Masters Degrees in Industrial Biotechnology, Ireland

The MSc in Biotechnology is a one-year course designed to provide you with the theoretical and practical skills for employment in the industries of biomedical research, biopharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and biotechnology. The course curriculum consists of six months of lectures, laboratory practical sessions, career service workshops, industry-based seminars and a six-month research project. The curriculum has been developed with input from staff in local biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries, to provide you with the necessary skills required by employers. Students have the choice to complete the six-month research project in a national or international industry or university environment.

Visit the website: http://www.ucc.ie/en/ckr01/

Course Details

This is the most established MSc in Biotechnology course in Ireland and is the most popular MSc course in UCC. The international success of this course is attributed to the industry-led curriculum offered to students and the opportunity to complete a six-month placement in industry or an academic research lab. The global recognition of the course is also evident from our international alumni and receipt of several industry-sponsored scholarships available to students entering and on completion of the course.

The course will:

- introduce you to the theory and practice of bioanalytical chemistry?
- introduce you to molecular biotechnology, eukaryotic-, prokaryotic- and plant-biotechnologies, recombinant DNA technologies and their - application in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries
- introduce you to the principles of process and biochemical engineering?
- introduce you to the role of process validation and quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry, and give you an awareness of the - - latest trends in good manufacturing, laboratory and validation practices
- introduce you to the principles of food and industrial microbiology
- provide you with the opportunity to conduct and complete a body of independent research in a biotechnology-related area and present your research findings in a minor dissertation.

Format

The curriculum consists of approximately 250 contact hours over two academic terms (October to December and January to March), consisting of eight course modules, set practical sessions, career service workshops and an industry lecture series.

During the third academic term (April to September), students complete a six-month research project on a topic related to biotechnology, biopharmaceutical or biomedical research. Industry-based projects in these areas are managed by a dedicated placement officer who facilitates career workshops during which you prepare for and are interviewed by staff from companies interested in hosting students. For students interested in a career in biomedical research or PhD, projects are offered in a broad range of research areas utilising modern research techniques. All research projects are undertaken in consultation with an academic supervisor and examiner.

The MSc in Biotechnology degree course consists of eight course modules, set practical sessions, career service workshops, an industry lecture series and a six-month research project.

Students study the following eight modules and complete a research project:

- Advanced Molecular Microbial Biotechnology
- Biopharmaceuticals: formulation design, secondary processing and regulatory compliance
- Bioprocess Engineering
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Functional Foods for Health
- Genetic Engineering
- Modern Methods in Analytical Chemistry
- Plant Genetic Engineering

Research Project and Industry Placement

You will be required to complete a six-month research project based on your individual research and development in a selected field of modern science. You carry out your research in UCC’s laboratories or at an approved academic or industrial partner.

When you complete your research dissertation in an industrial setting, it provides the company with an opportunity to assess your skills and abilities and to screen potential future full-time employees.

Students who secure employment upon graduation fit into the organisation and contribute productively much sooner that other graduates. For students with an interest in biomedical research and future careers as PhD researchers, research projects are offered across a broad range of topics including but not limited to; cancer biology, neuroscience, immunology, microbiology and plant biotechnology.

Further details on the content and modules are available on the Postgraduate College Calendar - http://www.ucc.ie/calendar/postgraduate/Masters/science/page05.html#4%20

Assessment

The MSc in Biotechnology is awarded after passing written examinations across taught course units, the continuous assessment of practical work and completion of a six-month research project, which has to be written up in the form of a dissertation and approved by an external examiner. All students must complete written examinations (typically held over a two week period in March) and submit a research project. Full details and regulations governing examinations for each course will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2013 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2015/2016 - http://www.ucc.ie/modules/

Careers

The course is suitable for students wishing to extend their specific undergraduate degree knowledge in biotechnology, and for those wishing to bridge their undergraduate degree and gain more specialised knowledge and training in biotechnology. The course allows you to follow a number of career pathways. Each year, over 70 per cent of our students gain employment while approximately 20 per cent of graduates progress to international PhD opportunities.

