Have you ever wondered how a doctor can determine your blood pressure accurately? The doctor will not be able to do that without the medical devices developed by biomedical engineers. Biomedical engineering requires the multi-disciplines of electrical, mechanical, health and life sciences to enable the development of medical devices from a simple product like a clinical thermometer, to highly complex devices such as an artificial heart.

Everyday thousands of people around the world rely on the use of medical devices to sustain a normal and healthy lifestyle whether the economy is good or bad, making the contribution of biomedical engineering to mankind immeasurable.  This is currently the fastest growing sector world-wide, including Singapore and you can play a part in contributing to mankind by being a biomedical engineer. Who knows, you might come up with a new device which could give new hope to thousands of lives.

The Diploma in Biomedical Engineering at NYP is focused strongly on creating skilled manpower with extensive and in-depth knowledge in the design, development and production of medical devices and instrumentation for a rewarding and challenging career in medical devices companies, clinical laboratories, hospitals and biomedical research centres.

Biomedical Sciences (BMS) is rapidly expanding due to our government’s initiative to develop Singapore into a leading global biomedical hub. Graduates with the Diploma in Biomedical Engineering from Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) will be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to support our local biomedical industries, in particular the medical devices sectors.

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Elective Programmes

Biomedical Device Design
Biomedical Processes & Quality System

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Course Aims

The course provides:

• a strong foundation and skills in the latest technologies relevant to current and emerging biomedical industries with emphasis in the design, development and production of medical devices and instrumentations. This will enable graduates to support medical technology companies, hospitals and research institutions.

• hands-on practical training with the latest engineering design tools, software, and advanced medical and biomedical systems, and state-of-the art processes and Quality Assurance & Control tools.

• experience in handling real-life industry-based medical device design and development projects.

Duration: 3 academic years on a full-time basis.

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Career Prospects

With the diversified training offered, graduates will be technically competent and innovative. They will be ready to contribute in the complete value chain of biomedical product development, from design conception, evaluating physiological needs to detailed mechanical and electrical design, biomedical validation, manufacturing processes, quality system and regulatory complaince. The training programme will also be linked closely to the biomedical industry to create an optimal platform and environment for training. The practicality of the training will make our graduates highly attractive to biomedical companies and will give them a head start in pursuing further studies in Biomedical Engineering related areas. Graduates can look forward to a rewarding and challenging career in the following three career tracks.

• Biomedical Device Design and Development
• Biomedical Processes & Quality Assurance
• Biomedical Development Technologists

Biomedical Device Design and Development

Graduates will be trained for engineering/design assistant/ technologist positions in the biomedical industries and will be equipped with knowledge and experience in the design and development of biomedical devices and instruments. Graduates will also be equipped with a strong foundation of knowledge on biomedical process technology for the complete product development cycle.

Biomedical Processes & Quality Assurance

Graduates will work as assistant engineers, process/laboratory technologists in the biomedical industry. For these roles, the graduates will tap on their knowledge of the latest biomedical products and processes and utilise their know-how of the technology and quality skills required for producing safe and better biomedical products.

Biomedical Development Technologists

Graduates will receive ample practical training in operating and maintaining specialised medical devices and instruments for employment in clinical laboratories, research institutions and centres. They will be well qualified as laboratory/research technologists in applied research and development.

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Entry Requirements

• Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level Holders
• ITE Certificate Holders
• Malaysia SPM/UEC Holders
• Other Foreign Qualifications

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Course Structure

In the first year, you will be trained to have a comprehensive foundation in basic engineering principles, medical sciences, and biochemical sciences. Building on this foundation, in your second year of study, you will acquire more in-depth knowledge by applying basic principles learnt in the first year into applicable biomedical engineering systems and practices.

In the third year of studies, you can choose from one of the following elective programmes:

Biomedical Device Design
Biomedical Processes & Quality System

The three-year course emphasizes hands-on training, with one whole semester set aside specially for the final-year project module in the third year. Moreover, to prepare you for the real world, the industrial attachment programme will give you a chance to work with companies on real-life projects.

The following are the subjects students have to take before being awarded the Diploma in Biomedical Engineering:

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Last updated on 14 May 2009 by Lawrence Durai