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Course Overview

Do you want to make a difference in the world of healthcare? The Diploma in Medical Biotechnology at Temasek Polytechnic is your gateway to a career that make significant contributions to patient care and medical science. This unique program stands as Singapore’s only diploma that equips you in biotechnology, biomedical science, and healthcare industries.

 

Medical biotechnology innovatively uses living cells and cell materials for research to develop more efficient ways of maintaining and improving human health. This course also combines theory with hands-on experience to equip you with the skills to become a versatile professional in clinical laboratory and cardiac diagnosis.

 

In Year 3, you can opt for one of the following industry- relevant Elective Clusters: Cardiology Technology, Clinical Laboratory Practice, Pharmaceuticals & Biologics Manufacturing, Translational Biological Research, and Technical Sales & Marketing. Your hands-on experience won't just be limited to the classroom; a six-month internship program, either local or overseas, will see you applying your knowledge in real-world settings, honing your skills alongside industry professionals.

 

As a graduate, a myriad of exciting career paths await you. Whether as a laboratory technologist, an associate clinical research coordinator, or a cardiac technologist, you'll be entering industries that value your expertise in research institutions, biotechnology companies, hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, heart centres and cardiology clinics.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission, applicants must obtain 26 points or better for the net ELR2B2 aggregate score (i.e. English Language, 2 relevant subjects and best 2 other subjects, including CCA Bonus Points) and meet the minimum entry requirements of this course. CCA cannot be used to meet the minimum entry requirements.

Subject
Grade

English Language (EL1)*

1-7

Mathematics (E or A)

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
2024 Planned Intake
70
Net ELR2B2 aggregate range (2024 JAE)
3 - 9

* Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)/ Unified Examination Chinese (UEC) holders must have a minimum of grade 6 for the relevant English Language subject (e.g. Bahasa Inggeris).

Note: Applicants with complete Colour Appreciation Deficiency are not eligible to apply.

Admissions Exercises

Coursework

What You'll Learn

You will begin your journey by building a strong broad-based foundation through core subjects ranging from microbiology, cell biology, mathematics to conservation, nutrition and workplace safety.

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
AMB1005 Basic Microbiology

This subject investigates the important fundamentals of microbiology and its relevance to the food, biomedical and biotechnology industries. It covers the types of microorganisms, their cultivation and growth as well as their control.

4
AMT1004 Cell Biology & Biochemistry

This subject introduces the biology of cells and the structure-function relationship of cells, cellular membranes and organelles. It covers basic concepts of organic chemistry and the structure-property relationship of essential biomolecules. Basic laboratory skills involving the study of cell structures with the use of cell staining and microscopy techniques, as well as basic biochemical analysis will also be introduced.

5
AMA1009 Digitalisation in Applied Science

This subject covers the basic concept of data analytics as well as the processes of data cleaning, processing and visualisation of data in the contexts of applied science. Basic coding and fundamental computational thinking constructs such as variables, data type and logic will also be addressed.

2
APH1004 Laboratory & Workplace Safety

This subject covers an introduction to Good Laboratory Practice, and the identification and classification of biological, chemical, physical and ergonomic hazards at the workplace and laboratories. It also involves the conduct of risk assessment, risk controls and monitoring as well as communication of these risks to all persons involved in compliance with the Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations.

3
AMA1003 Mathematics for Applied Science

This subject covers algebra, differentiation, integration and their applications in applied science contexts.

3
ANT1005 Nutrition & Health

This subject examines the relationship between food, nutrition and health. It provides an introduction to macro- and micro- nutrients in relation to the well-being of the human body. It covers food sources of these nutrients and their interrelationships as well as the use of basic nutritional tools like My Healthy Plate, food composition tables and online nutritional databases for basic nutritional analysis.

