Overview
Recent advances in pharmaceutical science have focused on the rapid development of quality medicinal products that are safer, more effective and increasingly convenient for the patient. This has led to a significant demand for scientists with knowledge and skills related to the biopharmaceutical area. Pharmaceuticals are drugs made from a series of chemical reactions and biopharmaceuticals are medicines made using living organisms such as bacteria, yeast and mammalian cells. The pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries comprise Ireland’s largest manufacturing sector and need highly trained graduates.
This degree is designed to develop your practical skills and competence to work as a laboratory scientist. The focus of the level 8 degree is on the analysis, design, production and regulatory compliance of pharmaceutical products. First year delivers core science modules and fundamental practical skills training and subsequent years build on these areas. Students also cover the relevant key areas of chemistry and biology, such as Applied Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Cell Culture.
Final year level 8 students develop more in-depth knowledge and skills by studying specialised modules such as Advanced Pharmaceutical Techniques, Drug Synthesis and Design and Bioprocessing, by carrying out a research project and also by completing a 12-week work placement. Our graduates have an acknowledged reputation as excellent laboratory scientists and researchers, well prepared for the challenges of the workplace with a range of transferrable skills into other related sectors.
Our graduates have found work in a range of local companies, including Aenova, Astellas, Kerry Group, Kerry County Council, Southern Scientific and Metpro Ltd. Many of our graduates have gone further afield to take up positions in world-leading pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, Regeneron, Lilly, Boston Scientific and Allergan.