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BEC 480/580
cGMP Fermentation Operations

Course Description

This laboratory-based course focuses on the application of microbial fermentation techniques at production scale and evaluation of the issues inherent in the integration of microbial fermentation unit operations, scale-up/production, and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) compliance. This course is organized around six laboratory sessions that follow the process of making a protein at commercial scale. Lectures associated with lab sessions prepare students for pilot-scale laboratory experiences in media preparation, bioreactor operation, process utilities, and manufacturing quality systems that relate to microbial fermentation in a commercial cGMP facility.

Course Format

This course is delivered in a hybrid format. Weekly lectures will be available online and can be viewed by students asynchronously while the laboratory exercises require mandatory, in-person attendance.

Lecture Topics

  • Large-scale biosafety and cGMP operations
  • Facilities and utilities
  • Equipment qualification
  • Cleaning in place: design and validation
  • Automation and process control
  • Deviations and failure investigations

Lab Topics

  • Large-scale safety, cleanroom operations, cGMP documentation
  • Warehouse, weigh-outs, utilities
  • Equipment and process qualification
  • Clean-in-place operations
  • Automation and data analysis
  • Failure investigations

Learning Outcome

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • Prepare cGMP-compliant documentation and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as they pertain to upstream manufacturing operations.
  • Apply the concepts of equipment qualification and cleaning validation in the context of upstream biomanufacturing operations.
  • Describe facilities and services in support of upstream biomanufacting operations.
  • Analyze common process failures to determine root cause and develop CAPAs.

Prerequisites & Requirements

BBS 426 is a co-requisite.

Text Requirements

All reading assignments will be available on the course website, other internet websites (especially the U.S. FDA web site), BTEC cGMP-simulated documentation, and laboratory manuals (all provided by BTEC). All laboratory attire and safety equipment will be provided.