Diploma in Biotechnology (R16)

About the Programme

Biotechnology is developed from the application of biology. Traditionally, classical biotechnology involves the process and products of fermentation. Currently, advance biotechnological processes apply the understanding of cellular and biomolecular processes to solve problems or make products. Students in the Diploma in Biotechnology [DBIO] programme will learn the fundamentals in the biological sciences grounded in the understanding of the natural sciences. It will kindle an understanding of life processes that will reveal what is possible with the knowledge of biology.

Programme Objectives

What’s so special about Republic Polytechnic’s Diploma in Biotechnology (DBIO) programme?

The programme is designed to nurture an appreciation of life processes as well as to reveal the possibilities, applications and social implications of biotechnology.

Graduates have the flexibility to explore several specialisation options. These enable them to seek employment as laboratory or junior technologists in the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and food supply industries, as well as marketing specialists in start-up biotechnology companies and companies dealing with equipment and consumable supplies that support the industry.

They can also pursue further studies at universities, both locally and abroad, in biotechnology, biomedical sciences and various science-related disciplines.

What are the specialisation options available in this diploma programme?

There are 2 specialisation options for the DBIO, namely, (1) Biotechnology and (2) Food and Nutrition.

Biotechnology

The future for professionals who understand and practise biotechnology is only limited by their imagination and vision of how they can contribute to society.

Besides medicine, the technologies developed to manipulate biological systems are being applied to wider areas of human endeavour, from better managing the environment to improving the world’s food supply. Indeed, biotechnology is making a substantial difference in many consumer products and services.

Across the continents, many new drugs now comprise large molecular compounds that can only be manufactured with the aid of living cells. Biologics manufacturing is anticipated to be the next frontier for Singapore in Biomedical Sciences.

With many world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing firms choosing to base their operations in Singapore, coupled with the promise of new investments in biologics, you can expect good career and educational opportunities in this area.

This specialization option broadens the scope for students, allowing them to apply themselves to industries where biological solutions offer better alternatives. It will also prepare you for a career in this exciting new field. You will learn about unique processes and gain insights into biopharmaceutical technology and manufacturing.

Food and Nutrition

The boundaries between biotechnology, food and nutrition have merged in recent years. Ever increasingly, recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering have been used to support the development of healthy foods. Food needed by an ever-growing human population.

This specialisation option provides students with the relevant skills required to support the growing food and nutrition industries, both in Singapore and around the world. Students will be exposed to the skills and techniques employed in the safe production of food as well as key concepts in human nutrition. Students may also apply these skills in support of the diet and nutrition healthcare sectors.

What is the difference between Biotechnology and Biomedical Science?

Biotechnology is now a discipline of integrated technologies derived from modern biology and engineering applied to vast areas from consumer products, the environment to medicine. The products of biotechnology include molecular based diagnostics, biomolecular therapeutics, and nanotechnhology used in medicines and cosmetics.

Students enrolled in DBMS and DBIO share several common modules like chemistry, molecular cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, etc. The DBMS course focuses specifically for a career in medical diagnostics or in biomedical research areas. DBIO course focus industrial applications of biology, such as biologics, food production or plant tissue culture.

How does this course at Republic Polytechnic compare to those found in other polytechnics?

The DBIO programme as well as all other diploma programmes of SAS inculcate an appreciation of science with the focus on modern biology, a scientific approach to problem solving, and instil in graduates the ability to drive the biotechnologies and not be driven by technology. RP’s pedagogical approach of Problem-based Learning is integrative and necessary to enable students to adapt effectively to the ever-changing demands of the industry.

Who will be teaching this programme?

Our faculty comprises academics and industry practitioners with international experience. Some of us have participated very actively in the development of biotechnology in Singapore and are still involved in its growth.

Career Prospects

Graduates will be well sought after as laboratory or junior technologists in the biopharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical technology, food, and food supply industries. They will also be able to find employment as marketing specialists in companies dealing with laboratory equipment and consumable supplies that support the biomedical science industry. Those with an entrepreneurial slant may consider their role in start-up biotechnology companies.

Further Studies

As the programme equips graduates with a broad biotechnology foundation, graduates can pursue further studies at universities, both here and abroad, in biological and life sciences and many other disciplines. Locally, National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological Institute (NTU) offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes which focus on biotechnology. You may pursue further education in these local universities after the diploma programme, if you meet the entry criteria for university admission. There are also many overseas universities that offer degree programmes in biotechnology.

There are many universities that offer degree programmes in biotechnology.  You may be granted up to two years of exemption from related three- or four-year degree courses at well-known overseas universities such as University of Melbourne, University of Queensland and Monash University.