This module introduces the learner to normal human anatomy and physiology through the study of tissues, organs and systems. It will explain how homeostasis is maintained within these body systems.

1. Describe the anatomical characteristics of human tissues, organs and systems.
2. Describe basic physiological processes of the human body.
3. Recognize the importance of homeostatic mechanisms in maintaining health.
4. Distinguish between the role of negative and positive feed-back mechanisms in the regulatory systems.

This module will introduce the student to the theory and practice of instrumental analysis involving various spectroscopic and electroanalytical techniques. It will help develop a competence in instrument calibration, sample analysis and result's interpretation for each of the analytical methods covered.

1. Explain the principles behind atomic spectroscopy.
2. Explain the principles behind molecular spectroscopy.
3. Explain the principles behind ISEs and potentiometric analysis.
4. Discuss the principles behind polarography and voltametric analysis.
5. Identify and describe the essential components of each analytical instrument covered and how they are calibrated.
6. Demonstrate practical experience of each technique and compose a clear scientific record of each completed experiment in a written report.

This module will introduce the learner to the major classes of bio-macromolecules encountered in biochemistry. It will provide an understanding of the structural, chemical and functional properties associated with these macromolecules.

1. Describe the structures of the major types of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids.
2. Explain the biochemical properties and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
3. Outline some of the major metabolic pathways involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic properties and functions of enzymes.
5. Describe the general structure and function of the cell membrane.
6. Demonstrate practical skills in the analysis of biomolecules.

This module provides the student with an introduction to ecological concepts and processes and an understanding of the functioning and exploitation of some terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems important in a regional context.

1. Define, explain, and use ecological terms and concepts.
2. Describe the abiotic environment in selected ecosystems and understand the importance of biogeochemical cycling.
3. Differentiate between biotic interactions from selected ecosystems.
4. Undertake fieldwork to identify and enumerate organisms from selected ecosystems.
5. Investigate interactions in the field between biotic and abiotic components of selected ecosystems.

This module introduces the learner to the biological processes that underpin the most common types of disease including infections, endocrine complaints, neurological imbalances, immune conditions, cancer and genetic disorders.

1. Identify the various causes of disease.
2. Distinguish between normal and abnormal cellular function with respect to various disease conditions.
3. Recognise how imbalances in cell and tissue functions impact on the higher levels of structural organisation.
4. Discuss how the signs and symptoms of disease result from changes in normal physiology.

This module will introduce the student to the theory and practice of instrumental analysis involving a number of different chromatographic techniques. It will help develop a competence in instrument calibration, sample analysis and result's interpretation for each of the analytical methods covered.

1. Explain the principles behind the chromatographic separation of different components in a sample.
2. Explain the principles behind planar and open column chromatography.
3. Explain the principles behind gas chromatography (GC).
4. Explain the principles behind liquid chromatography (HPLC).
5. Identify and describe the essential components of each analytical instrument covered and how they are calibrated.
6. Demonstrate practical experience of each technique and compose a clear scientific record of each completed experiment in a written report.

The module aims to introduce prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, factors influencing their growth and survival and methods to control their proliferation. The learner will be familiarised with the methods used for cultivation, identification and enumeration of microorganisms.

1. Characterise the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms and viruses.
2. Describe the conditions that affect growth and be able to exploit these to cultivate microorganisms.
3. Assess methods for the enumeration of microorganisms.
4. Discuss techniques used for the identification of microorganisms.
5. Discriminate between the principles of disinfection, sterilisation and asepsis.
6. Demonstrate the ability to manipulate, enumerate and identify microorganisms using aseptic techniques.

Working with real datasets from biology, physiology, health, nutrition, chemistry, ecology, and microbiology, this module will develop competency in methods used in probability-based statistical inference.

1. Explain the concept of a Sampling Distribution and the Basic Reasoning of Statistical Inference.
2. Use statistical methods for inference about the distribution of a single variable.
3. Use statistical methods for inference that compares the distributions of two variables.
4. Use statistical methods for inference about relationships among variables.
5. Demonstrate confidence in the application of Jamovi software for statistical inference.

