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Diploma in Biological Sciences (R16)

DBIOS

What You Will Learn

Renamed from Diploma in Biotechnology

Explore the fascinating world of life sciences.

This diploma programme unlocks exciting career paths for you in biotechnology, agritech and food science. Start with foundational subjects like molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, and anatomy, and build a strong theoretical foundation and practical skills from day one.

  • Master essential techniques in applied microbiology, molecular biology and cell culture to excel in real-world applications and boost your career prospects
  • Choose a Major in your second year to tailor your education: Biotechnology or Food & Agricultural Science, aligning your studies with your career aspirations
  • Earn industry-recognised certifications like Workforce Skills Qualifications Food Safety Level 1, gain experience through research apprenticeships, and pursue diverse careers in biotechnology, agrifood or food manufacturing

In this course, my favourite module is the Food Innovation and Sustainability module (renamed as Research Apprenticeship Programme in Sustainable Food Innovation). Collaborating with industry to innovate new sustainable food allowed me to apply my food processing knowledge and lab skills effectively. The Problem-based Learning (PBL) approach simplified complex concepts while active participation in lab workshops and field trips greatly enriched my learning experience.

Chua Rui-En
2023 Graduate

General Modules

Discipline Modules

Major Modules

Elective Modules

Customise your learning pathways by selecting ONE of the following options:

Option A: Select Elective modules totalling 16 Modular Credits (MCs) from the list of modules in the Minor programmes that are applicable to the Diploma and/or from the List of Electives below

Option B: Select a Minor Programme and an elective module of 4 MCs from the list of modules in the Minor programmes that are applicable to the Diploma or from the List of Electives below

Option C: Select a CET-based Certificate programme and/or Elective module(s) from the list of modules in the Minor programmes that are applicable to the Diploma or from the List of Electives below (only for eligible students)

List of Electives for Major in Biotechnology:

List of Electives for Major in Food & Agricultural Science:

Learn how you can customise your learning pathways here

Industry Orientation Programme Modules

Option 1: One-Semester Industry Immersion Programme

And select one module from the list below:

Option 2: Two-Semester Industry Immersion Programme

 

GCE O-level

Aggregate TypeRange of Net ELR2B2 for 2025 JAEMinimum Entry Requirements/Grade
ELR2B2-C 10 to 17
  • English Language: D7
  • Mathematics (Elementary/Additional): C6
  • Any one of the following subjects: C6
    - Biology
    - Biotechnology
    - Chemistry
    - Food & Nutrition / Nutrition & Food Science
    - Physics
    - Science (Chemistry, Biology)
    - Science (Physics, Biology)
    - Science (Physics, Chemistry)

Nitec/Higher Nitec

Minimum net GPARelevant Qualifications
Nitec ≥ 3.5
  • NT15 Urban Greenery & Landscape
  • NT39 Chemical Process Technology/ Chemical Process Technology (Biologics)/ Chemical Process Technology (Petrochemicals)/ Chemical Process Technology (Pharmaceuticals)/ Chemical Process Technology (Process Instrumentation)
  • NT45 Nursing
  • NT55 Fitness Training
  • NT58 Applied Food Science
  • NT64 Medical Manufacturing Technology
  • NT91 Pastry & Baking
Higher Nitec ≥ 2.0
  • BS21 Pastry & Baking
  • BS22 Culinary Arts
  • IT58 Biotechnology/Biochemical Technology
  • IT59 Chemical Technology
  • IT62 Paramedics & Emergency Care
  • IT68 Facility Systems Design
  • IT72 Process Plant Design
  • IT79 Elder Care
  • IT94 Integrated Mechanical & Electrical Design
  • IT98 Bio-Chemical Technology

GCE A-Level

Minimum Entry Requirements

For more details on admission using Singapore Cambridge GCE A-levels qualifications, please refer to this webpage.

Note:

  • Admission to RP is based on academic merit and subjected to available vacancies of our diploma programmes. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee that applicants will be offered a placement in the diploma programme. These requirements are set in place to ensure fairness to all applicants.
  • Applicants with visual impairment may encounter difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Applicants with visual impairment who are interested to apply may be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine their suitability for the programme.

Career Opportunities

You can explore careers in various life sciences industries, including biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, medical research, agrifood, food product development & manufacturing. Consider opportunities in roles such as:

  • Agriculturist
  • Assistant Agricultural Scientist
  • Assistant Biotechnologist
  • Assistant Food Technologist
  • Biopharmaceutical Production Technician/ Senior Technician
  • Food and Microbiology Specialist 
  • Health Education Officer
  • Laboratory Assistant/Technologist
  • Market Development Executive 
  • Quality Control Assistant Laboratory Analyst
  • Quality Assurance Assistant
  • Research Assistant/Technologist

Further Studies

RP graduates are well-placed to embark on meaningful careers, immediately after graduation. You could even improve your employability by taking part-time courses or SkillsFuture Work-Study Programmes (WSPs).

What’s more, every RP diploma is recognised and has a pathway leading to a relevant degree with top local and overseas universities. You may complete your degrees in just over two or three years in a four-year programme.

Skills Deepening

After graduating from DBIOS, you can choose to deepen your skills and knowledge in a chosen field before embarking on your career. You could either sign up for part-time courses (e.g Specialist Diplomas) or pursue WSPs. Please visit our lifelong learning page to find out more.

Undergraduate Studies

As a DBIOS graduate, you can pursue degree programmes in a wide range of subjects such as biotechnology, biological sciences, life sciences, agricultural sciences, food science and technology, nutrition, chemistry, medical sciences, pharmaceutical engineering, and business. Every year, a significant percentage of our graduates have been accepted into the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University, and Singapore Institute of Technology. Top universities overseas also welcome our graduates with advanced standing of up to two years. Some of these universities are:

  • Australian National University (Australia)
  • Monash University (Australia)
  • Newcastle University (UK)
  • Queensland University of Technology (Australia)
  • RMIT University (Australia)
  • The University of Melbourne (Australia)
  • The University of Queensland (Australia)
  • University of Dundee (UK) 
  • University of Western Australia (Australia)
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Last updated on 04 Feb 2025