Biomedical sciences is a popular option for students looking to combine a love of science with the practical application of scientific skills. By studying biomedical sciences, undergraduates can open up the doors to a variety of careers in the healthcare, medical and pharmaceutical industries. Just what is biomedical sciences? Where can you study biomedical sciences and which career does a qualification in biomedical sciences equip you for?
Biomedical sciences is, broadly, the application of biology for medical purposes. The subject covers molecular biology, drugs screening and development, the environment and health, microbiology, pharmacology, anatomy, pathology, clinical chemistry and physiology. Studying biomedical sciences gives the student a knowledge of health and experience in the techniques for diagnosing disease and treating disease. In biomedical sciences students learn how to perform biological tests and carry out technical analysis to screen for disease, to maintain health and to ultimately improve health. Practical applications of biomedical sciences include carrying out HIV testing, screening for genetic malfunctions, diagnosing tumors and studying infection.
Once students have qualified in biomedical sciences, many work for hospital laboratories supporting clinicians and doctors with blood testing, analysis and screening services. Others are employed in a public health capacity, where their skills are used for analyzing and maintaining the quality of water, air and food. Some work in the forensic department of the police force, or within blood banks and animal laboratories. Many students of biomedical sciences go into pharmaceutical development.
Jobs directly related to the biomedical sciences degree include biomedical scientist (with a specialism in one of a variety of main areas including immunology, virology, hematology and histology) and immunologist. An immunologist works in clinical, academic and industrial settings to analyze the human immune system and the impact of disease on the body. Further related jobs include microbiologist – a person who monitors microbes and uses biomedical science skills for research into healthcare development, food safety, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and personal care.
Biomedical sciences graduates may also work as clinical biochemists or as clinical cytogeneticists. A clinical cytogeneticist analyses human chromosomes to detect hereditary diseases and conditions. Clinical molecular geneticist, toxicologist, hematologist, research scientist and forensic scientist are other possible career options. A student may also decide to work in the field of medical sales, or as an academic lecturer or medical writer or journalist.
Many of the skills students learn from a biomedical science course are highly transferable to other fields. Through the amount of lab work the biomedical sciences student completes comes the skill for planning and conducting experiments, abiding by health and safety regulations, interpreting scientific findings and carrying out research. Successful biomedical sciences students are also adept at problem-solving, computing, data analysis, evaluation and project management. Excellent oral and written communication skills, organizational skills and team working skills complete the package.
Institutes in Singapore that offer biomedical sciences training include
- The Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) -This school runs the Foundation Certificate in Biomedical Sciences (FCBS) program which is the starting point for a career in biomedical sciences.
- The National University of Singapore (NUS) has a multi-disciplinary Life Sciences course and students can choose to specialize in biomedical sciences.
- Nanyang Technological University, Melior International College (Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences) and Raffles College of Higher Education (Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Biomedical Science) also offer biomedical sciences qualifications.
Choosing a place of study is often based on the course structure, the quality of the teaching, the opportunities for training and development and the status of the university or school. Some schools have a strong focus on practical training, others are proficient in certain areas of biomedical science and many put great emphasis on research. Upon gaining a qualification in biomedical sciences, work experience and further training (including a higher degree in some cases) is usually necessary before securing a job.
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