Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title The Biotech Industry
Module Code BE209
School School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Ciaran Fagan
Semester 2: Ciaran Fagan
Autumn: Ciaran Fagan
Module TeacherCiaran Fagan
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
There are four broad aims for this module:(i) to introduce students to the key factors underpinning the commercialisation of biotechnological inventions;(ii) to review the impact of the newer developing technologies on the industry as a whole;(iii) to review the Irish/European Biotech industry in the context of international trends, and(iv) to discuss the social and ethical issues raised by many of the newer emerging technologies/products.

Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and describe the main characteristics and requirements of different market segments within the global biotechnology industry
2. Explain the factors and issues involved in the commercialization of a biological process
3. Outline aspects of cell structure and function, and of biological materials, relevant to biotechnology markets
4. Describe in broad terms how the Human Genome Project is impacting on medical thinking and practice and, in particular, on the biotechnology sector
5. Outline ethical and social questions, raised by advances in biotechnology, in their legal, regulatory and intellectual property contexts



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture22No Description
Independent learning55No Description
Group work48No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
FUNDAMENTALS.
Overview of the biotechnology industry, its main market sectors; Scientific fundamentals of biotechnology.

SPECIAL-INTEREST SECTORS.
Application of Biotech to Disease Diagnosis and Treatment; The future of personalised medicine, an economic analysis; Application of Biotechnology to Agrifood Sector; Ethical considerations in the Biotechnology Industry.

THE BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY.
Bioprocessing - Industrial Manufacture of Biotech Products; The Biotechnology Industry globally, in Europe and in Ireland.

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION.
Biotechnology Research Processes, University/Industry relationships; Translating Research to Product; Intellectual Property Protection/ Licensing; Clinical Trials.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment70% Examination Weight30%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Computerised test/examIndividual: Fundamentals of Biotechnology30%Sem 1 End
Report (s) (written / oral)Group Assignment: Company Case Study40%Week 10
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 3
Indicative Reading List
  • Sherlock, R. and Morrey, J.D. (Eds): 0, Ethical Issues in Biotechnology, Rowman and Littlefield,
  • Rifkin, Jeremy: 0, The Biotech Century, Phoenix,
  • Bryant, J., Baggott la Velle and Searle, J. (Eds): 0, Bioethics for Scientists., Wiley,
  • Durant, J., Bauer, M.W. and Gaskell, G. (Eds): 0, Biotechnology in the Public Sphere, Science Museum,
Other Resources
316, Website, Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), 0, Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) Reports, www.ota.nap.edu, 317, Article, 0, Selected articles from Biotech and Business Journals, 318, Website, US Dept. of Energy, 0, Human Genome Project Information, www.ornl.gov, 319, Website, Ebsco company database (company profiles/patent info, etc, 0, Ebsco company database,
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
MINTBSc Marketing, Innovation & Technology
Timetable this semester: Timetable for BE209
Date of Last Revision17-SEP-08
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