Biopharmaceutical Processing

Please Note
This programme is jointly offered by ATU Sligo and NIBRT (National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training.

It is the overall aim of this postgraduate course to deliver training which is customised to meet the exact needs of the clients in the biopharma sector. This is achieved through completing online modules that have been designed in conjunction with the Biopharma industry with whom NIBRT and ATU Sligo are closely aligned. This programme shall address the recognised research and development needs of the Biopharmaceutical industry and has the capacity to develop graduates who will contribute to the Biopharmaceutical industry internationally, nationally and regionally.

This programme is particularly suited to those in employment in the biopharma industry.
It is anticipated that the research project conducted as part fulfillment for the award of Master of Science will be an integral part of their normal working role. It is therefore likely that the participants will be either working in R & D or technology transfer roles. This programme constitutes 60 credits thesis on an applied biopharma work based project and 30 credits taught modules.

Students must choose 1 elective module per semester (either the Upstream Processing Lab. module which requires a 2 day block attendance at the NIBRT facility or Bioprocess scale up and tech transfer module during the first semester OR either the Downstream processing lab or Formulation and Delivery module during their 2nd semester). Students are required to complete a total of 30 credits taught modules alongside a 60 credits thesis for the full award.

Semester 1

Title Credits
FERMENTATION AND CELL CULTURE PROCESS 05
Research Methods Biopharma 05
LEGISLATION AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 05
SCALE-UP AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER [E] 05
Upstream Bioprocessing Practical [E] 05

Semester 2
Title Credits
PROTEIN PURIFICATION PROCESSING 05
Downstream Bioprocessing Practical [E] 05
FORMULATION AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS [E] 05

Semester 3
Title Credits
BioProcesssing Thesis 60

[E] = Elective Module. Modules subject to availability.

The programme is open to students who have obtained an honours degree (Level 8) or its equivalent in an appropriate discipline (i.e. Engineering or Life Sciences). Other candidates with alternative honours degrees and relevant experience in the BioProcessing industry (typically 5 years duration in a GMP environment) may apply via 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.

90

1 year part-time, 2.5 years part-time.

Delivery Method: Online

On-Campus Attendance
Depending on Electives, students may be required to attend a 2 day block attendance at the NIBRT facility in Dublin.

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.

Total Fees €8,500
Per module €850

Non-EU total fees: €16,500

Springboard Fees
Fee €8500
Free for those classified as unemployed.
Fee for employed participants €850 (10% of fees)

Contact the college for the next start date.

Career Opportunities
According to Killian O'Driscoll, NIBRT Director of Projects, there was further good news for the Irish biopharma sector throughout 2018 with the announcement of several major investments. These investments saw the continued diversification of advanced biopharma manufacturing capabilities in Ireland including facilities for Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), cell therapies, iopha-oncology products and the world's largest single use contract manufacturing capacity.

Investments included:
• AbbVie Expands Oncology Capability at the Company's Site in Ballytivnan, Sligo
• MSD is to develop a new biotechnology facility in Dublin, with the expected creation of up to 350 new jobs
• Takeda to invest €25m and create up to 70 new roles in a new facility at their Grange Castle site in Dublin
• WuXi Biologics to Invest €325 million to Build Largest Biomanufacturing Facility Using Single-use Bioreactors in Ireland
• Phibro Animal Health to establish new biotech facility in Sligo, creating up to 150 jobs
• BioMarin Expands its Cork Facility to add Drug Product Filling capability
• MSD to construct a second manufacturing facility at its existing site in Carlow – new investment will create 170 new jobs.

(https://www.nibrt.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/NIBRT-Annual-report-2018_final.pdf)

At the BioPharma Ambition conference in February 2018 leading international policy leaders, renowned researchers and senior industry personnel, highlighted how all stakeholders in Ireland must continue to support innovation in discovery, development, manufacturing and healthcare solutions to ensure Ireland builds on its success in establishing a thriving biopharma sector. This programme supports this ambition.

Further Study
Upon successful completion of this programme students may be considered for redirection to a structured Doctorate programmes