Module Details

Module Code: BITC S7012
Full Title: Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( June 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner:: Caroline Gilleran
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: The aims of this module are to explore how biological organisms (including genetically modified organisms) are involved in the production and manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Explain the molecular methods used to create Genetically Modified Organisms and evaluate the merits of different expression systems for the production of recombinant proteins.
MLO2 Describe how Genetically Modified Organisms can be cultured on a large scale and are used in the production of recombinant proteins and pharmaceuticals.
MLO3 Examine and evaluate protein stability and the fundamental principles, operating criteria and design options for downstream processing operations.
MLO4 Interpret the regulatory and safety issues regarding application of recombinant biological systems in industry.
MLO5 Apply practical competence in selected molecular and biotechnological techniques.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Molecular technologies to manipulate genomes and to express heterologous proteins.
Bioprocessing
Modes of fermentation, bioreactor types, process control, scale-up.
Production of pharmaceutical products using recombinant systems
Production of recombinant proteins using bacterial, yeast, insect cells, mammalian cells, plant and animal systems.
Protein purification
Design and evaluation of protein purification strategies. Protein extraction techniques, protein concentration techniques, protein separation techniques and electrophoretic analysis.
Protein stability
Protein denaturation and inactivation processes. Strategies to improve stability - fusion proteins, use of excipients, recombinant approaches.
Regulation
Regulatory and safety issues associated with the use of recombinant microbes in industry
Sample practicals
Yeast fermentation. Production of industrial biocatalysts using recombinant bacteria. GFP expression and purification. SDS-PAGE.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Practical50.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

No Course Work
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing Every Week Learning Outcome 1,3,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A 3-hour practical session each week will
provide the student with the opportunity to
back up the theory covered in formal lectures
with practical experience. Students will be
assessed weekly by a variety of methods
including written reports, in-class quizzes and
presentations.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be assessed by a practical skills
based exam.
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Practical Contact Practical class Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact Independent study Every Week 5.00 5
Directed Reading Non Contact Supplementary reading material will be posted on moodle. Every Week 1.00 1
Total Weekly Learner Workload 12.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • D.P. Clark and N.J. Pazdernik. (2012), Biotechnology, Update. Elsevier/Academic, Amsterdam.
  • S. Denyer, N.A. Hodges and S.P. Gorman. (2011), Hugo and Russell’s Pharmaceutical Microbiology, 8th. Wiley-Blackwell.
  • G. Walsh. (2013), Biopharmaceuticals: Biochemistry and biotechnology, 2nd. Wiley-Blackwell.
  • G. Walsh. (2013), Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: Concepts and Applications, 1st. Wiley-Blackwell.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Madigan et al.. (2011), Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 13th. Pearson education.
  • L.M. Prescott. (2005), Microbiology, McGraw-Hill.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • N. Ferrer-Miralles, J. Domingo-Espin, J.L. Corchero, E. Vazquez, A. Villaverde. (2009), Microbial factories for recombinant pharmaceuticals, Microbial Cell Factories, 8 (17), p.1-8.
  • Demain, A., Vaishnav, P.. (2009), Production of recombinant proteins by microbes and higher organisms, Biotechnology Advances, 27 (3), p.297.
Other Resources