Overview
The Master of Science in Applied Biomedicine (MSc-ABM) is offered by the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUSMed) as a full time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) postgraduate degree programme by Coursework with specialisation in Vaccinology and Immunotherapy, Infectious Diseases Management or Drug Discovery and Development.
The MSc-ABM seeks to develop students in their critical and analytical thinking in the complex and evolving healthcare landscape; training them to be resourceful and adaptable independent learners and leaders in the biomedical workforce. The degree also aims to impart the following skill sets and knowledge to the students.
- In-depth and updated specialist knowledge and technologies in biomedicine
- Ability to apply biomedical knowledge to practise
- Ability to formulate a hypothesis and design a scientifically sound project
By arming students with the necessary skills and knowledge, the MSc-ABM will provide a steady supply of skilled professionals to the healthcare and biopharmaceutical industries in particular research institutes, ministries, and hospitals where the disciplines of infectious diseases management, vaccine development/ immunotherapy and drug discovery/ development are critical.
Next intake - August 2025
Application Period
1 October 2024 - 30 April 2025Duration
1 Year (Full time) / 2 Years (Part time)
For Applicants
The MSc in Applied Biomedicine programme is a 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time) degree comprising 40 Units of coursework. Students can choose to specialise in one of these 3 tracks; Vaccinology and Immunotherapy, Infectious Diseases Management or Drug Discovery and Development or remain in the general (unspecialised) track. Students will have to
-
Complete the following 4 compulsory core courses (12 units)
i. ABM5001 Leadership in Biomedicine
ii. ABM5002 Advanced Biostatistics for Research
iii. ABM5003 Biomedical Innovation & Enterprise
iv. BMI5101B Advanced Biomedical Informatics
And;
- Complete either ABM5004 Capstone Project (8 units) or both MDG5229 Advanced Topics in Signal Transduction (4 units) and MDG5102 Techniques in Biomedical Research (4 units).
And;
- Choose and complete 5 courses from the Elective Courses list for each track (20 Units), to achieve specialisation in a particular track
OR
- Choose and complete 5 courses from the Elective Courses list across the 3 tracks (20 Units), if no specialisation is intended
Core Courses
S/N | Proposed Course Title | Course Code | Units |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Leadership in Biomedicine | ABM5001 | 2 |
2 | Advanced Biostatistics for Research | ABM5002 | 2 |
3 | Biomedical Innovation & Enterprise | ABM5003 | 4 |
4 | Capstone Project | ABM5004 | 8 |
5 | Advanced Biomedical Informatics | BMI5101B | 4 |
6 | Techniques in Biomedical Research* | MDG5102 | 4 |
7 | Advanced Topics in Signal Transduction* | MDG5229 | 4 |
*These courses can only be registered by students who do not wish to take up Capstone Project.
Elective Courses (Specialisation in Vaccinology and Immunotherapy)
S/N | Proposed Course Title | Course Code | Units |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Applied Immunology | ABM5101 | 4 |
2 | Vaccine development and its modern applications | ABM5102 | 4 |
3 | Advanced technologies in immune therapeutic development | ABM5103 | 4 |
4 | Microbiome-Aging-Immunity crosstalk | ABM5104 | 4 |
5 | Clinical Immunology and Immunotherapeutics | MDG5207 | 4 |
Elective Courses (Specialisation in Drug Discovery and Development)
S/N | Proposed Course Title | Course Code | Units |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Drugs used in Infectious Diseases | ABM5105 | 4 |
2 | Anticancer Therapeutics | ABM5106 | 4 |
3 | Advanced Topics in Fundamental and Applied Pharmacology | MDG5204 | 4 |
4 | Current practices in Biotechnology | MDG5232 | 4 |
5 | Current Topics in Drug Design and Development | MDG5233 | 4 |
Elective Courses (Specialisation in Infectious Diseases Management)
S/N | Proposed Course Title | Course Code | Units |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Vaccine development and its modern applications | ABM5102 | 4 |
2 | Drugs used in Infectious Diseases | ABM5105 | 4 |
3 | One World, One Health: Ecosystems, Animals and Us | ABM5107 | 4 |
4 | Infectious Diseases: Principles & Research Methods | MDG5246 | 4 |
5 | **Control of Communicable Diseases | SPH5201 | 4 |
6 | **Urban Outbreak Management | SPH5205 | 4 |
7 | **Urban Field Epidemiology | SPH5206 | 4 |
**Students can only register for one of these 3 courses.
Please refer HERE for the proposed study plan for full-time and part-time students.
- Full-time students are expected to complete the programme within 12 - 24 months. The maximum candidature is 24 months; excluding Leave of Absence (LOA).
- Part-time students are expected to complete the programme within 24 - 36 months. The maximum candidature is 36 months; excluding Leave of Absence (LOA).
