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5. Postgraduate Diploma in Bioanalytical Chemistry

About This Course

Fact File

• Title

  Bioanalytical Chemistry (HCI Pillar 1)

• Code

  PDBCM

• College

  Science, Engineering and Food Science

• Duration

  1 Year

• Teaching Mode

  Full-time

• Qualifications

  PG Dip

• EU Fees

  Free or 90% funded
  See Fees and Costs for full details.

• Entry Requirements

  See Requirements for full details.

• Closing Date

  Next Application Deadline: 30 September 2023

• Credits

  60

• Start Date

  4 December 2023

Course Outline

 

The Postgraduate Diploma in Bioanalytical Chemistry will provide you with knowledge of bioanalytical chemistry as applied in the biopharmaceutical industry. It aims to deliver a broad scope of industry relevant bioanalytical topics that will give you valuable insight and raise your awareness of the importance, implementation and impact of bioanalytical chemistry.  Proactive collaboration with industry in the design and delivery of the curriculum is an innovative approach that will enhance the student learning experience. Towards these ends the blended course will consist of

• (i) lectures (both online and classroom)
• (ii) laboratory work on set experiments (combination of virtual and laboratory practice)
• (iii) industry workshops/seminars/guest lectures
• (iv) a series of interactive virtual games based on industry case studies and
• (v) a short bioanalytical research/development project.  

Further Detail: 

The Postgraduate Diploma in Bioanalytical Chemistry is a level 9 qualification that will provide you with knowledge of bioanalytical chemistry as applied in the biopharmaceutical industry. It is a full time programme that will be run over the course of 2 semesters and will be delivered as a blended course consisting of 10 modules. These modules aim to deliver a broad scope of industry relevant bioanalytical topics that will give you valuable insight and raise your awareness of the importance, implementation and impact of bioanalytical chemistry. Modules will deliver a more in-depth appreciation of the latest trends of bioanalytical techniques and state of the art analytical technologies being implemented by the biopharmaceutical industry. Training in a wide range of methods of bioanalytical chemistry analysis and chemometric skills, literature searching, troubleshooting and presentation skills will be provided. A key aspect of the programme is the partnering with several industries that provide valuable insight, skills and knowledge that bridge the gap between academic teaching and industry practice. Proactive collaboration with industry in the design and delivery of the curriculum is an innovative approach that will enhance the student learning experience. 

Towards these ends the course will consist of:

• (i) Online lectures
• (ii) Virtual Laboratory work
• (iii) Laboratory work on set experiments
• (iv) Industry workshops
• (v) A desk-based research review project

You will complete 60 credits as follows:

• CM6028 Introduction to Bioanalytical Chemistry (5 credits)
• CM6009 Advanced Bioanalytical Chemistry (5 credits)
• CM6024 Industry Led Workshops/Seminars in Bioanalytical Chemistry (5 credits)
• CM6025 Instrumental Techniques for Bioanalytical Chemistry (5 credits)
• CM6031 Process Analytical Technology in BioPharma (5 credits)
• CM6029 Introduction to Quality and Regulatory Affairs for BioPharma (5 credits)
• CM6032 Troubleshooting Bioanalytical Chemistry Case Studies (5 credits)
• CM6008 Virtual Bioanalytical Chemistry Laboratories (5 credits)
• CM6030 Practice of Bioanalytical Chemistry (10 credits)
• CM6023 Bioanalytical Project (10 credits) 

Programme Objectives:

Over the duration of this programme you will learn how to:

• Identify, formulate, analyse and solve problems in the analysis of biological compounds
• Outline fundamental and applied aspects of bioanalytical chemistry
• Design and carry out a method of biopharmaceutical analysis, including instrumental analysis
• Communicate effectively with the biopharmaceutical community on bioanalytical chemistry
• Troubleshoot and problem solve challenges in the field of bioanalytical chemistry
• Prepare a written research report and disseminate the results by way of presentation

Why Choose This Course

Students will be ready to work in the Biopharmaceutical industry on completion of this Postgraduate Diploma in Bioanalytical Chemistry. They will have a broader awareness of bioanalytical technologies and techniques and be better prepared to fulfil new and emerging roles in Quality Assurance and Quality Control within the Biopharmaceutical industry.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Bioanalytical Chemistry gives students a broad foundation of Bioanalytical techniques and assays and their application in the Biopharmaceutical industry. The Biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector is very strong in Ireland with an investment of $10 billion in developing new facilities over the past 10 years. As a sector it is seeing a strong demand for new skills to be developed as this investment leads to new jobs and roles within the industry.

