Graduate Studies Reports Access
Graduate Course Proposal Form Submission Detail - PHA6118
Tracking Number - 4997
Edit function not enabled for this course.
Current Status:
Approved by SCNS - 2015-12-01
Campus: Tampa
Submission Type: New
Course Change Information (for course changes only):
Comments: For MS in Pharm Nano. - Required. GC approved 10/12/15. to USF 10/12/15. to SCNS 10/28/15. Approved eff 12/1/15. Updated to both online and face-to-face delivery 5/18/16
Detail Information
- Date & Time Submitted: 2014-04-08
- Department: Pharmacy - Graduate Programs
- College: RX
- Budget Account Number: 84080
- Contact Person: Shyam S Mohaptra
- Phone: 8139748568
- Email: smohapat@health.usf.edu
- Prefix: PHA
- Number: 6118
- Full Title: Nanomaterials, BioMEMS and Nanodevices in Medicine
- Credit Hours: 3
- Section Type: C -
Class Lecture (Primarily)
- Is the course title variable?: N
- Is a permit required for registration?: Y
- Are the credit hours variable?: N
- Is this course repeatable?: Y
- If repeatable, how many times?: 1
- Abbreviated Title (30 characters maximum): Nanomaterials, BioMEMS
- Course Online?: O -
Online (100% online)
- Percentage Online: 0
- Grading Option:
R - Regular
- Prerequisites: none
- Corequisites: none
- Course Description: Covers control of materials at a micro-/nano-scale (new polymer-based drug delivery systems for anticancer agents, specialized devices for minimally invasive surgery, remote sensors & cell sorting systems w/ high-throughput data collection).
- Please briefly explain why it is necessary and/or desirable to add this course: Needed for new program/concentration/certificate
- What is the need or demand for this course? (Indicate if this course is part of a required sequence in the major.) What other programs would this course service? Need and Demand for Nanotech Skills – 2014 to 2020
Introduction
Nanotechnology is arguably the most important area of research and development for the rest of this decade and its application to medicine is expected to provide the impetus for whole new industries and extensive job creation. Companies, state agencies and individuals have been applying for nanotech-related patents in ever increasing numbers, and any state that does not provide the educational resources to train a new workforce to meet this demand is going to be left out of the game. States like Texas have invested huge sums in infrastructure, faculty and administration to become major players in nanotechnology and especially its application to medicine. Pharmaceutical companies are looking to hire biomedical sciences graduates with theoretical and practical training in unconventional areas such as nanofabrication, microelectronics, biosensors, targeted nanoparticle drug delivery and novel methods for early cancer diagnosis. Federal funding agencies likewise are recognizing the need for nanomedicine training and focusing more and more of their dwindling budget on high-stakes nanotech projects.
Nanomedicine Market Analysis -- Regional, national and global demand for new employees trained in nanomedicine.
The proposed course, Nanomaterials, BioMEMS and Nanodevices in Medicine, is designed to train students in the skills they will need to understand the burgeoning technological advances in science at the nanoscale and how the new nanomaterials and processes can be applied to drug delivery, diagnosis, treatment monitoring, tissue regeneration, personalized medicine and more. A lack of knowledge of nanotechnology will be a serious negative effector on employability in pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Globally, the nanomedicine market hit nearly $73 billion in 2011 and is predicted to grow to $29.5 billion by 2016, a compound annual growth rate of 12.5% [1]. In terms of individual sectors, the aging population is driving a huge demand for central nervous system healthcare that is expected to grow at a rate of 16.1% to $29.5 billion by 2016. Likewise, the increased longevity and health surveillance is fueling the market for anticancer products to the tune of $46.7 billion by 2016. Companies such as Abbott Labs, AstraZeneca and Pfizer are doing the market analysis and clearly positioning themselves to take advantage of the future opportunities in nanomedicine and they are looking for prospective job candidates with the new nanotech skillset [2].
