3 ECTS credits
86 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4012663FNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
The aim of the course is to familiarize the students with the characteristics and trends of the modern biotechnology sector. In other words, the business side of the applications of modern biotechnology like their commercialization, technology transfer, business development, regulation and funding will be highlighted.
The course contains several parts:
The first part introduces the students to the basic concepts of high-technology entrepreneurship and business.
After this, we describe history and profile of the modern biotechnology industry, its predominant business models, current and future developments and the role of regulations and government in the industry. We then turn to firm-specific topics such as financial management of biotechnology companies, business development and IPR strategy.
Importantly, not only the characteristics of mature companies are covered, but more so the relevant aspects of young, starting biotechnology companies and emerging life science technologies. Opportunities and challenges concerning intellectual property and its application in a high-technology sector like biotechnology will be discussed.
During the course, we invite a number of relevant guest lecturers from the biotechnology industry. Presence to guest lectures is mandatory.
It is recommended to take a course in "biotechnology" (e.g. course by Prof. Muyldermans) before participating in this course.
The default course language is English.
Teaching Methods
- Lecture: collective contact-dependent moments during which the lecturer engages with learning materials
- Seminar, Exercises or Practicals (Practical): collective or individual contact-dependent moments during which the students are guided to actively engage with learning materials
- Independent or External Form of Study (Self): independent study
This description of the teaching methods is indicative, in order to assess the expected study load.
Lecture: 27 hours
Self: 59 hours
Students will:
• Gain a clear view on the definition, size and the importance of the biotechnology sector.
• Gain an insight in the history, current situation and trends within the biotechnology sector.
• Obtain an insight in the key drivers of the biotechnological industry and its relevant companies.
• Gain an insight on the relevant dynamics that have an influence on the start up of biotech companies and (university) spin-offs.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Attendance to guest lectures is mandatory.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Business Engineering: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Photonics Engineering: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Applied Sciences and Engineering: Applied Computer Science: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Cell and Gene Biotechnology: Medical Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Cell and Gene Biotechnology: Molecular Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Cell and Gene Biotechnology: Agrobiotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology: Food Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology: Chemical Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology: Biochemical Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master in Applied Sciences and Engineering: Applied Computer Science: Standaard traject
Master of Business Engineering: Business and Technology: Standaard traject
Master of Physics and Astronomy: Minor Economy and Business