Module Details

Module Code: BIOT8013
Title: Bioreactor Operations
Long Title: Bioreactor Operations
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4218 - Biotechnology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Instructional and practical based learning on experimental design methods, statistical tools in modern biopharmaceutical research, setting up, running and monitoring of fermentation processes.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critique and develop experimental design strategies for modern biopharmaceutical environments
LO2 Generate, analyse and interpret data sets applicable to biopharmaceutical experiments
LO3 Build and operate a bioreactor vessel
LO4 Perform experiments relating to monitoring a fermentation process
LO5 Prepare a portfolio of learning for the experimental work
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
Experimental Design
The scientific method, experimental design steps, types of variables, confounding variables, bias, sample methods, sampling size calculation, sampling methods, validation and control in experimental design.
Statistical Analysis
Use of statistical tools and methods for validation, quality control and interpretation, summary statistics, data distribution, normality testing, parametric and non-parametric inference testing, correlation and regression.
Bioreactor Vessel Preparation and Sterilisation
Vessel cleaning regime, mounting headplate, calibration of pH and dissolved oxygen probes, connection of pH adjustment solutions / gases, clamping of unused ports, filling the jacket, media fill, vessel sterilisation, vessel connection to the control tower, set process parameters.
Bioreactor Vessel Inoculation
Working cell bank scale up, aseptic inoculation of the vessel.
Monitoring Fermentation Process
Select analytical techniques to monitor process parameters and performance of fermentation e.g. viability, metabolite analysis.
Evaluation of Experimental Results
Portfolio of learning detailing vessel set up, inoculation and performance of fermentation process.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Case studies on the design, analysis and interpretation of experimental data. Formative feedback will be provided during the semester.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Portfolio of learning on the experimental work detailing bioreactor vessel cleaning, set up, inoculation and monitoring. Formative feedback will be provided during the semester.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

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
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Lecture and Laboratory based Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-directed study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Brian McNeil and Linda Harvey. (2008), Practical Fermentation Technology, Wiley, [ISBN: 9780470014349].
  • Rowe. (2015), Essential Statistics for the Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2nd edition. Wiley, [ISBN: 9781118913383].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Obom et al. (2013), Operation of a Benchtop Bioreactor, Journal of Visualized Experiments.
Other Resources
  • Website, Minitab, LLC 2019 - Designing an Experiment, URL: https://support.minitab.com/en-us/minita b/18/getting-started/designing-an-experi ment/.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SPHBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 7 Elective