Course Overview
Ever wondered how medical devices that are used by doctors and nurses are designed? From developing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for COVID-19 to inventing X-ray machines, biomedical engineers are just as essential to the healthcare industry as doctors and nurses!
The Diploma in Biomedical Engineering provides you with training in biological techniques and biomedical instrumentation, including BioMEMS (Biomedical Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems), intelligent wearable healthcare sensors and smart healthcare devices using artificial intelligence. Alongside the principles of engineering and digital electronics, you will learn the fundamentals of developing medical devices that are used in hospitals, human anatomy and physiology.
You can also join the University Pathway Programme, which allows you to take university modules in your final year of this course, and get a one-year exemption for selected degree courses at local universities. The holistic training you receive will enable you to meet the demands of the fast-growing Medical Technology (MedTech) and healthcare industries and embark on rewarding careers especially in the fields of manufacturing, regulatory sciences and clinical services.
Join us and help develop the next generation of smart medical devices!
Get the opportunity to attain the below certification(s) throughout the course of your study:
- Certificate in Industrial Audiometry
- AI4I® – Literacy in AI Certification
To download a copy of our 4-page course brochure, click here.
Watch a 1-minute video about this Diploma:
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for consideration for admission, applicants must obtain 26 points or better for the net ELR2B2 aggregate score (i.e. English Language, 2 relevant subjects and best 2 other subjects, including CCA Bonus Points) and meet the minimum entry requirements of this course. CCA cannot be used to meet the minimum entry requirements.
English Language (EL1)*
Mathematics (E or A)
Any one of the following subjects
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Computing/Computer Studies
- Design & Technology
- Electronics/Fundamentals of Electronics
- Physics
- Science (Chemistry, Biology)
- Science (Physics, Biology)
- Science (Physics, Chemistry)
Note: Applicants should not be suffering from partial or complete colour vision deficiency, uncontrolled epilepsy, profound hearing loss or severe vision impairment.
* SPM / UEC holders must have a minimum of grade 6 for the Bahasa Inggeris (English Language) subject.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- TPFUN
You can specialise by choosing an elective in Audiometry & Hearing Devices, Clinical Laboratory Equipment, or Medical Biochemistry. Together with the Major Project and internship, you will be ready for an exciting and lucrative career upon graduation.
Cluster Elective Subjects
Students to choose one of these elective clusters:
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EED3014 | Advanced Skills Practices
This subject provides opportunities for you to integrate and apply your knowledge for high level competitions or projects in practical learning situations. The project or skills training can involve substantial work related to either a high level industrial program or an end-user product, as well as advanced training to develop technical abilities to execute specific tasks competitively. It could also involve the development, evaluation of workable designs and implementation of ideas related to an innovative product suitable for manufacturing, or an improvement to existing products or processes. You may be required to work on software, hardware, or a combination of both hardware and software. |
8 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EBI3004 | Audiometry & Hearing Devices
This subject focuses on the hearing health sector in biomedicine. It exposes you to the science of hearing assessment and technologies available to remediate hearing loss. You will study the properties of sound, the physiology of hearing and the causes of hearing impairment; and you will be equipped with the skills to screen for hearing impairment. You will also learn about the underlying technologies behind digital hearing aids. |
4 | ||
| EME2012 | CAD & Additive Manufacturing
Additive Manufacturing, also commonly known as 3D Printing, is becoming an important manufacturing technique in advanced manufacturing that complements existing manufacturing processes. In this subject, the main topics covered include principles and development of Additive Manufacturing, design guidelines for Additive Manufacturing (ISO/ASTM 52911-2), design of support structures, generalised process chain, process selection guidelines, pre-processing software, post-processing methods and laser-based powder bed. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subjects | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMT3011 | Clinical Cardiology
This subject introduces the fundamental knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology, as well as the pathophysiological changes in cardiovascular diseases. It focuses on the diagnostic tests and procedures for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases using electrocardiography and echocardiography. |
9 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EBS3004 | Clinical Laboratory Equipment
This subject focuses on important aspects of clinical laboratory and instruments widely used in clinical laboratories. Topics include centrifuges, automated analysers, separation techniques, bioreactors, mass spectrometry and clinical trials. Essential insights to clinical laboratory practices are also given. |
4 | ||
| EBS2004 | Medical Biochemistry
This subject covers biochemical and molecular exchanges that occur within the human body in the context of medicine, usually in terms of drug interactions or cellular responses to diseases. It includes Biochemistry, which investigates the constituents of biological systems, their properties and their significance to biological science, as well as Molecular Genetics, which studies DNA structure, DNA replication, DNA transcription & translation and DNA mutations. Connections will also be made between the two areas of study. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subjects | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMT3010 | Medical Laboratory Technology
This subject covers the practical workflow, principles, applications and quality control in the clinical laboratory. It also introduces the basic epidemiology and the detection of infectious diseases, as well as on the pathophysiological changes in diseases and processing of samples using histological and cytological techniques. |
9 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EBI3009 | Healthcare Analytics
This subject covers the statistical techniques for biomedical data analysis and the decision-making process using machine-learning algorithms. The topics covered include techniques for data analysis and machine learning for decision-making. You will gain hands-on Python programming experience by applying the statistical techniques on biomedical datasets to facilitate effective data-driven decisions through machine learning algorithms. |
