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Faculty of Science & Health

Bioprocessing

The BSc in Bioprocessing is an interdisciplinary and innovative programme that will develop your knowledge and appreciation of the challenges posed by large scale bioprocess design and operation.
To study Bioprocessing, you must join our Biological Sciences General Entry programme (DC180) and choose this option at the end of Year 1.
Why is it exciting?

Bioprocessing is at the heart of the biopharmaceutical and related industries. It involves the integrated application of biological sciences and bioprocess engineering principles to the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, enzymes, food, and related products, on a commercial scale. This programme will develop your understanding of the fundamental biological principles and methods involved in the development of new drugs and related products.

You will also come to understand the problems posed by the demands of large-scale production, and you will develop the bioprocess and biomolecular engineering knowledge and skills to solve those problems.

As a budding bioprocessing specialist, you’ll have a unique appreciation of the integrated nature of bioprocessing and you’ll be able to combine your knowledge of biochemistry, microbiology and genetics with your expertise in bioprocess control, data analysis and process modelling and simulation.

Your strong knowledge of both biology and bioprocess engineering, and your ability to integrate these disciplines, will place you in the perfect position to work, research and innovate in the rapidly changing bioprocessing sector.

What will I study?

At the start of the BSc in Bioprocessing, you’ll be introduced to the basic sciences, mathematics and data analytics. As you progress, you’ll delve more deeply into the fundamentals of both biology and bioprocessing, putting in place the foundations to be able to integrate these disciplines.

In third year, you’ll begin to focus on real-world bioprocessing problems and have the opportunity to spend nine months in industry as part of our industrial training programme.

In fourth year, you’ll continue to develop your ability to integrate biology and bioprocess engineering. You’ll complete an industry-focused research project and take part in a team-based product innovation challenge. You will also contribute to a research-focused journal club with your fellow students and your lecturers.

How will I study?

The BSc in Bioprocessing is part of the DCU Futures initiative. You will take part in numerous team-based projects and challenges throughout the four years. These will range from addressing global challenges like vaccination during a pandemic, design-and-build projects, challenges related to sustainability, and product innovation.

Careers

Graduates of the BSc in Bioprocessing will have the knowledge and skills to work as bioprocessing specialists in the biopharmaceutical, food, beverage, industrial enzyme, and microbial biotechnology sectors. With their in-depth knowledge of data analytics, process analytical technologies, and process automation and control, they will be equally capable of applying their skills to addressing processing challenges that arise in a wide range of non-bio sectors, including fine chemical processing, environmental management, and sustainability.