Units / BPS3021

BPS3021 · Biotechnology

Official Handbook

2027 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 3Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Last checked: 30 Sep 2026 UTC Handbook year

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

Campus	Teaching period	Mode
Parkville	Second semester	Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS)
Malaysia	Second semester	Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS)

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

#	Assessment	Type	Weight	Hurdle
1	Laboratory assessments	Project	20%	—
2	Individual assignment	Written	20%	—
3	Workshop assessments	Written	10%	—
4	Mid-semester test	Quiz / Test	10%	—
5	Final assessment	Examination	40%	—

In-semester assessment 60%, final assessment 40%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

prerequisite

BPS1011Human physiology 1: Cells to systems6 cp

AND

BPS1012Human physiology 2: Body systems6 cp

AND

BPS1021Medicinal chemistry 1: Structure6 cp

AND

BPS1022Medicinal chemistry 2: Reactivity and biomolecules6 cp

AND

BPS1031Physical chemistry 1: Equilibria and change6 cp

AND

BPS1032Physical chemistry 2: Solutions, surfaces and solids6 cp

AND

BPS1041Scientific inquiry6 cp

AND

BPS1042Pharmaceutical science in context6 cp

AND

BPS2011Pharmacology 1: Biochemical signalling6 cp

AND

BPS2012Pharmacology 2: Drug action6 cp

AND

BPS2021Synthetic chemistry 1: Structure and reactivity6 cp

AND

BPS2022Drug discovery and design6 cp

AND

BPS2031Analytical methods 1: Principles and applications6 cp

AND

BPS2032Analytical method development6 cp

AND

BPS2041Drug delivery and pharmacokinetics6 cp

AND

BPS2042Drug development6 cp

Learning outcomes

Explain and demonstrate (using standard laboratory techniques) the biotechnology processes used in the production and purification of a recombinant protein pharmaceutical active.
Discuss the principles involved in the formulation of biomolecules, vaccines and gene therapies.
Research and report on the considerations affecting the development of biosimilars.
Methodically interrogate the scientific literature to find, evaluate and discuss relevant sources.
Write an effective research proposal or product report that follows conventions in the discipline.

Workload

• Eight 3-hour online preparation modules (Discovery) • Eight 2-hour workshops • Six 2-hour laboratories • One hour of scheduled assessment

Activity	Duration
Workshops	16 hours
Laboratories	12 hours
Assessments	1 hours

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