Foundation Certificate in Biomedical Sciences (Awarded by Management Development Institute of Singapore)

Objectives

The Foundation Certificate in Biomedical Sciences (FCBS) programme is designed to foster opportunities for entry into the biomedical science industry and as an avenue for students to embark on further professional development and is particularly suited for:

• Students who wish to pursue higher training (diploma or degree) in pharmaceutical management or Biomedical Sciences, as well as a host of other disciplines
• Professionals who lack previous exposure to the sciences, but are involved in the life sciences industry or are preparing for entry to that industry
• Individuals who wish to pursue an alternative career path and those who have a keen interest in the discipline will also find that the FCBS a rewarding step into the diverse field of biological sciences and skills. Members of the cosmetics, food, legal, teaching, banking and environmental professions who will also find the FCBS of considerable benefit to their knowledge base

Assessment Methods

Progress is measured through coursework (such as practical assignments, quizzes or tests) and examinations.

Graduation 

Students who successfully complete the programme will be awarded the Foundation Certificate in Biomedical Sciences, awarded by MDIS, an Associate Institute of the University of Bradford, U.K.

The Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS), founded in 1956, is Singapore's oldest not-for-profit professional institute for lifelong learning. MDIS has two subsidiaries: Management Development Institute of Singapore Pte Ltd (MDIS Pte Ltd) to oversee its Singapore academic operations, and MDIS International Pte Ltd to further its globalisation strategy.

STAGE 1

Biology

In this module students will learn some of the general concepts of biology essential to developing a foundation for further study in the subsequent Physiology and Molecular Cell Biology modules, as well as at higher levels subjects (in the degrees).

• The main levels within a taxonomic hierarchy and the general features of the kingdoms and selected phyla and classes
• The flow of energy and nutrients through various specified ecosystems and the principles of tropic interaction and population dynamics
• The fundamental life processes common to all living things
• The prokaryotic level of organisation and the typical structure of a prokaryotic cell
• The eukaryotic cell, organelles and inclusions
• The fluid mosaic model of membrane structure and the significance of various membrane components
• The various methods available for exchange between cells and their environment
• The structure and significance of viruses
• The impact of human action on the environment (using pollution as a specific example)
• The use of biological tools and techniques (such as microscopy, spectrophotometry, etc)

Chemistry I

This module is designed for students who have little prior knowledge of chemistry Selected topics in basic chemistry required for an understanding of the biochemical basis of the life sciences are covered:

• Atomic structure and chemical bonds
• Solutions, units and concentrations
• The concept of the mole as an expression of the amount of a substance and molarity as an expression of its concentration
• Balancing chemical equations
• Hydrogen ion concentration Acid/Base titration and the use of indicators
• Redox systems The definition of oxidation and reduction
• Simple electrochemical cells Half-reactions
• reactions
• The Electrochemical Series
• Organic chemistry
• The chemistry of carbon compounds
• Hydrocarbons and their structure Properties and nomenclature
• Structural and geometric isomers Molecular shapes
• Identification of the major organic functional groups

Math I

This module aims to develop a general knowledge of Maths at a level appropriate for an appreciation of the importance of numerical and scientific data in the Life Sciences.

• Handling numbers
• Logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions
• Graphs
• Solving equations

Physics I

This module aims to develop a general knowledge of Physics to a level appropriate for further studies in the Life Sciences.

• Units
• Structure of matter
• Basic forces
• Electricity
• Waves
• Light

Anatomy

The aim of this module is to introduce the discipline of anatomy and provide knowledge and an understanding of the structural organisation of the human body. This will facilitate further understanding of the functional organisation of the body, as covered in the subsequent module on physiology. The module focuses upon:

• Histology - major types of tissues - epithelial, connective, nervous and muscular tissues
• Blood, lymph and lymphoid organs
• Gross anatomy of the different organs - heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, stomach, sense organs etc
• Gross anatomy of organ systems in the body - the respiratory, urinary, digestive, cardiovascular, nervous, muscular and reproductive systems

Genetics

This is an introductory module dealing with genetics at the molecular, cellular and individual levels; and with the organisation, transmission, expression, and evolution of the genetic material. The module covers:

