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Module Specifications

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

Module Title Commercial Biotechnology
Module Code BE306
School School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Ciaran Fagan
Semester 2: Ciaran Fagan
Autumn: Ciaran Fagan
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
To introduce students to the key factors underpinning the commercialization of biotechnological innovations. To review the impact of the newer developing technologies on the industry as a whole. To review the Irish Biotechnology industry in the context of European and international trends. To discuss the social and ethical issues raised by many of the newer emerging technologies. To review the impact the Human Genome Project is having on the biotechnology sector in particular, and society in general. To encourage students to become aware of and develop their own individual strengths, and realize the potential of working in groups.

Learning Outcomes
1. Communicate appropriately to the public concerning scientific advances/applications, having regard to their complexity
2. Identify and describe the main characteristics and requirements of different market segments within the global biotechnology industry, and the diverse range of job opportunities resulting
3. Explain the factors and issues involved in the commercialization of a biological process
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
Lecture24No Description
Independent learning41No Description
Assignment60Group Work: Media and Company Case Studies
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; PUBLIC PERCEPTION.
Overview of the biotechnology industry, its main market sectors; Public and media perceptions.

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

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

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

QUALITY ASSURANCE/ CONTROL.
Good Manufacturing Practice/ ISO 9000; Special Quality Issues in Biotechnology; Regulatory matters, new product development..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment70% Examination Weight30%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
PresentationGroup Work on Media Issues30%Week 7
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
361, Website, European Federation of Biotechnology, 0, http://efbweb.org/, http://efbweb.org/, 362, Website, Enterprise Ireland, 0, Biotechnology Ireland, http://www.biotechnologyireland.com/, 363, Website, Biotechnology Industry Organization (USA), 0, http://www.bio.org/, http://www.bio.org/, 364, Website, DCU Library, 0, Biotechnology Subject Portal, http://www.library.dcu.ie/Portals/Biotechnology/bio.htm, 365, Website, DCU Library, 0, Business Subject Portal, http://www.library.dcu.ie/Portals/Business/business.htm, 366, Printed Report, Ernst & Young, 0, Biotech Industry in Europe,
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
BTBSc in Biotechnology
Timetable this semester: Timetable for BE306
Date of Last Revision09-JUN-10
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