How to apply: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/

Funding and Scholarships

Information regarding funding and available scholarships can be found here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/cblgradschool/current/fundingandfinance/fundingscholarships/

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Biotechnology encompasses all aspects of the industrial application of living organisms and/ or biological techniques. It is a collection of technologies that capitalise on the attributes of cells and biological molecules, such as DNA, to work for us. The primary biotechnology activity carried out in Ireland is research and development. Ireland has experienced massive growth across the biotechnology sector including food, environmental and pharmaceutical industries in the last decade. Ireland is home to nine of the top 10 global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, such as GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Merck, BristolMyers Squibb and Genzyme, with seven of the 10 world blockbuster pharmaceuticals made here. The MSc in Biotechnology is taught by leading
academics in the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and focuses on broadening your knowledge and understanding of the current technologies and processes in the biotechnology industry, including approaches being applied to further advance the discovery and design of new and highly innovative biotech and pharmaceutical products and technologies. It also provides modules on food and environmental biotechnology, as well as industrially relevant expertise in facility design, bioprocess technology, regulatory affairs and clinical trials.

Key Fact

During the third semester you will conduct research in an academic or industrial lab. Projects will be carried out within research groups of the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science using state-of-the-art laboratory and computational facilities or in Irish and multinational biotechnology companies, across the spectrum of the dynamic biotechnology industry in Ireland.

Course Content and Structure

Taught masters Taught modules Individual research project
90 credits 60 credits 30 credits
You will gain experimental and theoretical knowledge in the following topics:
• Pharmacology and Drug Development
• Medical Device Technology
• Biomedical Diagnostics
• Recombinant DNA Technology
• Microbial and Animal Cell Culture
• Food Biotechnology
• Facility Design
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Regulatory Affairs
• Drug Development and Clinical Trials
• Bioprocessing Laboratory Technology
Assessment
• Your work will be assessed using a variety
of methods including coursework, group
and individual reports, written and online
exams, and presentations

Career Opportunities

This advanced graduate degree in Biotechnology has been developed in consultation with employers and therefore is recognised and valued by them. A key feature is the opportunity to carry out a project in industry which will allow graduates to develop connections with prospective employers, thereby enhancing chances of employment on graduation. You will also have the opportunity to become part of a network of alumni in the fi eld of Biotechnology. Prospective employers include Abbott; Allergan; Amgen; Baxter Healthcare; Beckman Coulter; Biotrin International Ltd.; Boston Scientifi c; Elan Corporation; Eli Lilly and Co.; Celltech; GlaxoSmithKline; Icon Clinical Research; Johnson & Johnson Ltd.; Kerry Group Plc.; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Quintiles; Sandoz; Serology Ltd.

Facilities and Resources

• The UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science is closely linked to the UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, which provides cutting edge core technologies including the premier Mass Spectrometry Resource in the country, NMR spectroscopy, real time PCR, electron microscopy, light microscopy, digital pathology and fl ow cytometry.

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The MSc Biotechnology programme aims to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are needed to pursue a successful career in biotechnology. Through tutorials, lectures, assignments and a four-month research project, the programme focuses on the adaptation and application of biological processes for commercial and industrial use. This course would be suitable for graduates with a primary degree in the Biological Sciences who wish to extend their knowledge and skills for a career in the biotechnology sector.

Graduates have found employment in the pharmaceutical and food industries, and in diagnostic and research services, with companies such as Abbott, Allergan, ICON Clinical Research, Norbrook Laboratories and Pfizer. They are pursuing careers in manufacturing, quality assurance, product development and research, as well as the broader sectors of sales, marketing, and regulatory affairs.

Programme Content:

Core Modules

Research Project:

Five-month laboratory project with an academic research team on a biotechnology topic.

Frontiers in Biotechnology:

An interactive tutorial-based module that will develop students' transferable skill and knowledge of recent advances in biotechnology.

Current Methodologies in Biotechnology:

Experts will teach methodologies fundamental to biotechnological research and application.

Diagnostic Biotechnology:

A comprehensive overview of immunological and molecular diagnostics applied in current biotechnological applications.

Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology:

Fundamental understanding of how drugs work and how they are discovered and developed.

Protein Technology:

Enhancing protein production and function of biopharmaceutical and industrial proteins on a commercial scale.

Introduction to Business:

Concepts of marketing, management and accountancy and their application in biotechnology businesses.

Optional Modules (Choose 2)

Advanced Industrial Process:

This module is designed to develop an awareness of microbial technologies and their applications to biotechnology.

Applied Concepts of Pharmacology:

This module introduces students to autonomic pharmacology and drug discovery and development.

Scientific Writing:

This module aims to provide students with an in-dept understanding of the process of scientific publications.

Immunology:

Emphasis on the clinical value of manipulation of the immune system.

