Why Science@NTU? School Spotlight: School of Biological Sciences
Still pondering if you should accept that programme offer from NTU College of Science? In this series, we shine a spotlight on the Schools of the College of Science and find out how they present their students with a meaningful and fun learning experience studying Science@NTU! Today, we shall take a look at the School of Biological Sciences (SBS).
Introducing: SBS
The SBS is the “old-timer” of the College of Science’s school roster, having the earliest launch date back in 2001. As the first non-engineering and research-focused school, SBS became the pathfinder for the transformation of NTU into a comprehensive and research-intensive university and has established itself as a leader in the global research landscape. The School focuses on exploring new knowledge and discoveries in molecular biology that will have a major impact on the life sciences.
Over the last 20 years, the School has experienced a meteoric rise in global and regional university rankings. Based on the 2022 QS World University rankings, by subject, SBS has led NTU to be 31st in biological sciences, and 5th in Asia by regional ranking.
What is in store for students at SBS?
Students enrolling at SBS will have access to the following:
- A progressive and relevant curriculum
- Global exposure
- Guaranteed industrial internship
- Extensive research experience
- Vibrant student life
Progressive and Relevant Curriculum
SBS prepares its students to adapt to the rapidly changing and competitive life sciences environment and to deal with real world challenges. The School has a wide range of interdisciplinary modules as well as partnerships with various schools around the world to provide niche programmes that will equip students with specialised knowledge in their areas of interest.
Global Exposure
Students have the opportunity to go for overseas exchange trips with various partner universities in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada.
Guaranteed Industrial Internship
In their 3rd year of study, students have a compulsory internship that will provide them with the experience of working in industrial and professional settings. Students may select their internship placements from a list provided by the NTU Career Office (CAO) or they may source their own. Students have interned at various organisations, including government agencies, private firms, local hospitals, and educational institutions.
Extensive Research Experience
SBS has an extensive faculty community, with international professors from renowned universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard teaching in the School. Students will have the unique opportunity to learn from research-active faculty members who are working on problems that impact Singapore and the world and will get the chance to advance their own skill sets through innovative courses.
Vibrant Student Life
SBS has its own student-run Biological Sciences Club which organises welfare activities and campus events for the SBS community throughout the year. They work closely with School Management to address issues that concern students, from welfare to academic matters. They run the Freshmen Orientation Camp and prepare the Exam Welfare Pack for the School. The Club also partners with the College’s other clubs to run College-level events such as the College of Science (CoS) Day, encouraging greater engagement amongst students from the College’s other Schools.
School Programmes
SBS has constantly taken steps over the years to ensure that their curriculum remains relevant to current industrial demands through the establishment of joint programmes in various fields. The Schools offers the following undergraduate programmes:
- Single Degree
- Biological Sciences
- Second Majors
- Biological Sciences with Second Major in Biomedical Structural Biology
- Biological Sciences with Second Major in Data Analytics (New)
- Biological Sciences with Second Major in Entrepreneurship (New)
- Biological Sciences with Second Major in Food Science and Technology
- Biological Sciences with Second Major in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology
- Biological Sciences with Second Major in Sustainability (New)
- Double Majors
- Double Major in Biological Sciences and Psychology
- Double Major in Biomedical Sciences and BioBusiness
- Double Degrees
- Double Degree in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine
Undergraduate Advanced Experimental Biology (UAEB) Workshops
The UAEB workshops give SBS students a taste of hands-on research. These one-week intensive, small class workshops during vacation breaks let students experience what scientific research encompasses, helps advance skill sets in specific areas of biology, and provide greater engagement between faculty members and students.
The UAEB workshops have multiple disciplines available, ranging from Applied Immunology, Plant Taxonomy, Modern Genome Editing, Protein Behaviour in Health and Disease and Macromolecular X-ray Crystallography just to name a few.
If you are looking for a wide range of degree programmes to choose from, want to gain valuable industrial insights through internships in professional settings, and cannot wait to experience a vibrant student life while you are at it, then the SBS is the way to go!