Module: Contemporary Issues in the Manufacture of Biological Products

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Contemporary Issues in the Manufacture of Biological Products
Module Code	BTE1003 (ITS: BE216)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

In this module, teams of students propose and investigate a solution to a challenge of scientific, medical, economic or other significance in the broad area of the manufacture of biological products. After a preliminary phase in which each team defines a challenge they will address, they will work together to identify a solution to this challenge. The module will proceed in three separate phases over a 12 week period. The first four weeks will involve blended delivery of relevant content. This will be followed by a challenge-definition hackathon during which students will identify an area within which they will solve a challenge. Students will then undertake a five-week investigation culminating in an oral and written presentation.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively as part of a team, including an ability to listen attentively, to respect differing opinions and to show leadership when required.
2. Demonstrate an ability to conduct research using digital tools
3. Demonstrate an ability to synthesize research into a coherent whole
4. Demonstrate an ability to approach problems and challenges from a multidisciplinary perspective
5. Show how their understanding and knowledge of biology, bioprocess engineering and data analysis have contributed to their proposed solution to the challenge in question
6. Show their contribution to the proposed solution and the presentation of that solution to peers
7. Demonstrate an ability to reflect on their learning
8. Through understanding of module content, students will be able to identify and understand real world challenges faced by industrial partners.
9. By engaging in a Hackathon students will be able to identify novel solutions to real world challenges
10. The student will be able to present a 5-minute pitch and produce an e-portfolio which allows them to critically evaluate their solution to the global challenge
11. The student will complete Loop Reflections which will enhance their ability to critically analyse the creative process

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Group work	3	TEU provide background to online tools used to support the project.
Independent Study	8	Engagement with online content
Lecture	4	Lectures related to online content
Workshop	3	Engagement Phase: Team meets and chooses a shortlist of possible challenges. Final challenge is selected and discussed with mentors.
Assessment Feedback	18	Investigate Phase: Individual members of team conduct research to close knowledge gaps.
Class Presentation	3	Act Phase: Team presents solution to chosen challenge
Assignment Completion	3	Completion of eportfolio including reflection
Independent Study	83	Independent learning and study
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20090	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Alexander Eustace	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Completion of online activity	Watch content online and answer relevant questions in a short quiz	10%	n/a
Loop Quiz	Assessment of Content weeks 1-5	10%	n/a
Group project	Challenge Definition Hackathon to identify challenge to be investigated	20%	n/a
Group project	Peer assessment of individual contribution towards the project goals.	10%	n/a
Group assignment	Team presentation (in a format of the team's choosing) of solution to the challenge in question	20%	n/a
Assignment	Team Eportfolio summarizing bioprocessing and other knowledge relevant to the challenge and its solution	30%	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

Online Resources 1
Production of Vaccines

Online Resources 2
Sustainability in bioprocessing

Online Resources 3
Mammalian Cell Culture

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None