BioPharmaceutical Science

Course Summary
The aim of this postgraduate certificate is to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to become part of the Biopharmaceutical and Biotechnology workforce. This has been achieved by designing a programme in conjunction with the (bio)pharma industry, with whom NIBRT is closely aligned. Subjects including cell culture, protein purification, bioprocess scale up and technology transfer, regulatory affairs and research methods are included in this programme to provide students with the requisite knowledge, skills and professional competencies required to be part of the pharma, biopharma and biotechnology workforce.

This course is particularly suited to individuals who are looking to enter the (bio)pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. Biopharmaceutical processing is a rapidly growing sector within the life-sciences industry, with immense opportunities for graduates. Global manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals has increased significantly over the last decade.

Semester 1
Title Credits
Legislation and Regulatory Affairs 05
Fermentation and Cell Culture Processing 05
ScaleUp and Technology transfer [E] 05
Upstream Processing Practical [E] 05

Semester 2
Title Credits
Research Methods Biopharma [E] 05
Protein Purification Processing 05
Formulation and Delivery Systems [E] 05
Downstream Bio Processing Lab. Practical [E] 05

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

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 for RPL.

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.

30

1 year part-time

Delivery Method: Online

On-Campus Attendance
Two day block attendance at the NIBRT facility depending on elective choice.

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 €6,000

Springboard Fees
Fee €5,300
Free for those classified as unemployed.
Fee for employed participants €530 (10% of fees)

Contact the college for the next start date.

Career Opportunities
This programme will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principal scientific and engineering challenges in the manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products. As a result, graduates can look forward to a wide range of career opportunities in a large and growing industry. Upon completion of the programme students will have achieved an internationally recognised qualification which is highly relevant to the biopharma and biotechnology industry.

Further Study
Upon successful completion of this programme students can progress onto the L9 Post-graduate Diploma in Biopharmaceutical Science (60 credits) and further onto the L9 MSc. in Biopharmaceutical Science (90 credits).