Quality Management Systems:

QMS for the efficient and safe running of commercial and industrial biotechnology enterprises.

Cell & Molecular Biology: Advanced Technologies

This module outlines the fundamentals of cell and molecular biology.

Read less

Biotechnology encompasses all aspects of the industrial application of living organisms and/ or biological techniques. It is a collection of technologies that capitalise on the attributes of cells and biological molecules, such as DNA, to work for us. Ireland has experienced massive growth across the Biotechnology sector including Food, Environmental and Pharmaceutical industries in the last decade. Ireland is home to nine of the top 10 world pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, such as GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Genzyme, with seven of the 10 world blockbuster pharmaceuticals made here.
The MSc in Biotechnology and Business is an exciting programme designed for non-business graduates who want to become managers or entrepreneurs in complex business environments in technology and science-based fields. The MSc in Biotechnology and Business provides you with a solid knowledge of techniques used in modern biotechnology including hands-on experience of bioprocessing. You will also receive a comprehensive business education. You will learn to identify and solve business problems
in local and international settings, enhance your communication and leadership skills, and improve your ability for independent thinking and developing creative solutions. The programme is the result of a close collaboration between the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business, which is Ireland’s leading business school.

Key Fact

The programme is the result of a close collaboration between the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business, which is Ireland’s leading business school.

Course Content and Structure

90 credits 70 credits 20 credits
taught masters taught modules group business plan research project
You will spend 50% of your time studying biotechnology and 50% of your time studying business. You may choose optional biotechnology modules to ensure that you specialise in your area of interest.
Depending on your chosen subjects you will also gain experimental and theoretical knowledge in the following topics:
• Drug Discovery
• Medical Device Technology
• Biomedical Diagnostics
• Regulatory Affairs
• Bioprocessing
• Marketing Management
• Corporate Finance
• Entrepreneurship
• Business plan development
• Biotechnology Case Study

Career Opportunities

This advanced graduate degree in Biotechnology and Business has been developed in consultation with employers and therefore will be recognised and valued by them. A key feature is the opportunity to carry out a business development plan which will allow graduates to develop connections with prospective employers, thereby enhancing chances of employment on graduation.
Prospective employers include: Abbott; Allergan; Alpha Technologies;
Amgen; Avonmore Foods; Baxter Healthcare; Beckman Coulter; Biotrin International
Ltd.; Boston Scientifi c; Elan Corporation; Eli Lilly and Co.; Celltech; GlaxoSmithKline; Icon
Clinical Research; ImmunoGen Inc.; Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd.; Johnson & Johnson Ltd.;
Kerry Group Plc.; Medtronic; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Olympus Diagnostica; Quintiles;
Quest International; Sandoz.; Seroba Kernel; Serology Ltd.

Facilities and Resources

The UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science is closely linked to the UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, which provides cutting-edge core technologies including the premier Mass Spectrometry resource in the country, NMR spectroscopy, real-time PCR, electron microscopy, light microscopy, digital pathology and fl ow cytometry.

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This MSc programme provides students with structured training in Scalable Innovation and Laser enabled bioprinting in academic year 2018/19. This training is underpinned by advanced courses in Optical Design, Advanced Materials, and Tissue Engineering. The programme is particularly focused on digital additive and subtractive processes—targeting personalised medical devices and sensors— pivotal for addressing future key healthcare challenges. Students will gain hands on experience on state of the art manufacturing research platforms enabling them to demonstrate their research potential.

The programme is an ideal opportunity for launching a career in research for industry or academia; it is informed by the goals of three key Science Foundation Ireland Research Centres, CÚRAM Centre for Medical Devices, I-FORM Centre in Advanced Manufacturing and the IPIC Centre in Photonics Technologies.

Key Enabling Technologies are recognised by the European Union to be the building blocks for future product and process technologies.Europe’s future competitiveness depends on how its labour force will apply and master the fusion of two or more key enabling technologies on advanced manufacturing test-beds. This interdisciplinary programme prepares technologists for this societal challenge.

The six key enabling technologies are:

• Photonics
• Advanced Materials
• Industrial Biotechnology
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Nanotechnology
• Micro- / Nano- electronics

In September 2018/19, students will work on individual research projects aligned with a team-based challenge. All projects will converge towards the central theme encompassing the application of multiple key enabling technologies to create electrically, optically and thermally activated medical device concepts using an additive (inkjet & spray) and subtractive (laser) advanced manufacturing test bed.

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