Applicants must fulfil the following requirements in order to be eligible for enrolment in the programme. However please note that selection of candidates is based on a competitive basis and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee automatic admission into the programme.
- Graduates with Bachelor (Hons) degrees in M.B.B.S., Life Sciences (e.g. Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Molecular Biology) or Bioengineering or Biotechnology or health sciences related discipline.
- Candidates with other qualifications and relevant industrial experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the selection committee.
- International applicants who graduated from universities where English is not the main medium of communication are required to demonstrate their English proficiency by possessing a minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 85 (Internet-based) or a minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic score of 6.0. The TOEFL/IELTS scores must be valid for two (2) years from the test date and should not have expired at the point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application.
- Candidates should submit a Statement of Intent of not more than 300 words and upload it as a document in Word or PDF format. The statement should showcase your academic strength, research interests, motivation to study and long-term development goals.
- Candidates should also submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) which provides an overview of your relevant experience, skills and qualifications and accomplishments.
Important Note: The University has not engaged any external agencies to undertake student recruitment on its behalf. Candidates interested in our programmes are advised to apply directly to the University and not through any agents. Candidates who apply through agents will not have any added advantage in gaining admission and the University reserves the right to reject such applications without giving reasons.
August 2025 Intake | |
---|---|
Applications open from: | 1 October 2024 |
Closing date for receipt of applications: |
30 April 2025 |
Outcome of Applications: | May 2025 |
Only online applications are accepted. Please download and read the "Applicant Guide to the Graduate Admission System (GDA)" and "Checklist for applicants" first before submitting your application.
- Applicant Guide to the Graduate Admission System (GDA). Click here to apply online
- Checklist for applicants
Please upload the relevant supporting documents according to the checklist when submitting your online application.
Total tuition fees (for students enrolled in Academic Year 2025/2026 only): S$57,684 (*inclusive of 9% Goods & Services Tax (GST))
The payment schedule is as follows:
Full-time students |
Part-time Students |
|
---|---|---|
Year 1 Semester 1 |
$28,842 |
$14,421 |
Year 1 Semester 2 |
$28,842 |
$14,421 |
Year 2 Semester 1 |
- |
$14,421 |
Year 2 Semester 2 |
- |
$14,421 |
- All Singaporeans and Singapore PRs will receive a 40% tuition fee rebate.
- All NUS alumni will receive a 20% tuition fee rebate.
Acceptance Fees (including GST) |
---|
$5,000 |
- Payable upon acceptance of offer
- Non-refundable and non-transferable
- Will be credited towards tuition fees
In addition to the tuition fees, students will also be charged miscellaneous student fees each semester. Miscellaneous student fees help meet costs incurred by the University in providing services to the student community that are either not covered or only partially covered by the tuition fees. These services include healthcare for students; facilitating student cultural, social and recreational programmes; and maintaining the shuttle bus service, IT network and other essential campus infrastructure and services. For more information, please visit the Office of the University Registrar's (OUR) website at https://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/administrative-policies-procedures/graduate/graduate-fees.
Please click here for a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).
If you are unable to find the answer to your query in the list of FAQs, you can email us at mscabm@nus.edu.sg and we will reply to you within 3 working days.
For Current Students
ABM5001 Leadership in Biomedicine
Units: 2
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Leadership is fundamental to the success of individuals and organisations. As you progress in your biomedicine career, you will have to lead individuals, teams and organisations. This course prepares you to lead, by equipping you with principles, skills and practices of leadership.
ABM5002 Advanced Biostatistics for Research
Units: 2
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
This course serves as a concept-based introduction to biostatistics, or to the use of numerical technique to extract information from data and facts. It is aimed at students, researchers and healthcare professionals who wish to learn modern research methods. The learning objectives are to communicate scientific results, develop tools to investigate the inherent variability introduced by sampling and quantify uncertainty before progressing to the process of making inference about the population. Using computer software such as SPSS, the concepts and the statistical methods will be illustrated based on the real life data arising from selected scientific and medical studies.
ABM5003 Biomedical Innovation & Enterprise
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
This course will furnish students with a thorough understanding of a bio-venture from research and development stage to commercialisation stage, covering all relevant aspects and steps from invention to innovation and founding a new bio-business. The team of lecturers is complemented by high profile entrepreneurs and experts who will be sharing their personal experiences and stories. The course will guide the students through the process of generating an idea and developing it to a business pitch.
BMI5101B Advanced Biomedical Informatics
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
This course covers both the fundamental and advanced principles of biomedical informatics, the field concerned with the acquisition, storage, and use of information in health and biomedicine. The course begins with a basic introduction to health and biomedicine as well as computing concepts and theories including ethics and legal aspects and then moves on to advanced concepts in these topics.