3
ACH1009 Principles of Inorganic & Physical Chemistry 1

This subject covers the basic theory and practical knowledge of inorganic and physical chemistry. Topics include fundamentals of chemistry, atomic structure and chemical bonding, stoichiometry and equilibria concepts of a chemical reaction.

4
AMA1004 Statistics for Applied Science

This subject provides you with the basic statistical techniques that are essential for your course of study. Topics covered include basic probability and distributions, basic statistics, sampling distribution, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance and chi-square testing.

3

You will be equipped with knowledge and skills in both biotechnology and biomedical science. Through contextualized learning, you will be able to apply your knowledge and skills in many different life science contexts.

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
AMT1006 Cell Technology

This subject provides basic theoretical and practical knowledge of mammalian cell culture.  It covers the requirements for establishing and maintaining cell cultures both in the laboratory and in large-scale operations. It also discusses the important applications of the cell culture technique in the biological and medical sciences.

4
AMT1007 Human Anatomy & Physiology

This subject provides you with a basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Topics include anatomy of human organs, organ systems and their functions.

5
AMT2014 BioAnalytical Technology

This subject focuses on the applications of separation, analytical and immunological techniques in the field of medical biotechnology.  Basic concepts and techniques for extraction, purification and analysis of biomolecules will be covered. An introduction to current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) is included.

5
AMT2007 Molecular Biology

The subject covers the fundamentals of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), flow of genetic information, ribonucleic acid (RNA), as well as how processes like replication, transcription and translation operate in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Basic practical knowledge and molecular laboratory techniques will be introduced.

5
AMT2010 Systems and Synthetic Biology

This subject provides an overview of gene expression and omics technology. It also addresses the laboratory techniques on genome editing, sequence analysis, as well as the potential applications of synthetic biology in biotechnology.

5
AMT2011 Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

This subject provides an overview of the concepts of tissue engineering, stem cells and biomaterials. The principles of regenerative medicine and bioprinting will be introduced. It will also address research methodology process skills and the practices of good documentation.

4
AMT2012 Immunochemistry

The subject covers the concepts of immunology, including the components of the immune system, antigen recognition and presentation, antibody structure and function, specific and nonspecific immune responses to infections and pathophysiological changes in disease. It also focuses on immunological techniques and the application of clinical chemistry concepts for the diagnosis and screening of diseases.

5
AMT2013 Haematology and Blood Banking

This subject provides an overview of diseases and disorders related to blood and bone marrow, as well as the application of immunological principles in blood grouping, antibody screening, identification and compatibility testing. It also focuses on screening and diagnosis of haematological diseases and disorders, with emphasis on quality control and management in haematology and blood banking laboratory.

5

This year, you will get to apply what you have learned so far, in your internship! You will have the opportunity to work in research laboratories, clinical laboratories, or other biomedical companies. There are also many further education options for you to develop more skills.

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
AMP3020 Major Project

This subject provides a framework for you to solve practical problems, conduct research work and/ or develop studies, through a self-managed project. The scope of the subject includes project proposal, investigative studies, analysis, interpretation of results, written report, and presentation.

6
Diploma Elective Cluster Subjects

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
AMT3011 Clinical Cardiology

This subject introduces the fundamental knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology, as well as the pathophysiological changes in cardiovascular diseases.  It focuses on the diagnostic tests and procedures for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases using electrocardiography and echocardiography.

9

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
AMT3010 Medical Laboratory Technology

This subject covers the practical workflow, principles, applications and quality control in the clinical laboratory. It also introduces the basic epidemiology and the detection of infectious diseases, as well as on the pathophysiological changes in diseases and processing of samples using histological and cytological techniques.

9

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
APH3023 Pharmaceuticals & Biologics Process Technology

This subject covers the upstream and downstream processes involved in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and biologics in compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) principles and guidelines. The subject also covers the safety practices, hazard management and current trends in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and biologics.

