Module Details

Module Code: BIOT7013
Title: Upstream Bioprocessing
Long Title: Upstream Bioprocessing
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4218 - Biotechnology
Module Delivered in: 5 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is designed to familarise students with the upstream processing of recombinant biopharmaceutical products.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Provide an overview of a typical Biopharmaceutical process and discuss the drug discovery and development process.
LO2 Identify potential expression systems for Biopharmaceuticals products.
LO3 Describe the important role of cell banks.
LO4 Discuss media design and sterilisation.
LO5 Describe the main considerations for fermentation vessel design and operation.
LO6 Perform experimental tasks related to upstream processing.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Biotechnology and the Biopharmaceutical Industry
Identify differences between pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals. Overview of biopharmaceutical therapies and production process.
Drug Discovery and Development
From concept to pharmacies - outline the steps involved in the life history of a successful drug.
Sources of Recombinant Biopharmaceutical Products
An overview of potential expression systems for the production of biopharmaceuticals: microbial systems, animal cells, transgenic animals, plant-based and insect cell culture systems.
Cell Banks
An overview of the production of cell banks, two-tier systems and cryopreservation. Regulatory requirements for purity, identity and stability testing. Inoculum scale up.
Media Design and Sterilisation
Differences and similarities between media for microbiological culture and for mammalian cell culture. Water purity and sterilisation of fermentation media.
Fermenter / Bioreactor Design and Operation
Microbial culture versus mammalian culture. Mode of operation. General design criteria for consideration. Sequence of process steps. Types of vessels.
Laboratory Programme
Conduct laboratory procedures and practical skills employed in upstream processing.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 3,6
Assessment Description
Laboratory practicals and report writing.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Classroom Instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Laboratory Practicals Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-directed study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Gary Walsh. (2007), Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: Concepts and Applications, J. Wiley, [ISBN: 9780470012444].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Brian McNeil & Linda M. Harvey. (2008), Practical Fermentation Technology, J. Wiley, [ISBN: 9780470014349].
  • Firdos Alam Khan. (2015), Biotechnology Fundamentals, CRC Press, [ISBN: 9781498723428].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Obom et al. (2013), Operation of a Benchtop Bioreactor, Journal of Visualized Experiments.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SPHBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 4 Mandatory
CR_SBIBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology 4 Elective
CR_SFSTE_7 Bachelor of Science in Food and Health Science 4 Elective
CR_SCEBS_8 Common Entry Biological Sciences 4 Elective
CR_SBIOS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Biosciences 4 Elective