M.Sc. in Bioprocess Engineering

Course details

The Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Bioprocess Engineering is delivered by DCU's School of Biotechnology in conjunction with TCD School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT). It is accredited by DCU.

The M.Sc. is an interactive and dynamic programme that will develop your knowledge and appreciation of the conceptual and factual bases for bioprocess design and operation. It also develops your understanding of bioprocessing, particularly the structures, roles and experimental methods associated with biopharmaceuticals, their analysis, production methods and technology for monitoring and control of bioprocesses.

It provides an advanced and up-to-date academic base in the major disciplines of bioprocess engineering and fosters a range of transferable skills across a full range of relevant subjects.

Aims and Objectives:

• To update and upgrade the knowledge, understanding and skills of graduates who are interested in pursuing or are currently working in the Biopharmaceutical industry.
• To retrain graduates working in related disciplines, by providing advanced level modules in the theory, analysis design and practical methodology of the rapidly evolving subjects that are associated with this sector.

Programme Structure:

The M.Sc. in Bioprocess Engineering is offered on a one year full time and up to 4 years part-time basis. Students will be based in the School of Biotechnology at DCU, with a number of modules taking place in NIBRT and TCD.

The programme consists of twelve core modules and research/design projects. In the part-time option, modules can be chosen, a minimum of 1-2 per semester, such that the programme is completed within a maximum of 4 years. Students may commence the part time option in either October (DC734) or February (DC733).

The research/design project will take place at any time during the programme and may be based on a problem or case study related to the current employment of the student where appropriate.

The programme's teaching methods are highly interactive and varied. Students will participate in lectures, workshops, tutorials and practicals. The programme content addresses the principle scientific and engineering challenges involved in the design, operation and management of biopharmaceutical production facilities.

Why DCU:

• The programme has an excellent reputation in the biopharmaceutical industry, with a number of companies (Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Merck, BMS) registering employees for the full or partial programme.
• This post-graduate programme builds on the world-renowned experience of the course presenters, including professors, lecturers and industrial experts.
• The programme provides a platform for entry into research-level positions (PhD, further specialised programmes) and industries involved in the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins/diagnostics.
• It also provides a highly interactive environment for the understanding of real bioprocesses, and to encourage discussion with industry experts in a dynamic environment, on actual problems and challenges in the bioprocessing sector.

Career Prospects:

As a M.Sc. graduate you will be able to further your career with a thorough understanding of best-practice in Ireland's rapidly-growing biopharmaceutical industry. This is a highly skilled sector and graduates are in demand by all companies in the biopharmaceutical industry. It will also help you to advance your career with your current employer.

Entry Requirements:

The programme will be open to graduates and those currently working in industry with an honours degree (minimum second class honours grade 2) in Science or Engineering. Applicants who do not hold an honours degree but who have significant relevant industrial experience will also be considered, and should contact the Programme Chair to discuss this prior to applying.