9

Subject Code Subject
AWB3001 Guided Work-based Learning

This is a competency-based subject that aims to develop students’ industry-specific knowledge, skills and attitudes through a structured on-the-job training programme. Students will work with company supervisors to develop and execute a learning plan based on their job role(s), and monitor and reflect on their learning progress. Students’ acquisition of the essential knowledge and technical and generic skills will be evaluated through various assessment methods which may include competency tests, completion of relevant certification courses/training programs.

Subject Code Subject
EMA3002 Modelling & Analysis

The main objective of this subject is to provide students firm foundations of single variable calculus so that they can apply calculus to model, solve and analyse applied math problems. It aims to motivate students on the importance of calculus through a plethora of applications in engineering, physical and biological sciences, computer science, finance, economics, probability and statistics and other topics. On top of the basic concepts, techniques and applications of two branches of calculus - differentiation and integration, students will also learn to use simple software to implement numerical methods in calculus.

ESC3002 Physical World

This subject provide students with the ability to understand and explain the inner mechanism of the physical world based on the principles of mechanics and thermodynamics. It aims to help students appreciate the beauty of physics and enable them to apply key concepts learnt to evaluate and address physics-based problems to make a positive impact on the world. By using concepts established through simplified mathematical models, reverse engineering case studies and experiential learning through hands-on demonstrations, connections between physics concepts and theoretical models are reinforced with practice.

ESE3015 Computational Thinking for Design

This subject covers programming both in the architectural design and computing contexts targeted at novice programmers. It will introduce students to programming and design computing skills that are essential for their studies. Students will learn visual programming and python programming together with design concepts, and will apply these skills in related projects.

ECS3003 Global Humanities: Literature, Philosophy & Ethics

This subject examines stories as a way to understand ourselves and our world.  Some of these stories have endured for centuries and spread far beyond their locus of origin.  They raise questions that resonate with our lives even today.  This subject will equip you with critical reading, thinking, and writing skills by exploring different ways of reading and interpreting classic texts.  You will learn to identify the connections between various texts and between thinkers in history – ranging from those in ancient China and Greece to those in contemporary Singapore. 

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
AMT3007 Innovations in Biotechnology

This subject covers the process flows and techniques in conducting translational biological research for discovery of biological products. It addresses planning, experimenting, troubleshooting, data analysis and reporting skills. It also provides an overview of emerging areas in medical biotechnology and sustainable cultivation technologies.

9

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
ASM3001 Marketing of Science Products and Services

The subject covers marketing concepts, code of ethics, guidelines and regulations governing the sales and sustainable marketing of products and services that can be applied in various sectors of the applied science industry such as life science, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and pet industries.

5
BSE2001 Business Development

The subject covers key aspects such as opportunity identification, relationship management, communication skills, negotiation skills, and cultural competence. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical applications, students will learn to navigate the complexities of business development in a dynamic and globalised market.

4

You will also take this set of subjects that equips you with the crucial 21st-Century life skills you need to navigate the modern world as an agile, forward-thinking individual and team player.

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
ASI3032 Student Internship Programme

This structured programme is designed to link your learning with the real work environment. You will be placed in organisation(s) with opportunities to apply the concepts and skills acquired in the course of your study. Besides reinforcing technical concepts and mastering of skills in areas that you have been trained, the practical training will enable you to build important skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and to cultivate good attitude and a strong work ethic.

16
ATX1001 Effective Communication

This subject introduces the fundamentals of effective communication. It also covers how to communicate with and convince an audience through writing and speaking tasks. The skills in this subject will include the application of strategies for communication, appropriate vocabulary, language features, visual aids, tone and style. The Message, Audience, Purpose and Strategy (MAPS) framework will also be applied when planning and engaging in written and verbal communication.​ There will be opportunities to communicate and collaborate through active learning activities, apply digital and information literacy skills and build competence through self-directed learning.

