Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Analysis
Description
The aim of the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Analysis master study program
is to meet the demands of currently rapidly growing Biotechnologies research
and industry sector and prepare for this needed highly qualified interdisciplinary
/multidisciplinary specialists in technological, natural and life sciences with
comprehensive knowledge of biotechnology including analysis of biomaterials.
Graduates will be able to develop, optimize and implement up-to date genetic
engineering technologies and fermentation processes; analyse and optimize
separation and purification processes; properly perform qualitative and
quantitative evaluation of biomaterials or organize bioproduction,
pharmaceutical, biomedical and biomolecular analysis; or continue their studies
at the doctoral level.
The Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Analysis program is distinguished
by the presence of representatives from the world-wide known companies in the
Program Committee such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Meck and variety of courses
covering broad range of biotechnologies, biofabrication and their applications
in different fields (genetic engineering, fermentation, food, agro-, materials,
environmental and pharmaceutical biotechnologies), as well as courses focused
on analytical methods and their development, implementation, and application to
the quantitative and qualitative analysis of biomaterials used in research,
clinical analysis, health institutions, environmental, food, agriculture,
molecular biology, imuno- and genetic research laboratories. The program
provides competencies characteristic of second-cycle studies, including
analysis, evaluation, proposal development, problem-solving, and autonomy.
Graduates are awarded a Master’s degree in Technological Sciences.
The learning outcomes of the program emphasize both theoretical and
practical training, incorporating advanced knowledge in biotechnology and
pharmaceutical analysis to support the creation and implementation of original
ideas, as well as the ability to integrate knowledge and formulate decisions
while considering social and ethical aspects. Students are provided with the
facilities and modern equipments built up in collaboration with internationally
recognized companies such as Astra Zeneca, Agilent Technologies (former Hewlett
Packard), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Merck, ESCO Medical Technologies for
practicals and diploma work.
Keywords
#Biotechnology, #chemistry, #science, #pharmacy, #studies
The program emphasizes practical master's training desired by employers. Compared to other study programs, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Analysis includes a significantly higher number of credits of practical scientific research work
Prof. Habil. Dr. Ona Ragažinskienė, Head of the Medicinal and Spice Plants Scientific Sector of the VMU Botanical Garden
While most biotechnology programs in Lithuania and the world specialize in molecular biology or industrial biotechnology, this program is designed to be balanced in both molecular research and industrial processes. It is unique in its broad scope, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary, covering natural, technological and life sciences by scientific field.
Prof. Audrius Sigitas Maruška, Professor at the Department of Biology, Head of the programme
The program, in addition to Lithuanian experts in the fields of separation science, pharmacy, and biotechnology, also includes employees of global companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Merck, and Esco Medical Technologies. This provides the latest scientific knowledge implemented in production, medicine and health, agro-, environmental, and materials biotechnology.
Dr. Egidijus Machtejevas, Lead Expert, Product & Portfolio Manager, HPLC Biomolecules, Life Science, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Merck Life Science KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; Study Program Committee Member
While preparing my diploma thesis in the laboratories of the VMU Instrumental Analysis Center, which serve as the foundation for the practical work of this study program, I completed my thesis and gained invaluable experience that supports my future scientific career.
Academician Dr. Giedrė Samuolienė, Head of the Plant Physiology Laboratory of Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Institute of Horticulture; Laureate of the Lithuanian National Science Prize.
I am graduated from Vytautas Magnus University, where the acquired knowledge and scientific thinking skills formed a solid foundation for my career in the life sciences industry. The studies based on the exceptional research bases created in cooperation between the university employees and international companies such as Esco Medical Technologies, Astra Zeneca, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Merck
Domantas Armonavičius, VMU graduate; program committee member; global product manager at Esco Medical Technologies, responsible for the development of advanced IVF technologies and international market strategy
While studying biotechnology and pharmaceutical analysis, I was most surprised by the modern laboratories, advanced equipment and the opportunities they provide to conduct interdisciplinary research. That is why this study program pays great attention to practice - the opportunity to independently plan and conduct experiments in the area that interests you most. The lecturers teaching in the study program are professionals in their field, who become authorities and a source of inspiration, some of them represent global companies, therefore, in their lectures they convey not only theoretical, but also world-class insights based on real work experience. This study program allows me to grow as a person and as a future specialist - it develops critical thinking, encourages research, cooperation and gains self-confidence. Here, science becomes a discovery - a place where knowledge gains meaning, and each study helps to understand not only the world, but also to know oneself. The program is organized to provide an opportunity not only to study, but also to work during the study period. About 50 percent of students are employed in parallel, often in jobs related to the direction of study
Ugnė Gabrytė, program student; student’s representative in the study program committee
Partners
Conditions are created for students to acquire practical skills by choosing internships in various companies and institutions, in cooperation with former university students and social partners. Representatives of social partners are included in the study program committee and are invited to participate in the program's review and update processes. Representatives from individual companies are invited to give lectures within the study program.
Curriculum
| Course | Lecturer | ECTS Credits |
| Analysis Methodology, Bioinformatics and Quality Assurance | Audrius Sigitas Maruška | 5 |
| Genetic Engineering | Saulius Šatkauskas | 6 |
| Practical Research Project | Ona Ragažinskienė | 8 |
| Modern Sample and Raw Material Processing Technology | Mantas Stankevičius | 5 |
| Spectral and Electrochemical Methods in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Analysis | Vilma Kaškonienė | 6 |
| Course | Lecturer | ECTS Credits |
| Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | Arvydas Kanopka | 6 |
| Quality Control and Toxicology of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Food | Vilma Kaškonienė | 5 |
| Bioprocesses Engineering | Nicola Tiso | 5 |
| Speciality Internship Research Work | Audrius Sigitas Maruška | 8 |
| Optional courses I | ||
| Food Technologies and Analysis | Vilma Kaškonienė | 5 |
| Modern Analytical Methods in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | Audrius Sigitas Maruška | 5 |
| Industrial Fermentation Processes | Nicola Tiso | 5 |
| Pharmacognosy Analysis | Ona Ragažinskienė | 5 |
| Integrative Analysis of Biological Systems | Vida Mildažienė | 6 |
| Course | Lecturer | ECTS Credits |
| Separation in Bioprocesses and Bioanalysis | Audrius Sigitas Maruška | 6 |
| Modern Methods in Microbiological Analysis | Rūta Mickienė | 6 |
| Molecular Laboratory Diagnostics | Daiva Ambrasienė | 6 |
| Scientific Research Work of Profession Internship | Audrius Sigitas Maruška | 8 |
| Optional courses I | ||
| Ecological Biotechnology | Audrius Sigitas Maruška | 5 |
| Pharmaceutical and Food Supplements Technology | Tomas Drevinskas | 5 |
| Technologies for Delivery and Analysis of Genes and Functional Substances | Saulius Šatkauskas | 5 |
| Mass Spectrometry | Egidijus Machtejevas | 5 |
| Sorptive Media Technologies | Audrius Sigitas Maruška | 5 |
| Perspectives of Natural Products in Pharmacy and Biotechnology | Ona Ragažinskienė | 6 |
| Course | Lecturer | ECTS Credits |
| Master Graduation Thesis | Audrius Sigitas Maruška | 30 |
