Diploma in Biomedical Science (DBS - S98)
WHAT YOU'LL STUDY
First Year
Biochemistry & Cell Biology
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Provide essential knowledge in biochemistry and cell biology for the application in biomedical, food and biologics industry. Fundamental concepts in the Cell, biomolecules and energy will be introduced with real-world contexts to illustrate concepts taught and their applications.
Microbiology & Genetics
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Provide essential knowledge of microbiology and genetics for the applications in biomedical, food and biologics industry. Fundamental concepts in Microbiology, genetics, evolution and inheritance will be introduced with hands on session to illustrate concepts taught and their applications.
Chemistry I
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Upon completion of this module, students will develop an in-depth understanding of the electronic structure of atoms and its basis for the study of chemical bonding. Students will learn to apply the VSEPR model to visualise three dimensional structure of molecules and determine the possible types of interactions to explain the physical and chemical properties of matter. They will also learn the structure and bonding of matter and be able to predict trends in the properties of matter and its reaction. This will enable students to apply the fundamental ideas of conservations of matter and energy in stoichiometry and thermochemistry. The module also aims to equip students with the analytical and observation skills and techniques critical for working in a chemical laboratory by exposing them to a range of experimental techniques in the areas of titration, thermochemistry and qualitative inorganic analysis.
Chemistry II
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Upon completion of this module, students will develop a basic understanding that changes in matter involved the study of its feasibility due to kinetics and thermodynamics consideration and extent of change. The qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemical kinetics are introduced to students and this will form the basis for the study of chemical equilibrium, including chemical equilibria in aqueous media involving acids and bases. Topics in organic chemistry will introduce students to basic concepts on how simple molecules can be constructed and applied to organic reaction transformations and functional group interconversion. This provides students the opportunity to apply their knowledge on structure and bonding to understand the structure and reactivity of organic molecules. The module also aims to equip students with the analytical and observation skills critical for working in a chemical laboratory by exposing them to a range of experimental skills and techniques in the areas of reaction kinetics, simple organic synthesis and purification and qualitative organic analysis.
Instrumental Analysis
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Provides basic practical laboratory skills and theoretical knowledge to analyse the contents of chemical compounds using various forms of spectroscopy and chromatography. Sampling and solvent extraction used in analyses are also covered in this module.
Chemical Safety and Biosafety
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This module aims to provide learners with knowledge and skills on risk assessment, handling of biohazardous materials and chemicals, decontamination, storage and disposal of biohazardous waste and chemical waste. Laboratory design, standard safe practices, containment equipment and personal protective equipment appropriate for each biosafety level and routes of transmission of biological agents in laboratories are covered.
Scientific Applications
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This module aims to provide students with an overview as well as insights into the applications of science in day-to-day life, covering areas such as flavour and fragrances, materials and food science. Designed as an active learning module, students will explore and relate fundamental scientific principles to practices in the various industries as well as their course of study.
Process Principles
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Industrial processing plays a critical role in turning raw materials into higher value products with extended shelf lives, increased variety and enhanced quality. This module introduces processes and focusses on unit conversions, material balance, liquid transport and related engineering concepts so that students understand how these relate to effective design and management of various stages of processing.
Communicating for Project (Proposal) Effectiveness
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Aims to equip students with the skills to articulate and communicate ideas persuasively, and to work effectively in teams. They will be taught to pitch ideas or concepts and to write proposals to an intended audience.
Critical and Analytical Thinking
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This module aims to equip students with skills in critical and analytical thinking, which includes the ability to evaluate different perspectives, articulate a point of view and support it with relevant and credible evidence. The module also provides students with opportunities to practise information literacy, and critical and analytical thinking through the exploration of contemporary local and global issues.
Narrative Thinking
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This module aims to equip students with the skills to critically evaluate the elements of narratives used in a variety of contexts, and to appreciate and harness the power of storytelling in our daily life. Students will analyse narratives to connect and contextualise self to society, and learn to craft impactful personal narratives to inspire or influence others.
Basic Mathematics
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Equips students with basic mathematical knowledge and skills in algebra, trigonometry and calculus to enable them to understand and solve engineering problems encountered in their course of studies. It also serves as a foundation for further mathematics in the subsequent modules. Students also learn how to use mathematical software.