MDG5102 Techniques in Biomedical Research
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
This course aims to develop understanding of the fundamental principles underlying common experimental techniques, as well as the advantages and limitations of each technique for specific research applications. This in turn will facilitate the critical analysis of experimental data. Techniques covered will include different ways to study nucleic acids, proteins and lipids, key recent advances such as next-generation sequencing and CRISPR, disease-specific approaches such as in stem cell and cancer biology, and the importance of big data analysis in the fast-evolving biomedical research landscape.
MDG5229 Advanced Topics in Signal Transduction
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
This course is designated to introduce our graduate students the cutting-edge knowledge of the key signal transduction pathways in cell biology and their implications in health and disease. The main topics include PI3K-MTOR pathways, MAPK pathways, tyrosine kinase pathways, GPCR, small GTPase, TNF signalling pathways, NF-kB pathways, Jak-STAT pathways, TGFb-Smad pathways, Hippo signaling, Hedgehog signalling, AMPK signaling, ubiquitination and protein degradation, to be taught by leading experts in the field, via lectures and tutorials.
ABM5101 Applied Immunology
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Vaccinology and Immunotherapy
Advanced immunological applications play important roles in many healthcare related industries. Fundamental concepts in immunology that are central for innovations in the design and implementation of immunological techniques will be discussed in this course. These include a comprehensive overview of the immune system at both cellular and molecular level, and the regulation between key components of immunity in health and diseases. Students will also learn about the experimental basis of how research techniques are translated into real-world practices during the highly interactive hands-on laboratory practical sessions.
ABM5102 Vaccine development and its modern applications
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Vaccinology and Immunotherapy / Infectious Diseases Management
Use of vaccines and successful immunisation have limited the occurrence of numerous infectious diseases globally. Many advancements were made over the past decades, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further revolutionised vaccine innovations and generated a wealth of new developments. These new developments including platforms for vaccine discovery, design and applications will be discussed in-depth in this course. In addition to gaining knowledge of the key immunological concepts in vaccinology and its applications, students will also undergo evidence-based learning to critically evaluate and identify the opportunities and challenges in vaccine development that are important to support healthcare in the community.
ABM5103 Advanced technologies in immune therapeutic development
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Vaccinology and Immunotherapy
The advancement of technologies for immune system analysis has greatly facilitated the understanding of immune function and thus the development of therapies. In this course, students will learn about cutting-edge technologies in immunology research including advanced flow-based technologies, single cell sequencing, nanotechnology and humanized mice models, and how these technologies can be employed to develop immune therapies and assess immune phenotypes in key immune-targeting therapeutics, including immune cell products (i.e antibodies, cytokines), drug compounds that regulate the immune response (small molecule immune checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy), and gene therapy. Furthermore, the discovery, development, and application of these compounds/technologies in diagnostics and research will be discussed in detail.
ABM5104 Microbiome-Aging-Immunity crosstalk
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Vaccinology and Immunotherapy
The complex relationship between human microbiome and aging are important factors that modulate immunity. These in turn impact patients’ response to immunotherapy and immunisation. The determinants at the crossroads between microbiome and aging with immune-related treatments will be discussed in this course. Students will learn about the dynamics between microbiome, aging and immunity, microbiome-targeted intervention, application of multi-omics analytics, and molecular sequencing techniques for evaluating the interactions between these factors. Recently, there are increasing interests to modulate microbiome improve various treatment outcomes. Therefore, this course will help future-proof students who wish to work in this up and raising field.
ABM5105 Drugs used in Infectious Diseases
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Drug Discovery and Development / Infectious Diseases Management
This course imparts students on the knowledge of pharmacology of a broad spectrum of antimicrobial agents and the use of these agents in the pharmacotherapeutic management of commonly encountered infectious disease conditions. In addition, it will explore the discovery of development of antimicrobial agents.
ABM5106 Anticancer Therapeutics
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Drug Discovery and Development
This course will introduce different classes of anticancer agents-their discovery and development, mode of action, mechanisms of resistance, side effects and clinical applications. It aims to describe (i) how various anticancer drugs can be used both individually and in combination for the management of the various cancers, and (ii) how advances in biomarker discovery may help in patient stratification for precision oncology. It will also provide and integrated understanding of all aspects of anticancer drug development process ranging from initial design through final approval for clinical application.
ABM5107 One World, One Health: Ecosystems, Animals and Us
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Infectious Diseases Management
One Health is a concept which recognizes that the health of humans, animals and the environment are intricately interconnected, and these can be balanced and optimized through a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach, achieving full spectrum of disease control. Here, students will learn about the One Health concept and key factors driving diseases, such as, climate change, migration, population explosion and zoonoses. A particular emphasis will be placed on emerging infectious diseases in the context of One Health, exploring disease epidemiology, surveillance, control, and prevention. Additionally, One Health challenges, such as, antimicrobial resistance, zoonosis, and food safety and security will be covered.
