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Institute of Technology Sligo

BioPharmaceutical Science - Online

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 IT Sligo and NIBRT (National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training).

Students must choose 1 elective module per semester (Practical Lab. modules typically require a ca. 2 day block attendance at the NIBRT facility, Dublin). Elective choices need to be made upon commencement of the programme to allow for module planning. Students are required to complete 90 credits for the full award.

Entry requirements

The programme is open to students who have obtained an honour's 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 consideration through the IT Sligo RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) process.

Careers or further progression

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 enquiries

Online and Part time Admissions
tel: 071 9318511
email: admissions@itsligo.ie

Subjects taught

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

Semester 5
MSc Thesis [M] 30