Module: Downstream Processing

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Downstream Processing
Module Code	BTE1010 (ITS: BE321)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module introduces students to various unit operations in downstream bioprocessing with a focus on chromatography & filtration

Learning Outcomes

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2. Formulate and solve design and analysis equations for concentration processes including evaporation and ultrafiltration.
5. 1
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7. Formulate and solve design and analysis equations for purification processes including diafiltration and liquid-liquid extraction.
10. 2
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12. Formulate and solve design and analysis equations for high resolution purifications including adsorption, chromatography and crystallisation.
15. 3
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17. Understand the mechanisms underlying liquid chromatography.
20. 4
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22. Understand how each mode of chromatography can be applied in the context of different analyte chemistry and stationary phase functionality.
25. 5
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27. Understand the complexity of bioseparations and how complex biomolecules can be characterised through hyphenated chromatography modes such as LC-MS.
30. 6

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	24	Directed and active learning
Independent Study	101	Study and problem solving
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10148	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	20%	Examination Weight	80%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	David Collins	Module Teacher	Arul Manikandan, Denise Harold, Paul Cahill, Paula Meleady, Yandi Lan

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Problem set: UF/DF	7.5%	n/a
In Class Test	UF/DF	7.5%	n/a
Loop Exam	Chromatography	15%	n/a
Formal Examination	EOT assessment covering all of the material of the module. Questions are more calculation based in the EOT exam.	70%	End-of-Semester

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

Evaporation

Ultrafiltration

Liquid-liquid extraction

Diafiltration

Adsorption

Chromatography

Crystallisation

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None