Overview

The PDip in Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering is offered in both part-time and full-time mode. While the part-time programme runs for a minimum of 24 months (maximum 60 months) from the date of first registration for the programme , full-time students must complete the programme in 12 months. 

This course provides the opportunity to gain a formal qualification in areas of particular relevance to the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry; to upskill one's competence for these important industrial sectors, including topics such as product containment, powder/particle technology, design of API and secondary production facilities, current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), design of classified facilities, aseptic processing facility design, utilities, and services, data analysis and process validation.

Programme Structure

This programme is principally organised to accommodate part-time students who are working in industry by holding lectures after work hours and/or on Saturdays. Full-time students will follow then same lecturing regime but do the full complement of necessary modules and research activity within 12-months, whereas, part-time students will do their modules and research typically over 24 months or 2 years (extendable up to a maximum of 60 months).

The programme comprises 60 credits of taught modules, comprising both mandatory and elective modules. 

Mandatory Modules - Students must take these 9 modules worth 5 credits each to the value of 45 credits.

PE6010 - Pharmaceutical Engineering - (5 credits)
PE6011 - Biopharmaceutical Engineering (5 credits)
PE6012 - Pharmaceutical Process Equipment, Materials and Mechanical Design (5 credits)
PE6013 - Powder and Particle Technology and Unit Operations (5 credits)
PE6016 - Pharmaceutical Industry; Manufacturing and Optimisation (5 credits)
PE6022 - Aseptic Manufacturing Design (5 credits)
PE6024 - Advanced Process Design & Safety Engineering (5 credits)
PE6026 - Project Engineering - From Concept to Completion (5 credits)
PE6027 - Advanced Biopharmaceutical Engineering (5credits)

Elective Modules - Students should selective any 3 out of the 4 modules worth 5 credits each to make up the final 15 credits of the total of 60 credits. 

PE6004 - Biopharmaceutical Support Systems (5 credits)
PE6019 - Process Analytical Technology (5 credits)
PE6018 - Pharmaceutical Process Validation and Quality (5 credits)
CM6010 - Introductory Pharmaceutical Chemistry (5 credits)

Individual Modules or Micro-Credits

Candidates who satisfy the programme eligibility criteria may, subject to the approval of the Programme Coordinator, be permitted to take individual modules, as part of UCC's commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and be provided with a relevant transcript of marks. 

MEngSc in Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering

Students who pass all modules with an average grade of 50% or higher across the taught modules will be eligible to proceed to MEngSc in Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering. 

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

The programme comprises 60 credits of taught modules.

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Mandatory Modules worth 45 credits		45
Students must take these 9 modules worth 5 credits each to the value of 45 credits.
PE6010	Pharmaceutical Engineering (5)
PE6011	Biopharmaceutical Engineering (5)
PE6012	Pharmaceutical Process Equipment, Materials and Mechanical Design (5)
PE6013	Powder and Particle Technology and Unit Operations (5)
PE6027	Advanced Biopharmaceutical Engineering (5)
PE6016	Process Optimisation in the Pharmaceutical Industry (5)
PE6022	Aseptic Manufacturing Design (5)
PE6024	Process Safety Engineering (5)
PE6026	Project Engineering - From Concept to Completion (5)
Elective Modules
Students should selective any 3 out of the 4 modules worth 5 credits each to make up the final 15 credits of the total of 60 credits.		15
PE6018	Pharmaceutical Process Validation and Quality (5)
PE6019	Process Analytical Technology (5)
PE6004	Biopharmaceutical Supporting Systems (5)
CM6010	Introductory Pharmaceutical Chemistry (5)

Examinations

Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Apply an enhanced knowledge and understanding of the mathematics, sciences, engineering sciences and technologies to pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical engineering;
  
• Identify, formulate, analyse and solve problems related to pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical engineering;
  
• Design pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and processes, including unfamiliar, ill-defined scenarios, underpinned by a sustainability informed paradigm, taking account of environmental, health and safety and risk factors, and know how to apply relevant codes of practice, industry standards and emerging practices and technologies;
  
• Gather experimental data, apply a range of standard and specialized research tools and techniques and conduct critical evaluation of results;
  
• Effectively design experiments and gather experimental data, apply a range of standard and specialized research tools and techniques and conduct critical evaluation of results;
  
• Work effectively as an individual and in teams in planning and carrying through on assignments and projects in a lifelong learning context;
  
• Communicate effectively with the engineering community and with society at large.