Newcastle University

Aims

The module aims are to:

1. Introduce academic research students to research and development processes and considerations in a variety of bioscience industries

2. Students will examine the principles involved in the development, regulation and optimisation of processes for efficient outcomes in industry including:

• Development of research findings
• Optimisation of bio-processing
• Project Management
• Quality Assurance Procedures (ISO and GMP)
• Developing new Markets
• Techniques employed in Industry

3. Students’ creativity and critical analysis will be tested as they investigate real life business scenarios

4. Students should develop team working and communication skills as they present their ideas to their peers and to tutors and industry partners

5. It is hoped that students will develop knowledge of the industrial environment that will support their confidence to work with industry either as an academic researcher or through the transition into industry


Summary:

This module shows how proven research findings are used within the Bioscience and Biotechnology industry. The module is based on presentations and seminars by: academics with experience of product development and process optimisation; and industry professionals engaged in delivering products and services in a variety of bioscience industries. The module will present a genuine perspective on the nature of the science conducted in industry and the methods used to optimise efficiency in production. This offers students an insight into how business development works in industry.

Outline Of Syllabus

Outline of syllabus (To inform module choice of current students):

The module consists of a number of presentations from industrial partners offering case studies of real life business scenarios with students use this information in workshops and seminars to develop their own research and development concepts. Students then work in teams and deliver a oral and written report on their proposals. The module provides one possible the basis for the Biotechnology and Business Enterprise strand of the MRes programme. The module syllabus is as follows.

1. Industrial Case Study Presentations
2. Guidance on Quality Assurance and Standards in Industry (GMP and ISO)
3. Company Strategy and Human Resources
4. Team working and communication
5. Product Development
6. Process Optimisation
7. Project Management
8. Presenting a business case

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will provide basic knowledge and information and the interactive seminars (workshops) will encourage the students to reflect both individually and in small groups on different aspects of working within the biotechnology industry. Groups of students will be encouraged to design optimisation or diversification plan and will receive feedback in this area. These plans are also assessed. In addition to the 41 hours engaged in various staff more formal teaching activities and assessments the students will be expected to spend a minimum of 159 in self-directed teaching as guided by the lecturers.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

This module is intended to develop student’s skills and understanding of operations within the Biotechnology Industry. Students will need to consider the numerous parameters that those working in industry consider when trying to gain an economic advantage. The methods employed for industrial bio-processing, diagnostics or bioinformatics will need to be considered within the framework of constraints such quality assurance, human resources, working to budgets and company strategy. The MCQ is designed to test the student’s knowledge of standards and quality assurance taught in lectures 13 to 15. The oral presentation will test the student’s team work, presentation skills, planning and organisation, interpersonal communication and information literacy. The written report will test the student’s written communication, information and computer literacy. Problem solving and initiative are tested in both of the latter to a considerable extent. Students will be required to select a product or service, then investigate it thoroughly and put together a plan to optimise or diversify that business. The assessment reflects requirements for comprehension, team working and problem solving skills that a biotechnology or Pharma company would be interested in.