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Last Updated: 18 October 2021

Biological Sciences

Embark on a journey through the fascinating world of Biological Sciences, designed to equip you with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on skills for a successful career in diverse life science disicplines, from biotechnology to agritech and food science. In the Diploma in Biological Sciences, students will master industry-relevant techniques required in medical and molecular diagnostics, food science and nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and food product development.

Course code : R16
Republic Polytechnic
Admission type: JAE , DAE , JPAE , Poly EAE , PFP
2024 JAE ELR2B2-C aggregate: 11-19
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 Biotechnology
  • Major in Food & Agricultural Science
Certification offered

Diploma in Biological Sciences

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
  • Mathematics for Applied Science
  • General and Physical Chemistry
  • Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
  • Laboratory Practices and Safety
  • Sustainability and Climate Change
  • Data Science
  • Molecular Cell Biology & Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Recombinant DNA Technologies
  • Microbial and Cellular Applications in Food and Health
  • Analytical Chemistry

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

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 Biotechnology

  • Immunology
  • Cell Culture
  • Genomics
  • Biopharmaceutical Production
  • Biological Applications in Health and Diagnostics
  • Protein Technologies
  • Research Apprenticeship Programme in Bio-innovation

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

Major in Food & Agricultural Science

  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Agri-science and Tissue Culture
  • Quality Assurance in Agricultural and Food Products
  • Agricultural Technology
  • Food Processing and Packaging
  • Research Apprenticeship Programme in Sustainable Food Innovation

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 Biotechnology

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:

  • Aquaculture Farm Management and Operations
  • Aquatic Animal Health and Nutrition
  • Aquaculture Genetics
  • Digital Health Innovations and Applications
  • Agri-Science and Tissue Culture

Option B

Select a Minor Programme

Option C

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

For Major in Food & Agricultural Science

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:

  • Aquaculture Farm Management and Operations
  • Aquatic Animal Health and Nutrition
  • Aquaculture Genetics
  • Digital Health Innovations and Applications
  • Protein Technologies
  • Immunology
  • Cell Culture

Option B

Select a Minor Programme

Option C

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

Internship

Internship duration 16 to 20 weeks
Internship timeframe Year 3

Career prospects

You can explore the following career options upon graduation:

  • Assistant Agricultural Scientist/Assistant
  • Assistant Biotechnologist
  • Assistant Food Technologist/Researcher
  • Food Industry and Microbiology Specialist
  • Health Education Officer
  • Laboratory Assistant/Technologist
  • Market Development Executive
  • Plant Biotechnologist
  • Production/Process Technician
  • Quality Assurance Assistant
  • Quality Control Analyst/Assistant/Executive
  • Research Technologist

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.