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
This study program is based on the principle that students should carry out practical work in relevant manufacturing companies during their studies. This would ensure their employment opportunities in the future.
Prof. Ona Ragažinskienė, Department of Biology
Failing to perform pharmaceutical analysis tasks correctly results in the production of low-quality, unsafe, inefficient, and dangerous products. Especially in companies involved in the production of pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements, it is crucial to ensure the quality of raw materials, intermediates, and final products, as well as process control. The process of pharmaceutical analysis is highly important for the development of new synthetic, plant-based, and animal-derived products.
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
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 | Audrius Sigitas Maruška | 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 |
