Module Specifications.
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).
As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Date posted: September 2024
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Coursework Only Category 1 - a re-sit is available for all assessment components of the module. |
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Description To introduce students to the key factors underpinning the commercialization and manufacture of biopharma and biotechnology products. To review the impact of emerging technologies on the industry. To review industry status and trends globally, in Europe and in Ireland. To discuss the social and ethical issues raised by some aspects of biotechnology. To review the impact of -omics technologies, and the potential for “personalized medicine”, on the biotechnology sector in particular, and on society in general. To encourage students’ awareness and development of their individual strengths, and to enable them to work productively in groups. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Communicate appropriately to the public concerning scientific advances and applications. 2. Identify and describe the main features and requirements of different markets within the global biotechnology industry (incl. biopharma), and their diverse range of products and job opportunities. 3. Explain the factors and issues involved in commercializing a biotech product, with special reference to new drug development, clinical trials and biosimilars. 4. Outline the benefits of Six Sigma methodology, Quality Assurance (QA), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to manufacturing processes. 5. Describe in broad terms the impact of –omics technologies on diagnostics and therapeutics, and the potential for “personalized” approaches to disease treatment. 6. Outline ethical and social questions, raised by advances in biotechnology, in their legal, regulatory and intellectual property contexts. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
BE416 Main TopicsFUNDAMENTALS; PUBLIC PERCEPTION Overview of the biotechnology industry & its main market sectors; public & media perceptions. BIOSAFETY SPECIAL-INTEREST SECTORS Application of biotech to disease diagnosis & treatment; the future of personalized medicine, an economic analysis; industrial enzymes & ‘bio-derived’ commodities; biotech applications in the agri/food sector; ethical considerations in the uses of biotechnologies. THE BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY Bioprocessing & industrial manufacture of biotech & biopharma products; the biotechnology industry globally, in Europe & in Ireland. RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Biotechnology research processes; university-industry relationships; intellectual property protection & licensing; translating research to product; new product development; clinical trials. QUALITY ASSURANCE/ CONTROL Compliance & quality issues in manufacturing, regulatory matters, GMP, ISO 9000, SOPs, lean six sigma manufacturing, clean technologies, special quality issues in biotechnology. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||