Engineering with a Second Major in Medical Biology


Biomedical and biological materials science is a new and emerging field at the interface of materials science and biology. The emergence of the discipline is due in part to the advent of regenerative medicine, which requires biomaterials that interact with the body in a specific and predictable manner. In today’s world, materials designed for usage with biological systems as well as materials derived from biological systems for medical and other applications are rising in importance. To fully participate in the exciting new sphere, a strong foundation in both materials science and medical biology is essential.

Designed for students with special interest in biomaterials and biomedical devices, the Bachelor of Materials Engineering with a Second Major in Medical Biology programme will arm candidates with the fundamentals of medical biology, with special emphasis on the principles of biological science. Graduates from this programme can look forward to engaging in research and development work in this dynamic and rapidly-evolving field.


PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The structure of the Bachelor of Materials Engineering with a Second Major in Medical Biology programme integrates the requirements of both majors within the typical candidature of 4 years. Students must meet all requirements of the principal Bachelor of Materials Engineering programme and fulfill the following conditions:

(1)   Complete a Biomaterials-related Final Year Project, and   
(2)   Choose at least 2 major prescribed electives from the following list^:

          -   Advanced Analysis of Materials
          -   Advanced Biomaterials 
          -   Biomedical Devices 
          -   Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering

^  List of courses is subject to changes

In addition, students will read the following courses for the Second Major in Medical Biology:

Table 1: Courses for the Second Major in Medical Biology
Course Title​​AU

​Foundation Courses (Compulsory)

1.   Biophysical Chemistry
2.   Biochemistry I
3.   Biostatistics
4.   Experimental Molecular and Cell Biology <AY2017 & Before>
5.   Fundamentals of Immunology <AY2018 onwards>
6.   Introductory Biology
7.   Molecular and Cell Biology I
8.   Molecular and Cell Biology II
9.   Physiology

​24

​Choose 3 courses from the following list:

•   Bioentrepreneurship
•   Bioimaging
•   Biochemistry II
•   Drug Discovery and Development, Biotechnology
•   Synthetic Biology
•   Undergraduate Advanced Experimental Biology (UAEB) Workshop (Series I): Methods in Histology
•   Undergraduate Advanced Experimental Biology (UAEB) Workshop (Series I): Applied Biophysic

​9
​Total    ​33

 

Academic Unit Requirements
 

Integrating the Academic Unit (AU) requirements for the principal Bachelor of Materials Engineering programme and second major, the total AU requirement for the Bachelor of Materials Engineering with a Second Major in Medical Biology programme is appended in the table 2 below:

Table 2: AU Requirement for Materials Engineering with a Second Major in Medical Biology (MTMB)
Course Category   PI   PA
Major in Engineering75/76*75/76*
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core  -  Common Core1717
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core  -  Foundational Core1510
Second Major in Medical Biology3030
Broadening and Deepening Electives TBCTBC
TotalTBCTBC
* Students without H2 Level Physics will take PH1012 Physics A (4 AU).

Note:
PI - Professional Internship (20 weeks)
PA - Professional Attachment (10 weeks)

Academic Unit Requirements
 

Integrating the Academic Unit (AU) requirements for the principal Bachelor of Materials Engineering programme and second major, the total AU requirement for the Bachelor of Materials Engineering with a Second Major in Medical Biology programme is 152/153* AU, including 33 AU for the second major.

Table 2: AU Requirement for Materials Engineering with a Second Major in Medical Biology (MTMB)
Category​​MTMB with PIMTMB with PA​
​Core & Major Prescribed Elective​102/103*​97/98*
​GER-Core1414
​GER-PE (BM / LA)​3​3
​Unrestricted Elective​05
​Second Major in Medical Biology​33​33
​Total    152/153*
* Students without H2 Level Physics will take PH1012 Physics A (4 AU).

Note:
PI - Professional Internship (20 weeks)
PA - Professional Attachment (10 weeks)
GER - General Education Requirement
PE - Prescribed Elective
BM - Business and Management
LA - Liberal Arts

Academic Unit Requirements
 

Integrating the Academic Unit (AU) requirements for the principal Bachelor of Materials Engineering programme and second major, the total AU requirement for the Bachelor of Materials Engineering with a Second Major in Medical Biology programme is 150/151* AU, including 33 AU for the second major.

Table 2: AU Requirement for Materials Engineering with a Second Major in Medical Biology (MTMB)
Category​​MTMB with PIMTMB with PA​
​Core & Major Prescribed Elective​102/103*​97/98*
​GER-Core1212
​GER-PE (BM / LA)​3​3
​Unrestricted Elective​05
​Second Major in Medical Biology​33​33
​Total    150/151*
* Students without H2 Level Physics will take PH1012 Physics A (4 AU).

Note:
PI - Professional Internship (20 weeks)
PA - Professional Attachment (10 weeks)
GER - General Education Requirement
PE - Prescribed Elective
BM - Business and Management
LA - Liberal Arts

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
 

Candidates must meet the minimum entry requirements for the Bachelor of Materials Engineering programme, including the following minimum subject requirements:

•   Pass in H2 Level Mathematics or equivalent, and
•   Pass in H2 Level Biology/Chemistry/Physics, and
•   Pass in H1/’O’ Level Physics* or equivalent

*  Pass in H1/’O’ Level Physics is only applicable to applicants who have not read H2 Level Physics.


TUITION FEES AND SCHOLARSHIPS

The tuition fees for the Bachelor of Materials Engineering with a Second Major in Medical Biology will be pegged to the fees of Bachelor of Engineering programmes. Eligible students may be considered for scholarships that include fully-paid subsidised tuition fees and living allowance. Scholarship terms and conditions apply. For more information on tuition fees and scholarships, please visit Office of Admission.


CAREERS

Graduates will enjoy the flexibility of choosing from a wide range of career options and roles in diverse industries, in addition to biomedical industries, both locally and abroad.

Sectors/Industries
•   Biotechnology

•   Consumer Goods
•   Food and Nutrition
•   Healthcare
•   Pharmaceutical
•   Research and Development

Possible Career Paths
•   Biomedical Engineer
•   Medtech Analyst
•   R&D Professional
•   Regulatory Scientist
•   Scientist
•   Technical Specialist
•   Technopreneur / Innovator


ACCREDITATION

All Bachelor of Engineering programmes offered by the College of Engineering are accredited by  The Institution of Engineers Singapore, the Singapore signatory to the Washington Accord, through its Engineering Accreditation Board. The Washington Accord is an international agreement for mutual recognition of substantial equivalence of engineering academic programmes worldwide, in satisfying the academic requirements for the practice of engineering at a professional level.  
     

INFORMATION AND ENQUIRIES
 

Information is accurate at the time of publication and subject to change without prior notice. The programme option offered above is available as at Academic Year 2021-22 The University reserves the right to update any of the programme options and curricula without prior notice and obligation.