Module: Animal Cell Biotechnology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

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

Description

To provide the student with an overview of modern research and industrial applications of animal cell biology To provide an appreciation of the applications of animal cell culture and related technologies and their applications in industry, research and medicine.

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate the techniques underlying Animal Cell Biotechnology
2. Discuss the application of animal cell biotechnology in commercial production of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and other biopharmaceuticals
3. Evaluate methods used to genetically manipulate animal cells.
4. Discuss the biological role and potential medical applications of stem cells.
5. Discuss some of the ethical issues associated with human animal biotechnology and its applications
6. Evaluate how animal cell biotechnology research methods (including gene editing, next generation sequencing and gene expression profiling) can be applied to understanding disease.
7. Evaluate the different models used in animal biotechnology such as biopharma production and research

*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	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Philip Cummins	Module Teacher	Christine Loscher, Denise Harold, 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