Module Details

Module Code: BIOT8001
Title: Molecular Biotechnology
Long Title: Molecular Biotechnology
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4218 - Biotechnology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: A comprehensive analysis of the drug discovery process - from concept to production as evidenced by the modern biotechnology industry.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the importance of molecular drug targets as part of the drug discovery process
LO2 List and describe the main bio-therapeutic products currently available
LO3 List and describe the molecular tools needed to generate monoclonal antibodies at a manufacturing scale
LO4 Synopsise and interpret key information from research papers relating to current and future topics relating to drug discovery and design such as protein and cell engineering
LO5 Perform applied laboratory tasks and produce high quality reports
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).
It is recommended that the students will have a strong biological background and a genuine interest in biotechnology
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
Concept to production
A comprehensive evaluation of the stages and logistical parameters underpinning new product development
Products and Companies
A thorough review of the major companies currently involved in the bio-pharmaceutical sector, and an analysis of the main classes of manufactured products
Monoclonal antibody design and production
A detailed analysis of the structure, design and production of monoclonal antibodies
Cell and Protein engineering
A thorough analysis of how cells and proteins can be engineered as part of a modern drug discovery process for applications relating to cancer, inflammation and anti-infectives
Advanced techniques
An overview of advanced techniques in use such as high throughput screening, cell engineering, modern spectroscopic methods, next generation sequencing, bioimaging, qPCR
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
Applied laboratory tasks
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Evaluation of course work material
No End of Module Formal 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 class based instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practical component Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact No Description 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
  • Daan Crommelin. Pharmaceutical biotechnology, [ISBN: 978-0415285018].
  • Ho, Rodney J. (2012), Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals : Transforming Proteins and Genes into Drugs, 2. all, Wiley Blackwell, p.741, [ISBN: 9781118179796].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SPHBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 7 Mandatory