Pharmaceutical companies are looking to nanotech for new revenue streams. Because of patent expirations, some of the top-tier pharmaceutical companies may lose as much as 41% of their current revenue in the next few years [3]. They will be looking more and more to nanotechnology and nanorobotics as sources of new revenue streams in the next decade. The use of biologicals is growing at a rampant rate fueled by the new information from proteomics and metabolomics research and these compounds require nanomaterial complexation to insure intact delivery and high therapeutic efficacy. In order to keep up with competition, drug-discovery programs are now looking to hire graduates with knowledge of the application of nanomaterials, and candidates with nanotech certification will be more and more in demand.
Developing countries are growing at a faster rate than developed countries. As the world’s population ages and individuals in countries such as India, China, Mexico, Russia, Turkey, and Brazil become more affluent, the need for the new biopharmaceuticals, diagnostic devices and regenerative products that nanomedicine promises will increase rapidly. Nanopharmaceuticals and nanosensor-based devices are poised to take off by 2020 [4] and pharmaceutical science graduates must have the knowledge and experience to be competitive in this trillion dollar market.
Major United States Companies in the Nanomedicine Sector
Companies with highest growth and hiring potential in nanomedicine by 2019 [5].
• Abbott Laboratories
• Celgene Corporation
• CombiMatrix Corporation
• GE Healthcare
• Johnson & Johnson
• Mallinckrodt plc.
• Merck & Company Inc.
• Nanosphere, Inc.
• Pfizer Inc.
• Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals Inc.
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• UCB SA
Major companies in nanomaterial devices and nanopharmaceuticals.
Drug delivery and the development of nanobiomaterials are the fastest growing segments in the global nanomedical therapeutics and devices market [6], and the major players who are in line to hire nanotech-experienced graduates and postgraduates include:
• AbraxisBioScience Inc.
• AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc.
• Arrowhead Research Corp.
• Crucell N.V.
• Flamel Technologies S.A.
• Elan Corporation Plc
• Enzon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
• Life Technologies Corp.
• Nanosphere Inc.
• Nektar Therapeutics
• Novavax Inc.
• OxonicaPlc
• Par Pharmaceutical Companies Inc.
• Starpharma Holdings Limited
Demand for Nanomedicine-Related Skills in the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Medical Scientists [7]
1. Medical Scientists. Projected growth from 2012-2022, 13%. 13,700 new jobs. Median annual income $76,980.
“Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. An increased reliance on pharmaceuticals, greater affluence that allows for more spending on medicine—along with a larger and aging population, and a greater understanding of biological processes are all factors that are expected to increase demand for medical scientists.”
2. Biochemists and Biophysicists. 2012-2022, 19%. 5400 new jobs. Median income, $81,480.
“Most applied research projects that involve biochemists and biophysicists require the expertise of scientists in multiple fields, such as microbiology, medicine, and chemistry. Biochemists and biophysicists who have a broad understanding of molecular biology and its relationship to other disciplines should have the best job opportunities.
Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in only about 5,400 new jobs over the 10-year period. More biochemists and biophysicists are expected to be needed to do basic research that increases scientific knowledge and to research and develop biological products and processes that improve our lives. However, budgetary concerns may limit the ability for researchers to find funding for basic research.
The aging baby-boom population and the demand for lifesaving new drugs and procedures to cure and to prevent disease likely will drive demand for biochemists and biophysicists involved in biomedical research. For example, biochemists will be needed to conduct genetic research and to develop new medicines and treatments that are used to fight genetic disorders and diseases such as cancer. They also will be needed to develop new tests used to detect diseases and other illnesses. Currently, there is a trend of smaller companies doing biomedical research, rather than the large pharmaceutical companies. This helps the larger companies avoid risks and costs.
Areas of research and development in biotechnology other than health are expected to provide employment growth for biochemists and biophysicists. Greater demand for clean energy should increase the need for biochemists that research and develop alternative energy sources, such as biofuels. A growing population and rising food prices are expected to fuel the development of genetically engineered crops and livestock that provide greater yields and require fewer resources. Efforts to discover new and improved ways to clean up and preserve the environment will increase demand for biochemists and biophysicists, as well.
As the amount of biological data continues to grow and computer analytical techniques and software continue to become more sophisticated, the number of dedicated bioinformaticians should also continue to grow. This specialty is relatively new but is growing in importance and complexity.”
