BIO06023 2019 Introduction to Biopharmaceuticals

Demonstrate knowledge of the various technologies and disciplines that contribute to Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical drug target discovery. 

Identify and describe the different types of Biopharmaceutical products including proteins, antibodies, hormones, nucleic acids etc. 

Explain the fundamental techniques of genetic engineering and provide examples of their use in the production of bioproducts.

Evaluate cell models for expression of exogenous gene products and explain the process of gene expression and regulation within these systems.

Effectively communicate scientific knowledge in an appropriate format.

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Assessment of the Introduction to Biopharmaceuticals module will include both continuous assessment and a terminal exam.  Continuous assessment  will involve a range of assessment types including multiple choice quizzes, a small individual project and a series of classroom based assignments.  The multiple choice quizzes will assess subject knowledge while the small project will allow students to work independently to source, interpret and apply appropriate and referenced literature on a given topic. The classroom based assignments will include computer based practical's designed to employ advanced data analysing, synthesising and summarising skills in a scientific work setting. 

2 MCQs (Between weeks 5 and 10)

Small project (Week 9)

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Introduction to the most commonly produced biopharmaceutical products and their methods of production.

• Structure and function of proteins. 
• Synthesis of proteins.
• The role of immunology, antibody technologies.
• The Endocrine System & Biohormones. 
• Vaccines, Antisense technology & Biosimilars. 

Fundamental techniques of genetic engineering 

• Cloning
• PCR
• Restriction enzymes
• Vector systems

Expression Systems

• Process of gene expression and regulation 
• Cell line selection for optimal protein expression.  
• Transformation & Transfection technologies