Diploma in Biomedical Science

Course details

The programme aims to provide knowledge and experience leading to career opportunities in a wide variety of areas including biomedical, pharmaceutical, environmental monitoring, public health, agrochemical and food sectors. With the increased importance of globalisation of education and training, these programmes will incorporate, where appropriate, issues of global significance.

In an effort to best match the needs of industry in this area, the Diploma in Biomedical Science has a significant focus on skills development and employer-led, industry-required knowledge acquisition in areas such as technology and knowledge exchange, IPR, entrepreneurship, health & safety, marketing, growth strategies and innovation these to be presented and developed through business planning exercises, simulations and relevant case studies.

What will I learn?

The overall aims of the programme are to facilitate the development of a broad-based, core knowledge and understanding of Biomedical Science, coupled with specialist skills and knowledge in one or more areas of biomedical science.

In addition a key aim for the students is to possess a wide range of employability and transferable skills along with an understanding of professional ethics and the relevance of biology to contemporary practical and ethical questions.

On completion of the Diploma in Biomedical Science programme of study, the student will have:

• A broad based, core knowledge and understanding of Biomedical Science, including recognition of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms, their molecular, cellular and physiological processes, their genetics and evolution, and the interrelationships between them and their environment.
• A sound understanding of established theories, principles and concepts, and of a number of advanced and emerging issues at the forefront of Biomedical Science.
• A core knowledge and understanding of specific biological disciplines and how these might be applied to humans and the environment.
• A sound understanding of the validity and reliability of scientific knowledge, and the uncertainties and difficulties involved in acquiring new scientific knowledge
• A basic understanding of technology transfer, IPR, entrepreneurship, health & safety, markets and marketing, growth strategies and innovation in the context of biomedical and the life sciences.
• An awareness of the contribution of biosciences to debate and controversies and how this knowledge and understanding forms the basis for informed concern about the quality and sustainability of life

On completion of the Diploma in Biomedical Science programme of study the student will have the following skills:

• A broad experience of practical laboratory skills used to safely and ethically collect data in subject specific areas, such as microbiology, immunology, toxicology, genetics and cell &molecular biology.
• The ability to accurately disseminate scientific information using appropriate communication methods and media.
• The analytical, numerical, statistical and IT skills to record data and then to extract and communicate informed and testable conclusions.
• The skills to resolve complex scientific problems by acquiring, interpreting and analysing appropriate knowledge, involving both the critical analysis and evaluation of texts, original papers and reports by others.
• The skills in identifying information needs, and in the systematic gathering and analysis of ideas, concepts and data from a range of scientific literature.
• The skills of design thinking translated to the biomedical sciences with a view to gaining expertise in the practical, creative resolution of problems or issues.
• A range of employability skills relevant to many professional contexts where there is a need for problem solving, decision-making and personal responsibility

Course Content

Cell Biology

The wide variety of living organisms will be described and will include the distinction between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, plant cells, animal cells and viruses. The cellular basis of all living organisms is one of the characteristics that define life. The module will consider cell types, cellular evolution, ultrastructure and function and, in addition, relate cell types and cell actions to infection and health matters.

Introductory Anatomy & Physiology

This module introduces the students to the anatomy of the human body and explainsthe ways in which the body systems carry out distinct, coordinated and important functions. In this module students will study basic anatomy, the skeletal system, the muscular system, the nervous and sensory systems and the endocrine system.

Introductory Biochemistry

This module introduces the student to the processes and components which make up life at the molecular level. The basic structures of the key important molecules will be described and will include the proteins, the nucleic acids, the lipids and the carbohydrates. The structures will be closely related to biological function in later modules which in turn will help in the understanding of normal and disease states.

Introductory Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of organisms - bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses - that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Not all microorganisms are beneficial. For example one third of the world's population dies from infections (e.g. AIDS affects more than 40 million individuals worldwide), thefoot and mouth epidemics, the emergence of avian influenza (bird flu), with its high mortality, bacteria are constantly evolving mechanisms enabling them to resist antimicrobial agents used to treat infections, driving the quest for new antibiotics. Microbiology is concerned not only with pathogenic microbes that cause disease but also the predominantly beneficial activities of microbes in the environment and their many biological applications. This module will introduce this fascinating topic which will be further developed in later modules

Personal & Professional Development

This module will provide an introduction to a range of skills that will develop the students in terms of their mathematical abilities, their communication (written and oral) skills, their analytical, design and critical thinking skills, and their innovation and entrepreneurial skills. Each of these key educational outcomes will be further developed through the other modules such that the Diplomates/Advanced Diplomates will be of value to the existing and emerging biomedical industries in Singapore and abroad.

Introductory Biomedical Science Specialisms

This module introduces the student to the different sub-disciplines that comprise the specialist areas within the subject of Biomedical Sciences. The principal sub-disciplines include Clinical Chemistry, Haematology and Serology, Clinical Immunology and Pathology. Medical Microbiology, another major biomedical science specialism is covered in other modules. In this module the student will learn the broad nature and range of scientific areas of particular focus for each of these sub-disciplines and the way in which these are integrated in the hospital setting for patient diagnosis and health improvement. Learning the terminology of the various specialisms will help the student to communicate effectively with a wide range of biomedical scientists and biomedical science laboratories.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Requirement: GCE 'O' Level with at least 3 passes or equivalent.
• English Language Requirement: GCE 'O' Level pass in English or equivalent.