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Last Updated: 26 Jun 2025

Biological Sciences

Embark on a journey through the fascinating world of Biological Sciences, designed to equip you with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on skills for a successful career in diverse life science disicplines, from biotechnology to agritech and food science. In the Diploma in Biological Sciences, students will master industry-relevant techniques required in medical and molecular diagnostics, food science and nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and food product development.

Course code : R16
Republic Polytechnic
Admission type: JAE , DAE , JPAE , Poly EAE , PFP
2025 JAE ELR2B2-C net aggregate: 10-17
Course duration : 3 years

Applicants with mild visual impairment may encounter difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations, and may be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine their suitability for admission.

Course details

Field of study Applied Sciences
Track/Specialisation

This course offers the following tracks or specialisation:

  • Major in Biotechnology
  • Major in Food & Agricultural Science
Certification offered

Diploma in Biological Sciences

Learn more about the course

Minimum entry requirement

You must meet the respective examination requirements in order for us to consider your application.

For N(A)-Level students seeking admission through PFP

This course is under the Sciences cluster

Subject Grade
English Language Syllabus A 1-3
Mathematics Syllabus A / Additional Mathematics 1-3

Any 1 relevant subject:

  • Design and Technology
  • Food and Nutrition/Nutrition and Food Science
  • Science (Chemistry, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry)
1-3

Any 2 other subjects excluding CCA

1-4
For O-Level students seeking admission through JAE
Subject Grade
English Language 1-7
Additional Mathematics or Mathematics 1-6

Any one of the following subjects

  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Food & Nutrition/Nutrition & Food Science
  • Physics
  • Science (Chemistry, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry)
1-6

Course modules

General modules
  • Innovation and Practice
  • Singapore, the World and I
  • Effective Workplace Communication
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
  • Designing Your Life (Personal Growth I)
  • Designing Your Life (Future-Ready I)
  • Designing Your Life (Personal Growth II)
  • Designing Your Life (Future-Ready II)
  • Designing Your Impact
Discipline modules
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • General and Physical Chemistry
  • Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
  • Laboratory Practices and Safety
  • Molecular Cell Biology and Biochemistry
  • Mathematics for Applied Science
  • Sustainability and Climate Change
  • Microbiology
  • Data Analytics
  • Microbial and Cellular Applications in Food and Health
  • Recombinant DNA Technologies
Major modules

Major in Biotechnology

  • Protein Technologies
  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Culture
  • Genomics
  • Biological Applications in Health and Diagnostics
  • Biopharmaceutical Production
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Research Apprenticeship Programme in Bio-Innovation

Major in Food & Agricultural Science

  • Agricultural Technology
  • Genetics
  • Agri-science and Tissue Culture
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Food Processing and Packaging
  • Quality Assurance in Agricultural and Food Products
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Research Apprenticeship Programme in Sustainable Food Innovation
Elective modules

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

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

Option C

  • Select a CET-based Certificate programme and/or Elective module(s) from the list of modules in applicable Minor programmes or from the List of Electives (only for eligible students)

List of Electives for Major in Biotechnology:

  • Agri-science and Tissue Culture
  • Aquaculture Farm Management and Operations
  • Aquatic Animal Health and Nutrition
  • Aquaculture Genetics
  • Digital Health Innovations and Applications

List of Electives for Major in Food & Agricultural Science:

  • Protein Technologies
  • Immunology
  • Cell Culture
  • Aquaculture Farm Management and Operations
  • Aquatic Animal Health and Nutrition
  • Aquaculture Genetics
  • Digital Health Innovations and Applications
Industry orientation programmes

Option 1: One-Semester Industry Immersion Programme

  • Project

And select one module from the list below:

  • Industry Immersion Programme
  • Entrepreneurial Immersion Programme
  • Corporate Innovation Immersion Programme

Option 2: Two-Semester Industry Immersion Programme

  • Industry Immersion Programme
  • Industry Immersion Programme II

Internship

Internship duration 20 weeks or 36 weeks
Internship timeframe Year 3

Career prospects

You can explore the following career options upon graduation:

  • Assistant Agricultural Scientist/Assistant
  • Assistant Biotechnologist
  • Assistant Food Technologist/Researcher
  • Food Industry and Microbiology Specialist
  • Health Education Officer
  • Laboratory Assistant/Technologist
  • Market Development Executive
  • Plant Biotechnologist
  • Production/Process Technician
  • Quality Assurance Assistant
  • Quality Control Analyst/Assistant/Executive
  • Research Technologist

Use resources and interactive tools that are available on MySkillsFuture Portal to explore various education and career pathways.

How to register

Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

You may register using the JAE Internet System (JAE-IS). Learn the process and how to apply.

Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)

You may apply through the respective polytechnics’ websites. Learn the process and how to apply.

Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)

You may register using the JPAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.

Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE)

You may register using the Poly EAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.

Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

You may register using the PFPAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.