The course instills in students a desire to explore opportunities and carve out niche careers in academia, research, or in industries in the biomedical and healthcare sectors.

You will acquire competence in biomedical science through practice-oriented training, collaborative training and internship programmes in biomedical science and healthcare industries and applied research activities led by our professional teaching staff and industry practitioners. The course also has a keen emphasis on nurturing in you, character and life-long skills for change-readiness to adapt to the dynamic global biomedical environment.

You begin by learning the foundational sciences to understand the biology and chemistry of health science. You will study the inner workings of living cells, the biological processes involving proteins and enzymes, the structure, parts and functions of the human body, the world of bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms, and the structure, functions and chemical reactions of molecules. You will progress to learn the nature, causes and progression of human diseases, our biological responses and defenses, and diagnosis so that appropriate treatment could be provided.

All graduates with a strong desire to pursue higher degrees may further their studies at university level, and contribute in further research or in academia, serving as mentors to aspiring scientists.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Applicants with partial or complete Colour Appreciation Deficiency are not eligible to apply.

* 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 the 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 the 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 completed allocating a course to all the students who participated in the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE).

Biomedical Science focuses on human healthcare. This includes clinical diagnostics and clinical research.

Students are equipped with knowledge and skills in human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, immunology, pathology and pharmacology. Diploma specific subjects include Haematology, Blood Banking, Clinical Chemistry, Histological Techniques, Molecular Genetics and Laboratory Management & Quality Assurance etc.

You will:

• learn the fundamentals of medical laboratory science
• learn the causes, mechanisms, laboratory investigation, prevention and treatment of human diseases
• learn through collaborative training with hospitals about:
  • Laboratory management
  • Quality control and quality assurance
  • Safety
• apply knowledge of molecular genetics & molecular biology in molecular diagnostics work
• acquire relevant research skills for application in healthcare industries and medical research through Major Project, performing real-life industry projects
• acquire transferable skills and work ethics through various academic approaches and Student Internship Programme (SIP)

Diploma specific subjects include:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Applied Immunology
• Histological techniques
• Haematology
• Medical Microbiology
• Molecular Genetics
• MolecularBiology
• Blood Banking
• Laboratory Management & Quality Assurance.

Unique Features

• Collaborative training with hospitals that focuses on interpersonal skills, quality control and quality assurance as well as safety mindset
• Training by practicing professionals and experienced academics
• Real-life industrial projects
• Biosafety

Facilities

• Basic Science laboratories: Chemistry, Physiology, Microbiology
• Biomedical Technology laboratories
• Biosafety Level 2+ laboratory

The annual intake is about 50 students.

BIO and BMS graduates applying to the Dentistry and / or Medicine programmes at NUS will be considered under the Exceptional Individual Scheme (EIS). Applicants are required to submit a separate application to the respective faculty under the EIS, in addition to the application they submit to NUS Office of Admissions.

For more information on Dentistry EIS, please visit http://www.dentistry.nus.edu.sg/2007_EIS_Poly.htm

For more information on Medicine EIS, please visit http://www.med.nus.edu.sg/corporate/eis.shtml

Yes, the Diploma in Biomedical Science would prepare you for a career in forensic science. Forensic studies require knowledge in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular genetics / biology, pathology and microbiology which are offered in the courses.

The strengths of the TP’s Biomedical Science programme:

• There is strong focus on fundamental science especially biology and chemistry. It was first offered in 1998, therefore established in terms of faculty, facilities and curriculum.
• There are varied approaches in teaching and learning as well as assessment to suit the individual's aptitude. Also to inculcate transferable skills like self-directed learning, team-working, information resource skills etc.
• There is collaborative training with hospitals to enhance exposure to real-life and enhance employability. Certain critical aspects are also taught by the practicing experts in the field.

Industrial attachment is a requirement for graduation. In the third year, students will do an internship at hospitals / biomedical research institutes, clinical research centres etc for 5 months. Concurrently they will complete their Major Project on real-life industry projects.

Your chances of qualifying for a place in the local University are good with a GPA of at least 3.5 / 4 or at least a 3 with CCA.

Most overseas universities provide at least 1 to 2 years exemption for relevant degree programmes based on your academic performance etc.

The relevant degree programmes are:

• Biomedical Science
• Laboratory Medicine
• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Biotechnology
• Basic Sciences e.g. Life Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Human
• Biology, Microbiology, Pharmacology

Note: Graduates could also read degrees in business and carve niche careers in business environments related to science, an advantage to be versatile in both science and business.

Graduates could carve out careers as follows:

• Medical technologists or laboratory technologists in
  • Hospital laboratories
  • Private diagnostic laboratories
  • Central testing laboratories / clinical trials
• Research / laboratory technologist in clinical research centers
• Sales / marketing personnel or product specialist of clinical laboratory equipment / instruments or consumables.

“The physical environment is conducive for learning.”
“Teachers and mentors are helpful and approachable.”
“Lecturers are effective in their teaching.”
“Problem-based learning taught us to manage time effectively and learn from fellow students by cross-teaching.”
“I learned problem-solving skills through problem-based learning. I also gained confidence as it taught me to be independent.”
“I enjoyed participating in the many fun and enriching co-curricular activities offered.”

Quote: “I have greatly benefited from the Biomedical Science course. It has equipped me with the essential knowledge and practical skills to meet the requirements of the industry. I have also become an independent learner after going through the various Problem-Based Learning sessions.”

Name: Andrew Nigel DeSouza
Diploma in Biomedical Science (graduated 2006)
SIP Attachment: National Eye Research Center

“… well-trained & equipped with the necessary knowledge & skills.”
“… positive attitude to work and independent .”
“… problem solvers.”
“… good presentation skills.”

Employers who offer SIP placements for our students:

• Alexandra Hospital
• Centre for Transfusion Medicine
• Changi General Hospital
• Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
• KK Women's and Children's Hospital
• National Cancer Centre
• National University of Singapore, Dept of Anatomy
• National University of Singapore, Dept of Paediatrics
• Doctor’s Lab Pte Ltd
• Raffles Hospital
• Singapore Allied Health Services
• Singapore Eye Research Centre
• Singapore General Hospital

Students also have opportunities to be attached overseas under the Overseas Student Internship Programme (OSIP).

Quote: “Generally speaking, I am keen to employ Biomedical Technology students from Temasek Polytechnic. As evident from the previous attachments, the students are very committed and have good working attitude. They are technically competent and get along well with the medical technologists in Raffles Hospital”.

Name: Mr Seow Ser Hoe
Designation: Assistant Laboratory Manager
Company: Raffles Hospital Pte Ltd