The industry advisory board from the taught postgraduate programmes in Analytical Chemistry has been very proactive to partner the Biopharmaceutical sector with the School of Chemistry and consult on the design and implementation of the curriculum for this new PG Dip programme.

The content delivered in the Bioanalytical programme is very relevant to the skills in the Biopharmaceutical sector and students on completion of the programme will have improved opportunities for employment. The new modes of teaching, industry relevant content and innovative methods of delivery, including the use of virtual reality technology (labs and virtual gaming) have significant input from key industry partners (in particular the industry relevant case studies and workshops). This PG Dip will also provide students with opportunities to develop their problem-solving skills and enhance their student experience through a blended course delivery and direct contact with Biopharmaceutical industry representatives.

Skills and Careers Information

The Postgraduate Diploma in Bioanalytical Chemistry has been designed to enable graduates to meet priority skills needs for the biopharmaceutical sector. It links strongly to Regional development and NDP/Project Ireland 2040 objectives, responding to the needs of the biopharmaceutical industry to provide more skilled personnel.

You will gain hands-on experience with industry partners through industry workshops that have been incorporated into the programme.

Are there any career workshops included as part of this course?

Students will have access to the UCC career services. Main activities will include:

1. Career coaching to formulate individual career action plans leading to employment, reflecting on: 
   1. Where are they now in their careers?
   2. Where do they want to be?
   3. Strategies for gaining employment on completion of the programme.
      
      
2. Job readiness workshops will be built into the programme as outlined below:
   1. Positioning oneself for job readiness: Setting realistic career objectives; Understanding strengths and skills; Learning from successful role models; Developing a career management strategy.
   2. Moving forward into a job: Taking action by developing career goals and implementing them;
   3. Creative job-hunting both on-line and off-line; Written applications, CVs and interview preparation and implementing career plans.
      
      
3. Participants will be given the opportunity to meet employers by attending UCC organised recruitment fairs, jobs roadshows and other events where employers will be invited on campus to meet students.

Requirements

Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in Science, Process Engineering or Chemical Engineering.

A quota will be allocated to applicants who do not meet these entry requirements. These applicants will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning and assessed on the following factors:

• Academic achievement
• Prior Work Experience
• Letter of Reference
• Personal Statement

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. See our English language proficiency requirements.

Fees and Costs

In 2023, as part of the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1, the HEA will subsidise spaces on this programme.

• Standard EU Fee: €7,250
• 90% Subsidised Fee: €725 payable by applicant
• 100% Subsidised Fee: No course fees payable by applicant

For full details on subsidies available please see 'What will it cost?' on the main HCI Pillar 1 webpage

How Do I Apply

Applications are now open for 2023 and can be made via Springboard+:

• If you already have a Springboard+ account - please apply here
• If you are new to Springboard+ - please apply here
• When you log in to your existing account or register for a new account, go to the courses tab at the top of the page and search for the course you are interested in applying for. Further instructions can be found in the 'How to Apply' section of the Springboard+ webpage.

Candidates are advised to apply early as high demand is anticipated and places are limited. Applications will NOT be assessed until all supporting documentation has been received. Please ensure that you have the documentation below available at the time of application. 

Academic Reqirements:

For mainstream applications, you will need:

• Copies of transcripts and parchments for any previous relevant educational qualifications
• Personal / Motivation Statement - In 300 words or less, please state:
  • 1) Why you wish to study this programme at University College Cork
  • 2) How you meet the programme entry requirements.
• Current CV
• Copy of an up to-date University approved English language exam e.g. IELTS, TOFEL, Duolingo etc., for non-native English speakers

For applications considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), you will need:

• Copies of transcripts and parchments for any previous relevant educational qualifications
• Current CV
• References where applicable
• Personal / Motivation Statement - In 500 words or less, please state:
  • 1) Why you wish to study this programme at University College Cork
  • 2) How you meet the programme entry requirements.
• Copy of an up to-date University approved English language exam e.g. IELTS, TOFEL, Duolingo etc., for non-native English speakers

Eligibility Requirements:

All applicants must -

• be living full time in the Republic of Ireland
• hold a valid Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)
• have lived in the EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland for 3 out of the past 5 years
• meet the nationality/visa requirement i.e.,
• you are an EU/EEA/UK/Swiss national OR
• you have a Stamp 4/Stamp 4 EU FAM, Stamp 5, or Stamp 6 on your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card or GNIB card.