Undergraduate
The Department of Biochemistry is committed to delivering a comprehensive academic program that bridges biomedical sciences with clinical practice, especially within our Medical and Dental teaching. We emphasize the integration of cellular and biochemical principles with clinical scenarios, enabling students to connect foundational knowledge with practical applications relevant to their future careers in medicine and dentistry. Our courses, such as MD1140 Medical Phase I, MD1120A Biochemistry (Dental), and MIH1102 Improving Health: Beyond Medicine, offered through the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry, prepare students for the complexities of clinical practice.
Additionally, we offer a wide selection of courses for Life Sciences Major students under the College of Humanities and Sciences, spanning all four undergraduate years. Our teaching fosters critical thinking, communication, and collaboration through a combination of lectures, practical work, projects, and research opportunities. By promoting interdisciplinary engagement and crossing traditional departmental and faculty boundaries, we ensure a cohesive, intellectually rigorous academic experience that emphasizes both scientific and clinical excellence.
Undergraduate Medical Curriculum
The Department of Biochemistry is responsible for The Foundation block and Nutrition and Metabolism (under Gastrointestinal Tract block) under medical curriculum. These blocks extend over the two semesters of the first year. We emphasize case-based learning to enhance student understanding and skills and align basic biochemical knowledge with clinical practice through a blend of lectures, tutorials, case-based discussion and Collaborative Learning Cases. We aim to prepare them for clinical practicum and foster a deep understanding of human biology at the molecular level.
MD1140 Medical Phase 1 (Foundation of Body Systems in Health and Diseases I)
The Foundation block aims to introduce students to the basics needed to appreciate current thinking on the biochemical and molecular bases of human disease, as well as the biochemical basis of clinical investigations.
Students will explore key biochemical processes such as structure and function of cells and tissues, energy metabolism, molecular signaling, detoxification, biochemical genetics and molecular medicine. These major topics are integrated with the teaching in the other blocks.
Medical Phase I Director: A/P Kenneth Hon Kim BAN
Contact number: +65 65163246
E-mail: bchbhkk@nus.edu.sg
Medical Educational Director: A/P Theresa TAN
Contact number: +65 65163685
E-mail: bchtant@nus.edu.sg
Administrative Staff: Ms Amanda LIM
Contact number: +65 65163240
E-mail: amanda.l@nus.edu.sg
________________________________________________
Minor in Integrative Health
The Minor in Integrative Health (MIH) is a full time minor under Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine for non-healthcare major undergraduates to gain a comprehensive understanding of the health sector, enabling them to integrate their expertise and contribute effectively to healthcare solutions. It is designed to be completed alongside a non-NUSMed undergraduate degree. Through interdisciplinary learning, students will develop skills to empathize with health challenges, critically evaluate health evidence, and design collaborative health-promoting initiatives.
MIH1102: Improving Health: Beyond Medicine (Semester II)
The human body is a remarkable system which adapts to different environments efficiently. How does the body achieve this? What happens when its adaptation is impaired? This course examines how the body adapts to a healthy state, and how internal and external factors disrupt its function leading to medical conditions. Students will learn how knowledge of body systems can be applied in different disciplines to promote and manage healthfulness. Team-based learning will allow students from different fields to propose a multi-modality approach (such as technology, devices, design, behavioral or psychosocial interventions) in the prevention or management of medical conditions.
Course Coordinator: Dr. Yun Chau LONG
Contact number: +65 66012084
E-mail: bchlongy@nus.edu.sg
Administrative Staff: Ms Amanda LIM
Contact number: +65 65163240
E-mail: amanda.l@nus.edu.sg
Undergraduate Dentistry Course
MD1120A Biochemistry (Semester I)
MD1120A Biochemistry is compulsory for all first-year dental students in the Faculty of Dentistry. The course includes largely core material on basic medical biochemistry with reference to relevant clinical examples in the field of dentistry.
