Biotechnology involves the use of microorganisms, plant and animal cells, to produce useful materials such as food, medicine, and chemicals. There are many specialisations within biotechnology and medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology is one of them. Medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology describes the application of techniques familiar to the biotechnology industry and in research to the development of drugs and biological agents for their therapeutic value in the treatment of disease in humans, and offers numerous opportunities in this expanding field.
Furthermore, in the past decade, the emergence of powerful technologies including genomics (a knowledge of the information stored in human genes) and bioinformatics (scientists’ storage of that information for their use in research) has propelled the discipline of biotechnology to a level where it is likely to revolutionise science, technology and human health. For consumers of health services there is potential for considerable gains from the development of new drug treatments, rationalisation of existing treatments and increased measures to prevent disease.
The application of biotechnology to the medical and pharmaceutical sector promises better drug therapy (achieved through a greater diversity of drug treatments), improved ways of directing the drug to treat a disease in a particular part of the human body, and selecting appropriate drug therapy for individual patients using pharmacogenomics (that is, knowing the genetic basis for an individual’s response to a drug).A qualification in medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology allows graduates to practice in a variety of fields within biotechnology with a focus in the pharmaceutical industry and medical research.
The work
Graduates may find opportunities in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry involving research into the biological and molecular basis of disease, and be responsible for the discovery of biological agents that have the capacity to modify the progress of disease. This research may be undertaken in industry, academic institutions and specialised research institutes. Discovery also requires extensive testing on the true value of the agent – its potency, fate in the human body and toxicity. Such work will be of immense value to a company and requires considerable protection with patents to ensure that a discovery has commercial value to its innovators. Many graduates may aspire for involvement in the patent field. They may be involved in the development and manufacture of suitable products for the administration of the newly developed agents into humans.
The demand
Demand for graduates is dependent on the investment in discovery and development by the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. In Malaysia the industry is in its infancy but the government is currently investing in biotechnology development through the creation of the National Biotechnology Directorate (BIOTEK) and Bio Valley. Graduates with this qualification can find work opportunities in a wide variety of countries in other parts of Asia, Europe and the United States.
What do you study in the degree?
In the first year, you will be studying basic sciences, such as chemistry, biology, mathematics, and statistics related to the design of experiments. From the second year onwards, you will learn the molecular pathogenesis in disease, critically assess processes involved in the development of novel pharmaceuticals, evaluate and develop new research procedures, participate in the generation and execution of research programmes, understand biotechnology as an industry and a business enterprise, utilise advanced computer techniques applied to biology and chemistry databases for biomedical and pharmaceutical research.
Upon completion of the programme, graduates are able to understand the theoretical basis behind biotechnological procedures; understand the causes of disease; critically assess the processes involved in the development of novel therapeutic agents; and have an appreciation of the biotechnology industry and its operation as a business enterprise.
The entry requirements
Applicants must have a liking for chemistry and some interest in how biological systems work and what can go wrong to cause disease. Hence an interest in biology is also useful. Previous study in biology at pre-university level is not essential, but it is desirable. Previous study in chemistry with a specified level of achievement is a requirement for entry. Applicants are also required to demonstrate proficiency in English – an important prerequisite for communicating scientific ideas in a clear and concise manner to other colleagues working in the field.
What kinds of students do well in this programme?
Students with an interest in science, especially in chemistry and/or biology, will be attracted to the programme. However, you need to be committed to your studies in order to do well. There will be lectures, tutorials, workshops and laboratory work and successful students would spend a lot of time revising their notes, reading texts and other references, plus writing reports and preparing for presentations which demonstrate their knowledge and ability to communicate that knowledge. Organisation, self-discipline and willingness to study, but at the same time recognising when it is necessary to relax, are essential for success in this programme.
Professional recognition / membership
Graduates are eligible to join many professional societies in different countries. For example, those in Australia include the Australian Biotechnology Association, the Australian Society for Medical Research, the Australian Society for Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology and the Australasian Pharmaceutical Sciences Association.
Postgraduate qualifications are not necessary if you want to work in the industry. However, given the nature of the industry, and the opportunities it offers for research, it provides a convenient environment for further study towards a master’s or doctoral degree.
Some advice for those aspiring to be Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnologists
Firstly, be sure that you have an interest in chemistry and biology. Secondly, find out as much as you can about the industry in which you are likely to find employment. In doing so, do not restrict your search to activities in Malaysia. Considerable value is placed on biotechnology graduates who have gained experience overseas working with industry or in research institutions. Find out what occurs in other countries; what the opportunities for advancement are. Thirdly, contact research institutions involved in biotechnology research and seek advice from those working in the institutions on what their work entails, whether they enjoy it, and what they have done in the past.
One of the advantages of doing a medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology degree is that it offers many opportunities in a range of directions. There is much flexibility for future employment and graduates must also be prepared for the challenges that come with these opportunities.
