Diploma in Biotechnology
About the Programme
Biotechnology is the use of cellular and biomolecular processes to solve problems or make products. It is the realization of the work of generations of dedicated scientists asking fundamental questions about life processes that has put us at the cusp of a new era of the mastery of biological processes. The synergies of scientists addressing the demands of an increasingly expectant society will continue to drive the development of this industry.
What is life? What are the underlying processes that define life? What can be done with such knowledge? The DBIO will emphasize the fundamentals in the biological sciences grounded in the understanding of the natural sciences to approach such questions. This would inculcate an appreciation of science, a scientific approach to problem solving and instill in graduates the ability to drive the biotechnologies and not be driven by technology. It will kindle an understanding of life processes that will reveal what is possible with knowledge about biology.
The DBIO programme will lay the ground for a nimble graduate who can adapt to the dynamic needs of industry, the research community or for further self development in higher education or the biotechnology business.
Three options for specialisation are offered in the DBIO programme:
- Biotechnology
- Biopharmaceutical Technology
- Biotechnology Enterprise
(1)
Biotechnology
The future for professionals who understand and practice biotechnology is only limited by their imagination and vision of how they can contribute to the societies from where they came from. In addition to medicine, the integration of technologies developed to manipulate biological systems is being applied to wider areas of human endeavor. From better managing the environment to improving the food supply; biotechnology is making a difference. This track broadens the scope for students so that in addition to be able to apply themselves to biomedical areas, they will have the perspectives to look at improving industries where biological solutions offer better alternatives.
(2)
Biopharmaceutical Technology
Worldwide, many new drugs are now comprised of large molecular compounds manufactured with living cells. Biologics manufacturing is necessarily the next frontier for Singapore in the Biomedical Sciences. This track will prepare you for a career in this growing field.
Processes learnt and mindsets gained in this track will also be relevant to pharmaceutical manufacturing. With Singapore a host to world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing firms, and with the promise of new investments in biologics, you will be ensured boundless career and educational opportunities in this area
(3) Biotechnology Enterprise
In 1976, a milestone in modern biology was created when Genentech was incorporated as a company in the US to use the then new scientific field of recombinant DNA technology to develop a product capable of generating income for the inventors of the technology. From that point on, there was no looking back. This track looks at this industry sector, introducing an understanding of the biotechnology enterprise with its peculiarities and challenges. It also addresses the effects of the biotechnology enterprise on the future of the biomedical sciences and how its impact on society.
The course will equip you with:
- A firm grounding in the concepts and fundamentals of biotechnology
- A practical knowledge of the foundational technologies for working with DNA, proteins and cells.
- A thorough grasp of the science behind the techniques.
- A rigorous introduction to major technological advances and to the emerging fields in the post-genomics era.
- An appreciation of the biotechnology industry, its best practices and societal considerations.
- Entrepreneurial knowledge of how biotechnology companies operate.
In addition, the PBL approach to education will equip you with life-long learning skills, enabling you to apply and adapt your training according to circumstance, build on the foundations you acquired as a student, hence making you a real knowledge practitioner long after graduation.
DBIO graduates are prepared to join the workforce as laboratory or junior technologist in the biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, cosmetic, medical technology, food, and food supply industry. Graduates will also be able to find employment as marketing specialists in companies dealing with biotechnology products and services, laboratory equipment and consumable supplies that support the biomedical science industry. |
