microbiology --> Postgraduate Courses

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Microbiology

Objectives

The course leads to a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Microbiology of the National University of Ireland. Its particular objectives are:

• To give participants a thorough training in a wide range of analytical techniques.


• To provide participants with experience of the practical application of these techniques in industry.


• To provide training through short, intensive courses, in more general vocational skills such as business appreciation and management methods, accounting, marketing, effective communication, statistics and the use and application of computers.

Duration

The course extends over twelve months from the beginning of September. It is a full-time course and requires the fullest commitment throughout its duration.

Course Structure

This course concentrates on identifying the industrial requirements in the Microbiological sector by way of industrial feedback. This helps to design a course that suits their needs regarding ISO standards, GMP, good analytical skills, processes validation, environmental monitoring, documentation control etc. As a result it provides a high calibre of Microbiology Graduate that is specially trained to meet the up to date requirements of many of the Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Health care, and Food based industries. In addition, it provides a workforce that require very little in-house training and can contribute to the industry from the start of employment.

Core Courses

At the core of the course is a series of practicals (350 hours minimum) and lectures (110 hours) on a range of the most relevant analytical techniques and on general laboratory skills for industry. The programme stresses the application of Quality Management systems (GLP, GMP, HHACCP, ISO 9000, ILAB), Quality control and Environmental Management Systems (ISO 4000).

The Microbiological aspects of the course are centered around Analytical Food procedures, using United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and British Standard (BS) methods for the isolation and cultivation of specific microbial groups. These procedures are carried out in accordance to ISO 9000 series and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) specifications, i.e. the writing and use of SOP's, documentation control and the traceability of process and procedures are all essential aspects to this. In addition sterility testing are carried out in accordance to the requirements for cleanroom areas relating to GMP. Other aspects of the course focuses on Microbiological Environmental Monitoring techniques, the application of DNA probes in genetic diagnostics, and rapid methods of bacterial/viral detection (Immunoassays, Slide and Tube Agglutination tests, DNA Hybridization and Electrophoresis techniques) and the use of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) in food production. Associated with this will be a laboratory project, tutorials (including regular oral presentations by the students), reading assignments, preparation of reports and essays. There will be strong emphasis on the development of both verbal and written communication skills. The general subject areas include:

• Advanced Microbiology techniques
• Microbial detection methods
• Immunological methodology
• Gene technology
• Quality control

Other Modules

In addition to the core courses, additional modules provided include the following:

• Introduction to Business (Management. Marketing & Accountancy).
• Statistics and the use of Minitab.
• Computers in the laboratory and business.

Course History

Since the course started in 1989, 199 people have graduated with a further 10 attending at present. It has contributed significantly by way of skilled employment to the western region of Ireland. Of the 199 graduates, 40 gained full-time employment in industries in Galway city. A total of 96 people gained employment within a 50 mile radius of Galway city.

On a national basis over 95% of graduates are employed in a variety of leading Biotechnologybased industries including: Allergan Ireland Ltd, Westport, Co. Mayo., Abbott Ireland, Sligo., Baxter Healthcare, Castlebar, Co. Mayo., Bio Research Ireland, Ltd, Galway., Biological Laboratories Ltd., Ballina, Co. Mayo., Bioniche Teo, Galway., Boston Scientific Ireland Ltd. Galway., Cambridge Biotechnology Ltd. Galway., Elan Corporation Ltd, Co. Westmeath, Fort Dodge Laboratories Ireland, Sligo, Green Isle Foods Ltd., Co. Kildare., Irish Sea Spray Ltd, Co. Galway., Medtronic AVE Ireland, Galway., Microchem Ltd, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford., Neptune Laboratory Services Ltd, Galway., Olympus Gmbh, Co. Clare., Shearing Plough Ltd, Cork., Trinity Biotechnology Ltd, Dublin and Univet Ltd, Co. Cavan.

Many of the people employed by these companies are operating to specialised requirements and some have been involved in setting up inhouse Quality and HACCP Systems. Positions of employment gained include: R&D Scientist, Quality Control(QC) Analyst/Technician, Quality Assurance (QA) Microbiologist, Production Manager, Production Supervisor, Food Analyst, Clinical Scientist, Validation Scientist, Documentation Officer, Laboratory Accreditation Manager, Research Assistant, Production Biochemists.

A total of nine people (5%) have continued on with further education in science to M.Sc. and Ph.D. level or have taken up teaching positions (all are now in employment).

Examinations and Evaluations

The following are the elements that contribute to the assessment of students for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma:

• Written examinations.
• Project report.
• Continuous assessment of practical course work, written and oral presentations.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION

Please note that paper applications will not be accepted for 2007/08 academic year post-graduate programmes* in NUI Galway. Instead, applications for taught and research programmes will be processed ONLINE through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) system: www.pac.ie/nuig. Hard copy applications received will be returned and applicants requested to apply online instead.

CLOSING DATE DEADLINES FOR TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

Online at

http://www.nuigalway.ie/postgrad/closingdates

FEES

The fees schedule for all postgraduate courses:

Online at

www.nuigalway.ie/student_fees/fees/fee_schedule.html

For further details go to the following web address:

www.nuigalway.ie/postgrad

Registration

Successful applicants will be advised, at the time of offers, of arrangements for registration, but it should be noted that the course will commence early in September.

Enquires

Requests for Application Forms and further enquiries should be addressed to the Postgraduate Admissions Office, National University of Ireland, Galway. Tel. (091) 524411, ext. 2199).

NOTE: ANY APPLICANTS WHO EXPECT TO BE GOING ABROAD SHOULD NOTIFY THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE WHEN SUBMITTING THEIR APPLICATION WHERE THEY MAY BE CONTACTED.

Course Director:
Dr. Cyril Carroll,
Microbiology Dept.,
National University of Ireland, Galway,
Ireland.
Tel: 353 91 492277 ext 2277 (International ).
Fax: 353 91 494598 (International ).
Email: cyril.carrollnuigalway.ie 

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