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Last Updated: 18 October 2021

Biomedical Science

Covers the essentials of human anatomy, the molecular and physiological basis of different diseases and their corresponding treatments. Acquire investigative and technical skills to perform scientific research and laboratory diagnostics, preparing you for a rewarding career in the biomedical science and healthcare industry.

Course code : R14
Republic Polytechnic
Admission type: JAE , DAE , JPAE , Poly EAE , PFP
2024 JAE ELR2B2-C aggregate: 7-12
Course duration : 3 years

Applicants with mild visual impairment may encounter difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations, and may be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine their suitability for admission.

Course details

Field of study Applied Sciences
Track/Specialisation

This course offers the following tracks or specialisation:

  • Major in Biomedical Research
  • Major in Medical Laboratory Technology
Certification offered

Diploma in Biomedical Science

Learn more about the course

Minimum entry requirement

You must meet the respective examination requirements in order for us to consider your application.

For N(A)-Level students seeking admission through PFP

This a Group 1 PFP course.

Subject Grade
English Language Syllabus A 1-3
Mathematics Syllabus A / Additional Mathematics 1-3

Any one of the following subjects

  • Design and Technology
  • Food and Nutrition/Nutrition and Food Science
  • Science (Chemistry, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry)
1-3

Any 2 other subjects excluding CCA

1-4
For O-Level students seeking admission through JAE
Subject Grade
English Language 1-7
Mathematics (Elementary/Additional) 1-6

Any one of the following subjects

  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Food & Nutrition/Nutrition & Food Science
  • Physics
  • Science (Chemistry, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry)
1-6

Course modules

General modules
  • Innovation and Practice
  • Effective Workplace Communication
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
  • Singapore, the World and I
  • Designing Your Life (Personal Growth I)
  • Designing Your Life (Personal Growth II)
  • Designing Your Life (Future-Ready I)
  • Designing Your Life (Future-Ready II)

Some modules and synopses are pending confirmation and may be subject to change.

Discipline modules
  • Anatomy and Physiology 
  • General and Physical Chemistry
  • Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Cell Biology and Biochemistry
  • Laboratory Practices and Safety
  • Sustainability and Climate Change
  • Mathematics for Applied Science
  • Data Science

Some modules and synopses are pending confirmation and may be subject to change.

Elective modules

Note: Some modules and synopses are pending confirmation and may be subject to change.

For Major in Biomedical Research

Option A

Select Elective modules totalling 12 MCs from the list of electives below and/or from the list of modules in applicable Minor Programmes:

  • Diagnostic Pathology
  • Haematology
  • Current Good Manufacturing Practice
  • Environment, Health and Safety
  • Principles of Chemical and Biological Drug Action
  • Digital Health Innovations and Applications
  • Needs Assessment

Option B

Select a Minor Programme

Option C

Select a CET-based Certificate programme (8 MCs) and 1 Electives (4 MCs)

For Major in Medical Laboratory Technology

Option A

Select Elective modules totalling 12 MCs from the list of electives below and/or from the list of modules in applicable Minor Programmes:

  • Advanced Cell Biology
  • Oncology and Therapeutics
  • Developmental Anatomy and Neuroscience
  • Current Good Manufacturing Practice
  • Environment, Health and Safety
  • Principles of Chemical and Biological Drug Action
  • Digital Health Innovations and Applications
  • Needs Assessment

Option B

Select a Minor Programme

Option C

Select a CET-based Certificate programme (8 MCs) and 1 Electives (4 MCs)

Industry orientation programmes

Option 1

  • Project

and choose 1 from:

  • Industry Immersion Programme
  • Entrepreneurial Immersion Programme
  • Corporate Innovation Immersion Programme

Option 2

  • Industry Immersion Programme II (1-year internship; in lieu of 3 electives and A300)

Some modules and synopses are pending confirmation and may be subject to change.

Major modules

Major in Biomedical Research

  • Epidemiology and Public Health
  • Bioinformatics
  • Techniques in Molecular Biology
  • Genomics
  • Advanced Cell Biology
  • Oncology and Therapeutics
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Developmental Anatomy and Neuroscience

Some modules and synopses are pending confirmation and may be subject to change.

Major in Medical Laboratory Technology

  • Epidemiology and Public Health
  • Bioinformatics
  • Techniques in Molecular Biology
  • Medical Laboratory Management
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Diagnostic Pathology
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Haematology

Some modules and synopses are pending confirmation and may be subject to change.

Internship

Internship duration 20 weeks
Internship timeframe Year 3

Career prospects

You can explore the following career options upon graduation:

  • Biomedical Research Assistant
  • Laboratory Technologist
  • Medical and Laboratory Product Specialist
  • Medical Technologist
  • Quality Control/Quality Assurance Officer

Use resources and interactive tools that are available on MySkillsFuture Portal to explore various education and career pathways.

How to register

Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

You may register using the JAE Internet System (JAE-IS). Learn the process and how to apply.

Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)

You may apply through the respective polytechnics’ websites. Learn the process and how to apply.

Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)

You may register using the JPAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.

Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE)

You may register using the Poly EAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.

Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

You may register using the PFPAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.