Module manager: Alasdair Pickles
Email: a.r.pickles@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Sep to 31 Aug (24mth) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
A first degree (BSc hons) in a Biological Sciences subject, Bioprocessing or Biochemical Engineering: class 2(i) or above or acceptable equivalent. Full-time employment in a relevant industrial company engaged in biopharmaceutical work or similar throughout the module.
BIOL5346M - Research Project BD (IND) PT
This module is not approved as an Elective
An integral part of the programme is a period of practical research (80 credits) through which students gain in-depth practical experience of at least one technical function of the drug development process (discovery, manufacturing, pre-clinical testing, clinical safety and efficacy). This may be a novel technique or an enhancement of work they are already currently engaged with at the company at which they are employed. The focus of the project will be defined by the student’s employer and would normally be aligned with their regular employment duties. Supervision arrangements: all students will already have an industrial supervisor/line manager (primary supervisor) and they will also be assigned an academic supervisor. There will be regular meetings between the primary project supervisor and the student maintaining a pro forma record of the outcome of meetings. Assessment of projects will be finalised by the end of the 24 month period. Assessment will be through a final dissertation and an oral presentation on their research work.
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- provide in-depth practical training and research experience in an area of biological drug discovery or development;
- provide experience of applying student learning within a professional work environment;
- Provide the opportunity to develop a broad portfolio of transferable skills that improves and enhances the student’s career within their own company and the biopharmaceutical employment sector.
On completion of the module, students should be able to:
1. design, plan and execute an independent, in-depth research project in an area of biological drug development;
2. apply cutting-edge knowledge and practical techniques of the biological drug development process in an industrial setting;
3. demonstrate an understanding of the legal regulatory framework and its implementation in biological drug development;
4. demonstrate an understanding of the commercial and cultural environment in which they have worked;
5. demonstrate a range of scientific and transferable skills including those associated with teamwork, problem-solving, project management and communication;
6. demonstrate an awareness of the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a career in biological drug development.
- Analytical skills
- Commercial awareness
- Critical thinking
- Planning & organisation
- Research skills
The research project work will involve a substantial research project (60 credits) completed at the industrial company at which they are currently employed. Through the project, students will gain in-depth practical experience of at least one technical function of the drug development process (pre-competitive research, discovery, manufacturing, pre-clinical testing, clinical safety and efficacy). In addition, the placement will provide substantial opportunities to enhance a range of transferable skills including developing professional relationships with others, teamwork, and communication skills.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation Class | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Practical | 1 | 400 | 400 |
| Seminar | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Tutorial | 50 | 0.5 | 25 |
| Private study hours | 166 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 434 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 600 | ||
Project supervision meetings. Meetings with the primary supervisor will take place as required over the 24 month period. Meetings with the secondary supervisor will take place quarterly.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Project | Dissertation of no more than 7,000 words | 80 |
| Oral Presentation | (Following at approximately 12 months from start of module) | 20 |
| Oral Presentation | Formative oral presentation (Following at approximately 6 months from start of module) | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Formative oral presentation is to enable demonstration of engagement with the project and to give initial progress report.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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