BTEC3003 Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

2019

4.5

2 x 1-hour lectures weekly
1 x 3-hour practical weekly

2 of BIOL2771, BIOL2772

BTEC9008 has been successfully completed

Students will be assumed to understand the basic principles of microbiology, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics.

Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is the application of biotechnology and engineering in the exploitation of living organisms (mostly cells) and their subcomponents for sustainable, large-scale production of industrial biochemicals, biomaterials and pharmaceutical products. Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology has the potential to address the environmental sustainability of industry through the development of innovative technological solutions using renewable biomass as feedstock, rather than fossil materials, thereby having a significant impact on the existing chemical and pharmaceutical industry.

This topic teaches students the biological and bioengineering principles that underpin the development of Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology processes and products. This topic trains the students in the development, scale-up, integration and commercialisation of bioprocesses, to be qualified as entry-level industrial biotechnologists, capable of performing best industry practice globally.

The aims of this topic are to:

• Equip students the knowledge and skills required for entry-level biotechnologists to perform in the Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology industry

• Develop the understanding and basic skills required to take an industrial and pharmaceutical product or process from discovery to commercialisation

• Expose students to key areas of industrial and pharmaceutical biotechnology using real-world case studies delivered by guest lecturers fro industry

• Develop problem-solving, project management and teamwork skills in the context of integrating and applying fundamental knowledge into practical applications in large-scale industrial and pharmaceutical processes

• Develop understanding of indigenous biological resources and their potential application in industrial and pharmaceutical biotechnology by engaging Indigenous people and other stakeholders.

At the completion of the topic, students are expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the bio-molecular and engineering concepts used in Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology processes and awareness of frontier areas of research and development.

• Apply their knowledge and skills to the development of large-scale bioprocesses for the production of Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology products at the technical level of a beginning practitioner and in accordance with best industry practice.

• Integrate and synthesise core concepts and information from other interacting disciplines to propose innovative solutions for the Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology industry.

• Incorporate their knowledge of regulatory requirements and pathways to commercialisation into the development of an Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology product.

• Display effective skills in self-directed learning, peer-learning, critical literature analysis, communication, and team work skills with the cultural diversity and social inclusiveness awareness required for global practice.