4 | ||
| EMD2005 | Patient Monitoring Technology
This subject provides an understanding of the fundamental principles and applications of the biomedical instrumentation systems commonly used in the healthcare sector. Patient monitoring tools will be used to reinforce the learning of physiological signal analysis techniques. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGT3001 | Green Urban Transportation & Energy Storage
This subject introduces you to sustainable green urban transportation in Singapore and why energy storage devices are crucial in green urban transportation. It will cover how Singapore plans to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector through the adoption of electric vehicles. Topics include electric vehicles and greenhouse gas emission, electric vehicle working concepts, safety in handling electric vehicles, charging of electric vehicles and energy storage. |
4 | ||
| EED2012 | Life Cycle Analysis
This subject introduces the life cycle analysis (LCA) as a methodology to compute the inputs and outputs involved in the life cycle of a product or service that impact the environment. The tool can be applied to make decisions around critical environmental drivers, design eco-products, compare products and evaluate mitigation strategies. Topics include introduction to LCA, ISO14040, goal and scope definition, inventory analysis as well as impact analysis. |
4 | ||
| EER2002 | Renewable Energy Technologies
This subject focuses on existing and emerging energy sources and technologies, their production and consumption as well as their associated environmental impact. It introduces the need of implementing large-scale renewable energy systems as part of sustainable energy mix. Topics include the application of electrical installation standards, energy systems based on conventional sources such as fossil fuels and nuclear power, as well as renewable resources such as solar, wind, biomass, geo-thermal and hydrogen. This subject will also evaluate the applications and technologies of these energy sources and discuss their future trends. |
4 | ||
| EER3003 | Solar Photovoltaic Technology & Leasing
This subject introduces the design, installation, operation, maintenance of solar photovoltaic systems and the business model of implementing solar leasing. The topics include design, configuration, and installation of standalone and grid-tied solar photovoltaic systems, setting up of data acquisition as well as monitoring of energy performance indicators (ENPIs). Configuration of the balance of system in the grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems will also be explained in detail. In addition, a case study on commercial solar leasing will also be included as part of the learning activities. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EED3015 | Guided Work-Based Learning
This is a guided learning subject that introduces students to industry transformation knowledge and skills in the area of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) in the context of major technical job roles in the industries. Students will work with their TP and company supervisors to chart out learning plan / contract and execute their individual workplace / project assignment, as well as monitor and reflect on their learning progress. The individual learning work-place/project assignment will be supported by acquisition of crucial knowledge and skill through relevant certification courses. |
8 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EER3004 | Electrical Engineering Principles & Practice
Real engineering systems will be used to show how engineers use different disciplines of engineering to make things work. Through grasping engineering fundamentals, you will learn how engineering systems work and fail. You will also learn basic design, experimentation and evaluation of engineering systems. |
4 | ||
| EMA3003 | Introductory Mathematics
At the end of the subject, you will be able to attain a level of proficiency in algebra and calculus equivalent to GCE A Level Mathematics. Major topics include: Sets, functions and graphs, polynomials and rational functions, inequalities in one variable, logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, sequences and series, techniques of differentiation, applications of differentiation, maxima and minima, increasing and decreasing functions, curve sketching, techniques of integration, applications of integration, areas, volumes of solids of revolution, solution of first-order ordinary differential equations by separation of variables and by integrating factor, complex numbers and vectors. |
4 | ||
| ESC3003 | Fundamentals of Physics
This subject covers two branches of fundamental physics: mechanics and electricity & magnetism. Topics included in mechanics are linear motion, circular motion, Newton’s laws of motion, work and energy, conservation of energy, linear momentum, and simple harmonic motion. Topics included in electricity & magnetism are electric force, field & potential, current & resistance, DC circuits, electromagnetism and electromagnetic induction. |
4 | ||
| ESE3016 | Programming Methodology
This subject introduces the fundamental concepts of problem solving by computing and programming using an imperative programming language. It is the first and foremost introductory course to computing. Topics covered include computational thinking and computational problem solving, designing and specifying an algorithm, basic problem formulation and problem-solving approaches, program development, coding, testing and debugging, fundamental programming constructs (variables, types, expressions, assignments, functions, control structures, etc.), fundamental data structures (arrays, strings, composite data types), basic sorting, and recursion. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BM1111 | Biomedical Engineering Principles & Practice 1
This is the first in a pair of modules designed to introduce you to a biomedical engineer’s way of thinking and addressing problems through exposure to real-life medical technologies. These technologies will be used to demonstrate the fundamental knowledge and skills a biomedical engineer is expected to possess. In this module, you will be exposed to key engineering problems such as how to analyse a complex medical device, along with how to conceptualise, represent, and present such devices. |
4 | ||
| BN2111 | Biomedical Engineering Principles & Practice 2
This is the second of a pair of modules that introduce you to a biomedical engineer’s way of thinking and addressing problems. A real-life medical technology will be used to demonstrate the fundamental knowledge and skills that a biomedical engineer is expected to possess. You will be exposed to key engineering problems such as how systems are controlled, powered, and optimised. |
4 | ||