3
ATX1002 Professional Communication

This subject covers professional communication skills for the workplace and employability skills in the areas of career preparation. It covers communication and interpersonal skills, including effective virtual communication etiquette, and conducting oneself professionally in the workplace. In addition, essential career preparation skills such as resume writing and interview skills, needed to seek and secure work would be included. The Message, Audience, Purpose and Strategy (MAPS) framework would also be applied when engaging in written and verbal communication. There will be opportunities to communicate and collaborate through active learning activities, apply digital and information literacy skills and build competence through self-directed learning.

3
GTP1301 Current Issues & Critical Thinking

This subject covers current issues, including diverse local and global concerns, that will impact lives and may have critical implications for Singapore. There will be opportunities to build competence through self-directed learning, communicate and collaborate in active discussions and objectively analyse issues using digital and information literacy skills and critical thinking scaffolds.

3
GTP1201 Career Readiness

This subject focuses on personal management skills. It develops an understanding of one’s career interests, values, personality and skills for career success. It covers the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to succeed in the workplace and achieve professional goals. There will be exposure to apply digital and information literacy skills, build competence through self-directed learning methods, and acquire the skills of being a lifelong learner.

1
GTP1202 Career Management

This subject focuses on career management skills. It covers the importance of workplace readiness skills to adapt and respond to the changing job market environment. Career ownership and continuous learning for lifelong employability will be emphasised. There will be exposure to apply digital and information literacy skills, build competence through self-directed learning, and acquire the skills of being a lifelong learner.

1
TGS1002 Global Studies

This subject provides essential skills and knowledge to prepare students for an overseas experience. They will examine the elements of culture and learn the key principles of cross-cultural communication. In addition, they will gain an appreciation and awareness of the political, economic, technological and social landscape to function effectively in a global environment. The subject prepares students to be responsible global citizens and leaders who can contribute to the global community through effective communication and collaboration.

3
GTP1302 Guided Learning*

The subject introduces students to the concepts and process of self-directed learning in a chosen area of inquiry. The process focusses on four stages: planning, performing, monitoring and reflecting. Students get to plan their individual learning project, refine and execute the learning plan, as well as monitor and reflect on their learning progress and project. The learning will be captured and showcased through a curated portfolio. The self-directed learning project will broaden and/or deepen a student’s knowledge and skills. Students will enhance their problem solving and digital literacy skills through this subject.

3
INV1001 Innovation & Entrepreneurship

The subject is designed for learners from all disciplines to embrace innovation in either their specialised field or beyond.  Learners will be taught to apply the Design Thinking framework to develop problem statements, ideate and identify feasible solutions. Learners will be exposed to several tools for prototyping. In addition, commercial awareness will be imbued in learners through various innovation and entrepreneurship concepts or tools. This subject also prepares students to be self-directed lifelong learners who are digital and information literate. It nurtures communicative and collaborative citizens who can use objective analysis in problem-solving.

2
GTP1101 Leadership Fundamentals

This subject focuses on self-leadership based on the values of integrity, respect, and responsibility. Increasing awareness of self and others will lay the foundations for personal and relationship effectiveness. Consequential thinking, clear articulation of personal values and visions, emphatic listening, and collaboration in serving others are some of the essential skills covered in this leadership journey. There will be opportunities to build and to apply the concepts of being a values-centred leader.

2
GTP1102 Leadership in Action

This subject focuses on Service Learning as an experiential platform to apply the tenets of Self and Team Leadership. Service Learning will be the capstone project for this subject, which will require an analysis of the diverse needs of the community, collaboration with community partners and demonstration of learning, including key elements of empathy. There will be opportunities to build and to apply the concepts of being a values-centred leader.

1
LSW1002 Sports & Wellness

This subject reinforces the fundamental knowledge learnt on health, fitness, exercise and sports. Hands-in time will be allocated for a greater variety of fitness exercises and sports skills in a recreation setting. In addition, theoretical knowledge such as sports safety and risk management when participating in physical activities will be introduced. Guidance will be provided for improvement of physical fitness, acquiring of sports skills and relating theoretical knowledge to the physical activities.