Engineering Mathematics
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Equips students with the necessary mathematical knowledge and skills to solve problems encountered in their course of study. It also serves as a foundation for more advanced mathematics in the second year. Topics include trigonometry, determinants, matrices, complex numbers and calculus.
Education and Career Guidance 1: Personal Development
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This module aims to help you discover your strengths, values and interests. It also supports you in making informed educational and career choices to achieve your career aspirations.
Second Year & Third Year
From year 2, students are allowed to specialise in the area of their particular interest. They can choose from the folllowing specialisations:
- Medical Technology
- Cardiac Technology
- Biotechnology
Second Year - Medical Technology
Sustainable Innovation Project (SIP)
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This module, tapping on what students have learnt in the Common Core Curriculum, aims to equip students with a Design Thinking mindset to create an innovative solution to tackle local societal issues mapped to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Students collaborate in multi-disciplinary groups to apply design thinking method and tools backed by research and qualitative data, to create sustainable and innovative prototype solutions for real-life issues faced by a local user in need. In the process, they develop a better understanding of themselves, and empathy for a local user in need.
Project
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Enables students to apply and integrate the knowledge & skills acquired throughout the Biomedical Science course in a research and development project. Emphasis is placed on independent-learning, effective teamwork, problem-solving skills and communication skills in the process.
Immunology
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Provides students with an overview of the fundamental concepts of immunology and its importance in clinical medicine. The key essential types and mechanisms of immunity response in defence and disease will be covered.
Physiology
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This module is designed to introduce the students to the structure and function of the various organs and systems of the human body. The students are given an overview of basic concepts in human physiology in relation to the gross and microscopic anatomical structures of organs. Knowledge gained from this module is particularly relevant to other modules in life sciences like immunology, haematology and pathology.
Histological Techniques in Pathology
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This module is designed to relate closely with the workflow in the histopathology laboratory and meet the standards and requirements of the industry, mainly private and hospital medical laboratories. At the end of the module, the students will be equipped with common and relevant technical skills in the area of histology, including fixation, tissue processing, embedding, frozen sections, microtomy, H&E stain, special stains and immunohistochemistry, backing up by a strong theoretical background. Students will also gain an understanding in the diagnostic application of these histological techniques and relate them to the pathological basis of various human diseases such as neoplastic disease, kidney disease and infectious disease.
Clinical Chemistry
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This module provides students with the underlying principles and practical skills in clinical chemistry. With relevant clinical information, the module covers the range of tests usually provided in routine screening and investigation procedures. The importance of good laboratory management and quality control procedures will also be taught with appropriate clinical vignettes.
Medical Microbiology
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Provides an overview of the etiology, clinical features, pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology and control of the important bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic pathogens that are medically relevant or foodborne. The use of therapeutic agents and preventive strategies will be included. Newly emerging illnesses and their suspected etiological agents will also be discussed.
Molecular Techniques
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This module aims to provide students with knowledge and the practical principles of molecular laboratory techniques in research and development. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring competencies in fundamental practical skills for biomedical research.
Chemistry III
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Provides students with the fundamentals of organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms. Topics include stereochemistry, chemical kinetics, substitution, addition and elimination reactions.
Communicating for Professional Effectiveness
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This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify jobs that match their interests, capabilities and qualifications to prepare resumes that are unique and customised for job requirements and hone interview skills to help them secure that job. Students will also understand and be able to apply self-awareness techniques including applying emotional intelligence principles in a professional setting to manage self and a team at the workplace.
Statistics
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The aim of this module is to introduce students to elementary probability theory, as well as basic statistical principles, concepts and methods that are required in applied research. The topics cover both descriptive and inferential statistics; including summary statistics and graphs, probability distributions, sampling distribution, estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, chi-square test and simple linear regression.
Education and Career Guidance 2: Career Development
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This module aims to help you develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for work effectiveness.
Third Year - Medical Technology
Project
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Enables students to apply & integrate the knowledge & skills acquired throughout the Biomedical Science course in a research and development project. Emphasis is placed on independent-learning, effective teamwork, problem-solving skills and communication skills in the process.
Haematology
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This module aims to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills to perform routine laboratory investigations in haematology. They will also learn to interpret and relate haematology results to various haematological diseases for diagnosis and treatment.
