What is Biomedical Science?
Biomedical Science is the study of organs, cells, systems function of the human body to understand it and the effects of diseases and drugs have on the human body. It is the science behind your healthcare which is mostly research and lab-based with the aim of improving and advancing medical knowledge. Biomedical Science involves diagnosing diseases and assessing the effectiveness of treatments by inspecting tissue or fluid samples from patients.
It covers a wide range of key disciplines such as neuroscience, pharmacology, biochemistry, immunology, haematology, and the list goes on.
What Do You Study in Biomedical Science?
In Biomedical Science, you will be studying the structure of the human body, the effect of drugs on it, and chemical processes in living organisms. You will also get the opportunity to learn about the molecular basis of human disease to understand fundamental disease mechanisms and methods to unravel those mechanisms.
You can expect to study these subjects throughout a Biomedical Science degree (but not limited to) :
- Cell biology, Microbiology
- Physiology, Pathology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Pharmacology
- Phlebotomy
What are the Career Options With A Biomedical Science Degree?
Upon the completion of a Biomedical Science degree, you will be able to pursue a variety of career pathways. This includes, but is not limited to, the following;
Drug Developer – They identify new compounds to help combat and treat human diseases which are then brought into clinical practice.
Biomedical Scientist – They conduct research (laboratory and scientific) to support diagnosis and treat human diseases such as testing and reviewing body tissue and fluids to guide medical practitioners.
Clinical Scientist – They research, test and develop new methods of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.
Forensic Scientist – They examine traces of substances (such as drugs, explosives, hairs, blood, glass, etc) in order to associate or disassociate suspects with crime scenes or its victims.
Interested in pursuing a degree in biomedical science? Contact us now for further information on course outline, entry requirements, scholarship availability and fee structure!
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the utilisation of biological systems, living organisms or their products (such as genetics, microorganisms, plants, bacteria, etc.) to revise, change human health or the environment, or to create and develop products. Biotechnology is one of the broadest areas in biology and can be divided into several branches which include human, environment, animal, plant and industrial — emphasizing on applications of biotechnological advancements to help the world combat severe diseases and hunger, create products more sustainably, safely and efficiently to effectively decrease environmental footprint and conserve energy.
Biotechnology is often used in industries such as pharmaceutical, environmental, agricultural and even industrial such as biofuels, textiles, medicine and biological products.
As biotechnology has been making significant contributions to the quality of life, it is a branch of science that gained popularity and continues to grow rapidly. A prime example can be seen in the current pandemic where vaccines have been produced through biotechnology to fight against the Covid-19 virus.
What Do You Study in Biotechnology?
When taking up a Biotechnology degree, you will be studying a wide range of topics such as genomics, modifications of microorganisms, animals and crops, detection of food pathogens, development of pharmaceuticals and industrial products.
Here are some of the subjects you can expect to study in Biotechnology;
- Principles of Genetics
- Bioprocess Technology
- Cell Biology
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Animal Biotechnology
- Crop Biotechnology
- Biostatistics
What are the Career Options With A Biotechnology Degree?
Upon the completion of a Biotechnology degree, you will open up to multiple career pathways. This includes, but is not limited to, the following;
Biomedical Engineers – These people design and develop solutions to problems in biology and medicine. These include designing products such as surgical robots, artificial organs and pacemakers which change or even save people’s lives.
Epidemiologist – They investigate the cause of diseases and its effects on the population. They are known to trace diseases to their origin and find ways to prevent them from resulting in an epidemic or pandemic.
Food Scientist and Technologist – They analyse food’s nutritional content, inspect raw ingredients or finished products to ensure that it complies with standards of safety, quality and sanitisation.
Environmental Biotechnologist – They deal with microorganisms for environmental improvements whereby they combine biology and engineering to create processes that remediate contaminated areas.
Interested in pursuing a degree in biotechnology? Contact us now for further information on course outline, entry requirements, scholarship availability and fee structure!
What are the Key Differences Between Biotechnology and Biomedical Science?
