Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Cell Culture
The Postgraduate Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Cell Culture will provide students with an in-depth knowledge and skills in biopharmaceutical production, analysis and cell culture-related topics. Students will be exposed to a set of technologies that provide state-of–the-art tools for genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, drug discovery, screening and the analysis of biomolecules, such as DNA, proteins and small metabolites (biopharmaceuticals).
In addition, the module will also introduce different chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques to analyse biopharmaceuticals, as well as other methods ranging from traditional immunoassays to state-of-the-art developments in bioarrays and nano-technology. The practical aspects of the module will cover biopharmaceutical analysis techniques and essential cell culture skills.
The course will also train the student to critically evaluate approaches for method development in biopharmaceutical analysis and cell culture, and to critically appraise scientific literature and identity future trends in the area of biopharmaceutical analysis. In summary, the module will furnish the students with a competency required to undertake mammalian cell culture projects, and the ability to select the best techniques needed to analyse different biopharmaceuticals.
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
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Evaluate the principles of biopharmaceutical analysis and cell culture.
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Critically evaluate the different techniques (traditional and modern) used in biopharmaceutical analysis and cell culture.
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Ascertain and optimise suitable practical techniques for biopharmaceutical analysis from troubleshooting to successful experimental outcomes.
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Competently devise the appropriate medium and growing conditions for different mammalian cells and perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of the cells.
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Critically evaluate and revise approaches for method developments and future trends in the area of biopharmaceutical analysis and cell culture through scientific literature.
Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Cell Culture Entry Requirements
Applicants for entry to this Postgraduate Certificate course should hold a bachelor's degree at honours level minimum 2.2 (Level 8) in an appropriate subject area or equivalent qualification.
In addition, in order to fully appreciate the industrial impact of the quality content of this programme, it has been deemed necessary to have a minimum of two years relevant industrial work experience.
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT’s English Language Requirements for details.
This course places a strong emphasis on the professional development of the graduate and is aimed at students already working in an industrial environment. Such a qualification will enable and facilitate career progression for graduates in research and development in biopharmaceutical industries
The Postgraduate Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Cell Culture can be taken as a stand-alone module worth 10 credits at level 9, or if the student wishes, they can use these credits towards the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Analytical Science with Quality Management (WD 519/520) - link.
The certificate programme will be taught using a block approach on a part-time basis to facilitate those in full-time employment.
Students will be required to attend WIT for 8 days from January to June, inclusive. This represents 48 hours of contact time at WIT.
In 2017, the programme will run on the following dates: Wednesday 9 January, Wednesday 22 February, Wednesday 3 May, Thursday 18 May, Friday 19 May, Tuesday 13 June, Thursday 15 June & Friday 16 June.
The course will be offered every two years, subject to sufficient number of students applying for the programme.
The programme contains a blend of lectures, laboratory practicals and independent study.
Continuous assessment will be carried out throughout the course of the programme.
On a long-term basis, some of this material may be developed in an e-learning capacity to facilitate distance learning.
Course Leader
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