• Cell division
• Mendelian Genetics, heredity, inheritance and the transmission of genetic material
• The chromosomal basis of Mendelian Genetics
• Linkage and Crossing over
• Sex determination
• Chromosome mapping
• Variation in chromosome number and structure
• Errors of cell division
• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Mutation and Migration
• Natural selection
• DNA structure and the Double Helix
• Genetic mutations and disease
• Nature of the genome

STAGE 2

Physiology

This module aims to extend the students’ knowledge and understanding of biology by studying a range of physiological processes (such as mammalian respiration, nutrition and development) in more detail. Hence, in this module, students will study the:

• Principles of homeostasis, feedback mechanisms and the control of body processes
• Functioning of specialised mammalian tissues- blood, muscles and nerves
• Mechanisms of muscle contraction - the sarcomere, the myofibrils and the sliding filament mechanism
• Nervous system - Central, Peripheral, Autonomic
• Cardiovascular system - heart, blood, blood vessels
• Lymphatic system - lymph, lymph nodes, lymphoid organs
• Respiratory system - the lungs
• Urinary system - the nephrons
• Digestive system - the alimentary canal
• Reproductive system - male and female
• Immune system and the fight against diseases

Maths II

In this module, which develops from Maths I, concepts behind statistical tests of significance and their application to biological variation will be introduced.

• Introduction to Statistics
• Probability and probability distributions
• Estimation
• Statistical testing
• Correlation and regression
• Introduction to differential calculus
• Integral calculus

Physics II

Extending from the basic principles covered in Physics I, this module will elaborate on the concepts of force and energy, and develop an understanding of solid material pertinent to the biological sciences.

• Motion
• Forces and energy
• Power
• Dynamics: Newton’s Law of Motion
• Materials in biological and biotechnological sciences.
• Density
• Fluids, liquid and gases
• Magnetism
• Practical electricity

Chemistry II

This module is designed to both develop those chemical concepts introduced in the Chemistry I module of the FCBS course, and introduce further topics in organic and stereo-chemistry that are required for an understanding of the biochemical basis of the life sciences. The module therefore covers:

• Structural, geometric and optical isomers
• Optical activity and the molecular criteria that determine it
• Balanced equations to represent organic reactions
• Typical functional groups of organic compounds
• Structure and reactivity of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols and amines
• Structure of biological molecules - carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes
• Nature of an acid, a base and a buffer solution
• Acidity constant (Ka), pH and pKa; calculation of these values from provided data on acid/base ratios in the Henderson-Hasselbach equation
• Titration curves for weak acids and weak bases to show buffer regions, pKa and end-points
• Nature of chemical equilibrium and the Law of Mass Action
• Le Chatelier’s Principle in equilibrium situations
• Nature of catalysis
• Factors that affect reaction rates
• Energy profiles of exothermic and endothermic processes and the nature of activation energy
• Enthalpy
• Energy of a reaction in relation to the concentration equilibrium constant, Kc
• Structure of simple organic compounds in relation to their physical properties (such as boiling point, melting point and water solubility)
• Intermolecular Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding

Molecular Cell Biology

This module begins with an explanation of how individual cells and their chemical components work as part of a whole living organism. It goes on to stimulate an understanding of the relationship between DNA structure and function, inheritance and human disease. The module, building from the groundwork established in the biology and genetics modules, covers:

• Structure and function of basic cell components and surface molecules microscopy, cell staining and cell counting
• Enzyme structure, properties, function, factors affecting activity in vitro and in vivo
• Energy metabolism, metabolic inter-relationships, metabolic control, DNA replication and cell cycle
• The Central Dogma: Transcription and mRNA. Translation and proteins
• Introduction to biotechnology and genetic engineering, plasmids, bacteriophages, transformation, cloning

Bioinformatics

This module aims to equip students with a basic understanding of some of the major computational tools and methods available to the life scientist - an especially valuable toolkit following the successful sequencing of the human and other genomes.