Internship Programme
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Internship forms the cornerstone of polytechnic education where our students obtain relevant professional industrial insights and skills. Furthermore, internship also serves as the key platform for our students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-life context, hone their practical skills and cultivate the right working attitude. The students will gain working experience in the hospital diagnostic laboratory, hospital research laboratories, key research institutes, universities (local and foreign), private diagnostic laboratories and private companies.
Second Year - Cardiac Technology
Sustainable Innovation Project (SIP)
More
This module, tapping on what students have learnt in the Common Core Curriculum, aims to equip students with a Design Thinking mindset to create an innovative solution to tackle local societal issues mapped to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Students collaborate in multi-disciplinary groups to apply design thinking method and tools backed by research and qualitative data, to create sustainable and innovative prototype solutions for real-life issues faced by a local user in need. In the process, they develop a better understanding of themselves, and empathy for a local user in need.
Immunology
More
Provides students with an overview of the fundamental concepts of immunology and its importance in clinical medicine. The key essential types and mechanisms of immunity response in defence and disease will be covered.
Physiology
More
This module is designed to introduce the students to the structure and function of the various organs and systems of the human body. The students are given an overview of basic concepts in human physiology in relation to the gross and microscopic anatomical structures of organs. Knowledge gained from this module is particularly relevant to other modules in life sciences like immunology, haematology and pathology.
Histological Techniques in Pathology
More
This module is designed to relate closely with the workflow in the histopathology laboratory and meet the standards and requirements of the industry, mainly private and hospital medical laboratories. At the end of the module, the students will be equipped with common and relevant technical skills in the area of histology, including fixation, tissue processing, embedding, frozen sections, microtomy, H&E stain, special stains and immunohistochemistry, backing up by a strong theoretical background. Students will also gain an understanding in the diagnostic application of these histological techniques and relate them to the pathological basis of various human diseases such as neoplastic disease, kidney disease and infectious disease.
Clinical Chemistry
More
This module provides students with the underlying principles and practical skills in clinical chemistry. With relevant clinical information, the module covers the range of tests usually provided in routine screening and investigation procedures. The importance of good laboratory management and quality control procedures will also be taught with appropriate clinical vignettes.
Medical Microbiology
More
Provides an overview of the etiology, clinical features, pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology and control of the important bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic pathogens that are medically relevant or foodborne. The use of therapeutic agents and preventive strategies will be included. Newly emerging illnesses and their suspected etiological agents will also be discussed.
Molecular Techniques
More
This module aims to provide students with knowledge and the practical principles of molecular laboratory techniques in research and development. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring competencies in fundamental practical skills for biomedical research.
Chemistry III
More
Provides students with the fundamentals of organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms. Topics include stereochemistry, chemical kinetics, substitution, addition and elimination reactions.
Communicating for Professional Effectiveness
More
This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify jobs that match their interests, capabilities and qualifications to prepare resumes that are unique and customised for job requirements and hone interview skills to help them secure that job. Students will also understand and be able to apply self-awareness techniques including applying emotional intelligence principles in a professional setting to manage self and a team at the workplace.
Education and Career Guidance 2: Career Development
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This module aims to help you develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for work effectiveness.
Third Year - Cardiac Technology
Applied Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology
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Aims to provide students with a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology of the heart and the clinical relevance of this knowledge.
General Cardiology and Cardiac Disorders 1
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Aims to provide students with definitions, etiologic evaluations, pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, risk factors, treatment, management and complications of various heart diseases.
Diagnostics and Intervention Cardiac Catheterisation
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Aims to provide students an overview of diagnostic and interventional applications of cardiac catheterization. It looks at history, principles, indications, instrumentation techniques, equipment use and new developments of percutaneous coronary intervention and valvuloplasty.
General Cardiology and Cardiac Disorders 2
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Covers definitions, etiological evaluations, pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, risk factors, treatment, management and complications of various heart diseases.
Echocardiography
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Covers information on Conventional & Doppler Echocardiography imaging techniques and illustrations of how they are used in the diagnosis of selected diseases of the heart.
Electrophysiology and Pacemarkers
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Covers basic knowledge in identifying arrhythmias, the fundamental concepts of electrophysiology studies and pacing .
