Biology allows students to view the world with an appreciation for life and the environment. The field paints an even bigger picture when integrated with other disciplines like psychology and data science. Biology is an encompassing field that presents students with valuable practical knowledge for valuing all life forms.
Singapore is known for its fast-growing economy and advanced technology. With high standards for living and healthcare, Singapore offers one of the best environments to fast-track your way to accomplishing a biology degree. Not only is Singapore’s education optimized, but it is also a state of well-paying job offers.
Below we review some of the best universities in Singapore to study biology. Read on to discover which top institution fits you best.
Top Schools Offering Biology in Singapore
1. National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore is the oldest and among Asia-Pacific’s best universities, with an international reputation for its research impact and contributions.
A broad range of disciplines are taught at the National University of Singapore, including law, social sciences, business, medicine, and the sciences.
With the institution being one of the best biology universities in Singapore, its Department of Biological Sciences facilitates students’ learning journey in the field of life sciences.
Undergraduate and graduate-level biology programs are available in the department.
The undergraduate degree program for Life Sciences is jointly taught by six departments in the Faculty of Science and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS. The Major, Second Major, and Minor in Life Sciences are offered under the College of Humanities and Sciences.
Life Sciences Major students have the option to pursue a specialization in either Biomedical Science, or Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity.
Undergraduate biology students can expect thorough discussion and immersion in the complex field of biological sciences. Meanwhile, non-biology major students aspiring to supplement their major degree with life sciences may take minors offered by the department. There are 3 minor options: aquatic ecology, forensic science, and bioinformatics.
In promoting lifelong learning, the department provides rigorous coursework for Master’s students. Three Master’s programs available are forensic science, biotechnology, and biodiversity conservation.
If you are keen to pursue a Ph.D. program in Biological Sciences, it is important to note that the research culture is centered around three main research foci: Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology; Ecology, Biodiversity and Environmental Biology; and Biophysical Sciences, Computational and Structural Biology.
There are two intakes for the Ph.D program in August and January every year.
2. Nanyang Technological University
Nanyang Technological University is the second-oldest higher education institution in Singapore and boasts high rankings in domestic and international charts.
With research centers of national excellence in its turf, the Nanyang Technological University is a significant contributor to Singapore’s progress and development, especially in environmental life sciences and healthcare.
The School of Biological Sciences is an excellent biology school, preserving prestige in the field by constantly ensuring its course offerings are relevant to the biological landscapes of Singapore. It cultivates an appreciation for interdisciplinary studies. The department offers joint programs for undergraduate and graduate students.
Students of the school have an edge over biology-only majors. As biology spans various fields and disciplines, now is the right time for students to receive interdisciplinary training.
Undergraduates can choose among 13 program offerings. Some of the undergraduate courses to pursue are Bachelor of Chinese Medicine, Biological Sciences, an accelerated Bachelor program in Biological Sciences, Biological Sciences & Psychology, Biological Sciences with a Second Major in Biomedical Structural Biology, Biological Sciences with a Second Major in Data Analytics, Biological Sciences with a Second Major in Entrepreneurship, and Biological Sciences with Second Major in Food Science & Technology.
Additionally, there are two special undergraduate programs named the CN Yang Scholars Program (CNYSP) and the NTU-University Scholars Program (NTU-USP). CNYSP nurtures future leaders at the interface of science and engineering on technological innovation and scientific communication while NTU-USP allows students to sharpen critical thinking skills and leadership abilities through interdisciplinary academic and co-curricular programs.
Graduate students on the other hand can pursue a Master of Science in Biomedical Data Science or Master of Science (Research) in Biological Sciences. Also available is a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences.
3. Republic Polytechnic
Republic Polytechnic is the sole polytechnic institution in Singapore with a student-centered approach to education – students develop the skills and attitudes necessary to solve real-time problems of society.
Republic Polytechnic features unique course offerings for aspiring students. Unlike most educational institutions, Republic Polytechnic awards diplomas, equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Singaporean universities and top international schools.
Students aspiring to complete post-secondary education in the field of biology have a range of courses to choose from. If you are looking for a full-time diploma, the School of Applied Sciences offers two Diplomas: Diploma in Biological Sciences and Diploma in Biomedical Science.
In the second year, Biological Sciences students can choose a Major in Biotechnology or Food and Agricultural Science while Biomedical Science students can major in Biomedical Research and Medical Laboratory Technology.
Work-study programs in biomedical technology are also available for students interested in immersing themselves and soaking in on-field work experience. Work-study programs are best taken before pursuing a diploma. Nonetheless, diploma graduates are free to follow up on work-study or specialist programs to upgrade their employability.
4. Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Ngee Ann Polytechnic is another one of the best biology universities in Singapore. It is the second-oldest polytechnic institution in the country. It has 9 academic schools offering some 39 full-time courses. Part-time courses also provide lifelong learning values to adult students or working professionals.
This polytechnic offers a Diploma in Biomedical Sciences and upon completion, graduates can join the National University’s Yong Loo Medical School and Nanyang Technological University’s Lee Kong Chian Medical School.
In honor of promoting the significance of education and the outstanding academic performance of its students, Ngee Ann also awards over 1,000 programs and scholarship grants annually. Students at the top of their class can avail themselves of the polytechnic’s talent development program and get the chance to go on overseas study trips.
The School of Life Sciences and Chemical Technology manages course offerings for students interested in pursuing biology and its related fields. Best for students straight out of secondary school education, the school presents competent courses concentrated on biomedical science and environmental and water technology.
Ngee Ann Polytechnic also extends its students’ learning outside of the classroom and laboratory. Students have the opportunity to teach communities about easy-to-follow projects in the promotion of water conservation or get accepted into internships for research on the composition of DNA.
5. PSB Academy
The PSB Academy is a private-owned higher educational institution in Singapore. It features six schools awarding certificates and degrees for both undergraduate and graduate levels.
The La Trobe University, under the wing of PSB Academy, facilitates the mentorship of biology undergraduates and graduates. It boasts a global reputation due to the breadth and impact of its research publications.
La Trobe presents a globally competent diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The Foundation Diploma in Life Sciences is the only diploma offered at PSB Academy while there are five undergraduate programs and one Master’s program available. The five undergraduate programs, available part-time and full-time, are BSc Applied Chemistry & Molecular Biology, BSc Biotechnology & Molecular Biology, BSc Molecular Biology & Pharmaceutical Science, and Biomedical Science. The Bachelor of Medical Science, under the wing of the University of Newcastle Australia, is the only undergraduate program offered without a part-time option.
Graduate students interested in pursuing advanced studies in PSB Academy can pursue a Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics.
Whether you are aiming for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD., the above institutions offer diverse biology programs and Singapore offers the best environment for your pursuit.
We hope this article on the best biology universities in Singapore was informative. Make sure to also check out the guide to Study in Singapore and the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad!
