Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology students conducting research
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology students conducting research
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
40
Duration
4 Years
Course Code
MT 873
Entry Requirements
451 Points in 2023 and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below.
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork
Course NFQ Level
Level 8

Dr Maire Begley

T: +353 (0)21 433 6021

Email: (email)

Overview

Many modern medicines such as vaccines, hormones, and 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.

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.

Work placement is a mandatory part of this course. In year 3, students will spend a minimum of 16 weeks in a local, national or internationally approved work environment. With a substantial database of national and international industry partners at our disposal, students have an opportunity to experience the reality of a work-based environment as part of their education, gaining access to some of the leading scientific companies in the world.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

As well as learning the main core science subjects in first year, students will also be exposed to the following:

  • Growing biological cells: what makes biological cells healthy and how are they grown in a laboratory
  • How do cells work: what structures are needed by cells to stay alive
  • Working with DNA: what is DNA and how can we use it in biotechnology
  • Making biological medicines: learn the basics of how cells can be used to make modern medicines
  • Laboratory studies: use the latest equipment and technologies in a modern laboratory facility
  • Experimental analysis: carry out your own experiments in a laboratory setting and learn how to create and analyse your own data

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in six subjects i.e. H5 in two subjects and O6/H7 in four other subjects. The six subjects must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

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.

  • Quality control analyst
  • Microbiologist
  • Bio-assay specialist
  • Technical/process specialist
  • Research and development

Progression

Further Studies

This course is an excellent platform for further studies, both in terms of short add-on courses, and more structured postgraduate degrees such as Master of Science and PhD programmes.

Question Time

No. It trains you to work in the biotechnology industry where modern bio-medicines are discovered and made such as vaccines, hormones, antibodies, and therapeutic enzymes.

Good organisational skills, technical ability, team-working and ability to work to deadlines.

In general, the biotechnology 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.

Each of the world’s top 10 biopharmachem companies has a presence in Ireland. The biopharmachem sector maintained its position as the largest exporter of goods from Ireland in 2017 and the sector directly employs approximately 30,000 people. Currently, the biopharmachem industry in Ireland is vibrant and expanding and over the past 10 years, close to €10 billion has been invested in manufacturing and research sites around the country.

Follow Us