2
TGS1001 Sustainability & Climate Action*

This subject prepares students to be responsible global citizens and future leaders who can contribute to the global community.  It introduces the topics of sustainability and explores how human societies can act to build a sustainable future. This subject focuses on the impact of climate change, potential solutions to climate change, and the future of the green economy from global and local perspectives.

3

* Students must choose to take either Sustainability & Climate Action or Guided Learning.


Graduation Requirements
Cumulative Grade Point Average
min 1.0
TP Fundamentals Subjects
40 credit units
Diploma Subjects - Core Subjects
71 credit units
Diploma Subjects - Elective Subjects
min 9 credit units
Total Credit Units Completed
min 120 credit units

Career Prospects

Life @ MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

We continue to transform how students learn by making it more practice-oriented so that they can apply their knowledge and skills innovatively in projects.  With a proactive mindset, students undertake experiential learning to help hone their talents and achieve more. We get ready for tomorrow through what we are doing today!

Course Review

Course Fees

PET Course Fee

Main

The table below shows the total subsidised fees (inclusive of GST) payable. 

ADMITTED INSINGAPOREANS
(Aged below 40 in the year 2024) 
SINGAPORE PERMANENT RESIDENTSINTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
2024S$3,087.65S$6,317.65S$12,143.25
2023S$3,076.95S$6,306.95S$12,142.75

 

WHEN DO I PAY?

There are 2 semesters in each Academic YEAR (AY). The billing periods for AY 2024/2025 are:
Semester 1:  15 April 2024 – 13 October 2024 
Semester 2:  14 October 2024 – 20 April 2025

Fees are billed and payable by semester. They are usually payable in June for Semester 1 and December for Semester 2.

MORE DETAILS ON FEES AND FINANCE

View course fees for other intakes, subsidies, grants, bursary and awards at the Fees & Financial matters section. 

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FAQs

What are the career prospects?

What are the career prospects?

Our graduates are highly sought after by the healthcare institutions, working as Medical Laboratory Technologist works in the clinical laboratories at hospitals to support diagnostic laboratory services and clinical research. Graduates trained in cardiac diagnostics work as Cardiac Technologist at the heart clinics. Graduates can also work in biomedical science research, biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries, as research technologist, production technologists and QC executives, respectively.  For graduates who are more interested in sales, they can work in any biotechnology and diagnostic company to promote biomedical/medical related products.

What will I be studying in this course?

What will I be studying in this course?

In the first year, students would be exposed to broad-based fundamental knowledge and skills on microbiology, cell biology and biochemistry, inorganic and physical chemistry, digitalisation, laboratory and workplace safety, mathematics, statistics, nutrition and health, and sustainability.
 

Then after learning the basic knowledge and skills, they need to practice and apply in different context. So, in the second year, students will learn specialised knowledge and skills related to biomedical research and biotechnology. You will learn about molecular biology, bioanalytical technology, cell technology and human anatomy and physiology, synthetic and systems biology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine that will enable you to work in biotechnology and biomedical science research and industry. Skillsets from haematology and blood banking, immunochemistry, clinical microbiology, and histopathology will enable you to work in the clinical laboratories. Students who take clinical cardiology will be equipped to work in the heart clinics or cardiology departments. Uniquely MBT at TP, you will be equipped with both biotechnology and biomedical science skillsets.
 

In the third year, students would have the opportunities to experience authentic learning, based on integrated teaching of real projects and intensive training of skillsets in emerging areas. They can opt from several industry relevant elective clusters, including Clinical Cardiology, Clinical Laboratory Practice, Pharmaceuticals & Biologics Manufacturing, Translational Biological Research, and Technical Sales and Marketing. The work-based learning culminates with a 20-week local or overseas internship and a 6-week major project in the last semester.

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