BPS3021 Biotechnology
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
BPS3021 Biotechnology is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, offered in 2025 in Semester 2 at Parkville. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 2
- Parkville
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 4 other tasks
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Overview
This unit introduces you to the principles of biotechnology and the application of these principles to pharmaceutical product development. The unit also aims to further develop your skills in information literacy and scientific writing. You will identify and research issues and questions to develop your knowledge of biomolecular pharmaceutical products. You will review published literature addressing the manufacture, purification and formulation of these products. The unit is compatible with Monash University's goals for research-led teaching.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Parkville | On campus |
Assessment
- Laboratory assessmentsProjectThreshold hurdle20%
- Individual assignmentWrittenThreshold hurdle20%
- Workshop assessmentsWrittenThreshold hurdle10%
- Mid-semester testQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle10%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle40%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain and demonstrate (using standard laboratory techniques) the biotechnology processes used in the production and purification of a recombinant protein pharmaceutical active.
- 2
Discuss the principles involved in the formulation of biomolecules, vaccines and gene therapies.
- 3
Research and report on the considerations affecting the development of biosimilars.
- 4
Methodically interrogate the scientific literature to find, evaluate and discuss relevant sources.
- 5
Write an effective research proposal or product report that follows conventions in the discipline.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops16 hours
- Laboratories12 hours
- Assessments1 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Eight 3-hour online preparation modules (Discovery)
- Eight 2-hour workshops
- Six 2-hour laboratories
- One hour of scheduled assessment
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Crommelin, D.J.A., Sindelar, R.D. & Meibohm, B. (2019). Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Fundamentals and Applications 5th ed. Springer International Publishing.
Technology resources
For more information on Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) specifications and the technology systems and services available to students, review the Student Technology Essentials Handbook
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Megan Waldhuber
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Megan Waldhuber
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BPS3021?
BPS3021 has no prerequisites.
When is BPS3021 offered?
In 2025, BPS3021 runs in Semester 2 at Parkville.
Does BPS3021 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.