Bioprocessing and Biopharma

Bioprocessing

Course Details

CAO Code:
Course Type:
Undergraduate
NFQ Level:
8
Placement:
Yes
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Minimum Points
N/A
Duration
1 + 3 Years
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 8515

Interested in developing new drugs such as life-saving vaccines or in creating innovative mass market food products?

Overview

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Bioprocessing could be the right path for you. It involves applying biological sciences and bioprocess engineering principles to the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, enzymes, food and other products, on a commercial scale. 

On this course, you’ll come to understand the fundamental biological principles and methods involved in developing new drugs and other products. You’ll also learn about the challenges of large-scale manufacturing, and develop the bioprocess and biomolecular engineering knowledge and skills to solve those problems.

Future-proof your career
The BSc in Bioprocessing is a DCU Futures course, meaning it has been designed to reflect real-world needs and give you a diverse suite of skills. You’ll move from studying the basic sciences, mathematics and data analytics, to delving more deeply into biology and bioprocessing, and tackling real-world bioprocessing problems. In third year, you’ll get to do a nine-month INTRA work placement.  

Graduates can work as bioprocessing specialists in the biopharmaceutical, food, beverage, industrial enzyme, and microbial biotechnology sectors. With their in-depth knowledge of data analytics, process analytical technologies, and process automation and control, they can also thrive in other sectors, including fine chemical processing, environmental management, and sustainability.

DCU People

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

Acquisition of knowledge and development of skills in data analytics, process analytical technologies, and process automation and control will ensure you are fully equipped to address the processing challenges that arise across bio- and non-bio sectors. There is a huge demand for graduates with these skills in career areas such as

  • Biopharma
  • Food and Beverage Industry
  • Industrial Enzymology
  • Microbial Biotechnology
  • Chemical Processing
  • Environmental Management
  • Sustainability Sectors

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.

Entry Requirements

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Entry is via Biology Sciences General Entry - and list the requirements for that programme, Biological Sciences General Entry | School of Biotechnology | Dublin City University (dcu.ie)

Entry is via Biology Sciences General Entry - and list the requirements for that programme, Biological Sciences General Entry | School of Biotechnology | Dublin City University (dcu.ie)

Entry is via Biology Sciences General Entry - and list the requirements for that programme, Biological Sciences General Entry | School of Biotechnology | Dublin City University (dcu.ie)

Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 6, 7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU. There should be substantial overlap in content between the two programmes to be considered for a transfer. Results and other supporting documentation must be submitted to CAO by the closing date of 1st July. This is a competitive application process for a small quota of advanced entry places. Offers are made on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Early application is advised. Please note: Applicants should also consider applying through the appropriate route for first year entry to the programme they are interested in. This application process is only for advanced entry.

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here .

Course Structure

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You will enter BSc in Bioprocessing via the Biological Sciences General Entry route (DC180), confirming your choice at the end of Year 1.

 

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the programme, a graduate will be able to: 

