Master of Science in Biopharmaceutical Processing

Biopharmaceutical Processing 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. Over the past decade the Irish biopharma sector has seen $10 billion in capital investment in new facilities which represents close to the largest wave of investment in biopharma manufacturing anywhere in the globe, according to the NIBRT annual report published Feb 2019. There are significant career opportunities on offer in this sector.This programme is jointly offered by ATU Sligo and NIBRT (National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training).About this programmeIt is the overall aim of this postgraduate course to deliver training which is customised to meet the exact needs of the clients in the biopharma sector. This is achieved through completing online modules that have been designed in conjunction with the Biopharma industry with whom NIBRT and ATU Sligo are closely aligned. This programme shall address the recognised research and development needs of the Biopharmaceutical industry and has the capacity to develop graduates who will contribute to the Biopharmaceutical industry internationally, nationally and regionally.This programme is particularly suited to those in employment in the biopharma industry. It is anticipated that the research project conducted as part fulfillment for the award of Master of Science will be an integral part of their normal working role. It is therefore likely that the participants will be either working in R & D or technology transfer roles. This programme constitutes 60 credits thesis on an applied biopharma work based project and 30 credits taught modules.Students must choose 1 elective module per semester (either the Upstream Processing Lab. module which requires a 2 day block attendance at the NIBRT facility or Bioprocess scale up and tech transfer module during the first semester OR either the Downstream processing lab or Formulation and Delivery module during their 2nd semester). Students are required to complete a total of 30 credits taught modules alongside a 60 credits thesis for the full award.