Digital Transformation - Life Science

Course Overview



Digital Transformation is the smart integration of technologies, processes and data to improve operational effectiveness and capability. Gain the skills to be at the forefront of the evolution of manufacturing.



Designed and developed in conjunction with Microsoft, this programme will explore the technology that is driving the digital transformation and understand what it means for an organisation. Gain expertise in process digitalisation, data management, data analytics and data visualisation. Harness the power of disruptive technologies to improve operational excellence and increase business value. Analyse the impact of digital transformation on organisational structure and the critical skills and competencies required for future career success.



On completion of this programme, graduates will have the opportunity to progress their careers within life science organisations that are transforming their processes and leading the digital transformation movement to integrate data, new technologies, data analytics, improved ways of working and improved support processes.



This course is flexibly designed to suit the needs of those in employment. Lectures are a blend of online, distance and 2 Saturdays per month in Dublin. This unique new course is delivered by industry professionals ensuring you receive the most up-to-date and relevant skills to help you advance your career in the life sciences sector.



With extensive input and participation from the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, this course is ideal for those involved in manufacturing, compliance, business improvement, quality assurance, data analytics and engineering.

Module 1: Advanced Manufacturing in the Smart Factory

Smart Factory; Life Science Manufacturing; Industry 4.0; Pharma 4.0; Digital Transformation; Emerging Technologies.



Module 2: Business Case Development

Business Case Development; Business Model Canvas; Risk Analysis; Solution Selection; Project Management; Change Management and Communications Strategies.



Module 3: Quality Management in a Digital Age

Future definition of quality; lifecycle approach to pharma and medical device; quality by design (QBD); quality metrics; regulatory guidance on quality.



Module 4: Big Data Acquisition and Management

Types of data; data sources; data pipeline models; OLTP; ETL; ELT; data acquisition; business intelligence; data processing and preparation; data warehousing; hybrid architectures; LIMS; ERP; MES and data serving.



Module 5: Strategy and Change Management

Current challenges of the pharmaceutical industry, strategic thinking in the biopharmaceutical industry, leading change in the biopharmaceutical industry, culture of innovation, corporate governance and business ethics.



Module 6: Operational Excellence- Lean Sigma 4.0

Origins of operational excellence, operational excellence implementation models, lean sigma implementation, design of six sigma, science of innovation, TRIZ, key performance indicators (KPI), quality function deployment.



Module 7: Analysis of Big Data

Big data analysis; descriptive analytics; diagnostic analytics; predictive analytics; prescriptive analytics; analytical application.



Module 8: Data Visualisation and Storytelling

Storytelling through visualisation; techniques and applications; case studies.



Module 9: Research Methods

Research process; literature review; research questions and hypotheses; ethical & GDPR considerations; quantitative and qualitative methods; project management



Module 10 Dissertation

Dissertation selection; literature review; dissertation hypothesis; primary research methodologies; findings and analysis; discussions and recommendations; viva presentation.

This course is suitable for those who possess qualifications at NFQ Level 8 Honours degree with a 2.2 or higher in a Science, Manufacturing, Quality, Computation, Engineering or a related discipline. Recognition to Prior learning will also be taken into account.

18 months. All classes are broadcast live using an online training platform, offering the learners the opportunity to either physically attend or join the class online. All classes are recorded also allowing learners the opportunity to view them later and support revision. Students are required to attend the campus on two Saturdays a month.

Next Intake: September 2024.

Career Options

This highly desired digital transformation qualification will help you open the door to an exciting and successful career in the life sciences industries. This unique masters' qualification could help kick-start your career progression as an executive, manager or director in the following specialities:

• Digital transformation / automation / PAT deployment

• Project/Program Management

• Operations roles – managers / supervisors / process engineers

• Business intelligence / data analysis / data analytics

• Design engineering / new product introduction / product programme manager

• Regulatory affairs / compliance specialist

• Medical vigilance / surveillance and risk management

• Process business improvement specialists / managers

• Quality assurance specialist / manager