Certificate in Science in e-(Bio)Pharma Chem with Facility Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Course Overview
The aim of this course is to assist with the conversion (upskilling/reskilling) in to the Life Sciences, Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Industries for obtaining work in Laboratory/Quality/Production/Engineering/Validation areas within these industries.
This progamme is Academically Accredited by the Technological University Dublin by way of a CPD Certificate @ Level 7 / 20 ECTS Credits
This programme acts very well as a stand-alone CPD Certificate Programme for securing employment, however, it is also a stepping stone to our follow-on specialization programmes eValidation and Manufacture of Medicinal Products – and successful completion of all of the above 3 Programmes/12 Modules equates to Degree Accreditation (Level 7 BSc (Ord) in Manufacture of Medicinal Products.)
Course Delivery
The course is delivered entirely online, even the lab practicals are held virtually so you do not need to travel anywhere, and can complete the entire course from the comfort of your own home.
The course is part-time (Recommended: approximately 15 online hours per week, depending on previous academic & professional experience).
The content of each module is released by way of “Sessions” on Monday mornings with each
“Session” housing a series of “Topics” which you must cover by the following Monday when the next Session will be released to you and if you are unable to do so you are required and it is your responsibility, to contact us with a valid reason should you not be able to do so.
You have 24/7 access to course material and every Monday, based on the Session/Topics released we recommend that you create your own study timetable to work around any other commitments you may have.
VOMP3001, VOMP3006, and VOMP3002 are delivered by our in-house tutor Dr Joe Brady via our Online Delivery System, Moodle. VOMP3003 is delivered by TU Dublin’s Professor Anne Greene on their Online Delivery System, Brightspace.
Course Assessments
Assessments:
Each module is assessed individual by assignment:
- VOMP3001 – 3000 Word Essay and Question Booklet
- VOMP3006 – 3000 Word Report
- VOMP3002 – Project involving developing a Protocol
- GRS1001 – Job Simulation Application
- VOMP3003 – Series of Problem Sheets covering Lessons 1 – 5 , Problem Sheets covering Lessons 7–10, Online Open Book Exam
You will be advised by an Announcement on Moodle that your assignment is available to start and also, what the submission deadline is (it is also on your Class Schedule sheet provided to you on commencement)
Submitting Assignments:
Assignments must be submitted by softcopy (email to your course coordinator directly, for example, sinead.creaner@getreskilled.com) AND hardcopy to Sinead Creaner, GetReskilled, Building 1000, Unit’s 1201 & 1202, City Gate, Mahon, Cork
Grading of Assignments and Certification:
You will submit assignments according the Submission Deadlines set for you.
Following submission of all graded assessment elements these will be sent to the lecturer for correction, and a “provisional result” will be established. Once all provisional results are established they will be presented by us to a TU Dublin Exam Board (hosted twice a year) for review and approval ahead of the issue of your formal Certification.
Please note this could mean you are waiting upwards of 10-months to receive your certificate after the course has finished and all graded assignments have been submitted. Any delays in the submission of assignments will extend this further.
Springboard+ Rules & Regulations:
Eligibility for funding is deciphered “on the day of commencement” (e.g you must still be in receipt of a Social Welfare Payment which meets the Springboard Eligibility Criteria on the day you start the course and it is your responsibility to advise us of if this if this is not the case.)
Once you have been offered and accepted a place on the course you will be provided with any of the documents which you might need to submit to the Dept. of Social Protection with regards to your enrolment on the course – such as a PTEO Form (only applicable to those on JobSeekers Allowance/Benefit)
As this is a part-time online course it does not affect your ability to continue to seek and secure employment whilst studying and in turn, your Social Welfare payment should not be affected as a direct result of enrolling in the course. Any queries regarding your Social Welfare payment should be dealt with directly with the Department of Social Protection.
Once eligible for payment “on the day of commencement” your funding is secure so you are free to seek and secure employment whilst on the course without your funding being affected
Should you secure employment during your enrolment on a Springboard+ course you are obliged to advise your Course Provider that you have secured employment
Withdrawal from and/or not completing the studies/graded assessment elements of the course can affect your eligibility to receive Springboard+ funding in the future for this/any other course. Should this instance arise, you must contact your Course Programme Manager to discuss, request and follow the withdrawal procedure.
You will be required to stay on schedule with your class, finish within a certain time frame and carry out Re-registrations at various points throughout the course (tied in to funding releasing to Course Providers) – You will be contacted by email/phone by your Programme Coordinator at GetReskilled if/when action is needed to by you and you must be prompt in doing so.
