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MICR40060

Academic Year 2024/2025

Microbial and Mammalian Cell Bioprocessing (MICR40060)

Subject:
Microbiology
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Tanja Narancic
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
Yes
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module focuses on the basic science of bioprocessing offering an integrated approach to microbial physiology, fermentation technology and bioprocess engineering. How microbial processes are managed at commercial scale including the importance of fermentation economics is discussed. A number of bioprocess variables including nutrient limitation and immobilisation are considered. Variations in bioreactor design are discussed in depth and are used to examine the aeration, agitation and cost requirements of specific bioprocesses featuring industrially important microorganisms. How bioprocesses are controlled and optimised is discussed including a description of how to derive kinetic models of fermentation processes. Finally, current trends in bioprocessing are considered which encompasses mammalian cell based technologies.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able:
1. To describe the requirements for a successful bioprocess in pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry, food processing and environmental processes.
2. To describe the types of microorganisms/mammalian cells used in industrial bioprocesses and discuss the maintenance of the producing strains.
3. To describe the importance of media design and sterilisation.
4. To demonstrate an understanding of the techniques for measurement and monitoring of parameters relevant to industrial fermentation.
5. To discuss trends in bioprocessing.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

32
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Lectures

10
Total

112

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module includes traditional didactic lectures, and two short answer-type assessments throughout the trimester. Finally, each student will conduct a case study focusing on principles required for a successful industrial bioprocess.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Bioprocessing (INDM40060)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): In class test 1: assesses the content delivered in the first 6 lectures Week 8 Graded No
30
 Yes
Exam (In-person): In class test 2: assesses the content after the second set of 6 lectures Week 15 Graded No
30
 Yes
Group Work Assignment: The case study: poster presentation on a given product Week 14 Graded No
20
 No
Individual Project: The case study: individual essay Week 14 Graded No
20
 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students can e-mail the module coordinator after each assessment to get individual feedback if required.

Name Role
Professor Eoin Casey Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Susan McDonnell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Cormac Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Tadhg Ó'Cróinín Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 26, 29 Fri 09:00 - 09:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 26, 29 Mon 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 26 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 26, 29 Wed 10:00 - 10:50
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