Achieving a degree in science paves the way for numerous opportunities. However, the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has introduced an innovative undergraduate programme, developed in collaboration with industry, to produce scientists equipped to fully utilise these prospects.
Beyond the basics of science, the new BSc programme in Advanced Therapeutic Technologies (ATT) pays special focus to the recent advancements and novel technologies in the life sciences sector, including precision medicine, computational biology, bio-manufacturing, data analysis and integrated healthcare. Professional soft skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and project management are also incorporated into the degree.
The idea behind this programme, according to Programme Director Professor Judith Harmey from RCSI’s School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science, is to train “the type of graduates that employers seek.”
Developing this four-year degree involved Prof Harmey and her team conducting extensive research and consultations with graduate employers. They wanted to identify the traits and skills sought in their future employees and the gaps observed in existing graduates. They found that practical experience related to latest scientific trends and essential communication and project management skills wasn’t usually covered in conventional science undergraduate courses.
Sponsored by the Human Capital Initiative of the Higher Education Authority (HEA), this course is designed to create a pool of talent that is well-versed in upcoming and future pharma technologies and will help bridge present and future skills gaps in the industry.
The ATT BSc programme comprehensively covers each phase of the drug life cycle – from discovery, development, production, regulation to patient usage. Core areas such as genetics and genomics, precision medicine, integrated health, data analytics, computational biology, biostatistics are included in the syllabus. The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (Nibrt) provides all students with specific training in bio-pharma manufacturing methods.
A standout feature of this course is the eight-month industry placement, which the course directors believe will enable graduates to establish professional relationships and secure future job opportunities.
Dr Ben Ryan, who acts as the deputy head for the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, underscores the impending necessity for graduates who can cater to the future requirements of the expansive pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sector in Ireland. The curriculum being offered is moulded in consideration of the current and forthcoming advancements in these industries. As per Dr Ryan, the objective of the curriculum is to cultivate innovative scientific minds who are well-versed in various aspects related to introducing a new medicine in the market.
The academic program also covers topics including the influence of nascent technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning on drug discovery. Ryan affirms the consistent inflow of copious data from disparate sources and the skills required by the graduates to weave this data within the pertinent legal framework to cater to the patient’s needs. Not only that, but the students are also equipped with effective communication, collaboration and leadership skills, critical for their future workplaces.
Dr Ryan asserts that the third-year students will undergo an eight-month session of industry placement, chiefly within pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical or start-up companies, allowing them to apply their theoretical understanding in a practical context. This work placement offers mutual benefits, propelling the students to build their professional network, and allowing the industry to identify and nurture their future talents. Dr Ryan also reiterates the school’s continuous effort to collaborate with countless industry bodies to provide an extensive placement opportunity for their students and is open to prospective partnerships.
The concept of teamwork is crucial within the pharmaceutical sector, according to Dr Ryan. Instead of operating in isolation, roles have broadened and now intersect with various areas. She highlights how important it is for students to gain a deep comprehension of the pharmaceutical network and develop practical skills in sectors such as manufacturing, data analytics, and regulatory affairs. The future of science, she suggests, lies in meeting the needs of these industries in Ireland, by training scientifically gifted individuals who can help businesses on the island thrive and grow.
Takeda Ireland, a pharmaceutical industry, supports these ambitions and has sponsored a remarkable scholarship in advanced therapeutic technologies. This financial assistance, offering a total contribution of €25,000 over four years, is intended for a student eligible through the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR).
Shane Ryan, Takeda Ireland’s General Manager, underscores the importance of contributing to the creation of courses like these. He expresses that it’s a significant opportunity for their company to play a leading role in nurturing its future talent and addressing the impending skill shortage.
He emphasises the importance of quick adaptation in an industry constantly revolutionised by disruptive technologies. To ensure sustainable success in healthcare and patient services, these advancements need to be incorporated efficiently. Universities, he opines, have an excellent opportunity to introduce these new capabilities into their courses. Collaborating with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) to influence the content and layout of these academic programmes helps ensure the industry has the required skills to stay ahead, he indicates.
By providing a scholarship, Takeda Ireland gives a deserving student the chance to participate in the programme and reach their full potential. This is a tangible step towards eliminating obstacles that hinder people from pursuing successful careers in STEM, as Shane Ryan explained. This scholarship sets an ideal example, supporting the scholar in acquiring the necessary skills, capabilities, and certification for a rewarding career in Ireland’s science, healthcare, and technology industry, and possibly further afield.
Prof Harmey concurs that the recently established BSc is one of the methods to assist Ireland Inc in establishing an enduring talent flow. “Our students will be fully equipped for the professional world, on top of obtaining a scientific background,” she confirms. “We’re establishing connections with the pharmaceutical sector and all our graduates need to do is seize these opportunities.”
For additional information, please visit rcsi.com. Should your institution require a profoundly skilled biopharma student for an internship in 2025, check www.rcsi.com/attplacement.