Biotechnology and Biomedical Science are terms that are often used interchangeably when in reality, they are in no way identical at all. Well, there are few similarities but for the most part, they are significantly different. Here are some of the key differences between Biotechnology and Biomedical Science;
Biomedical Science | Biotechnology | |
Area of Focus | Biomedical science is the study of the human body, its structure and function to help prevent and treat diseases.
| Biotechnology is the use of living organisms and systems to develop new products and technology
|
Subjects | Includes topics that are related to healthcare and medicine Example of subjects: a) Pharmacology b) Anatomy c) Human Biology d) Neuroscience | Includes topics surrounding bioinformatic technologies Examples of subjects: a) Biochemistry b) Cell Biology c) Microbiology d) Bioprocess Technology |
Career Prospects | Mainly in medical and healthcare industry | Used in various fields such as agriculture, environment, pharmaceutical, industrial, marine biotechnology |
Unsure of which pathway is more suitable for you? Contact us now to book a consultation session for FREE!
General Entry Requirements to Study Biomedical Science and Biotechnology in Malaysia
Academic Requirements
Qualification | Biomedical Science | Biotechnology |
STPM | Min. GPA of 2.33 for (any 2) subjects: Biology, Physics / Mathematics, Chemistry | Pass STPM with min. Grade C (GPA 2.00) in any 2 subjects |
A-Levels | Min. DD equivalent of 120 points including min. D in (any 2) subjects: Biology, Physics / Mathematics, Chemistry | Min. EE for 2 subjects |
Canadian Pre-University (CPU) | Min. Average of 60% in 6 Subjects, including 65% each in (any 2) subjects: Biology, Physics / Mathematics, Chemistry | Min. Average of 60% in 6 subjects |
SACE International | ATAR 60 with min. Grade C+ each in (any 2) subjects: Biology, Physics / Mathematics, Chemistry | Min. ATAR 60 |
International Baccalaureate (IB) | Min. 24 points in 6 subjects including min. 5 points at Higher Level (HL) in (any 2) subjects: Biology, Physics / Mathematics, Chemistry | Min. 24 points based on 6 subjects |
English Language Requirements
Qualification | Biomedical Science | Biotechnology |
IELTS | Band 5.5 | Band 5.0 |
TOEFL (iBT) | Min. 78 | Min. 34 |
MUET | Band 3 | Band 3 |
NOTE: Entry requirements may vary among universities. Feel free to contact Excel Education for further inquiries!
Top 5 Universities to Study Biomedical Science in Malaysia
#1 Taylor’s University
Program Offered | Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Hons) |
Intake | January, March, August |
Duration | 3.5 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) | Malaysian students – RM117,262 International students – RM141,027 |
#2 University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Program Offered | Biomedical Sciences BSc (Hons) |
Intake | September |
Duration | 3 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) | Malaysian students – RM45,600/year International students – RM53,800/year |
#3 Monash University, Malaysia
Program Offered | Bachelor of Medical Bioscience |
Intake | February, July, October |
Duration | 3 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) | Malaysian students – RM44,805/year International students – RM51,135/year |
#4 International Medical University
Program Offered | Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biomedical Science |
Intake | July, September |
Duration | 3 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) | Malaysian students – RM111,000 International students – RM117,300 |
#5 Segi University
Program Offered | Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Hons) |
Intake | May, September |
Duration | 3 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) | Malaysian students – RM89,200 |
Top 5 Universities to Study Biotechnology in Malaysia
#1 Taylor’s University
Program Offered | Bachelor in Biotechnology (Hons) |
Intake | January, March, August |
Duration | 3 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) | Malaysian students – RM100,670 International students – RM123,595 |
#2 University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Program Offered | Biotechnology BSc (Hons) |
Intake | September |
Duration | 3 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) | Malaysian students – RM45,600/year International students – RM53,800/year |
#3 International Medical University
Program Offered | Bachelor of Science (Hons) Medical Biotechnology |
Intake | July, September |
Duration | 3 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) | Malaysian students – RM 111,000 International students – RM117,300 |
#4 Swinburne University of Technology
Program Offered | Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) |
Intake | February, September |
Duration | 3 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) | Malaysian students – RM 33,800/year International students – RM43,160/year |
#5 UCSI University
Program Offered | BSc (Hons) Biotechnology |
Intake | January, May, September |
Duration | 3 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) | Malaysian students – RM92,760 International students – RM105,160 |
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About The Author
Gabrielle Marie Wong
Be you and do what excites.