Module: Animal Cell Biotechnology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Animal Cell Biotechnology
Module Code	BTE1021 (ITS: BE435)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To provide a comprehensive overview of modern animal cell biotechnology as it applies to both industrial/biomedical applications, human health and biomedicine. Specific focus will be placed on: (i) Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell engineering for the production of recombinant human therapeutics; (ii) Stem cell research and exploitation for treatment of human diseases; and (iii) Principles of immunology and vaccine modes of action.

Learning Outcomes

1. Appreciate the wide scope of recombinant human therapeutics and the recent growth of biosimilars
2. Understand the myriad ways in which CHO cells can be genetically engineered to generate new recombinant human therapeutics and to optimise large-scale culture performance and product quality
3. Evaluate the basic methodologies underpinning animal and human cell culture models
4. Evaluate how animal cell biotechnology strategies can be collectively applied towards a better understanding of human disease and enhancement of human health
5. Appreciate the complex biological roles and potential medical applications of stem cells
6. Understand the basic principles of immunology and how they can be applied to the production and optimisation of modern vaccines and immunotherapies

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	A series of lectures detailing the fundamental aspects of animal cell biology.
Independent Study	101	Reading of recomended texts that further develop central core concepts highlighted during lectures
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20100	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	100%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Philip Cummins	Module Teacher	Christine Loscher, Denis Collins, Denise Harold, Finbarr O'Sullivan, Linda Holland, Naomi Walsh, Paul Cahill, Paula Meleady

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Formal Examination	4 exam questions will be provided, students will have 2 hours to answer 3 out of 4 questions	100%	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

Research, clinical and industrial applications of animal cell culture, including
Cell and Tissue Engineering

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Alberts, B., et al.,: 2007, Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5, Garland Publishers,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None