Topics for the module include:
- Proteins and enzymes
- Metabolism of macronutrients
- Molecular and human genetics
- Cell biology and cell signaling
- Mineralization and detoxification
——————————-
Coordinator: Dr. Yun Chau LONG
Contact number: +65 66012084
E-mail: bchlongy@nus.edu.sg
Administrative Staff: Ms Amanda LIM
Contact number: +65 65163240
E-mail: amanda.l@nus.edu.sg
Undergraduate Life Sciences
Program Structure & Curriculum Rationale
The Department of Biochemistry, which is part of Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, collaborates on yearly basis with Department of Biological Sciences from Faculty of Science to offer students under College of Humanities and Sciences a curriculum that is broad-based and integrative, yet at same time streamlined.
Our courses emphasize providing hands-on laboratory skills, developing creative and critical thinking as well as integrating modern life sciences topics to ensure a holistic understanding of human biology and environmental interactions. We also offer training to prepare undergraduates for expanding opportunities in research, teaching, and innovation.
Broad-Based Core Curriculum
The curriculum is structured to provide a common, broad-based foundation in the first two levels, Levels 1000 and 2000. Students study topics in Molecular, Cellular and Organismal Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Physiology and Ecology as well as Physical, Analytical and Organic Chemistry, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, before they specialized in Biomedical Science (BMS), and Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity (EEB). This reflects the multidisciplinary nature of modern Life Sciences.
Our department provides fundamental courses for both specializations, including LSM2106 Fundamental Biochemistry, LSM2191B Laboratory Techniques in Life Sciences and LSM2233 Cell Biology, as well other advanced courses under specialization of Biomedical Science.
Core Skills
In addition to imparting fundamental concepts and principles in Life Sciences through lectures, tutorials, discussions, presentations and independent studies, the curriculum has a significant practical component that trains students in experimental skills essential to Life Sciences. This is augmented by technique-orientated laboratory-based modules and by research projects in UROPS (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme in Science) and Honours research project.
Specializations
At Level 3000, life science students under the College can diverge into any of the two areas of study, namely Biomedical Science (BMS) or Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity (EEB), through selecting courses in the specialized areas. The selection of specialization is guided by students’ interest. They will then graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree majoring in Life Sciences with specialization in either BMS or EEB.
Please see below for detailed information on our life science courses.
LSM2288/LSM2289/LSM3288/LSM3289 Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme in Science
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme in Science (UROPS) offers undergraduates the opportunity to engage in independent research under the mentorship of faculty under the Department of Biochemistry. This program fosters close collaboration with one or more biochemical scientists, enabling students to explore specific areas of study and gain insights into the latest scientific developments.
UROPS encourages critical thinking, enhances research skills, and strengthens communication abilities through active involvement in scientific inquiry. It bridges classroom learning with real-world research, positioning students at the forefront of scientific innovation and discovery. The experience gained through UROPS is invaluable for those considering postgraduate studies or future careers in different industries.
Course Coordinator: A/P Bor Luen TANG
Contact number: +65 6516 1040
E-mail: bchtbl@nus.edu.sg
Administrative Staff: Ms Amanda LIM
Contact number: +65 6601 6742
E-mail: amandalim@nus.edu.sg
__________________________
Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Prize
The Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Prize (OURP) is an annual university-wide competition that celebrates and recognizes the most exceptional undergraduate researchers at NUS.
This competition provides students with opportunities to hone their research skills, explore academic and career interests, gain insights into new fields, and build meaningful relationships with peers and faculty mentors. It also offers a valuable glimpse into the world of graduate research, enriching their academic and professional development.
* For more information about OUR Prize, please refer to the link here.
The Honours curriculum involves an essential two semester-long research project.
LSM4288M Research Project in Life Sciences (8 Units) (AY2021/2022 onwards) (For students specialized in Biomedical Science)
LSM4199 Honours Project in Life Sciences (16 Units) (AY2020/2021 and before)
Link: https://www.dbs.nus.edu.sg/lifesciences/lsm4288/
LSM4288M provides training in advanced research techniques alongside M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in state-of-the-art laboratories, fostering analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills under the supervision of full-time and adjunct faculty members from different Life Sciences departments including Biochemistry. Each supervisor may host up to three students. Students participate in seminars, enhance communication and writing skills, and present their research through a poster presentation and a thesis towards the end of the project. Each student will be assessed by two examiners on the project report and presentation.
