2012/2013

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (Biotechnology)

NFQ Level 9, Major Award

The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (Biotechnology) is a part-time programme running for 18 months over two academic years from the date of first registration for the programme.

Entry Requirements
Candidates must have obtained at least a Second Class Honours, Grade II degree or equivalent in a Biological Sciences degree. Following assessment by the director of the programme, graduates with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology, or with proven and relevant industrial experience, will be considered for places.

Programme Requirements
The programme will consist of lectures, tutorials, and set practical sessions, with the emphasis on training in modern techniques of biotechnology.

Students take 60 credits as follows:

Year 1
Students take 30 credits as follows:
Period 1
BC6001 Cell and Molecular Biology (5 credits)
BT6001 Genetic Engineering (5 credits)
MB6004 Advanced Molecular Microbial Biotechnology (5 credits)

Period 2
PE6008 Bioprocess Engineering (10 credits)
PG6005 Biotechniques (5 credits)

Year 2
Students take 30 credits as follows:
Period 1
CM6011 Modern Methods in Analytical Chemistry (5 credits)
MB6003 Functional Foods for Health (5 credit)
PS6001 Plant Genetic Engineering (5 credits)

Period 2
PF6301 Biopharmaceuticals: Formulation Design, Secondary Processing and Regulatory Compliance (10 credits)
PG6006 Commercialisation Skills for Research (5 credits)

Module descriptions are contained in the Book of Modules, 2012/2013.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2013 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2012/2013.

MSc in Applied Science (Biotechnology)
Students who pass (40%) each of the taught modules in Year 1 and Year 2 examinations of the Postgraduate Diploma, and reach a minimum aggregate of 50% at the first attempt, are deemed eligible to apply for transfer to the MSc in Applied Science (Biotechnology), subject to approval by the Programme Director of that MSc. Such students can repeat at most one failed module at the Autumn Supplemental examinations. In the event of their being accepted into the MSc programme, they will not be conferred with the Postgraduate Diploma.

Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (Biotechnology)
Students who attain a pass (40%) in each of the taught modules in Year 1 examinations may choose to exit the programme and be conferred with a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (Biotechnology).

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (Biotechnology) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Apply their knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts, theories, principles and practical methods of recombinant DNA technology and molecular biotechnology to the design and analysis of biotechnology products and problems;
• Identify, formulate, analyse and solve analytical chemistry problems;
• Design and carry out a method of chemical analysis, including instrumental analysis;
• Apply fundamentals in Process and Biochemical Engineering to the Biotechnology sector;
• Explain important process engineering aspects in the production of biopharmaceuticals and conduct a preliminary process design of an aseptic fill/finish operation;
• Understand the importance of Quality Assurance and GMP in the development, manufacture and supply of medicines and the role of regulatory bodies in licensing medicines and manufacturers;
• Define the key formulation and manufacturing processes for biopharmaceuticals;
• Assess the principles of Food and Industrial Microbiology;
• Outline the regulatory frameworks and the science underpinning the use of functional ingredients for health and well-being;
• Prepare written laboratory reports that provide a description of the experiment, explain the experiment and reasoning clearly, perform scientific calculations and provide an appropriate conclusion.