This module will provide the learner with an overview of the various applications of microbiology with emphasis on the thematic areas of food production, environmental science and clinical microbiology. Aseptic production in the clean room will also be introduced with details on the technologies involved in creating and maintaining a cleanroom environment. The learner will be familiarised with the microbial tests that must be performed on sterile and non-sterile pharmaceutical products and medical devices to ensure their safety.

1. Explain the relevance of microorganisms in the food industry
2. Critique the roles of microorganisms in both natural and engineered environments.
3. Describe the interactions of microbes and humans in disease.
4. Appraise the role and implications of biofilms in establishing microbial growth in nature, in disease states and in cleanroom environments
5. Evaluate the design and operation of cleanrooms and describe how these environments are maintained
6. Describe the approaches used for microbiological testing of sterile and non-sterile pharmaceutical products and medical devices
7. Demonstrate laboratory skills in manipulating samples from each module thematic area.

This module will firstly provide a foundation in essential molecular biology by exploring how genetic information flows from DNA to protein in the cell and also by providing knowledge of the genetics of the microorganisms used in DNA technology. The module will then focus on techniques used in recombinant DNA technology and their broad applications.

1. Describe the processes of transcription and translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
2. Discuss key concepts in gene regulation in prokaryotes
3. Define the mechanisms of genetic recombination in bacteria and the different types of reproductive cycles in viruses
4. Appraise the procedures and principal applications in recombinant DNA technology.
5. Demonstrate laboratory skills required for DNA technology experiments.

This module will enhance the research, presentation and communication skills of the student enabling them to undertake and present their research and practical class results in an improved and appropriate style.

1. Prepare high quality Tables and Figures suitable for scientific publication / presentation.
2. Plan, perform and refine a targeted search strategy of the scientific literature using appropriate search engines to source and evaluate data for a literature review.
3. Abstract, collate, record and organise scientific data in an improved scientific style.
4. Prepare a high quality scientific poster suitable for a scientific workshop, avoiding common pitfalls, and critically evaluate the work of others.

The module will provide an overview of the principles of mammalian cell culture, its use in the biopharma industry and practical skills in the culture and manipulation of mammalian cells.

1. Discuss the principles of mammalian cell culture.
2. Analyse the importance of aseptic procedures in the culture of mammalian cells.
3. Describe the parameters that influence cell growth and scale up of mammalian cell culture.
4. Appreciate the use of cell culture in the Biopharma industry.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in the manipulation and maintenance of mammalian cultures.

This module will provide an account of the immune system and its role in disease response. Antibody structure and function will be elucidated and their use in immunodiagnostics explored. During the module students shall develop an understanding of, and skills in, the use of antibodies as analytical reagents for diagnostic purposes.

1. Differentiate between the adaptive and innate immune systems and their roles in disease response.
2. Explain in detail the genetics of antibody diversity.
3. Discuss the production, purification and assessment of antibodies for diagnostic purposes.
4. Evaluate a wide variety of assay formats which are used in immunodiagnostics.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in immunological laboratory manipulation.

This module provides the student with an understanding of techniques used in environmental sampling, sample collection, sample pre-treatments prior to analysis and chemical analysis with a focus on water pollution.

1. Design and implement a water-sampling programme.
2. Practise sample collection and undertake sample pre-treatment for laboratory analysis.
3. Describe and explain the chemistry of natural waters.
4. Use wet chemistry and advanced instrumental techniques for the analysis of water, sediment, plant and animal tissue.
5. Demonstrate quality control and quality assurance in practical work.

The module will deliver an overview of the role of quality in the management of the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device industries. The module will provide an introduction to the legislation governing the authorisation of medicinal products and devices in Ireland and in Europe. The roles and responsibilities of the MA holder, the QP and the competent authorities will also be explored.

1. Analyse the role quality has in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device industries.
2. Discriminate between the principles of QA, QC, GLP, GCP, cGMP and demonstrate the benefits of their implementation.
3. Discuss how medicinal products are authorised in Ireland and Europe.
4. Describe the role of competent authorities in the regulation of medicinal products and devices.

This module provides a summary of the fundamental principles of pharmacology. It aims to provide an overview of the actions of drugs in various body systems and develop an understanding of the molecular mechanism of drug action.

1. Discuss the principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.
2. Examine the actions of drugs in bodies systems.
3. Evaluate how drugs act as therapeutic agents in the treatment of disease.
4. Explain molecular processes behind drug action.