You will be required to re-register twice during the programme (once 1-month into the course, and once half way through). This will need to be done on the Springboard AMS system. As part of this, you may be asked to resubmit your supporting documentation that you have uploaded into your interview form. If you don’t complete these registrations when instructed to do so, you will be automatically removed from the course. You will be emailed by your course provider when you need to re-register.
JobSeekers Allowance, JobSeekers Benefit & JobSeekers Transitional Payment Regulations:
If you are on Jobseekers Allowance, Jobseekers Beneifit or Jobseekers Transitional payment, it is very important to discuss your application for a Springboard+ course with your Department of Social Protection Employment Personal Employment Advisor.
IF YOU ARE OFFERED A PLACE ON THE PROGRAMME, you will have to submit a PTEO (Part Time Education Option) form from the following link to your DSP Advisor:
https://springboardcourses.ie/pdfs/PTEO%20Springboard%202025-26.pdf
The information for the form is as follows:
Course Provider Name & Address: GetReskilled, CityGate, Building 1000, Suite 1201, Mahon, Cork, Ireland
Course Title: Certificate in Science in e-(Bio)Pharma Chem with Facility Design TU5300 (Level 7)
Course Code: TU5300
Qualification Type / Awarding Body: C.P.D Level 7 Certificate from Technology University Dublin
Attendance per Week: 15 Online Hours. No Specific Course days as course is entirely online
Work Placement / Internship Dates: NA
Springboard+ Documentation Regulations
1. Proof of living fulltime in the Republic of Ireland – Submit any one of the following:
Current Utility Bill (within the last 3-months)
Employer Letter (dated with in last 6-weeks)
Bank Statement (within the last 3-months)
Permission Letter to Remain in State from Department of Justice
Please make sure that if your bank statement or utility bill is a joint account and has someone elses name on the account as well, that their name is redacted or “blacked out”
2. Proof of your own, valid PPS Number – Submit any one of the following:
Current Payslip (dated in the last 6-weeks)
Revenue documents
DSP Services Card or Public Services Card (Both sides of the Card)
3. Proof that you meet the nationality/visa requirement – Submit any one of the following only:
Current Irish Passport
Current European Passport
Irish Birth Certificate and Public Services Card (or National Identity Card) (Both sides of the Card)
Irish Drivers License (showing Country of Birth)
Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) / Irish Residency Permit / National Identity Card (with Stamp 4, Stamp 4 EU FAM, Stamp 5 or Stamp 6 – or showing Refugee Status)
4. Proof that you have lived in either Ireland, the EU, the EEA, the UK or Switzerland for at least 3 out of the last 5 years – Submit any one of the following:
Utility Bill (one from 2021, 2022 and 2023)
P60 (from 2021, 2022 and 2023)
P21 (from 2021, 2022 and 2023)
End of Year Statement (Revenue) (from 2021, 2022 and 2023)
Bank Statement, (one from 2021, 2022 and 2023)
Mortgage Statement (one from 2021, 2022, and 2023)
Lease/Rental Agreement
Stamp 4, Stamp 5, Stamp 6 on your GNIB Card
Please make sure that if your bank statement or utility bill is a joint account and has someone elses name on the account as well, that their name is redacted or “blacked out”
5. Proof of your eligibility category:
Your specific requirement has been listed in the email you were sent stating that you have been shortlisted for interview. Please refer to this for your specific requirements.
This link has the detailed Springboard+ Guide on documentation:
If you have any questions, please take a read through this or contact Sinead Creaner on sinead.creaner@getreskilled.com
GetReskilled Terms & Conditions
GENERAL COMMUNICATION:
Should you be contacted by any member of GetReskilled you are required to respond to all email / telephone communication made to you within the quickest time possible i.e) 24/48 hours
FALL BEHIND ON STUDIES:
Should you not cover all Topics in any Weekly Session you need to do the following:
- Put a “Catch Up Study Plan” in place for the following week to ensure you are caught up by the end of that week – if you need help with this, please contact your course coordinator on their email (For Example: sinead.creaner@getreskilled.com)
- Contact your course coordinator (above) to advise that you have fallen behind, why and advise of your “catch up study plan”
ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES:
Should you not be able to submit an assignment on time. (Deadline given when assignment is released and is also on your Class Schedule sheet), you must contact us to arrange for an extension on the submission (max. 1 week).
REGISTRATION ON COURSE:
You will be required to re-register your place on the course twice during your studies and we will contact you if/when you need to action same – Please note that failure to do so can result in your loosing your free place on the course.
