Biopharmaceutical Science - Sligo

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.

Modules

Fermentation & Cell Culture
Research Methods Biopharma
Bioanalytical Techniques
Biocontamination Monitoring
and Control
Biopharma Process Validation
Lean Sigma for Biopharma
Fermentation and Cell Culture
Process
Protein Purification Processing
Legislation and Regulatory
Affairs

For the full list of Elective Modules, refer to the programme web page.

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 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, online.

On-Campus Attendance
Depending on elective selected, two-day attendance at NIBRT Dublin, per semester.

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.