This practice-oriented course focuses on equipping students with relevant knowledge and skills necessary for biomedical and life sciences research. Students would learn how to conduct gene cloning, grow and characterise mammalian and plant cells, study the causes of cancer, handle and care for laboratory animals, as well as other techniques important for research. To further hone technical skills, students would have to complete a 5-month attachment, either locally or overseas, in biotechnology companies, universities or research institutions. Opportunities for greater research exposure with our experienced staff researchers are also available for interested students starting from the first year of the course. As part of the training programme, process skills and problem-solving skills would be integrated into the curriculum. The overall training prepares students well for the workforce.

Minimum Entry Requirements

* SPM/UEC holders must have a minimum of Grade 6 for their Bahasa Inggeris (Paper 122/Paper 322)/ Communication English or English Language (for UEC holders).

See also the minimum entry requirements for:

• ITE Certificate Holders
• International Students

The cut-off point for this course varies between 12-15 points depending on demand for the course and quality of first choice applicants. The cut-off point is to be used as a guide only as it may vary from year to year depending on the aggregate scores of students applying for the course. The cut-off point is the aggregate of the last student admitted to the course and is generated by the computer after it has allocated a course to all students who participated in the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE).

For the Diploma in Biotechnology, one would mainly learn knowledge and skill sets related to cell and molecular biotechnology as well as specialized areas of biotechnology for application in biomedical and other scientific research. The course would also equip you with skills for handling and care for animal research models in a responsible way. You could also learn laboratory safety and management.

For the Diploma in Veterinary Technology, one would learn knowledge and skill sets for biomedical research, clinical diagnostics, veterinary assistance in anesthesia and surgical procedures, animal care and management including animal health and diseases as well as laboratory / veterinary clinic management.

Biomedical Science focuses on human healthcare. This includes clinical diagnostics, clinical research, pharmaceuticals (R&D, Manufacturing, QA / QC and Sales & Marketing) and pharmacy practice. Students are equipped with knowledge and skills in human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, immunology, pathology and pharmacology. Those who read the BMT option will focus on applied subjects like Haematology, Blood Banking, Clinical Chemistry, Histological Techniques, Molecular Genetics and Laboratory Management & Quality Assurance. Others who choose the PST option will read applied subjects such as Introduction to Pharmacotherapeutics, Good Dispensing Practice and Pharmacotherapy, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology, Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Pharmaceutical Analysis.

The Biotechnology course offers greater emphasis on preparing students for work in research. It equips students with skills and knowledge in cell and molecular biotechnology, genetic engineering, plant and animal cell technology, bioinformatics, analytical biochemistry, and laboratory animal science and technology - all of which are important for investigative research. Graduates usually proceed to work in various research / tertiary institutions, hospitals, speciality healthcare centres and biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Although our Veterinary Technology course also equips students with cell and molecular biotechnology for research, the emphasis of the course is more on animal care and management (including disease diagnosis and treatment) at animal facilities in tertiary and research institutions as well as pet shops, veterinary assistance for work in veterinary clinics/hospitals or pre-clinical trials in contract research organizations.

All three courses train students to do research but at different levels.

Both Biotechnology (BIO) and Biomedical Science (BMS) have subjects that deal with DNA, but BIO has more subjects that are related to DNA than BMS.

As long as you have taken one science subject in the "O" Levels, it would be fine. Most of our graduates completed this course successfully even though they did not have any “O” Level Biology background.

There are no colour restrictions for Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering diplomas; partial colour deficiency or total colour deficiency is acceptable. There are career job prospects for both courses.

In any science-based course, there will always be technical terms and some subjects will have more than others depending on the nature of the subject.

TP's Diploma in Biotechnology is the first and only diploma course to incorporate training in laboratory animal science and technology. With the new Temasek Animal Facility that comprises both Aquaculture and Laboratory Animal Workstations, students would learn how to care for and use laboratory animals in a responsible and humane way.

Overall, the diploma course at TP provides a well-rounded and integrated broad-based training that equips students with essential skills and knowledge which would enable them to have wider career choices. There would be research opportunities that would start as early as in first year and continue right through the final year of the 3-year course.

TP also has a new applied science research facility that would provide additional opportunities for students keen in research.

The biotechnology course at TP provides a broad-based training curriculum with strong emphasis on both basic and applied sciences. You can therefore pursue a degree in Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Marine Biology, Biotechnology, Forensic science related courses and other life sciences degree programmes.

Our graduates have so far gained 1 to 2 years’ exemption for 3-year overseas degree programmes. The exemption depends on the students’ overall diploma academic performance .The accreditation given for the course is based on the good foundation in the basic and applied sciences which the overseas universities recognise as relevant and compatible to their respective undergraduate degree programmes. Examples of BSc degree programmes that are awarded exemptions include molecular biology, biomedical science, biotechnology, marine biology, plant biotechnology with horticulture major, forensic science , veterinary technology, and even biology with a major in zoology. Most of the accreditation obtained is from Australian universities such as Murdoch U, Monash U, UWA, ANU, University of Melbourne, University of Western Australia, University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, University of Queensland and La Trobe University. We also have links with universities in the United Kingdom.

Yes, the Diploma in Biotechnology could prepare you for a career in forensic science. You can pursue a degree programme in forensic science since this course covers molecular biology, plant and animal cells, biochemistry, analytical biochemistry, pathology, biology, chemistry and other relevant subjects.

According to the 2005 student survey, at least 91% of the second and third year students made the following comments about the course:

• The quality of teaching/facilitation in the course is good
• The course has been effective in helping me learn
• The tutors/lecturers of the course are caring

“My Diploma has enabled me to skip the first year of my degree programme. As the quality of the diploma education was very high, there was not much difficulty for me to ease into UCL 2^nd year despite a 2½ year hiatus in NS.   In addition, the valuable lab sessions and attachment programme in TP ensured that I could ease into my honours project relatively quickly compared to my peers. The problem based learning approach was also very stimulating. It enabled me to come up with many project ideas. Yet, most valuable was the friendship with the TP lecturers. They have given me tips and advice in my education as well as written good reference letters.”

Samuel Gan Ken En

PhD (Molecular Biology)
University College London (UCL)
United Kingdom

“My diploma training gives me the technical know-how to apply my knowledge learnt from TP in my job. The course curriculum, lectures and labs were really useful and up-to-date and I really enjoyed them all.”

Tay Hui Chien
Laboratory Technologist
Institute of Molecular Cell and Biology