WITHDRAWAL FROM COURSE:
Should you find/feel the need to withdraw from the course you must contact your Programme Coordinator, Sinead Creaner by phone 021-2409013 to discuss the situation (Note: Withdrawal can affect your eligibility for Springboard funding for this/any other Springboard course in the future)
EMPLOYMENT SECURED:
You are obliged to contact us by email should you secure employment noting, Company / Job Title / Start Date / End date (if applicable)
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Springboard Programme Manager: Sinead Creaner
Phone: 021-2409013 / 021-2409016
Email: sinead.creaner@getreskilled.com
Overall Programme FAQs:
The Certificate in Science in e-(Bio)Pharma Chem with Facility Design TU5300 (Level 7) is a 50-week online course that will give you the industry knowledge you need to make a mid-career change into pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Pharma Manufacturing Jobs are Stable, Safe and Secure
- High Paying Jobs (30% Above Average)
- Academically accredited (Level 7) by Technological University Dublin, Ireland
- Stand-alone Programme designed specifically to help you find a new job
- Also a stepping stone to our follow-on specialization programmes
What is the Course Content?
The course is composed of 6 modules:
Module 1 – Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technologies (VOMP 3001)
Module 2 – Advanced Writing Skills (GRS1002)
Module 3 – Principles of Pharmaceutical Facility Design (VOMP3006)
Module 4 – Commissioning & Qualification of Equipment and Systems (VOMP 3002)
Module 5 – Advanced Job Hunting (GRS1001)
Module 6 – Chemistry for API’s (VOMP 3003)
How is the Course Delivered?
Modules 1, 3 and 4 are delivered by Dr. Joe Brady of Technological University Dublin, on our Moodle Learning Management System. Don’t worry if you’ve never used it before, full instruction will be given.
Module 2 is delivered by Sinead Creaner, our writing skills specialist.
Module 5 is delivered by Claire Wilson, our career development specialist.
Module 6 is delivered by Professor Anne Greene of Technological University Dublin in conjunction with Dr. Leo Clarke.
What Does a Typical Week Look Like?
The course is split into 6 modules. Each module has “sessions” of online content, one per week. Each session of online content typically includes 6-10 topics.
Each topic includes:
- A video – these are typically 5-10 minutes long and deliver 80% of the course content
- A set of course notes – these provide additional depth to the video content.
- Two self-assessment questions – one before the new content to recap relevant prior learning; and one after the new content has been delivered, to help you assess how well you’ve taken on this new material. The purpose of these is to have you to consider what you have learned and identify any gaps in your knowledge. If you cannot answer these questions, you should revisit that topic’s learning materials. These questions are not marked by course advisors but you should really view them as sample interview questions, these are the sort of questions you’ll need to confidently answer to get a job in the industry. It is extremely important that you take the time to consider them and write great responses.
In total, you should plan for approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete each topic, depending on your previous academic and professional experience.
You have access to the online course material 24/7, with new course material being released weekly. We recommend that you create your own study timetable to work around any other commitments you may have and ensure enough time to finish each week’s work before the next is released.
At the end of the module there is an assignment.
We check activity logs weekly to make sure that you’re managing to keep up with the work. This helps us to spot any potential issues early. You have a course coordinator who will check in with you (via email or phone call) if it looks like you’re starting to fall behind. They’ll also be in touch weekly to let you know when new content is live. In addition, this is same the person you could proactively reach out to if you feel like you have any issues or are struggling with the course.
How many hours a week must I study for this programme?
The amount of time spent studying varies between students, depending on how they choose to engage with the materials and their previous experience or familiarity with the topics. Most students report taking 12-15 hours per week.
Do I have to login at any specific times?
No, the online classroom is open 24 hours a day so you do not have to login at any particular time. The day the programme starts you are given a username and password and this allows you 24 hours a day access to your course materials.
How do you keep track of my progress on the programme?
We release only one week’s worth of material at a time and then check your activity logs weekly to make sure that you’re managing to keep up with the work. This helps us to spot any potential issues early. There is a progress bar on your programme which is a helpful indicator of your progress to both you and us. You have a dedicated course leader who will follow up with you if it looks like you’re starting to fall behind. She’ll also be in touch weekly to let you know when new content is open for you. This is the same person you could proactively reach out to if you feel like you have any issues or are struggling with the programme.
What are the Assignments Like?
There are various types of assignment throughout the eBioPharmaChem programme. Each assignment is given after the relevant course material has been delivered. You will be advised by an announcement on Moodle when your assignment is available to start as well as what the submission deadline is.
