Advanced Therapeutic Technologies

Length and structure

Year 1 is delivered across two semesters from September to May:

• Semester 1 - September to December
• Semester 2 - January to May

In Year 1, you will gain a basic understanding of laboratory skills as well as the foundations of physiology, biochemistry, anatomy and relevant chemistry. You will develop an appreciation of pharmacology, immunology and microbiology, along with being introduced to data analytics. In Year 1 you will start to develop power skills such as communication, teamwork, scientific writing, reflective practice in two dedicated modules and these skills are also embedded and interwoven in to the science curriculum. You will learn about building your CV and personal brand as well as how to use social media in this context as a professional.

Year 1 consists of 11 modules and is structured as follows:

Teaching modalities

The programme adopts a variety of teaching methods to suit the distinct ways in which students learn, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Small-group teaching/teamwork
• Laboratory practicals
• Workshops
• Research and group projects
• Online activities
• E-learning packages

Assessments

Assessments comprise formative/continuous and summative using appropriate modalities relevant to the learning outcomes. Feedback/feedforward strategies feature strongly as part of the assessment strategy.

Length and structure

Year 2 consists of two semesters:

• Semester 1 - September to December
• Semester 2 - January to May

In Year 2, you will build upon the knowledge, skills and competencies developed in Year 1. The curriculum explores genomics, precision medicine and the pharmacological management of the major disease states across multiple body systems. You will learn coding in R and Python and learn to interrogate and analyse large datasets. The Drug Lifecycle and Regulatory Science modules teach you about the full drug ecosystem bringing a new drug or technology from discovery phase through clinical trials and finally to market. The project management module teaches you how to manage a project from start to finish and meet key deliverables.

Year 2 consists of eight modules and is structured as follows:

Teaching modalities

The programme adopts a variety of teaching methods to suit the distinct ways in which students learn, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Small-group teaching/teamwork
• Laboratory practicals
• Workshops
• Research and group projects
• Online activities
• E-learning packages

Assessment

Assessments comprise formative/continuous and summative using appropriate modalities relevant to the learning outcomes. Feedback/feedforward strategies feature strongly as part of the assessment strategy.

Length and structure

Year 3 is structured differently to the other years of the programme.

• You will be based on campus during semester 1
• Semester 2 starts in January when you will start an eight-month industry placement, concluding in August of that year.

In Year 3, you will study biopharmaceutical manufacturing, advanced genetics, cell biology, and enterprise and innovation. To further prepare for the workplace, a dedicated module, Professional Formation 3, develops power skills such as conflict resolution, critical thinking and reflective practice as well as illustrating the importance of ethical and legal frameworks in scientific research and GDPR considerations. During your eight-month work placement, you will further develop your power skills, build your professional network and gain invaluable real life work experience, which is highly valued by employers.

Year 3 consists of five modules and is structured as follows:

[*NIBRT Training: All students receive dedicated training in biopharma manufacturing methods at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT).]

Teaching modalities

The programme adopts a variety of teaching methods to suit the distinct ways in which students learn, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Small-group teaching/teamwork
• Laboratory practicals
• Workshops
• Research and group projects
• Online activities
• E-learning packages

Assessment

Assessments comprise formative/continuous and summative using appropriate modalities relevant to the learning outcomes. Feedback/feedforward strategies feature strongly as part of the assessment strategy. The work placement is assessed by portfolio and through employer rating.

Length and structure

Year 4 consists of two semesters:

• Semester 1 - September to December
• Semester 2 - January to May

Year 4 focuses on career readiness, ensuring you have the skills to be ready for the workplace or further research. 

The first semester focuses on the delivery of a three-month research project either in RCSI or overseas, submitting a mini thesis and presenting your research. This module equips you with advanced laboratory skills to be career-ready for either scientific research or industry. Taught modules in Connected Health (the role and impact of digital health interventions on patients, healthcare systems, disease settings and precision medicine), Computational Biology focussed on the applications of AI and machine learning in drug discovery, disease diagnosis and treatment, and the Frontiers of Therapeutic Technologies module which covers the newest and emerging therapies and technologies. A module on Leadership and Management will complete power skills training.

Year 4 consists of five modules and is structured as follows:

Teaching modalities

The programme adopts a variety of teaching methods to suit the distinct ways in which students learn, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Small-group teaching/teamwork
• Laboratory practicals
• Workshops
• Research and group projects
• Online activities
• E-learning packages

Assessment

Assessments comprise formative/continuous and summative using appropriate modalities relevant to the learning outcomes. Feedback/feedforward strategies feature strongly as part of the assessment strategy. The research project is assessed by dissertation.