Students undertaking LSM4288M should have completed Levels 1000 and 2000 core and elective requirements for the Life Sciences Major, with relevant advanced elective knowledge. The project spans two regular semesters, with 4 units allocated per semester and a total of 8 units credited upon completion. Students will be assessed on their general work performance during the term of the project by their main supervisors. Please approach module coordinator and potential Biochemistry faculty for consultation before enrolling on the course.
The report submission will be on a stipulated date late March (typically Week 10 of Semester 2) and late October (typically Week 10 of Semester 1) for Semester 1 and Semester 2 project cohorts respectively. The project presentation will take place during a stipulated window (typically Weeks 11-13) in October/November in Semester 1 and March/April in Semester 2 for respective project cohorts.
Module Coordinator:
(For students enrolled under faculty within Department of Biochemistry)
Dr Yun Chau LONG
Contact number: +65 6601 2084
E-mail: bchlongy@nus.edu.sg
Administrative Staff:
(For students enrolled under faculty within Department of Biochemistry)
Ms Wana Rashid
Contact number: +65 66017462
E-mail: wana.r@nus.edu.sg
________________
Honours Award: Prof Sit’s Honours Book Prize
Sponsored by Emeritus Professor SIT Kim Ping to award cash prize of $400 to honour distinction student who had completed the honours project with the Department of Biochemistry, with highest FYP score.
__________________
Honours Award: Singapore Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SSBMB) Award
Offers a cash prize of $150 to the best student in Life Sciences with specialization in Biomedical Science in the Examination for the degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours.
HSI2003 From DNA to Gene Therapy (Semester II)
Course Coordinator: A/P Foong May YEONG
Administrative Staff: Ms Wana Rashid, wana.r@nus.edu.sg
Prerequisite: Completed 1 of HSI1000/SP2274 at a grade of at least D, or completed 1 of any Courses beginning with NSS2001 at a grade of at least D
This course examines the evolution of ideas in molecular biology, focusing on approaches to investigations, how these lead to scientific knowledge, and the practices of scientists. Students will learn how the discovery of the DNA structure ultimately led to tools for gene therapy, enabled by the interplay between disciplines beyond molecular biology. Students will embark on mini-projects and learn how scientists work within communities in the pursuit of major discoveries. This course will equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and evaluate the impact of scientific advances on society and how society in turn shapes scientific endeavors.
Life Sciences Courses Offered by Department of Biochemistry: Before Specialization
LSM2106 Fundamental Biochemistry (Both Semesters I and II)
Sem I Course Coordinator: A/P Lih Wen DENG
Sem II Course Coordinator: Dr. TEO Kee Keong, Adrian
Administrative Staff: Ms Amanda LIM, amandalim@nus.edu.sg
Prerequisite: GCE ‘A’ Level or H2 Biology or equivalent or LSM1301, and GCE ‘A’ Level or H2 Chemistry or equivalent or CM1417/CM1417X
The course is to provide the student with a firm and rigorous foundation in current concepts of the structure and functions of biomolecules in molecular cellular biology. These fundamental concepts form the basis of almost all recent advances in biological and biomedical sciences. The lectures will introduce various cellular organelles as models to gain insights into how structures and functions of classes of biomolecules participate in important cellular processes.
LSM2191B Laboratory Techniques in Life Sciences (Both Semesters I and II)
(Joint offered by Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Biochemistry.)
Sem I Course Coordinator: A/P Norbert LEHMING (Microbiology)
Sem II Course Coordinator: Dr. LEE Seow Chong (Biochemistry)
Administrative Staff: Sem II: Ms Amanda LIM, amandalim@nus.edu.sg
Prerequisite: Completed LSM2105/LSM2106 at a grade of at least D
Preclusion: Must not have completed 1 of LSM2191/LSM2191A at a grade of at least D
This course introduces the theory and practical applications of techniques used in molecular biology and protein biochemistry. Factual knowledge in recombinant DNA techniques, such as RNA isolation, reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction, recombinant DNA construction and recombinant protein expression; and in protein purification, such as liquid chromatography, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blotting, will be integrated with laboratory practice. The course has no final exam.
