This practice-oriented course focuses on equipping you with knowledge and skills necessary for biomedical and life sciences research. You will 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 research techniques.

To further hone your technical skills, you will get a chance to complete a five-month attachment in the biotechnology and biomedical industries, either locally or overseas. Opportunities for greater research exposure with our experienced staff researchers are also available starting from the first year of the course. Process skills and problem-solving skills are also integrated into the curriculum, preparing you well for the workforce.

Minimum Entry Requirements

^# Biology, Chemistry, Combined Science, Engineering Science, Physical Science, Physics, Science (Chemistry, Biology), Science (Physics, Biology), Science (Physics, Chemistry)

* SPM/UEC holders must have a minimum of grade 6 for the Bahasa Inggeris (English Language) subject.

See also the minimum entry requirements for:

• ITE Certificate Holders
• International Students

This course 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.

Click here for further education opportunities.

• Research technologists/assistants involved in cell and molecular biotechnology research at research centres, healthcare specialty centres, and biotechnology companies
• Laboratory technologists assisting in pre-clinical trials at contract research organisations, laboratory operations and maintenance at research and teaching institutions, or even hospitals
• Technical support officers in aquaculture and agrotechnology parks and farms
• Sales and marketing executives for life sciences instruments and products

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

Even as a first year student you will have opportunities to participate in research. TP has a specialised applied science research facility that will provide additional opportunities for students keen on research.

You will receive a well-rounded and integrated broad-based training that equips you with the skills and knowledge that will give you wider career choices.

Biomedical Science course focuses on clinical diagnostics and clinical research. Students are equipped with knowledge and skills in human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, immunology, pathology and pharmacology. Also applied subjects like Haematology, Blood Banking, Clinical Chemistry, Histological Techniques, Molecular Genetics and Laboratory Management & Quality Assurance.

Pharmaceutical Science course focuses on 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. Also applied subjects such as Introduction to Pharmacotherapeutics, Good Dispensing Practice and Pharmacotherapy, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology, Current Good Manufacturing Practices, 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 organisations.

All four 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.

For the Diploma in Biotechnology, one would mainly learn knowledge and skill sets related to cell and molecular biotechnology as well as specialised 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.

There are no colour restrictions for Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering diplomas; partial colour deficiency or total colour deficiency is acceptable.

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.

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 University, Monash University, 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 student survey, at least 91% of the second and third year students generally 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