Module 1 (and Module 2):
- Essay style assignment – at the end of module you will be given a question related the content of the module and be required to write an approximately 3,000-word essay in response. The content of Module 4 is all about helping you write this essay. All the information you need to complete this successfully will have been delivered throughout the module.
- Booklet of short answer questions – this is released at the same time as the essay assignment. The booklet contains 8-10 questions which will each require an answer of approximately 1-1.5 pages. All the information you need to complete these successfully will have been delivered throughout the module.
Module 3 – The assignment consists of a 3,000 word report which is a site master plan to design the air and water systems for an aseptic manufacturing system.
Module 4 – Protocol writing assignment – in module 4, your end of module assignment will be to write a protocol based on the knowledge you have just gained. Although this assignment can look a little intimidating at first glance, you will have been taught all the information you need to successfully write this.
Module 5 – This is a job application simulation – don’t worry you won’t be applying for an actual job. After learning the who job application process, we are going to be asking you to complete one for a sample job application.
Module 6 – Problem sheets – during module 6 you will be issued with problem sheets containing a set of short answer questions. These will each require an answer of 1-2 pages. These problem sheets are to ensure you have a good understanding of the relevant information needed
Online exam – at the end of module 6, you have to sit a 2-hour online open-book exam. In advance of this, you will be issued with a date and time at which you will be required to take the exam. If you have an issue with this time slot, you have to alert your course advisor as soon as possible.
Graded assignments will be submitted via email AND hardcopy. You should also keep a copy for yourself as a reference for further study or employment.
Graded assignments will be reviewed intermittently during the course and given a provisional result. Results remain provisional until all assessment elements are received and your completed file is reviewed by the Technological University Dublin exam board.
When will TU Dublin issue my University Certification?
Upon completion of the programme, we will submit your work to the exam board at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). Once the exam board has reviewed and approved the submission, you will be awarded your level 7 certificate.
TU Dublin holds exam boards twice a year. Your assignments will be submitted to the first available exam board after you complete them.
This does mean that you will have to wait to receive your certificate. In other words, if you finish you course, you could be waiting over 10-months to receive your certificate. However, we will happily provide written proof of your studies before your certificate has been issued if needs be. Speak to your course advisor for this.
What Support do I Have While I Study?
You will be appointed a dedicated course advisor who will be with you from the start of the course until you successfully complete it.
As well as checking your course activity weekly, they will check in with you at regular intervals to see how you’re getting on. They are also available should you wish to ask any questions or discuss your progress in the course.
You will also have access to a discussion forum with your classmates. This is monitored by lecturers so is a place where technical questions can be asked. But it is also a place for you to discuss your progress, idea, and challenges with others who are in exactly the same position you are.
What Science is Involved?
Module 6 is titled “Chemistry for API’s”. Some trainees worry about their ability to follow a chemistry-based module.
The aim of this module is to provide a foundation in the general chemistry necessary to appreciate the fundamental concepts involved in the chemistry of API required for the manufacture of medicinal products.
As such, the chemistry being discussed is at a basic level. You certainly do not need a chemistry degree to understand the principles being discussed.
All principles will be taught from the very beginning and no prior knowledge of these is assumed. The vast majority of trainees have no problems with this section once they begin.
One of the benefits of online study is that you can revisit sections again if you need to.
Additionally, there is support material that can be recommended if you’d like to consolidate the course content.
What Kind of Job Would I Be Suitable for After?
The type of job you would be suitable for will depend greatly on your previous work experience.
You would take this program to retrain for the SAME OR SIMILAR jobs within the pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturing industry.
Be sure to spend some time going through the GetReskilled website as we talk about this in a lot of detail.
Are There Opportunities for Further Study After eBioPharmaChem?
Yes, this program is a stepping-stone to our follow-on specialisation in Validation. And our BSc Manufacture of Medicinal Products.
Do I need to have specific grades in my earlier courses to be considered for a place on the BSc or specialised Validation Course?
Yes. You need to have achieved a minimum of 50% in each module on your course in order to be considered for a place. The programme committee will also be looking at your work experience and typically like to see that candidates have industry relevant work experience by the time of application.
How much will this programme cost if I don’t get Springboard+ funding?
If you were paying the entire course fees yourself without Springboard+ funding, the course would cost €3,440
How much will the programme cost me if I have Springboard+ funding?
If you are currently in employment, Springboard+ will pay 90% of your course fees, meaning you only need to pay the balancing 10% which is €344.
If you are receiving an eligible Social Welfare payment, then you won’t have to pay any course fees as Springboard+ will pay 100% of your course fee.