Biomedical Data Science Immersion Scheme (BMDSIS)

What is BMDSIS?

The biomedical data science immersion scheme (BMDSIS) is a 5 to 6-month research programme where you deepen your domain knowledge in the biosciences via internship with a professor. You also gain the opportunity to apply your skills and develop your maturity as a biomedical data scientist. Depending on the project, this may also lead towards achievements such as deployed software or publications. Such achievements are useful “stamps” that signify ability.
Currently, you need to be enrolled in the biomedical data science masters programme to be eligible for BMDSIS. Do note that acceptance into the BMDSIS internship will be subjected to supervisor’s agreement and number of projects available

Can part-time students take part?
BMDSIS students are required to spend their day times working in the labs. If you have an existing day job, this may be problematic.

Can BMDSIS be used for graduation?
BMDSIS is non-credit bearing. And so, it does not count towards your graduation requirements for the masters programme.

How am I recognized for BMDSIS participation?
You will receive a certification at the end of BMDSIS. Depending on performance, the certificate is tiered at High Distinction, Distinction or Merit. There is also an award for the best intern, with a prize and social media coverage on our NTU platforms.
The final decision for performance tier and awards will be made jointly by the Biomedical Data Science Programme Director, the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies, and a panel comprising two other senior faculty members.

What do I need to submit to complete my BMDSIS internship?
Nearing the end of your internship, you need to submit a report highlighting your key achievements and findings of your internship to the graduate office ([email protected]). There is no specified page limit, but length should be commensurate with your achievement. Do not waste words!
To improve your competitiveness, we also ask you to submit a video recording with slides. This is optional.
The final report submission is required to be eligible for certification.

When does BMDSIS take place?
Typically, trimester 1 and 2. Except for 2020 cohort, which is trimester 2 and 3.

Can I be paid for BMDSIS?
Usually no. However, discretionary payment can be made depending on the supervisor and the project requirements.

Where do I sign up for BMDSIS?
Sign-up form link: https://survey.ntu.edu.sg/efm/se/705E3EE731D858BE

The list of projects will be provided to students for selection closer to Trimester 1.

Before you sign up, you should speak with the professors first to find out more about the project and make an informed choice.

You also need to negotiate properly with the supervisor regarding work arrangements and expectations. Some professors are more selective and would like more formal interview to ensure you are a good fit with their labs. They will indicate their preferences to the masters programme office when we confirm the allocations.

The masters programme office will inform you of the allocation.

Other questions:

You need to negotiate and manage expectations between yourself and the supervisor. In general, you should spend at minimum 10-15 hours a week working on the project and/or interfacing with the supervisor.

You are not expected to know all the relevant domain knowledge. The purpose of this immersion is to improve your understanding and demands of the bioscience sector, while also providing opportunity for you to develop your skills as a biomedical data scientist.

Can I self-source BMDSIS projects externally?
No. For purposes of accountability, calls for projects to approved professors are managed by SBS Graduate Office directly.

What do I do if I am treated unfairly?
You may lodge a complaint with SBS Graduate Office at [email protected].

What if I want to change project?
Strong justification (e.g. evidence of misalignment of expectations/capabilities or insufficient training/support) is required. In general, SBS Graduate Office does not entertain vexatious complaints or act as arbiters.
In the event there is misalignment, we recommend first discussing with the supervisor to modify existing project, to provide relevant training, and/or adjust expectation. Inform SBS Graduate Office at [email protected]so that we are aware. Keep us closely informed on developments.

Can I take multiple BMDSIS projects?
No.

Can my BMDSIS project eventually become my practicum project?
Yes. However, to ensure fairness, only the component done during the practicum phase will be evaluated.