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BEC 532
Biological Processing Science

Course Description

Fundamental scientific principles underlying the recovery, purification and formulation of biologics (biotherapuetics), especially proteins, are examined. Emphasis is placed on delineating the key chemical and physical properties of biomolecules that impact downstream processing and formulation development - especially molecular-level concepts and quantitative modeling approaches. Laboratories in the analytical and small-scale purification facility provide students with 'hands-on' exposure to key scientific principles and small scale unit operations. This is a half-semester course.

Learning Outcome

At the end of this course, students will:

  • Explain the chemical and physical properties of biomacromolecules and how those properties influence the design of assays, downstream processes and product formulation.
  • Explain the basic principles underlying common biopharmaceutical analytical, recovery, separation and purification methods such as spectroscopy, flocculation, precipitation, electrophoresis, membrane filtration, centrifugation, and chromatography.
  • Explain the development of simple analytical models describing the above processes and utilize the models in the analysis of experimental data and process measurements.
  • Critically evaluate relevant journal articles and research reports.

Prerequisites & Restrictions

Prerequisites

Graduate standing

Text Requirements

The following texts are recommended

  1. “Physical Biochemistry: Principles and Applications” by D. S. Sheehan, Wiley & Sons, 2000. $75.00
  2. “Bioseparations Science and Engineering” by R. G. Harrison, P. Todd, S. R. Rudge & D. P. Petrides, Oxford University Press, 2003. $96.00

In addition, selected scientific papers describing key concepts from bioanalytical chemistry, downstream processing and biologic formulation will be provided or are on-reserve at the NCSU library.