BioPharmaceutical Science

Biopharmaceutical Science involves study of the discovery, development and processing of modern, medical drugs by artificially growing some or all of the components utilising cell culture technologies. The processes involved are more biological-based as compared to the more chemical-based processes associated with small-molecule pharmaceutical products. The Medical Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical sectors are among the fastest growing in the Life Sciences area both nationally and internationally.

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

Course Format

Semester 1
Title Credits
LEGISLATION AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 05
FERMENTATION AND CELL CULTURE PROCESS 05
SCALE-UP AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER [E] 05
Upstream Bioprocessing Practical [E] 05

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

Semester 3
Title Credits
BIOANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES 05
BIOCONTAMINATION MONITORING AND CONTROL 05
FACILITY DESIGN AND OPERATION [E] 05
Bopharmaceutical Analytical Techniques Practical Module [E] 05

Semester 4
Title Credits
BIOPHARMA PROCESS VALIDATION 05
Lean Sigma for BioPharma 05
PROJECT MANAGEMENT [E] 05
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN BIOPROCESSING [E] 05

Semester 5
MSc Thesis [M] 30

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

An honours 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 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.

90

2.5 years part-time

Delivery Method: Online

On-Campus Attendance
Two day attendance at NIBRT per semester, depending on elective selected.

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 €12,000
Per module €1,000
Dissertation €2,000

Non-EU total fees: €16,500

Start Date: Annually in September subject to numbers.

Career Opportunities
Graduates from this programme can expect to find employment in the Biopharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Diagnostics, Medical Devices and Pharmaceutical sectors, at the appropriate level. In the development of this programme emphasis has been placed on aligning the course content with the skills required by the Biopharmaceutical industry, whilst ensuring that there is sufficient flexibility to allow students to move laterally into associated careers including Research and Development opportunities.

Graduates are typically employed in managerial positions in Scientific, Operations and Quality Assurance / Control positions in the Biopharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry sectors both in Ireland and abroad.