Course Summary
Programme Code : SG_SBIOP_O09
Biopharmaceutical Science involves study of the discovery, development and processing of modern, medical drugs by artificially growing some or all of the components utilising cell culture technologies. The processes involved are more biological-based as compared to the more chemical-based processes associated with small-molecule pharmaceutical products. The Medical Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical sectors are among the fastest growing in the Life Sciences area both nationally and internationally.
This programme is jointly offered by IT Sligo and NIBRT (National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training).
This post-graduate programme in Biopharmaceutical Science aims to provide students with a comprehensive grounding in critical aspects of Biopharmaceutical Processing and Support Services, with specific focus on the product lifecycle of Biopharmaceutical products and processes. It has been designed to provide graduates with a range of cutting-edge skills in Biopharmaceutical Science and Medical Biotechnology thereby making them highly employable within the Biotechnology, Biopharmaceutical and Medical Biotechnology Industries in Ireland and abroad. One of the key features of this programme is that it combines skills in Biopharmaceutical Science and Medical Biotechnology with an in-depth knowledge of legislation/regulation and quality control systems for the respective industries.
Key Course Information
Students must choose 1 elective module per semester (Practical Lab. Modules typically require a 2 day block attendance at the NIBRT facility, Dublin). Elective choices need to be made upon commencement of the programme to allow for module planning. Students are required to complete 60 credits for the full award.
Award: Post graduate Diploma in Biopharmaceutical Science – level 9
Application Closing Date : 7th January 2025
Entry Requirements
The programme is open to students who have obtained an honours degree (Level 8) or its equivalent in an appropriate discipline (i.e. Engineering or Life Sciences). Other candidates with alternative honours degrees and relevant experience in the BioProcessing industry (typically 5 years duration in a GMP environment) may apply for consideration through the ATU Sligo RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) process.
RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie
English requirement
Applicants whose first language is not English should provide evidence of English language proficiency. For further information on English language requirements click here
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this programme can expect to find employment in the Biopharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Diagnostics, Medical Devices and Pharmaceutical sectors, at the appropriate level. In the development of this programme emphasis has been placed on aligning the course content with the skills required by the Biopharmaceutical industry, whilst ensuring that there is sufficient flexibility to allow students to move laterally into associated careers including Research and Development opportunities.
Graduates are typically employed in managerial positions in Scientific, Operations and Quality Assurance / Control positions in the Biopharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry sectors both in Ireland and abroad.
Further Study
The Post-Graduate Diploma comprises 12 modules of 5 credits each for a total of 60 credits. Students may elect to exit the programme with a Post-Graduate Diploma qualification or more typically progress onto the full 90 credit MSc award which involves a further 30 credit masters thesis/dissertation.
Programme Fees
Academic Year 2024/25 Fees
Total Programme Fees: €9,996
To help make the payment of fees more manageable for students who are self-funding their studies, tuition fees can be paid through payment instalment plans at ATU Sligo. For further information on instalment plans, please visit our Fees and Funding webpage.
For further information and guidance about Fees and Funding for online and part-time courses at ATU Sligo, click here.
If you are seeking to take your exams online, and you meet the eligibility criteria (overseas students and those with extenuating circumstances), an additional examinations fee will apply. For further information, please visit our Examinations webpage.
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fermentation and Cell Culture Process | 05 |
| Legislation and Regulatory Affairs | 05 |
| Research Methods Biopharma | 05 |
| Scale-Up and Technology Transfer [E] | 05 |
| Upstream Bioprocessing Practical [E] | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Protein Purification Processing | 05 |
| Downstream Bioprocessing Practical [E] | 05 |
| Formulation and Delivery Systems [E] | 05 |
Semester 3
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Biocontamination Monitoring and Control | 05 |
| Bioanalytical Techniques | 05 |
| Facility Design and Operation [E] | 05 |
| Bopharmaceutical Analytical Techniques Practical Module [E] | 05 |
Semester 4
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Biopharma Process Validation | 05 |
| Lean Sigma for BioPharma | 05 |
| Research Methods Biopharma [E] | 05 |
| Project Management [E] | 05 |
| Advanced Technologies in Bioprocessing [E] | 05 |
[E] = Elective Module. Modules subject to availability.