ECG & Rhythm Disorders
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Provides students with fundamental concepts of ECG interpretation & monitoring, as related to diagnosis of heart diseases & abnormalities. Also provides understanding of various rhythm abnormalities commonly encountered in clinical practice.
Clinical Attachment
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Allows students to gain experience in a wide range of cardiology techniques in a hospital or healthcare environment. Professionalism, basic patient care, safety techniques and emergency procedures are emphasised in this attachment.
Second Year - Biotechnology
Sustainable Innovation Project (SIP)
More
This module, tapping on what students have learnt in the Common Core Curriculum, aims to equip students with a Design Thinking mindset to create an innovative solution to tackle local societal issues mapped to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Students collaborate in multi-disciplinary groups to apply design thinking method and tools backed by research and qualitative data, to create sustainable and innovative prototype solutions for real-life issues faced by a local user in need. In the process, they develop a better understanding of themselves, and empathy for a local user in need.
Project
More
Enables students to apply and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Biomedical Science course in a research and development project. Emphasis is on independent learning, effective teamwork, problem-solving skills and communication skills in the process.
Health, Safety and Environmental Management
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Provides students with the principles and methodology of risk assessment so
that they can identify hazards and risks, implement and propose risk control
measures taking into consideration relevant legislations, standards and guidelines.
Students are also able to apply and comply with safe work procedures at potentially
dangerous environments or a clean room, follow chemical safety procedures and
interpret Safety Data Sheets.
Immunology
More
Provides students with an overview of the fundamental concepts of immunology and its importance in clinical medicine. The key essential types and mechanisms of immunity response in defence and disease will be covered.
Physiology
More
This module is designed to introduce the students to the structure and function of the various organs and systems of the human body. The students are given an overview of basic concepts in human physiology in relation to the gross and microscopic anatomical structures of organs. Knowledge gained from this module is particularly relevant to other modules in life sciences like immunology, haematology and pathology.
Molecular Techniques
More
This module aims to provide students with knowledge and the practical principles of molecular laboratory techniques in research and development. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring competencies in fundamental practical skills for biomedical research.
Biologics Processes I
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This module covers the major upstream bioprocessing steps involved in the manufacture of biologics, including selection of expression host, preparation of media, aseptic techniques in cell culture and operation of re-usable and single-use bioreactors.
cGMP and Validation
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Provides students with the fundamental principles and concepts of cGMP. It describes the various guidelines and the requirements for the manufacture and testing of active pharmaceutical ingredients and medicinal products. This module also equips the students with the knowledge on validation of various processes and equipment used in a cGMP manufacturing environment.
Chemistry III
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Provides students with the fundamentals of organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms. Topics include stereochemistry, chemical kinetics, substitution, addition and elimination reactions.
Communicating for Professional Effectiveness
More
This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify jobs that match their interests, capabilities and qualifications to prepare resumes that are unique and customised for job requirements and hone interview skills to help them secure that job. Students will also understand and be able to apply self-awareness techniques including applying emotional intelligence principles in a professional setting to manage self and a team at the workplace.
Education and Career Guidance 2: Career Development
More
This module aims to help you develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for work effectiveness.
Third Year - Biotechnology
Project
More
Enables students to apply and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Biomedical Science course in a research and development project. Emphasis is on independent learning, effective teamwork, problem-solving skills and communication skills in the process.
Biologics Processes II
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The module aims to equip students with the basic principles of downstream biologics processes used in the production of biopharmaceuticals such as recombinant therapeutic proteins, antibodies and vaccines. This will broadly cover principles and operational considerations for effective biological recovery and purification of biopharmaceuticals derived from both microbial and mammalian cell lines.
Internship Programme
More
Internship forms the cornerstone of polytechnic education where our students obtain relevant professional industrial insights and skills. Furthermore, internship also serves as the key platform for our students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-life context, hone their practical skills and cultivate the right working attitude. The students will gain working experience in the hospital diagnostic laboratory, hospital research laboratories, key research institutes, universities (local and foreign), private diagnostic laboratories and private companies.
Electives
The SP elective framework offers students options to pursue their passion and / or meet different career needs, and is an integral part of the holistic education we seek to provide to our students. The learning experiences of this elective framework help students in their developmentas self-directed, versatile, life-long learners, which are essential in today’s volatile and changing societal as well as occupational landscape.
Please note: Course structure subjected to change.