PHA-40190 - Module Specification
School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

Recombinant protein therapeutic agents have a profound impact on the treatment of many diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, haemophillia and cancer. Many years have passed since the launch of the first human recombinant protein on the market - Humulin® (Eli Lilly), and today we continue to see a rise in the number of approved recombinant protein therapeutic agents, especially monoclonal antibodies. Indeed, the top selling drug in 2016 (cost in terms of invoicing) was Humira®, an antibody prescribed for anti-inflammatory conditions.
The knowledge of recombinant DNA technology and cell biology has allowed for the large scale, commercial production of such recombinant proteins. The same knowledge has also allowed for the engineering of recombinant proteins that have improved stability and modified biological actions. Recombinant proteins have also played a role in drug discovery research.
This module aims to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in protein science through a series of lectures, workshops and laboratory practicals. Students will gain hands on experience working with industry standard laboratory equipment in a purpose-built laboratory.
The module will be of particular interest to students wishing to further their knowledge in respect of recombinant protein science.

This module aims to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in protein science. Students will gain hands on experience working with industry standard laboratory equipment.

Intended Learning Outcomes

apply basic cell biology knowledge relating to DNA and proteins to the production of biological therapeutic agents: 1,2
design and execute an appropriate recombinant protein production protocol: 2
justify the approach and procedures used to produce and isolate a biopharmaceutical agent: 1,2
validate and verify the quality and quantity of a produced biopharmaceutical: 2
critically evaluate and interpret experimental results and laboratory protocols: 1,2
critically evaluate the success or otherwise of the protein production and purification protocol used: 2

Study hours

Lectures : 15 hours
Workshop and laboratory practicals : 40 hours
Independent study : 95 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment