Diploma in Biomedical Science (N59)

With BMS, you will build a firm foundation in bioscience and chemistry, and develop your research and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by the industry. You will also acquire knowledge in analytical chemistry, molecular biology, cell culture & bioprocess engineering and immunological techniques. 

To give you a head start in conducting translation research, you will deepen your skills in genomics and proteomics, as well as translational medicine and clinical trials. You can even choose elective modules in biomanufacturing and food science & technology to broaden your career opportunities.

In your final year, you may have the opportunity to go on an exclusive one-year Integrated Clinical Training programmme at Singapore General Hospital, where you will work alongside doctors and researchers to conduct research and solve real-world problems in a hospital setting. You can choose from one of these areas of training: translational research, clinical trials, clinical diagnostics, health services research or clinical innovation.

Or you may choose the Applied Biomedical Science track, where you will get to work on an Industry Capstone project and undertake a six-month internship with renowned local or overseas industry players. Our partners include research institutes (A*STAR’s Genome Institute of Singapore, Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology), biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical companies (Lonza, Procter and Gamble, and Thermo Fisher Scientific), and healthcare institutes (SingHealth and National Cancer Centre Singapore).

Mathematics (3 Credit Units)

This module provides students with a fundamental analytical knowledge of mathematics essential for the study of biomedical and pharmaceutical science. Students will learn the concepts of functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, differentiation and its applications, integration and its applications, and differential equations.

Cell Biology & Genetics (4 Credit Units)

This module explores mammalian cells, tissue and organ systems. Topics include the fundamental chemicals of life, structure and function of cellular organelles, membrane trafficking, cell cycle and division, study of genes, genetic variation and heredity.

Biosafety & Risk Management (4 Credit Units)

This module offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles and methods of biosafety and biosecurity. The objective is to provide students with the necessary knowledge regarding biosafety practices specifically within laboratory environments. The module covers important topics such as risk evaluation, identification of risk groups, and safe handling of biohazardous materials and chemical waste.. As part of risk management, students will receive BizSAFE 2 training, focusing on developing a Risk Management Implementation Plan. By completing BizSAFE 2 training, students will be equipped with the necessary tools to effectively manage risks.

Inorganic & Physical Chemistry (4 Credit Units)

The principles of physical chemistry, inorganic compounds and their reactions are presented to provide sufficient background knowledge and understanding of chemistry required for other subjects taught in the Biomedical Science diploma course. The module covers the structure of matter, electronic structure, stoichiometry, periodic table chemical bonding, redox reactions, thermochemistry, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and chemistry of solutions, including acids, bases and buffers.

Innovation Made Possible^ (3 Credit Units)

English Language Express* (Credit Units - NA)

English Language Express aims to give you a better grounding in the English Language and to strengthen the written and oral communications skills that you will need in your academic and professional careers. You will be engaged in writing, reading, listening and speaking activities that will develop your ability to speak and write grammatically, coherently and clearly. You will also hone your reading and listening comprehension skills.

Biostatistics (3 Credit Units)

This is an introductory biostatistics module that provides students the basic skills to analyse and interpret simple biological data as well as how to present data using Microsoft Excel. Students learn how to summarise data using a combination of graphical representation, tabulated description and descriptive statistics. Introductory topics for exploratory data analysis and statistical inference are also covered: sampling strategies and errors, cluster analysis, scatter plots and regression analysis for linear data.

Microbiology (4 Credit Units)

This module provides a strong foundation for second- and third-year Biomedical Science modules. It equips students with an understanding of microorganisms and techniques in microbiology. Topics include cell structure and function, classification, viruses and fungi, nutrition, growth and regulation, environmental factors affecting growth, microscopy, staining, cell enumeration, media preparation, isolation and cultivation of pure cultures.

Organic and Biological Chemistry (4 Credit Units)

The Organic and Biological Chemistry module offers a comprehensive understanding of organic chemistry principles and their applications in addressing environmental challenges. Students will explore the diverse range of organic compounds, their structure, bonding, nomenclature, and the properties of functional groups. Emphasis is placed on the reactivity and transformations of functional groups in organic synthesis, as well as their environmental impact. Overall, the module equips students with a solid foundation in organic chemistry and an understanding of the importance of sustainable practices..

Career & Professional Preparation II (1 Credit Unit)

This module is part of the Education and Career Guidance framework to provide students with the tools and resources necessary for their career and/ or further education. In this first module, students will undergo personal discovery and exploration of industry and career prospects. Students will learn how to plan and set achievable goals in preparation for their future. Students will also learn the importance of passion and professionalism, along with basic teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Anatomy & Physiology (3 Credit Units)

This module equips students with an understanding of the basic principles of homeostatic mechanisms and the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, endocrine and reproductive physiological systems that exist in the human body. It also covers basic skeletal system and anatomy.

Confident Communication: Find Your Voice (VOICE)^ (3 Credit Units)

The VOICE module aims to empower students to become thoughtful and confident communicators able to tailor a message to suit audience, purpose and context. Students will learn how to use storytelling structures and techniques, persuasive strategies and effective visuals to connect meaningfully with their audience. Through a personalised growth plan, the module encourages students to reflect, set goals and take ownership of their growth and development as communicators. The module employs engaging teaching strategies such as games, thinking routines, masterclasses and workshops, and a celebratory showcase festival at the end to make learning fun and exciting.

Health & Wellness (1 Credit Unit)

This is a Level 1 Core module for all Year 1 students. The module will introduce students to the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health through the knowledge and monitoring of health indicators, and application through appropriate exercises. The aim of the module is to empower students with basic knowledge and skills to be independent and responsible in maintaining overall personal health. 

Applied Microbiology (5 Credit Units)

The module focuses on microbiological contamination control in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Students will learn the characteristics and issues presented by the key objectionable microorganisms, how contamination can be detected, prevented and controlled and how Good Manufacturing Practices are applied to prevent contamination. In laboratory classes, students will develop skills in standard analytical microbiological methods as applied in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Students will also be introduced to related food sustainability issues such as production of alternative proteins utilizing microbes through fermentation process.

Biochemistry (4 Credit Units)

This module introduces the fundamentals of biochemical concepts and the essentials of biomolecules present in human body associated with various major metabolic pathways. The importance of the integration of these major metabolic pathways will be discussed to illustrate how these interactions can lead to normal functioning of human body.

Career & Professional Preparation II (2 Credit Units)

This module is part of the Education and Career Guidance framework to provide students with the tools and resources necessary for their further career and/or education. In this module, students will explore basic job search strategies, practise writing effective resumes and cover letters, and learn interview skills. Students will also learn professional and intercultural communication skills to prepare them for a dynamic and diverse workplace.

Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics (5 Credit Units)

This module covers topics in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics. Topics include regulation of gene expression, gene mutation and DNA repair mechanisms. In the area of recombinant DNA and molecular techniques, students will learn about nucleic acid isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA cloning, identification of recombinant clones, DNA sequencing and microarrays. Students will also be introduced to computational approaches and bioinformatics tools that can be used for the analysis of nucleic acid and protein sequences.

World Issues: A Singapore Perspective^ (2 Credit Units)

Electives (Choose any 1) (4 Credit Units)

Biomanufacturing Practices

This module focuses on principles and practices in the manufacturing of biological agents such as vaccines, biologic drugs and antibodies by mammalian and microbial catalysts. Topics include an overview of kinetic and stoichiometric analysis of bioreactors, biomanufacturing process operations, bioreactor design principles, single use systems, agitation and mixing, heat transfer and temperature culture, process scale-up.

Food Science & Technology

This module aims to apply the concepts of chemistry and microbiology learnt by students in their first year in context to the study of the components of food, chemical reactions, and the science behind food processing. The module will cover key topics in food science like the physical and chemical properties of food; physical and chemical changes in food processing, food toxicology, functional foods and food decomposition.

Analytical Chemistry (4 Credit Units)

Building on the foundation of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry as well as Organic chemistry taught in year 1, students will continue to practice and deepen their knowledge in calculations related to quantitation of chemicals and reagents. This module covers various instruments which are used in analytical chemistry with the emphasis on their practical applications. Students will study the workings of the UV-Vis, gas chromatography, reverse-phase HPLC, ion exchange chromatography, GC-MS, and LC-MS. This module will also cover key concepts in assay development and validation.

Applied Biostatistics (3 Credit Units)

This module covers advanced statistical skills to analyze and interpret a wide range of biological, pre-clinical and clinical data, and preparation of data for scientific presentation. The statistical skills covered are biological experiment design, hypothesis testing, quantitative data analysis using parametric and non-parametric inferential statistical tests, qualitative data analysis using McNemar and Fisher exact tests. In addition, multiple & non-linear regression analyses are covered to understand relationship between X and Y variables.

Cell Culture & Bioprocess Engineering (5 Credit Units)

This module will equip students with strong aseptic techniques and application of cell culture in bioprocess engineering. Topics include biologics, cell lines, media, maintenance of cell cultures and understanding of bioprocessing. Students will also acquire practical and theoretical knowledge of cell line development, characterization and manufacturing biological products. The module also explores the production of alternative proteins using cell culture technology.

Immunological Techniques (4 Credit Units)

This module introduces students to the fundamentals of immunology and provides an understanding of how the immune system functions as an integrated defence system against disease. Topics include an overview of the immune system, innate and adaptive immunity, vaccination, immunological techniques and the diseases of the immune system. Students have the opportunity to perform immunological techniques during practical sessions and design experiments to address a research problem.

Electives (Choose any 1) (4 Credit Units)

Biopharmaceutical Analysis

This module is designed to equip students with knowledge and molecular techniques that are used to analyse raw materials and biological products. Topics include an overview on regulatory requirements and guidelines, process and method validation, SOPs, root cause analysis and corrective and preventative actions, ICH Guidelines, specifications and critical quality attributes, physicochemical and immunochemical characterization of biopharmaceuticals, detection of adventitious agents in biological products using pyrogen testing, environmental monitoring, bioburden test.

Food Processing & Safety

This module aims to apply what students learn about chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and mathematics in their first and second years of this course to the study of the basics of food engineering, food manufacturing processes and the issues concerning food safety. The module will cover key topics in food processing and safety including the extensive and intensive food properties, thermal properties of foods, introduction to thermal and non-thermal food processing techniques, assessment of food safety and food safety concerns.

Applied Biomedical Science Track

Capstone Project (8 Credit Units)

Students will complete a final year research project under the guidance of an academic staff or industry mentor. The Capstone Project can cover any of the key areas in life science research including Molecular Biosciences, Industrial Biotechnology and Food Technology. Students will be able to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills learned from the course. They will be involved in report writing as well as presenting the outcomes of the project in poster and oral presentations. The Capstone Project will further strengthen their writing and communication skills as well as analytical and problem-solving skills, thus preparing them for the industry or further studies.

Genomics & Proteomics (5 Credit Units)

This module provides an insight into the fields of genomics and proteomics. Students will study the functions of genes and their interaction within a genome, the human genome project, next-generation sequencing, genetically modified organisms and gene therapy, protein expression with emphasis on the structure and functions of proteins and methods of purification and analyses of proteins and applications of proteomics.

Translational Medicine & Clinical Trials (3 Credit Units)

This module builds on the previous modules taken in the first and second year of the Biomedical Science course. Upon completion of this module, students will be able to appreciate the difference between basic and clinical research and apply the knowledge learnt in conducting translation research. This module also covers bioethics, clinical trials, clinical informatics and big data analysis as well as emerging technologies in biomedical science.

Project ID: Connecting the Dots^ (4 Credit Units)

Integrated Clinical Training Programme Track

Integrative Module I (16 Credit Units)

The module covers the fundamental concepts and practices of Translational Research, Clinical Trials, Clinical Diagnostics, Clinical Innovation and Health Research Services. Students will learn about the various stages involved in Translational Research, Clinical Trials, Clinical Innovation, Health Services Research and the role of Clinical Diagnostics in disease diagnosis. Students will practice what they have learned in their lectures through hands on training at Singapore General Hospital. Upon completion of the module, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the topics as well how they are related and play a critical role in advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes.

Project ID: Connecting the Dots^ (4 Credit Units)

Applied Biomedical Science Track

6-Month Internship (Local/Overseas) (20 Credit Units)

The six-month internship will provide students with exposure to real work environment, give them opportunities to relate and apply the knowledge acquired to work situations and enable them to make a better transition into the workplace. Clear learning outcomes, close mentorship, meaningful and real work activities allow for structured learning throughout the duration of the internship. Students will be attached to companies and institutes in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, biologics manufacturing, laboratory testing, food, healthcare and bioinformatics sectors. Students will also have opportunity to go for overseas internships.

Integrated Clinical Training Programme Track

Integrated Module II (20 Credit Units)

The module covers Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Thing (IoT) and Prototyping in clinical science. Students will have a choice to complete a project using AI, IoT and or Prototyping in either translational research, clinical Trials, clinical diagnostics, clinical Innovation or health research services using design thinking. Students will be able to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills learned from the course. Students will continue their hands-on training from Integrative Module I.