| |
|
|
In a recent survey, 100% of the surveyed Ngee Ann Biotechnology graduates indicated that their Diploma, had allowed them to develop, the confidence to required handle work related challenges, personal values that will help them succeed in theirwork and the skills required for effective communication at work
|
| |
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology was the first of its kind in Singapore. Consequently, staff have significant experience in teaching the modules that make up the diploma syllabus. The school was the first to establish a hydroponics greenhouse, a large aquaculture unit and an extensive bioprocess laboratory. The school also has the most extensive research base and has more funding for Biotechnology research. Students can therefore expect to be trained using up-todate facilities and to undertake industry orientated projects. The emphasis has always been on quality education. Our classes are small and all students have the opportunity of hands-on learning.
Our staff!!! All our life science lecturers have postgraduate qualifications including Ph.Ds and post-doctoral training from prestigious universities throughout the world. This combined with their extensive work and research experience means that you will obtain a first class education.  - Our graduates!!! Ngee Ann Polytechnic Biotechnology graduates have certainly done us proud. Many now have Ph.Ds and a few now run their own laboratories as Principal Investigators. Some have hit the news through their success in various fields, not just Biotechnology. A recent graduate survey highlighted that more than 73% of post national service Biotechnology graduates have gone onto further studies.
- The course emphasizes a broad-based education. This allows our students enter into a wider range of career paths. Project work is an essential element of the course. Students learn to integrate ideas from a range of topics and also allow students to choose topics which they wish to learn more about.
The course is designed to give student's choice. In their second year, students can choose between modules in Aquaculture and Agrotechnology or Plant Tissue Culture. In their final year, Molecular Biotechnology students can select between options in Biopharmaceuticals and Bioentrepreneurship.
- Putting an emphasis on the importance all-round skill training. This has very much increased the career prospects and employability of our graduates. As with all students enrolled in courses in this School, students are encouraged to undertake co-curricular activities and all students participate in the organization of activities coordinated by the LSCT Student Society. The School of Life Sciences and Chemical Technology also has the most extensive Overseas Industrial Attachment program with opportunities for 100% of its students to venture overseas on work experience, immersion programs, adventure and team building camps and youth expedition programs. Not surprisingly our links with overseas universities are particularly good and students are able to obtain generous exemptions for the Degree level studies.
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology has no bias against students who are colour blind and hearing-impaired.
- Through project linked industrial attachments, you have the opportunity to spend more than 20 weeks undertaking a research project in Singapore's world class research laboratories.
- A career. The employment rate for Ngee Ann Biotechnology graduates has consistently hovered around 90%, even during the early 2000's when Singapore's economy faced a recession.
-
Biotechnology is more than just biology. It is not just genetic engineering. It is not just hydroponics. Biotechnology combines many scientific and engineering disciplines with the objective of producing products or services of typically a biological nature. In some cases, Biotechnology may produce chemicals using biological catalysts such as cells and enzymes. Students undertaking the Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology must study a number of basic science subjects in their first including Chemistry, Cell Biology and Microbiology before proceeding onto more advanced subjects such as Biochemistry, Cell Culture Technology, Drug Discovery and Development, Genomics, Proteomics, and Bioprocess Technology.
 The Diploma in Biotechnology was recently renamed as the Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology. This name change reflects an increased emphasis on DNA technology, genomics and proteomics within the course. While molecular Biology is at the heart of the course, we recognize that a Biotechnologist must have all-round skills. For example, to clone a mammalian gene in a bacterium, you will need to apply many different skills including: - Bioinformatics, genomics and proteomics - to clone the gene and express the protein
- Chemistry - to extract the DNA and purify the recombinant protein
- Biochemistry - to understand the function of the gene and the resultant protein
- Microbiology - to grow the bacterium
- Cell culture technology - to grow the mammalian cell
- Immunology - to assay for the protein
- Fermentation technology - to produce the protein on a large scale.
By learning a wider range of skills you will not only be more able to better understand and improve a biotechnology process, you will also be able to improve your career opportunities.
The Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology is designed to provide students with a solid all-round training in Biotechnology. This is essential, given the Biotechnology's phenomenal growth. You will have the opportunity to take Electives and Options during your course. In your second year, you can choose between modules in Aquaculture, Plant Agrotechnology or Plant Tissue Culture. In your final year, you can choose to undertake an option in Biopharmaceuticals or Entrepreneurship. You may also concentrate on a particular area of Biotechnology while undertaking your final year project.
