Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

This module is designed to provide you with an ability to effectively apply and demonstrate advanced and comprehensive knowledge of current developments in areas of pharmaceutical biotechnology. You will learn about basic cellular building blocks and their utilisation to produce active biopharmaceuticals and the associated challenges of implementing this. Practical workshops provide you with the opportunity to develop practical, analytical, and critical analysis skills using in silico procedures aligned to practical workflows, from extraction of DNA, analysis, subsequent transformation, and protein production. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to interpret data and solve problem-based scenarios using real-world problems.

This module introduces you to bioinformatics and bioanalytical techniques to enable them to appreciate the impact knowledge gained through these approaches has on target identification and drug development, providing an understanding of research tools and methodologies used in molecular investigations as well as the basic theory and employment of bioinformatics. Practical skills in DNA and protein analysis methodologies will also be covered. This module provides a setting to enable you to identify appropriate strategies to address key research questions in genome exploitation.

This module offers an in-depth exploration of nucleic acid-based therapeutic strategies, targeted therapies, for example for cancer and immune system targeting, and the intricate process of developing, producing, and delivering biopharmaceuticals. You will learn about these different fields and improve your skills in experimental data collection and analysis. Through case studies and critical analysis of research findings, you will develop a thorough understanding of the underlying principles and potential of these therapies. Additionally, the module will provide an understanding of the process of developing, producing, and delivering biopharmaceuticals. The module also has a practical component to develop proficiency in relevant methodologies and collection and analysis of experimental data.

This module is designed to complete the concept-to-consumer arc of knowledge underlying the overall programme. The product development process for both pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products, including regulatory requirements, marketing and management aspects of the industry, will underpin the module content. It also aims to extend your understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods, offering a thorough appreciation of the handling of complex data sets, analysing quantitative data and the presentation of data in an accessible fashion. You will be encouraged to work with data sets relevant to your own areas of interest. Finally, by developing a business plan you will conduct key tasks required for a business start-up and present these findings to a panel.

The module provides you with the opportunity to conduct an independent research project in a topic aligned to Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. It will build on your knowledge of research methods and concepts. The project will provide you with the opportunity of writing a journal publication-style research dissertation.