• IT and biological data
• Biological databases - sequences, structures, genomes, pathways
• Introduction to bioinformatics software
• Gene and protein sequence comparisons
• Molecular sequence alignments
• Macromolecular visualisation

Structure and Duration

Full-time Programme (for International student only)

• 12 modules
• 4 - 5 times a week
• Minimum 6 months duration

Commencement Date

Class Intake for 2013

Fees:
 

: : Tuition Fees            S$7,490.00

* All fees quoted are inclusive of GST.
* Non-tuition fees are not included.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must possess ONE or more of the following entrance requirements:

• GCE 'N' Levels
• GCE 'O' Levels
• GCE 'A' Levels from any disciplines
• NITEC, ITE COS or NTC qualifications
• Other equivalent qualifications awarded by recognised institutions can be considered on a case-by-case basis

Additional Criteria

Students without GCE ‘O’ Level passes in science with a chemistry component and/or mathematics subjects (or their equivalent) will be required to attend additional chemistry and/or maths tutorials respectively and at a nominal fee.
Overseas students or students whose first language is not English will be required to complete the Professional Certificate in English, which is awarded by MDIS, an Associate Institute of the University of Bradford, U.K.

Those applicants without a minimum C6 pass in English ‘O’ Levels or equivalent will be required to pass an English placement test prior to admission.

Student Pass Application

International students are required to apply for student passes if they wish to study full-time in Singapore. Please click here for more information.

Structure and Duration

Part-time Programme (for Local students only)

• 12 modules
• 4 evenings a week
• Minimum duration of 11 months

Full-time Programme (for Local students only)

• 12 modules
• 4 - 5 times a week
• Minimum duration of 6 months 

Commencement Date

Class Intake for 2013

Fees

: : Application Fee        S$21.40

Full-time Programme (6 months)

• Tuition Fees             S$6,099.00
• Non-Tuition Fees     S$364.40
• Total                         S$6,463.40

Part-time Programme (11 months)

• Tuition Fees             S$6,099.00
• Non-Tuition Fees     S$211.30
• Total                         S$6,310.30

Note:

• All fees quoted are inclusive of GST.
• Non-tuition fees for evening programmes include MDIS membership entrance fees, annual membership subscription fees and fee protection scheme.
• Non-tuition fees for day programmes include MDIS membership entrance fees, annual membership subscription fees, MDIS experience seminars, medical insurance and fee protection scheme.
• The above does not include Miscellaneous Fees, which refer to any non-compulsory and non-standard fees which the student will pay only when necessary or applicable. Such fees are normally collected on an ad-hoc basis by the PEI when the need arises.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must possess ONE or more of the following entrance requirements:

• GCE 'N' Levels
• GCE 'O' Levels
• GCE 'A' Levels from any disciplines
• NITEC, ITE COS or NTC qualifications
• Other equivalent qualifications awarded by recognised institutions can be considered on a case-by-case basis

Additional Criteria

Students without GCE ‘O’ Level passes in science with a chemistry component and/or mathematics subjects (or their equivalent) will be required to attend additional chemistry and/or maths tutorials respectively and at a nominal fee.

Those applicants without a minimum C6 pass in English ‘O’ Levels or equivalent will be required to pass an English placement test prior to admission.

Financial Assistance Scheme

Student loans from the organisations listed below are available to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Please contact the organisations directly to find out how you may benefit from their services.

1. STUDY LOANS
    

   Organisation	Contact Number	Website
   TCC Limited	Tel : 6319 3700	www.tcc.org.sg
   DBS Bank	Tel : 1800 111 1111	www.dbs.com.sg
   Maybank	Tel : 1800 629 2265	www.maybank2u.com.sg




2. CREDIT CARD INTEREST FREE 0%  INSTALMENT PLANS

   a)        For All Programmes (6 to 12 months)

   Organisation	Contact Number	Website
   Standard Chartered Bank	Tel : 1800 747 7000	www.standardchartered.com.sg
   POSB/DBS Bank	Tel : 1800 111 1111	www.dbs.com.sg
   Maybank	Tel : 1800-9682265	www.maybank.com.sg
   UOB	Tel : 1800 22 66 121	www.uob.com.sg
   OCBC	Tel : 1800 363 3333	www.ocbc.com.sg

   
   

   b)       For Degree & Masters Programmes (24 months)

   Organisation	Contact Number	Website
   POSB/DBS Bank	Tel : 1800 111 1111	www.dbs.com.sg
   UOB	Tel : 1800 22 66 121	www.uob.com.sg