- What are the differences between the Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology, Diploma in Biomedical Science and Diploma in Biomedical Laboratory Technology?
The Diplomas in Molecular Biotechnology and Biomedical Science have some common modules. Students enrolled in these courses learn skills in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, proteomics, genomics and cell culture technology.
The Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology is designed to be a more broad-based Diploma than the Diplomas in Biomedical Science and Biomedical Laboratory Technology. This has allowed Biotechnology graduates to enter a wider range of careers. (Click here for more information)
The Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology also provides training in the areas of Biopharmaceuticals, Entrepreneurship, Aquaculture and Agrotechnology and Plant Tissue Culture. This provides opportunities for Biotechnology graduates to enter in niche and growing areas of applied science such as biologics, marine biology, plant genetics and molecular biology and enhanced food production whilst not detracting from the graduates potential to enter careers in biomedical research.
The Diploma in Biomedical Science is a more focussed course which specifically prepares graduates for a career in Biomedical Research in areas such as cancer and human development.
Students in the Diploma in Biomedical Laboratory Technology will focus on the application of Biomedical Science in the clinical environment. They focus on three main areas of medical laboratory science, viz. Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Haematology and Clinical Microbiology. Graduates will typically work in diagnostic laboratories and clinical research laboratories.
- Do I need Biology to enrol in the Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology?
No! In fact, this is a common misconception about Biotechnology and Biomedical Science. Biology is only one component of these courses. Just as important is a solid background in chemistry or mathematics. The minimum entry requirements for Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology are: English (D7), pass in 2 subjects including Advanced or Elementary Mathematics and science subjects. The science subject can be combined science, e.g. Physics and Chemistry. Hence it is not necessary to include Biology. -
Due to the broad-based nature of Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology, its graduates are able to pursue careers in a wide range of jobs. Some work as laboratory technologists in pharmaceutical, food or chemical companies. Others work in Research & Development laboratories in research institutions, hospitals and universities. Other "first jobs" include assistant engineers in environmental consultancies and sales personnel for companies selling biological or laboratory products. Employers find our graduates independent and technically capable. The School tries to ensure that all students find employment before graduation. The starting salary for fresh Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology graduates typically ranges from $1,400 - 1,900 per month.
- Will I get involved in research and development during my Diploma studies?
Most definitely. The school has a very active Research and Development program. In fact, it believes that R&D should be at the heart of any Molecular Biotechnology course and that its graduates should have the skills, independence and creativity to undertake R&D activities. With over $5million of funding, the school has a large number of R&D projects. This money has allowed the school to purchase state-of-the art equipment and students get to use these pieces of equipment during their course and in their research projects. In the final year of their studies, students undertake an intensive R&D project. As part of this project, they also attend lectures and tutorials on project management, literature and information gathering and management, laboratory safety practices and the statistical design of experiments. -
From time to time, the school does have secondary students undertaking projects, using its facilities. Lecturers also supervise secondary students who present their findings at the National Youth Science Conference. Each year, the school organizes the Biotechnology Fair in conjunction with the Singapore Science Center. Students from secondary schools participate in a competition and stand to win quite substantial prizes for their efforts. For more information please contact Dr. Hedy Goh(migratedlink) (e-mail: gkl@np.edu.sg).
-
Yes. Australian universities offering medical degrees accept Ngee Ann Polytechnic graduates who have a good degree in a related field for example: science, medical science, biomedical or biotechnology.The National University of Singapore has accepted students with excellent grades into its medical program. Diploma graduates with excellent grades can also enter UK medical schools directly after their diploma level studies or after one year of degree level studies. However you should check with the appropriate bodies before choosing to undertake a degree in medicine.
Click here to find out more -
The National University of Singapore does not offer a degree in Veterinary Science. You may however apply to universities overseas to enter their degree in Veterinary Science. Graduates have been offered places in Veterinary Science degree programmes in the Australia. Studying veterinary science is expensive and the number of positions open to such graduates is limited. You should check with professionals from the veterinary science community before embarking on degree in this area.
 - Can I pursue a degree in Forensic Science with the Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology?
Yes. You could pursue a degree programme in forensic science since the forensic science does involve chemistry, instrumentation, molecular biology and biochemistry which are key modules within the Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology. Although do bear in mind that the demand for forensic scientists in Singapore is not high and the real world of forensic science is nothing like the TV world of CSI.
|
|