MDG5204 Advanced Topics in Fundamental and Applied Pharmacology
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Drug Discovery and Development
The course aims to help students gain an in-depth understanding of a range of topics including receptor biology, signal transduction, inflammation, autophagy, pharmacology of antivirals and neuropharmacology, using lectures and journal clubs given by clinical and basic science experts.
MDG5207 Clinical Immunology and Immunotherapeutics
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Vaccinology and Immunotherapy
In the last decade significant advances have been made in our understanding of the molecular and cellular control of immune responses. These discoveries are now being translated into the design and testing of immunotherapeutic interventions for a range of diseases including cancer, autoimmunity, respiratory and infectious diseases. This course is for graduate students who wish to extend their knowledge and skills in both immunology and its translation to immunotherapeutics. The course aims to allow the students to understand the research process, from the fundamental discoveries at the forefront of immunological research, to the application of novel interventional immune-based therapies.
MDG5232 Current practices in Biotechnology
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Drug Discovery and Development
This course allows students to meet successful members of the local biotechnology community, providing an opportunity to learn directly from industry leaders about commercially viable technologies, and about the job roles and lifestyles of industry scientists. This will be done by examining “case studies”, involving the evaluation of the technology and the market environment of specific companies. This course is ideal for students considering industry or alternative (non-research) careers, and would like to make contacts and gain insight into such roles.
MDG5233 Current Topics in Drug Design and Development
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Drug Discovery and Development
Introduction to a range of existing and emerging therapy modalities including how compounds are identified and developed. This will lead into the mechanism of drug action, drug delivery and drug metabolism specific to each class of drug. Additionally, an emphasis on advanced techniques for drug design and development specific to each class of drug will also be given. Furthermore, drug candidate selection, patenting, clinical trial design, objectives and roles of regulatory bodies will be covered. This course is ideal for students considering careers in drug development.
MDG5246 Infectious Diseases: Principles & Research Methods
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Infectious Diseases Management
This course will provide students with an overview of the molecular pathogenesis of infectious diseases in general, followed by a focus on current research methods being used and discussions on infectious disease-related research ethics. The course is designed for entering M.Sc. or Ph.D. students in their first year, to help provide perspective for their choice of labs and basic concepts that will be useful for their future thesis work. Topics include, viruses; bacteria; parasites and fungi with integration of molecular pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, disease physiology/pathology, innate & adaptive immunity and laboratory models of infectious disease and treatment challenges discussed throughout each pathogen family. Other topics include epidemiology and global health and research ethics related to infectious disease. In addition, there will be interactive sessions for students to strengthen communication and presentation skills through debates and journal club presentations. Field trip visits (pending COVID-19 restrictions) to the investigational medicine unit are being planned to allow students the opportunity to understand infectious disease-related clinical research.
SPH5201 Control of Communicable Diseases
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Infectious Diseases Management
This course focuses on infectious diseases of public health concern in Singapore and internationally. The course will cover concepts in the prevention, surveillance and control of infectious diseases, including vector-borne diseases, foodborne diseases, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, acute respiratory illnesses, and nosocomial infections. In addition, students will be exposed to concepts in the evaluation of vaccines and vaccination programmes, and will obtain hands-on experience in outbreak investigation through a simulated outbreak exercise. Students will learn to critically appraise and discuss the application of current control strategies. This course is highly relevant for students who intend to work in infectious disease control in local and international governmental and non-governmental organisations, or who wish to pursue academic research on infectious diseases from a public health perspective.
SPH5205 Urban Outbreak Management
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Infectious Diseases Management
An effective outbreak management system is core to safeguarding public health and reducing morbidity and mortality. Outbreak investigation, when properly managed, fosters cooperation between stakeholders in rapid mobilization, community engagement, communications, and business continuity. By introducing a combination of hard and soft skills, as well as knowledge and tools related to field epidemiology, environmental health, microbiology, communication and social sciences, it is designed for application of knowledge and skills to manage, foresee and solve outbreak problems efficiently and effectively.
SPH5206 Urban Field Epidemiology
Units: 4
Pre-requisite(s): NIL
Specialisation: Infectious Diseases Management
We live in a densely populated modern city state that earns its living as an international trade and travel hub. Students will learn about constraints and vulnerabilities in our physico-social ecology, and how to balance the natural tropical biosphere and man-made technosphere in the face of climate, economic and lifestyle changes. Risk assessment and management form the basis for health protection, safeguarding against emergent threats, and skills-building in risk communications promotes right attitudes and behaviours for community wellbeing. This course provides a combination of hard and soft science approaches that will guide field epidemiologists in urban health security.
Please click for Semester 1 Course Timetable.
Please click for Semester 2 Course Timetable.
Please click for Special Term 1 Course Timetable.
Please click for the capstone project Guidelines.
Please click for the List of Capstone Projects.