Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (bsc Honours) in Cork Institute of Technology, Ireland

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (bsc Honours) in Cork Institute of Technology

Course summary

The course content is specifically designed to meet the needs of the many relevant employers both nationally and internationally, and contains topical, cutting edge, industry specific material. The lectures are supplemented with in depth analysis of relevant case studies, projects, assignments, interactive videos, web tools and site visits. A substantial portion of the contact time in the first three years is spent in the laboratory gaining practical experience.The course is delivered over 4 full academic years, with 2 semesters per year. Semester 1 modules are completed between September and January, and Semester 2 modules between February and May.

Many modern medicines such as vaccines, hormones, anticancer drugs are now made using biological cells. Insulin for example, which is used by diabetic patients worldwide is made using living cells as opposed to more traditional chemical synthesis based methods.

This means there is a strong demand for biologists who can design innovative new medicines using biological approaches, and who have the skills to work with cells and the bio-active compounds they produce. This biotechnology course will teach students how to grow and engineer biological cells in order to make safe and effective medicines using the most up-to-date information and technologies available.

Career

Many of the world’s top Biotechnology Companies have a strong presence in Southern Ireland. In general, the industry is moving towards a more 'bio–based' approach to pharmaceutical manufacture. Consequently, there is a greater need to produce highly trained graduates who possess Pharmaceutical Biotechnology related skills.

This course is very broad and is specifically designed to train students in all aspects of modern biotechnology. Graduates from this course are qualified to work in a number of areas within the biotechnology industry with many attaining employment immediately after graduating.

Potential Areas of Employment

• Quality Control Analyst
• Microbiologist
• Bio-assay Specialist
• Technical/Process Specialist
• Research and Development