| Entry
Requirements |
Applicants will be tested for colour recognition disability on admission.
For GCE 'O' school leavers, you need
to have at least Three GCE 'O' Level
Grades:
 Grade 1 - 8 in English Language,
Grade 1 - 7 in Mathematics (Elementary or Additional)
and
Grade 1 - 8 in an approved Science subject.
Note:
Approved Science subjects are
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physical Science, Engineering Science,
Science (Physics/Chemistry), Science (Physics/Biology), Science (Chemistry/Biology), Science (Physics/Chemistry/Biology), Integrated Science
and Combined Science.
For GCE N(A) school leavers who applied during the January intake under the Direct Entry Scheme with 10 weeks of preparatory programme followed by 2 years of Higher Nitec training, you must get a total of 19 points or less for English Language, Mathematics and 3 other subjects (ELMAB3) in the GCE 'N(A)' examinations.
For the ELMAB3 aggregate score, you must get:
Grade 1 - 4 in English Language
Grade 1 - 4 in Mathematics
Grade 1 - 5 in the 3 other subjects.
For ITE graduates, you must have obtained
at least a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.3
in your Nitec in Technical Skills.
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| Course
Synopsis |
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On completion of the course, students should be able to:
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Perform pre-testing activities such as cleaning of laboratory
apparatuses and glassware, interpret data sheets and verification of
equipment suitability.
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Prepare reagents / solutions for products and processes following
standardized formulas.
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Perform biochemical and microbial tests, identification of growth
patterns of microorganism, enumeration and maintenance of
microbes / microbial culture.
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Perform qualitative and quantitative testing of biological
compounds.
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Compile and compute data, interpret test results and analyses and
generate analysis report.
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Perform calibration of test equipment and troubleshooting of minor
laboratory equipment breakdown.
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Perform laboratory housekeeping activities such as handling and
storage of chemicals, and disposing of chemical waste.
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Maintain proper records of standards, test procedures and laboratory
equipment usage. |
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| Campus(es) Offering This Course |
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The duration of this course is 2 years and is conducted at ITE College East.
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| Videoclip
on Learning Environment
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| Currently unavailable. |
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| Progression
Opportunities
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Higher Nitec in Biotechnology graduates with good results may apply for admission to the first year of a related course at the polytechnics.
For more details on related diploma courses, please refer to the website of each polytechnic.
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| Career
Prospects |
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Employment
prospects are bright with the increasing emphasis in life sciences and
demand for health care services that would create a demand for biotech
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.
Some of the job titles held by Higher Nitec in Biotechnology graduates include:
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Biotech Laboratory Technician |
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Quality Control Laboratory Technician. |
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| Course
Structure |
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To obtain the Higher Nitec in Biotechnology certification, you need to accumulate at least 73 credits.
These must comprise:
CERTIFICATION
| Core Modules |
55
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| Life Skills Modules |
14
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| Elective Modules |
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.
- Analytical Chemistry (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to carry out
laboratory procedures in preparation of reagents and media, as well
as applications in maintaining and handling glassware, performing
sampling methodology and various separation techniques.
- Laboratory Mathematics (9 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to apply the
various mathematical principles such as algebra, logarithms and graphs
construction for laboratory operations and analysis.
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Quality Control and Assurance (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to maintain the
quality standards of chemical laboratory, including record-keeping
for traceability purposes, calibration of measuring instruments, and
application of quality control tools for laboratory applications.
- General Microbiology (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to handle
the micro-organisms safely, perform isolation of micro-organisms, identify
the characteristics of common groups of micro-organisms, and perform
various techniques for their microscopy and cultivation.
- Applied Analytical Chemistry (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.
- Biochemical Techniques (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to apply the various
biochemical techniques for detection and measurement of different
groups of biological compounds, as well as to identify micro-organisms.
- Project (10 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to work as a team
or individually, on a project involving the applications of the principles
and concepts learnt throughout the course for various laboratory
preparation and testing activities, as well as modes of analysis and
interpretations of results.
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LIFE SKILLS MODULES
- Life Skills for Personal Development (8 credits) and Life Skills at the Workplace (4 credits)
Life skills in broad terms are the foundation skills and personal qualities that an individual can transfer from one job setting to another to manage and adapt to changes in technology and work environments.
- Sports and 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 and 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
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 apply the
fundamentals of tissue culture, and to prepare culture media, as well as
seeding and propagating 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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| Electives (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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| Electives (General) |
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- Overseas Experiential Programme (2 to 3 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to develop leadership qualities, self-confidence, independence, cross-cultural interaction skills and other life skills. |
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