LSM2233 Cell Biology (Both Semesters I and II)
Sem I Course Coordinator: A/P Foong May YEONG
Sem II Course Coordinator: A/P Thilo HAGEN
Sem I Administrative Staff: Ms Wana Rashid, wana.r@nus.edu.sg
Sem II Administrative Staff: Ms Amanda LIM, amandalim@nus.edu.sg
Prerequisite: GCE ‘A’ Level or H2 Biology or equivalent, or LSM1301
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of sub-cellular structures, functions and interactions in unicellular and multi-cellular systems. The emphasis is on cellular functions. Topics include structures and functions of organelles, organelle biogenesis (including organelle inheritance and import of proteins into organelles), intracellular protein trafficking, the cytoskeleton, and cell movements. In addition, students will be introduced to the current concepts of intercellular and intracellular signaling, molecular basis of cell proliferation and apoptosis. There will also be an emphasis on experimental design and solving biological questions.
Life Sciences Courses Offered by Department of Biochemistry: Biomedical Science Specialization
LSM3210A Metabolism and Regulation (Semester I only for Biochemistry)
Course Coordinator: Dr. YU Haojie
Administrative Staff: Ms Amanda LIM, amandalim@nus.edu.sg
Prerequisite: Completed LSM2106 at a grade of at least D
Overview of the biosynthesis and catabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids in the context of human health and disease. Emphasis on the integration and regulation of metabolic pathways in different tissues and organs. Principles of bioenergetics and mitochondrial energy metabolism, free radicals, enzyme deficiencies in metabolic disorders will also be covered.
LSM3226 Medical Mycology and Drug Discovery (Semester II)
Course Coordinator: A/P Foong May YEONG
Prerequisite: Read LSM2233 or LSM2252 or LSM2291
Administrative Staff: Ms Wana Rashid, wana.r@nus.edu.sg
(Not offering for AY24/25 until further notice)
With the growing aging population and number of immunocompromised patients, fungal infections are increasingly becoming relevant. This course will re-examine Koch’s postulates in relation to the roles opportunistic and primary fungal pathogens play in mycoses. Issues surrounding the molecular, physiological and biochemical aspects of fungal cells that make them successful microbial pathogens will be discussed. Key mechanisms of anti-fungal resistance in relation to challenges facing the discovery of new therapeutics will be examined. Students will have the opportunity to design and conduct a typical drug susceptibility screen and drug discovery process.
LSM3231 Protein Structure and Function (Semester I)
Course Coordinator: Dr. QU Kun
Administrative Staff: Ms Wana Rashid, wana.r@nus.edu.sg
Prerequisite: Completed LSM2106 at a grade of at least D
This course aims to provide a strong foundation in the study of protein structure and function. The following topics that will be covered: structures and structural complexity of proteins and methods used to determine their primary, secondary and tertiary structures; biological functions of proteins in terms of their regulatory, structural, protective and transport roles; the catalytic action of enzymes, their mechanism of action and regulation; various approaches used in studying the structure-function relationships of proteins.
LSM3246 Synthetic Biology (Semester I)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Julius FREDENS
Administrative Staff: Ms Wana Rashid, wana.r@nus.edu.sg
Prerequisite: Completed LSM2105/LSM2106 at a grade of at least D
The ability to rationally engineer living cells has been a long-anticipated goal dating back for more than half a century. With the advent of DNA synthesis and genome engineering tools, biological systems can now be systematically designed for a myriad of industrial applications including disease prevention, biochemicals production and drug development. This course aims to provide basic principles to the engineering of biology with emphasis on the design and construction of synthetic gene circuits in living cells. The course also discusses current and emerging applications driven by synthetic biology, and the socio-ethical responsibilities that are required of synthetic biologists.
LSM3247 Practical Synthetic Biology (Semester II)
Course Coordinator: Dr. FOO Jee Loon
Administrative Staff: Ms Wana Rashid, wana.r@nus.edu.sg
Prerequisite: Completed LSM2105/LSM2106 at a grade of at least D
Synthetic biology is the science of engineering biology and is very much an experimental science. Building on the basic principles of synthetic biology introduced in the theoretical course LSM3246, this course aims to emphasize on the experimental techniques required for the design and construction of synthetic metabolic pathways and genetic circuits in living cells. The course also introduces advanced experimental protocols including CRISPR-Cas genome editing tools that are revolutionizing fields in life and biomedical sciences.