  • demonstrate deep understanding of the theory, concepts and methods of: (i) key biological sciences, (ii) selected subjects within chemical and bioprocess engineering, (iii) selected aspects of industrial manufacturing methods, and (iv) computational methods and data analytics, while recognizing the interconnections between these different fields and demonstrating an ability to efficiently integrate them in solving bioprocessing and related real-world problems, and engaging in applied, industrially-focused research;
  • demonstrate deep knowledge of; (i) microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology and immunology; (ii) transport processes, upstream and downstream processing, process automation and control, bioprocess modelling and simulation; and (iii) computational and data acquisition techniques implemented using selected software packages. Integration of these disciplines will be achieved by using a hands-on approach to solving computational and pilot-scale experimental problems, by solving real-world bioprocessing and related challenges, and by engaging in industry-focused applied research;
  • solve bioprocessing and related problems using a quantitative, data-driven approach based on an integration of their knowledge of biology, bioprocess engineering, data acquisition, data analysis, and bioprocess simulation. Graduates will also be able to define a problem, devise a strategy for the solution of that problem, design appropriate experiments incorporating modern data acquisition techniques, analyze the acquired data using selected computational techniques and suitable software, deepen their understanding of the data using modelling and simulation, and ultimately devise evidence-based solutions to the problem. Graduates will also be able to complete research and related projects in the broad area of bioprocessing, especially but not limited to, bioreactor operation and control, bioprocess modelling and simulation, product recovery and purification, product innovation and environmental management;
  • investigate and solve - using a rigorous quantitative, data-driven approach - bioprocessing and related problems, individually but especially as part of a team, and be able to communicate, both orally and in writing, to peers and relevant stakeholders, the significance of their work and its impact both on the relevant bioprocess and society at large. Graduates will also be able to think creatively (informed by the breadth and depth of their knowledge), as well as being able to demonstrate a solution-focused mindset and a capacity for leadership within a team environment.
  • demonstrate the ability to select the optimum approach and tools (in terms of monitoring, measurement and computation), for solving bioprocessing and related problems, and for investigating the biological, chemical and physical phenomena that occur within bioprocessing and related environments. Graduates will also be able to demonstrate an ability to manage small teams and match multidisciplinary team members (including non-scientists/engineers) to the most appropriate task. They will also be able to manage the communication of the team's findings to stakeholders;
  • demonstrate their understanding of the interaction between bioprocessing and society/business both in terms of the impact of bioprocessing .on society/business and the impact of society/business on bioprocessing. Graduates will also be able to demonstrate an understanding for the grand challenges facing society including but not limited to pandemics, climate change, and social media with its potential to facilitate a hostile approach to science, medicine and the production of products of biological origin. In this context, graduates will be able to demonstrate an appreciation for the ethical issues that inevitably arise in the broad area of bioprocessing and biotechnology;
  • (i) a strong work ethic, an ability to work independently, to show initiative, and ability to meet deadlines; (ii) an ability to work as an effective team player to show leadership where required; (iii) a willingness to think creatively and to communicate new ideas in an effective manner; (iv) a sense of openness with an ability to view problems and challenges from a variety of perspectives (scientific, economic, ethical, environmental);
  • (i) an awareness of what they know and what and they don't know; (ii) an awareness of the need to update and/or deepen their knowledge and skills in a rapidly changing technological environment; (iii) a willingness to to conduct further learning in the form of advanced degrees, micro-credentials, MOOCs or purely independent learning. In the context of bioprocessing they will be able to demonstrate a willingness to keep abreast of developments in basic science, process automation and control, digital technologies and data analytics, and the broad are of product and process regulation;
  • (i) an understanding of the viewpoints of colleagues and stakeholders from different disciplines, (ii) an appreciation for the important roles played by technical support and other staff in bioprocessing and related industries, (iii) a sense of empathy for stakeholders who hold different viewpoints, and a willingness to engage with those stakeholders in a respectful manner, (iv) an appreciation for the ethical issues raised by advances in the biological sciences and digital technologies.

At the start of the BSc in Bioprocessing, you will be introduced to the basic sciences, mathematics and data analytics. As you progress, you will delve more deeply into the fundamentals of both biology and bioprocess engineering, putting in place the foundations to be able to integrate these disciplines.

In Year 3, you will begin to focus on real-world bioprocessing problems and have the opportunity to spend nine months in industry as part of our industrial training programme (INTRA).

In Year 4, you will continue to develop your ability to integrate biology and bioprocess engineering. You will complete an industry-focused research project and take part in a team-based product innovation challenge. You will also contribute to a research-focused journal club with your fellow students and your lecturers.

Fees and Funding

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Fees

All programme fees are per annum and subject to an annual increase.

Student Contribution.
€2,543
EU Status Fee
€6,679
Non EU Fee.
€16,900

How To Apply

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Advance Entry Applicants only. Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 06th November to the 01st July.

Life On Campus

Life on Campus
DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

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