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Microbiology

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Microbiology

Course aims and objectives

The course leads to a PG diploma in Applied Microbiology of the National University of Ireland. Its particular aims and objectives are:

• To give Microbiology graduates a thorough training in a wide range of practical analytical techniques and ancillary skills necessary for careers in manufacturing and service industries,especially the healthcare,food, biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors.
  

• To provide training through short, intensive courses, in relevant vocational skills such as business appreciation and management methods, accounting, marketing, effective communication and statistics.

Duration

The course is one year from the beginning of September. It is a full-time course and requires the fullest commitment throughout its duration.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the programme the students should be able to:

• Design, implement, manage and perform laboratory tasks
• Establish a QMS for an Analytical Microbiology laboratory setting
• Carry out routine Analytical techniques for the detection of bacteria from food, environmental, pharmaceutical sources and in industrial bioprocesses
• Discuss and analyse a range of Microbiology topics
• Carry out independent study of microbiology topics
• Work in teams
• Communicate verbally, visually and in writing on scientific and microbiology subjects
• Critically analyse and report scientific data
• Calculate, ab initio, statistical information
• Apply business acumen to applied microbiology based industry

Places available

There are 10 places available on the  course.

Course Structure

The programme will blend Microbiology analytical techniques with more general skills such as effective communication, business appreciation and management methods, laboratory management, research project skills and regulatory methods.

Core Courses

At the core of the course will be a series of practicals (~300 hours) and lectures (~100 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, HACCP, ISO 9000, ILAB), Quality Control and Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14000).

The Microbiological aspects of the course are centred 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, rapid methods of bacterial/viral detection (Immunoassays, Slide and Tube Agglutination tests, DNA hybridization, Electrophoresis techniques and Malthus conductance detection) and the use of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) in food production.

Associated with this will be a Laboratory-based Quality Management System, a laboratory based research 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 will include:
 

• Establishing a QMS for an Analytical Microbiology laboratory setting
• Analytical Microbiology techniques
• Microbial detection methods for food and dairy products
• Quality control
• Immunological methodology
• DNA methodology
• Environmental Microbiology
• Cleanroom technology
• Parenterals and related products – QA and testing
• Industrial bioprocesses
• Cell culture

Other Modules                       

In addition to the core courses, additional modules provided will include Introduction to Business (Management, Marketing and Accountancy) and Statistics.

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 Evaluation

The following are the elements that will contribute to the assessment of students for the award of the Post Graduate Diploma:

• Written examinations
• Project report
• Final Laboratory QMS and Audit
• Business Report
• Continuous assessment of practical course work, research project work, written and oral presentations.

Written examinations for the business, statistics and science courses are held in December, March and May. The Laboratory Quality Management Systems Course will be evaluated by the submission of a Quality manual, and by an Audit on the Laboratory QMS and performance at the end of January.  The research project is presented for evaluation in the form of a Research Report at the end of April.

Career Opportunities

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.  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.

Minimum entry requirements

Candidates must hold an honours primary degree in Science or a related subject, with an appropriate background in Biological Sciences that includes Microbiology up to and including third year level. Candidates with three years relevant and appropriate practical experience will also be considered.

Application

Please note that paper applications will not be accepted for 2010/11 academic year 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.

Selection Criteria

Selection of candidates is based on examination records, relevant past experience and performance at interview.  Short-listed candidates are invited for interview in July.

Closing date deadline for taught postgraduate programmes

Closing dates for postgraduate science programmes can be viewed here: http://www.nuigalway.ie/postgrad/closingdates/
 

Fees

The fees schedule for all postgraduate courses:
Online at:  http://www.nuigalway.ie/student_fees/

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.

NOTE

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

Programme Directors

Dr. Cyril Carroll               
Microbiology
School of Natural Sciences
National University of Ireland, Galway

Tel: 00 353 91 492277
E-mail: cyril.carrollnuigalway.ie

Dr. Gerard Fleming                   
Microbiology
School of Natural Sciences
National University of Ireland, Galway

Tel: 00 353 91 493562
E-mail: ger.flemingnuigalway.ie



 

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