| PF1101 | Fundamentals of Project Management
This subject covers the fundamental concepts of project management, identifying 9 broad project management knowledge areas. You will be given an introduction to theories relating to the management of project scope, time, cost, risk, quality, human resources, communications and procurement. The overall integration of these 8 knowledge areas and the management of externalities as the ninth project management knowledge area, is also emphasised. |
4 | ||
| PC1201 | Fundamentals of Physics
This subject aims to bridge the gap between ‘O’ level Physics and first-year-level university Physics. It covers 2 branches of fundamental physics: mechanics, and electricity & magnetism. Topics included in mechanics are linear motion, circular motion, Newton’s laws of motion, work & energy, conservation of energy, linear momentum, and simple harmonic motion. Topics included in electricity & magnetism are electric force, field & potential, current & resistance, DC circuits, electromagnetism, and electromagnetic induction. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECD3001 | Social Science: Understanding Behaviour, Culture & Society
This subject strives to cultivate an understanding of core issues, fundamental theories and philosophical stances in the social sciences, and explores the manner in which social scientists formulate questions about society that can be addressed with empirical research. |
4 | ||
| EMA3002 | Modelling & Analysis
The main objective of this subject is to provide students firm foundations of single variable calculus so that they can apply calculus to model, solve and analyse applied math problems. It aims to motivate students on the importance of calculus through a plethora of applications in engineering, physical and biological sciences, computer science, finance, economics, probability and statistics and other topics. On top of the basic concepts, techniques and applications of two branches of calculus - differentiation and integration, students will also learn to use simple software to implement numerical methods in calculus. |
4 | ||
| ESC3002 | Physical World
This subject provide students with the ability to understand and explain the inner mechanism of the physical world based on the principles of mechanics and thermodynamics. It aims to help students appreciate the beauty of physics and enable them to apply key concepts learnt to evaluate and address physics-based problems to make a positive impact on the world. By using concepts established through simplified mathematical models, reverse engineering case studies and experiential learning through hands-on demonstrations, connections between physics concepts and theoretical models are reinforced with practice. |
4 | ||
| ESE3015 | Computational Thinking for Design
This subject covers programming both in the architectural design and computing contexts targeted at novice programmers. It will introduce students to programming and design computing skills that are essential for their studies. Students will learn visual programming and python programming together with design concepts, and will apply these skills in related projects. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECC3013 | Algorithms & Programming
This module covers fundamental programming concepts using Java or Python, covering data structures, algorithmic paradigms like Divide & Conquer and Dynamic Programming, and their application in problem-solving and data science. |
4 | ||
| EBZ3012 | Business Process Analysis & Solutioning
This module covers business process modelling and analysis. The goal is to identify the gaps in the business workflow and recommend the solutions based on technology solutioning or restructuring the workflows for process optimization. The course will ensure that you can smoothly translate enterprise business objectives into an effective IT solution architecture. Business process innovation has become a growing interest of several sectors due to the exponential growth of new technologies such as social media, big data, analytics, machine learning, IoTs and artificial intelligence. You will be exposed to the various technologies and their role in process innovation. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMA3004 | Mathematical Foundations of Computing
This module teaches introduction to the theory of discrete mathematics, which lays the foundation for computer science courses such as data structures, algorithms, relational database theory and cryptography. The topics covered in this course are mathematical logic, elementary number theory, recursion, set theory, functions, combinatorics and graphs. The course will consist of lectures and tutorials to help you understand the covered topics. |
4 | ||
| ECC3012 | Collaborative Software Development
This module covers software construction, software design issues, agile processes and project management techniques. The focus is to allow you to experience agile software development and project management by working in a team to develop a Java based web application. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECC3013 | Algorithms & Programming
This module covers fundamental programming concepts using Java or Python, covering data structures, algorithmic paradigms like Divide & Conquer and Dynamic Programming, and their application in problem-solving and data science. |
4 | ||
| ECC3014 | Operating Systems & Networking
This module covers fundamental knowledge in computing, and you can further specialise in areas such as Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Internet of Things (IoT), all of which have strong ties to operating systems and networking concepts. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EM3010 | Wafer Fabrication Technology
The subject covers key device, process and equipment technologies in silicon wafer fabrication. You will learn the fundamental principles of commonly used IC devices, wafer fabrication processes, fabrication-related IC defects and their causes, as well as the working principles of semiconductor processing equipment. You will also perform process and device simulations with industry software platforms and operate key wafer fabrication equipment in the cleanroom environment to process silicon wafer and fabricate microelectronics device prototypes. |
5 | ||
| EM3011 | Cleanroom & Vacuum Technology
This subject introduces you to vacuum & plasma technologies as well as industry good practices of contamination control in a cleanroom work environment, complete with wafer processing and metrology equipment, deionized water system and speciality gas facilities. You will be trained to operate comprehensive vacuum systems which are configured with different vacuum pumps, pressure gauges, pressure & flow controllers and plasma systems through a series of laboratory exercises. |
5 |
Special Electives
Students can opt to take Special Electives when offered. These optional subjects, taken in addition to the diploma elective subjects, aim to stretch the students'potential to enable them meet their aspirations.
