Module: Biosafety & Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Biosafety & Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures
Module Code	BIO1028 (ITS: BE550)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module (BE550) is to provide incoming Ph.D. students with a range of workshops, presentations and assignments that will significantly aid in their progression through the Ph.D. process. By undertaking this module, students will acquire a number of transferrable skills in the following areas: (i) Safe Laboratory Practice (GLP) – with emphasis on Laboratory Safety, and the implementation of practices supporting a Safe System of Work at Dublin City University. (ii) Biosafety Risk Management – with emphasis on identifying biological Hazards, quantifying Risk, and implementing the correct Control Measures to work safely. (iii) Biosafety Practices – with emphasis on working safely with Biological Agents and Genetically-Modified Microorganisms (GMMs). (iv) Chemical Safety – with emphasis on working safely with chemicals, and understanding Safety Data Sheet documentation. (v) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Development – with emphasis on developing high-quality SOP documentation, and process flow charts. (vi) Project Management – with emphasis on understanding project management and leadership theory, developing a project plan, and implementing processes to monitor progress to deliver successful projects. (vii) Communication Skills – with emphasis on data presentation and ‘reaching your audience.’ Training will also be extended to include Operations Management, for example in disposing of biological and chemical waste in accordance with the guidelines of the DCU School of Biotechnology Safety Statement, and in parallel will focus on the correct implementation of the Hierarchy of Control for Biosafety Risk Management. Additional components that will be addressed in BE550 include Fire Safety and Laboratory Containment (specific to work with Biological Agents falling into Hazard Groups 1-4).

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of Safe Laboratory Practice.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety concepts, specific to working with Biological Agents (including Genetically-Modified Microorganisms) and Chemicals identified as being hazardous.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the procedures and legislation of working with Biological agents and Genetically-Modified Microorganisms.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts of Biological Agent Risk Assessment, including the processes of identifying a Hazard, quantifying a Risk, and implementing suitable Control Measures to work safely.
5. With emphasis on Biological Agent Risk Assessment, apply knowledge acquired on biosafety risk management to develop an assessed risk management document.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the processes required to develop high-quality Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documentation, including the design of Process Flow Charts.
7. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the basic elements of project management, in accordance with the PMBOK framework, including how to develop a Project Plan and generate Process Flow Charts.
8. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the basic elements of project leadership, with emphasis on team management.
9. Develop presentation skills, specific to addressing a scientific community.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	50	Attendance at lectures, seminars and workshops as assigned by the School of Biotechnology
Group work	20	Peer-to-Peer, coordinator and supervisor interaction relating to all 6 learning outcomes.
Independent Study	55	Completion of reports, assignments and literature survey
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10170	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	PASS/FAIL	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Barry Byrne	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Performance evaluation	The satisfactory completion of assignments as set by the School of Biotechnology.	30%	n/a
Report(s)	End of module written and/or oral report to the module coordinator or academic supervisor as appropriate.	70%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Links to Software tutorials
Online tutorials for MS Excel and Endnote

School of Biotechnology Health & Safety Manual
Up-to-date safety procedures and approved EPA protocols for Biological Safety and GMOs.

Seminar lists/Research Day
Lunchtime seminar lists and the School of Biotechnology's Research Day programme will be made available in advance.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None