- Overview
- Course outline
- Entry
- Career path
Course Overview
This programme is designed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts and techniques involved in the application of biological systems for industrial
manufacturing.
Learners will gain in-depth knowledge of upstream and downstream processing, cell biology, genetic modification processes, and cell culture processes.
Designed and delivered by highly experienced academics and industry professionals, our lecturers know the skills and knowledge that companies are looking for. Our unique part-time, online delivery allows learners to log on live or catch up by watching the recorded sessions which can also be used for revision. Extensive coaching and mentoring workshops will be provided with a specific focus on individual assessment and improvement.
Accreditation: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Principles and Practice of Bioprocessing (10 FET)
Next Intake: March 2025
*Funding: This is a Skills to Advance subsidised training opportunity for employers seeking to upskill their employees. Applicants must be in current employment. For further information on the Skills to Advance funding policy, please contact the AMTCE team https://amtce.ie/contact/
Continue to the Course Outline section for module information.
Course Outline
The course duration is 3 months. This part-time programme is delivered in a blended format. Lectures are delivered online in the evenings, with a number of in-person lectures taking place on Saturdays throughout the programme.
Module 1: Principles and Practice of Bioprocessing
- Bioprocessing Overview:
– The process of using living cells
– Biopharmaceutical vs pharmaceutical products
– Therapeutic purpose of proteins
– Genetic engineering
– Bacterial cells and mammalian cells
- Upstream processing:
– Cell banks, cell lines and cell culture
– The basic principles of bioreactor design and operation
– The essential factors affecting cell growth, cell viability and product formation in bioprocesses
– The lifecycle of cell growth pattern
– Bioreactors vs single use technology
- Downstream processing:
– Harvesting the biological
product
– Protein purification
– Types of chromatography
– Formulation of bioproduct
- Aseptic techniques and
prevention of contamination:
– The sources and prevention of contamination
– Clean-In-Place (CIP) and Steam- In-Place (SIP) systems
– Procedures for sanitisation and sterilising of cleanrooms
– Autoclaves
- Regulatory requirements:
– Good Manufacturing Practice
– Good Documentation Practice
Entry Requirements
Proficiency in English Language Required (B2+ level or equivalent on the Common European Framework or Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Career Path & Progression
Career Path
With the growing demand for skilled professionals in the bioprocessing and biopharmaceutical industries, this Certificate in Principles and Practice of Bioprocessing is suitable for those who wish to:
1) Gain an entry-level position within the bioprocessing industry, or
2) Enhance their existing skills to progress within the biopharmaceutical sector
Possible roles you could fill upon completion of this course include:
- Bioprocessing Operator
- Pharma Manufacturing Operator
- Quality Control / Assurance Support Roles
- Upstream / Downstream Operations
- Aseptic Processing Technician
- cGMP Documentation Support Roles
This course provides a solid foundation in bioprocessing principles, leading to opportunities in various sectors like biopharmaceutical manufacturing, quality assurance, and research & development. The skills acquired are highly transferable and in demand, particularly with the industry’s expansion into personalised medicine, biomanufacturing, and sustainable bioprocessing practices. As the biopharmaceutical industry continues to advance, graduates with this foundational knowledge will be well-positioned to contribute to the development and manufacturing of innovative therapeutics.
Progression
Learners may complete additional Innopharma Education QQI Micro-Credential programmes and work towards completing a Level 6 Certificate in Operational Excellence for Digitisation (Minor Award with 60 ECTS) or Level 6 Certificate in Information Technology for Digitisation (Minor Award with 60 ECTS) or Level 6 Higher Certificate in Science in Process Digitisation (120 ECTS).
Why up-skill for the STEM process manufacturing sectors in Ireland
- €3 billion in new capital investment
- €39 billion in exports
- Over 55,000 employed
- 9 of top 10 world’s biopharma companies in Ireland
- 12 of the top-selling drugs made in Ireland
- Over 8,000 new jobs predicted by 2020
Testimonials
The lecturers are all experts in the food industry, they bring us practical experience, and equip us with many skills to sharpen our edge in the job market. Â I would recommend Innopharma to anyone who is interested in advancing their career in the food industry.
Lynn Chen McGrath, MSc Food Business Management & Technology Graduate
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