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EED3009 | Special Project 1
The focus of this subject is on the application of students’ existing domain knowledge to develop a deliverable. The subject will introduce new skills and knowledge specific to the project, as and when required. |
2 | ||
| EED3010 | Special Project 2
This subject provides opportunities for students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills, along with their fundamental and in-depth knowledge from different subjects to designing, developing, and implementing a well-engineered project solution. |
2 | ||
| EED3011 | Higher Engineering Skills 1
Higher Engineering Skills 1 and 2 aim to impart some special design and hands-on skills that allow you to acquire knowledge and skills that are not normally incorporated into a diploma programme. These Special Elective subjects will equip you with the skills and knowledge to participate in competitions and enable you to tackle real challenges. |
2 | ||
| EED3012 | Higher Engineering Skills 2
Higher Engineering Skills 1 and 2 aim to impart some special design and hands-on skills that allow you to acquire knowledge and skills that are not normally incorporated into a diploma programme. These Special Elective subjects will equip you with the skills and knowledge to participate in competitions and enable you to tackle real challenges. |
2 | ||
| EMA3001 | Higher Engineering Mathematics
The subject introduces mathematical concepts and techniques used in advanced engineering courses. You will learn topics in calculus such as limits and continuity, infinite series, improper integrals, multiple integrals, higher order differential equations, 2D and 3D analytic geometry, and partial differentiation. |
4 |
You will also take this set of subjects that equips you with the crucial 21st-century life skills you need to navigate the modern world as an agile, forward-thinking individual and team player.
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTP1304 | Beyond the Classroom: Guided Learning
This subject empowers students to take charge of their personal learning in a chosen area of inquiry. Students will broaden or deepen their knowledge and skills, fostering a proactive approach to lifelong learning. Following a scaffolded process, students will design and execute a personalised learning plan that extends beyond traditional classroom walls. The journey culminates in a curated portfolio that highlights their achievements and growth. |
3 |
Career Prospects
As Singapore establishes itself as a strategic hub for medical technology (MedTech) manufacturing, on its way to becoming a global centre for medical research and advanced patient care, numerous international biomedical companies have already set up a base here. So, if you have a passion to help improve the quality of life for patients worldwide, then not only is this course perfect for you but it is also your stepping stone to excellent job opportunities and advancement prospects.
Exciting careers await you as:
“The modules in this diploma course, such as Medical Electronics, Medical Devices and Medical Imaging, piqued my interest in healthcare and medical technology and spurred me to further my studies in Radiation Therapy. I am immensely grateful to TP for getting me to where I am today.”
Clairene Chng (2017)
Student
Radiation Therapy / SIT
“This course gave me valuable combined knowledge of Engineering and Biology, while my internship with Philips S’pore gave me practical hands-on experience with medical devices. With the given advantage, I was able to successfully secure a full-time job at Philips after graduation.”
Clara Poh (2017)
Field Service Engineer
Philips Singapore
"This course provided me with fundamental Engineering, IT as well as Life Sciences skills, allowing me to work in a wide range of careers. The multi-disciplinary nature of this course has also enhanced my confidence to further my studies in the same field in future.”
Rohit Milind Neurgaonkar (2017)
Junior Researcher
Healthcare Engineering Centre
Temasek Polytechnic
Contact
- enghotline@tp.edu.sg
- Website: https://www.tp.edu.sg/eng
-
School of Engineering
Temasek Polytechnic
West Wing Block 10-25A, 32-33
21 Tampines Ave 1
Singapore 529757