LSM4216 Molecular Nutrition and Metabolic Biology (Semester I)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Yun Chau LONG
Administrative Staff: Ms Wana Rashid, wana.r@nus.edu.sg
Prerequisite: Completed LSM3210 at a grade of at least D
Nutrients are essential for sustenance. Nutrients and metabolites have a deep impact on cellular response and adaptation at the genetic, epigenetic and signaling level and vice versa. Nutrients also influence intestinal microbiota, which in turn alters the absorption and utilization of nutrients. This course will cover interactions between nutrients and genes, epigenetics, cell signaling and microbiota. Molecular approaches to conduct nutrition related research would be discussed.
LSM4220 Molecular Basis of Human Diseases (Semester II)
Course Coordinator: A/P Foong May YEONG
Administrative Staff: Ms Wana Rashid, wana.r@nus.edu.sg
Prerequisite: Completed 1 of LSM2233/LSM3210/PHS3123 at a grade of at least D
This course aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge of the basic molecular mechanisms of common human diseases, such as genetic diseases, metabolic diseases, cancers and infectious diseases. The course is structured around discussions of data and ideas from current research articles and reviews. Students are expected to participate in presentations and discussions. As the focus of this course is on the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of each disease, prospective students should have basic knowledge of molecular and cell biology, genetics and general human physiology before registering for this course.
LSM4222 Advanced Immunology (Both Semester I and II)
(Joint offered by Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Biochemistry.)
Sem I Course Coordinator: Dr. Kai Wen CHEN (Microbiology)
Sem II Course Coordinator: A/P Yunn Hwen GAN (Biochemistry)
Administrative Staff: Ms Wana Rashid, wana.r@nus.edu.sg
Prerequisite: Completed LSM3223 at a grade of at least D
The objective of this course is to provide students with a current and up-to-date view of immunology. Breakthrough areas will certainly vary from year to year, but the broad subject matter will remain. The highly competitive areas of immunology research focus on innate immunity, macrophage and dendritic cell biology, anti-viral defense, molecular mechanisms of cell death and inflammation, mucosal immunity and host-microbiome interaction, lymphocyte development and differentiation, induction of tolerance, mechanism of autoimmunity and allergy, and vaccine development.
LSM4225 Genetic Medicine in the Post-Genomic Era (Semester II)
Course Coordinator: A/P Caroline Guat Lay LEE
Administrative Staff: Ms Wana Rashid, wana.r@nus.edu.sg
Prerequisite: Completed LSM2105 at a grade of at least D
The course is intended to provide a good foundation and stimulate students’ interest in specialized topics in Genetics and Genomics related to translational research. The course will provide students with knowledge of current practices in Genetic Medicine. Students will also know how gene identification, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are formulated and performed. They will also be expected to show how to translate new genetic and genomic discoveries into novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Major topics covered are gene identification, genetic diagnosis, and gene therapy. Ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) in genetic medicine will also be covered.
LSM4241 Functional Genomics (Semester II)
Course Coordinator: A/P Maxey CHUNG
Administrative Staff: Ms Wana Rashid, wana.r@nus.edu.sg
Prerequisite: Completed LSM3231/ LSM3241 at a grade of at least D
The course aims to introduce selected topics on functional genomics. Areas covered include: the assignment of functions to novel genes following from the genome-sequencing projects of human and other organisms; the principles underlying enabling technologies: DNA microarrays, proteomics, protein chips, structural genomics, yeast two hybrid system, transgenics, and aspects of bioinformatics and its applications; and to understand the impact of functional genomics on the study of diseases such as cancer, drug discovery, pharmacogenetics and healthcare.
LSM4245 Advanced Epigenetics and Chromatin Biology (Semester II)
Course Coordinator: A/P CHEN Ee Sin
Administrative Staff: Ms Wana Rashid, wana.r@nus.edu.sg
Prerequisite: Completed LSM3235 at a grade of at least D
The aim of this course is to introduce concepts and molecular mechanism of epigenetics. Students will learn the historic discoveries of epigenetic research, DNA methylation, posttranslational histone modifications, noncoding RNA, chromatin remodeling and epigenetic reprogramming. The course will focus on the role of epigenetic modifications in biological functions. The clinical applications of epigenetics will also be discussed.