3. Pharmacists. Job growth 2012-2022, 14%. 41,400 new jobs. Median income, $116,670.
“Employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Several factors are likely to contribute to this increase.
The population is aging, and older people typically use more prescription medicines than younger people. Higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes among all age groups will also lead to increased demand for prescription medications. In addition, scientific advances will lead to new drug products. As healthcare continues to become more complex and as more people take multiple medications, more pharmacists will be needed to dispense medications and to counsel patients on how to use their medications safely and effectively.
The number of individuals who have access to health insurance will increase as federal health insurance reform legislation is enacted. As more people have access to insurance coverage, more pharmacists will be needed to fill their prescriptions and to consult with patients about their medications. Demand is also likely to increase for pharmacists in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals and clinics. These facilities will need more pharmacists to oversee the medications given to patients and to provide patient care, performing tasks such as testing a patient’s blood sugar or cholesterol."
Summary and Conclusions
The state of Florida has one of the best university systems in the country and this position has been attained in part through anticipating the future educational needs of the state, the nation and the world. There is no question that nanotechnology and its sister discipline nanomedicine are going to be at the forefront of the new age of therapeutics and USF needs to provide students with the knowledge and skills of nanotechnology to effectively compete in an increasingly challenging job market. The proposed Master’s degree program with concentration in nanomedicine will be designed to answer this need. The faculty members who will participate in developing the curriculum and provide the course lectures are seasoned biomedical researchers who have recognized the critical importance for students to acquire skills in nanotechnology as applied to medicine. Continuing feedback and modification improvements will be built into the program to create the best and most efficient educational experience for our USF students.
The state university system of Florida would do well to heed the example of other programs around the country and make the commitment now to advance biomedical education into the next quarter of the 21st century. Forward-thinking, highly focused, all-electronic programs such as the one proposed here serve not only to directly provide the knowledge and skill set needed to engage in nanomedical research but act as exemplars for the entire College of Pharmacy, thus increasing interest in all programs among the pool of interested students. This can only help the university system by stimulating interest from out-of-state candidates that has been somewhat lacking in recent years.
REFERENCES
1. Nanomedicine – Eur. Technology Platform
http://www.etp-nanomedicine.eu/public/news-events/news-archive-1/new-market-research-report-nanotechnology-in-medical-applications-the-global-market
2. Global Nanomedicine Market – 2012 to 2016
http://www.technavio.com/report/global-nanomedicine-market-2012-2016
3. Worried about loss of revenue streams—big Pharma turns to nanotech
http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/pharma-life-sciences/revenue-growth/index.jhtml
4. Pharma 2020: The Vision—which path will you take?
http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/pharma-life-sciences/pharma-2020/pharma-2020-vision-path.jhtml
5. Concise Analysis of the International Nanomedicine Market – Forecast to 2019
http://www.sacbee.com/2014/02/21/6178198/concise-analysis-of-the-international.html#storylink=cpy
6. Global Nanomedical Devices and Therapeutics Market – 2011 thru 2016
http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/nanomedical-devices-therapeutics-market-563.html
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Outlook for Medical Scientists
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/medical-scientists.htm
- Has this course been offered as Selected Topics/Experimental Topics course? If yes, how many times? No
- What qualifications for training and/or experience are necessary to teach this course? (List minimum qualifications for the instructor.) Ph.D., PharmD, D.O. M.D. with nanotechnology research experience
- Objectives: The objectives of this course are to:
•discuss the fundamentals of nanoscience
•clarify the principles of nanoscale engineering
• familiarize student's with polymer materials for nanoparticles, sensors and 'smart' devices, and the methods for characterizing and evaluating them
• discuss the current concepts of nanomedicine (both technologies and applications)
• provide students with the knowledge to integrate nanotechnology with bioinformatics and personalized medicine
- Learning Outcomes: Students who successfully complete the course will have mastered the following competences:
- understanding of the fundamental concepts and methods of nanotechnology and nanofabrication as they are applied to nanomedicine.
