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).

This post-graduate programme in Biopharmaceutical Science aims to provide students with a comprehensive grounding in critical aspects of Biopharmaceutical Processing and Support Services, with specific focus on the product lifecycle of Biopharmaceutical products and processes. It has been designed to provide graduates with a range of cutting-edge skills in Biopharmaceutical Science and Medical Biotechnology thereby making them highly employable within the Biotechnology, Biopharmaceutical and Medical Biotechnology Industries in Ireland and abroad. One of the key features of this programme is that it combines skills in Biopharmaceutical Science and Medical Biotechnology with an in-depth knowledge of legislation/regulation and quality control systems for the respective industries.

Semester 1
Fermentation and Cell Culture Processing [M] 5
Upstream Processing Lab. Practical* [E] 5
Biocontamination Monitoring and Control [M] 5
Bioprocess Scale Up and Technology Transfer [E] 5

Semester 2
Protein Purification Processing [M] 5
Legislation and Regulatory Affairs [M] 5
Formulation and Delivery Systems [E] 5
Downstream Processing Lab. Practical* [E] 5

Semester 3
Biopharmaceutical Analytical Techniques theory [M] 5 Biopharmaceutical Analytical Techniques Practical Lab [E] 5
Lean Sigma for Biopharma [M] 5
Facility Design and Operation [E] 5

Semester 4
Biopharma Process Validation [M] 5
Research Methods [M] 5
Project Management [E] 5
Advanced Technologies in BioProcessing (E) 5

[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 for consideration through the ATU Sligo RPL (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.

2 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.

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.

Further Study
The Post-Graduate Diploma comprises 12 modules of 5 credits each for a total of 60 credits. Students may elect to exit the programme with a Post-Graduate Diploma qualification or more typically progress onto the full 90 credit MSc award which involves a further 30 credit masters thesis/dissertation.