on the professional development of the graduate. Such a qualification will enable and facilitate career progression for graduates in research and development in biopharmaceutical industries.

Further study opportunities
This programme can be taken as a stand-alone Certificate worth 10 credits at level 9, or if the student wishes, they can use these credits towards the 60 credit Postgraduate Diploma in Analytical Science with Quality Management (WD 519) or the 90 credit MSc in Analytical Science with Quality Management (WD 520).