| Entry
Requirements |
Applicant will be tested for colour recognition disability on admission.
For school leavers, you need
to have at least Three GCE 'O' level
passes:
English Language (Grade 1 - 8)
Mathematics/Additional Mathematics (Grade 1
- 7)
and
a relevant Science subject (Grade 1 - 8)
Note:
The relevant Science subjects are:
Physics, Physical Science, Engineering Science,
Science (Physics/Chemistry), Science (Physics/Chemistry/Biology),
Science (Physics/Biology), Science (Chemistry/Biology),
Science (Biology), Chemistry, Integrated Science
and Combined Science.
For ITE graduates, you must have obtained
at least a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.3
in your Nitec in Technical Skills
or Nitec in Nursing qualifications.
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| Course
Synopsis |
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On completion of the course, students should be able to:
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Collect
test samples for analysis, check validity
and separate them according to requirements.
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Test
and analyse samples to determine their
chemical contents. |
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Perform
isolation, growth, identification and
maintenance of microbes/microbial cultures.
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Compile
records, intepret experimental and analytical
results and generate test reports. |
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Calibrate
test equipment and replenish consumable
items required fo roperating the laboratory
equipment. |
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Perform
laboratory housekeeping activities such
as cleaning of laboratory apparatus arranging
of waste disposal and storing of chemicals
to ensure compliance standard. |
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Maintain
proper logging and documentation of laboratory
equipment usage archive test data.. |
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| Campus(es) Offering This Course |
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The duration of this course is two years and is conducted at ITE College East.
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| Videoclip
on Learning Environment
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| To view snippets of the learning environment, please click here. |
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| Progression
Opportunities
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Higher Nitec in Biochemical Technology graduates with good results may apply for progression to higher level courses.
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| Career
Prospects |
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Higher Nitec in Biochemical Technology graduates are well suited for employment laboratory technicians in a research & development department or quality control laboratory in the pharmaceutical, medical technology, biotechnology or healthcare services sector. Their roles include performing a wide range of laboratory procedures and technical functions to support researchers or analysts with the research, development, analysis and testing activities. Employment prospects are bright with the increasing emphasis in life sciences and demand for health care services that would create a demand for laboratory technicians in the hospitals, diagnostics laboratories and clinical research centres. There are excellent opportunities for career advancement to supervisory positions and beyond in the biomedical and health care industry. The challenge is for students to prepare themselves for upgrading their technical skills and knowledge by taking up higher-level courses.
Some of the job titles held include:
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Laboratory Technician |
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Laboratory Assistant |
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| Course
Structure |
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To obtain the Higher Nitec in Biochemical Technology certification, you need to accumulate at least 73 credits.
These must comprise:
CERTIFICATION
| Core Modules |
55
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| Lifeskills Modules |
14
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| Electives |
4 |
| Total |
73 |
CORE MODULES
- Introductory Chemistry (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to identify the common elements of organic molecules, nomenclature used, chemical structure and bonding, common functional groups as well as the properties associated with the various functional groups of organic compounds.
- General Microbiology (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to identify the characteristics of common groups of microorganisms and perform the various techniques in staining and cultivation of microorganisms, and the safe handling and isolation of microorganisms.
- Analytical Chemistry 1 (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to carry out laboratory procedures in preparation and application of reagents and media, maintaining and handling glassware, and in performing sampling methodology and various separation techniques.
- Laboratory Safety & Practice (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to identify the safety equipment, fixtures and layout of a biochemical laboratory, safe-handling, storage and disposal of chemicals and microbial cultures, as well as the various national and international safety guidelines.
- Laboratory Mathematics (9 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to apply the various mathematical principles which are relevant to biochemical technology such as logarithms, graphs construction, frequency distribution curve and normal distribution curve. They will also be taught to appreciate the significance of statistical principles of T-test and hypothesis tests to the analysis of scientific data.
- Analytical Chemistry II (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to perform the various modes of chromatography, ultra-violet and infra-red spectrophotometry, common spectroscopy and volumetric analysis, as well as to interpret the results obtained.
- Quality Control & Assurance in Laboratories (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to maintain the quality standards of the life science laboratory including record-keeping and management, calibration of measuring instruments, application of quality control tools, taking inventory and ordering of laboratory supplies.
- Biochemical Techniques (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to apply sterilization procedures and the various biochemical techniques for detection and measurement of different groups of biological compounds, as well as to identify microorganisms.
- Project (4 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to work as a team or individually on a project involving the applications of various laboratory testing activities, analysis and interpretations of results as well as understanding of the principles and concepts learnt throughout the course.
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LIFESKILLS MODULES
- Communication Skills (3 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to apply appropriate communication skills effectively.
- Personal & Interpersonal Skills (3 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to apply personal and interpersonal skills to build a positive self-image and relate effectively to different levels of people.
- Thinking & Problem-solving Skills (2 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to apply different thinking processes, make logical evaluations and generate innovative solutions.
- Customer Service (2 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to provide good customer service and apply business and social etiquette in relating to people and managing customers.
- Career Development & Planning (2 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to apply effective job seeking skills and develop an understanding of entrepreneurship as an alternative means to employment.
- Sports & Wellness I (1 credit)
On completion of the module, students should be able to maintain a fit and healthy body and develop an appreciation of sports and games.
- Sports & Wellness II (1 credit)
On completion of the module, students should be able to maintain a fit and healthy body and develop an appreciation of sports and games.
ELECTIVES
Course-Specific |
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- Molecular Biology Techniques (2 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to carry out laboratory protocols associated with molecular biology such as DNA extraction, DNA finger-printing and sequencing.
- Tissue Culture (2 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to identify the fundamentals of tissue culture and to prepare culture media and seeding as well as propagate cell cultures in a tissue culture laboratory.
- Medical Laboratory Practice (2 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to perform basic preparative and analytical techniques which are relevant to a medical diagnostic laboratory.
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| Inter-Disciplinary |
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- Project Management (2 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to use a software application for planning and managing projects.
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| General |
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- Independent Study/Project (2 to 3 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to carry out a planned and individualized project.
- Overseas Experiential Programme (2 to 3 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to develop leadership qualities, selflf-confidence, independence, cross-cultural interaction skills and other life skills. |
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