- Identifying applications of nanomedicine in developing novel diagnostic devices and drug treatment systems.
- applying nanotechnology in obtaining and using individual data within personalized medicine.
- Major Topics: This course will include:
- Introduction to nanomaterials and nanofabrication methods
- Basic techniques of BioMEMS, biomedical microelectromechanical systems
- Structural determination by X-ray diffraction, laser scattering, NMR, atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy
- Vacuum systems and vacuum theory
- Thermal and electrochemical characterization, NMR, ellipsometry
- Vibrational spectrometry, electron emission spectroscopy, mass spec
- Imaging techniques, light microscopy,
- Miscellaneous methods--SEM, STM, SFM, AFM, TEM, FIB, XPS, DSC, SIMS, TGA, DTA
- Designing biological probes and sensors, remote readout, 'smart' probes
- Obtaining and using nanomolecular data for customizing therapies
- Developing flexible BioMEMS for multiplex, point-of-care diagnosis and monitoring
- Textbooks: - The Handbook of Nanomedicine [http://www.springer.com/chemistry/biotechnology/book/978-1-60327-318-3]
- Nanomedicine: Design and Applications of Magnetic Nanomaterials, Nanosensors and Nanosystems [http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470033517.html]
- Course Readings, Online Resources, and Other Purchases: Current literature in the form of articles from appropriate nanomedicine journals will be utilized throughout the course. The students will need to access these for review and presentation.
- Student Expectations/Requirements and Grading Policy: Final grade will be based on:
Exams 30% (three exams)
Assignments 30% (three assignments)
Written/Directed Research 30% (6 dissertation credits)
Participation in Active Learning 10%
Grading Scale:
A 89.5-100 %
B 79.5-89.4 %
C 69.5-79.4 %
F < 69.5 %
- Assignments, Exams and Tests: - Three exams with multiple choice and short-answer/essay options
- Online assignments will including summary and critique of recent publications in nanomedicine (papers must be approved by course director)
- Written or directed research (may be used for dissertation credits)
- Active participation of students in evaluating each paper presented online.
All students will be expected to enter into the discussion of each paper presented. This will determine their participation grade.
- Attendance Policy: Course Attendance at First Class Meeting – Policy for Graduate Students: For structured courses, 6000 and above, the College/Campus Dean will set the first-day class attendance requirement. Check with the College for specific information. This policy is not applicable to courses in the following categories: Educational Outreach, Open University (TV), FEEDS Program, Community Experiential Learning (CEL), Cooperative Education Training, and courses that do not have regularly scheduled meeting days/times (such as, directed reading/research or study, individual research, thesis, dissertation, internship, practica, etc.). Students are responsible for dropping undesired courses in these categories by the 5th day of classes to avoid fee liability and academic penalty. (See USF Regulation – Registration - 4.0101,
http://usfweb2.usf.edu/usfgc/ogc%20web/currentreg.htm)
Attendance Policy for the Observance of Religious Days by Students: In accordance with Sections 1006.53 and 1001.74(10)(g) Florida Statutes and Board of Governors Regulation 6C-6.0115, the University of South Florida (University/USF) has established the following policy regarding religious observances: (http://usfweb2.usf.edu/usfgc/gc_pp/acadaf/gc10-045.htm)
In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to: Blackboard, Elluminate, Skype, and email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. It’s the responsibility of the student to monitor Blackboard site for each class for course specific communication, and the main USF, College, and department websites, emails, and MoBull messages for important general information.
- Policy on Make-up Work: For an acceptable, documented absence, a student will be allowed to make up a missed exam or presentation. Students are required to abide by the USF policy on academic integrity.
- Program This Course Supports: Master's of Science in Pharmaceutical Science with Concentration Nanomedicine
- Course Concurrence Information: MSc, MSPN, MSBE with a concentration in Pharmacy and the Ph.D. programs in Biomedical Sciences as well as future graduate certificates, masters and Ph.D. degree programs to be developed in the College of Pharmacy Graduate Programs.
- if you have questions about any of these fields, please contact chinescobb@grad.usf.edu or joe@grad.usf.edu.