Diploma in Biomedical Science (DBS - S98)
WHAT YOU'LL STUDY
First Year
Thinking Critically about the UN SDGs (TCU)
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This module aims to equip students with skills in critical and analytical thinking through the exploration of contemporary local and global issues, through the lens of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using information literacy skills, students will select a local issue connected to the SDGs, and look for relevant information on the issue. They will use a critical thinking framework to evaluate a diverse range of sources for their validity and reliability, and consider different perspectives on the issue before presenting their assigned stand, substantiated by reasons and evidence.
This module also aims to enhance students’ knowledge and appreciation of local and global issues related to the 2030 global agenda, represented by the SDGs. Students will learn about the core principles of the SDGs and find out how the goals apply to their own lives, as well as to Singapore.
Collaboration in the Digital Age (CDA)
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This module helps students to understand how to be an effective team player, according to the CATME model of team member effectiveness. Students will practise writing a team charter to set the team up for success. They will also be exposed to various digital collaboration tools and best practices, practise holding effective team meetings online and offline, and work on their interpersonal communication skills.
Effective Writing for the Workplace (EWW)
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The module aims to equip students with effective written communication skills necessary for the workplace. At the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate effective writing skills. They should be able to apply the principles of PAC (Purpose, Audience & Context) and 5 Cs of Communication (Complete, Clear, Concise, Courteous and Correct) to plan and craft effective business messages. In addition, students should be able to use effective visuals, employ appropriate language, follow standard format and conventions, and cite using the Harvard Style in their writing.
Persuasive Communication with Data Storytelling (PCDS)
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This module aims to equip students with the baseline skills to craft compelling narratives using effective data storytelling techniques. Students will generate data visualisations, and apply narrative elements and persuasive delivery techniques to influence others or shape their perspectives. Upon completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency in using persuasive communication to convince stakeholders intellectually and affectively to call them into action in tackling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Problem Solving with Creative & Computational Thinking (PSCCT)
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In this module, students will be equipped with baseline creative and computational thinking skills for problem solving. Students will learn about the value of focused & diffuse thinking, problem identification and analysis, creative thinking, and the four pillars of computational thinking in the problem-solving process. Students will apply these techniques to tackle wicked problems related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Biochemistry & Cell Biology
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Provide essential knowledge in biochemistry and cell biology for the application in biomedical, food and biologics industry. Fundamental concepts in the Cell, biomolecules and energy will be introduced with real-world contexts to illustrate concepts taught and their applications.
Microbiology & Genetics
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Provide essential knowledge of microbiology and genetics for the applications in biomedical, food and biologics industry. Fundamental concepts in Microbiology, genetics, evolution and inheritance will be introduced with hands on session to illustrate concepts taught and their applications.
Chemistry I
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Upon completion of this module, students will develop an in-depth understanding of the electronic structure of atoms and its basis for the study of chemical bonding. Students will learn to apply the VSEPR model to visualise three dimensional structure of molecules and determine the possible types of interactions to explain the physical and chemical properties of matter. They will also learn the structure and bonding of matter and be able to predict trends in the properties of matter and its reaction. This will enable students to apply the fundamental ideas of conservations of matter and energy in stoichiometry and thermochemistry. The module also aims to equip students with the analytical and observation skills and techniques critical for working in a chemical laboratory by exposing them to a range of experimental techniques in the areas of titration, thermochemistry and qualitative inorganic analysis.
Chemistry II
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Upon completion of this module, students will develop a basic understanding that changes in matter involved the study of its feasibility due to kinetics and thermodynamics consideration and extent of change. The qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemical kinetics are introduced to students and this will form the basis for the study of chemical equilibrium, including chemical equilibria in aqueous media involving acids and bases. Topics in organic chemistry will introduce students to basic concepts on how simple molecules can be constructed and applied to organic reaction transformations and functional group interconversion. This provides students the opportunity to apply their knowledge on structure and bonding to understand the structure and reactivity of organic molecules. The module also aims to equip students with the analytical and observation skills critical for working in a chemical laboratory by exposing them to a range of experimental skills and techniques in the areas of reaction kinetics, simple organic synthesis and purification and qualitative organic analysis.
Instrumental Analysis
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Provides basic practical laboratory skills and theoretical knowledge to analyse the contents of chemical compounds using various forms of spectroscopy and chromatography. Sampling and solvent extraction used in analyses are also covered in this module.
Chemical Safety and Biosafety
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This module aims to provide learners with knowledge and skills on risk assessment, handling of biohazardous materials and chemicals, decontamination, storage and disposal of biohazardous waste and chemical waste. Laboratory design, standard safe practices, containment equipment and personal protective equipment appropriate for each biosafety level and routes of transmission of biological agents in laboratories are covered.
Chemistry & its Applications
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This module aims to provide students with an overview as well as insights into the applications of chemistry in day-to-day life, covering products and applications related to perfumery, cosmetics and material sciences with an overview of sustainability issues. Designed as an active learning module, students will explore and relate fundamental scientific principles to practices in the various industries.
Introductory Food Science
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This module aims to provide students with an overview to the role of food science and technology in providing safe, sustainable and quality food products, from farm to fork, locally and globally. Students will examine various foods and their technologies, such as cereal science, beverage science, meat science and dairy science. Upon completion of this module, students will also be able to understand and apply basic processing principles such as unit conversions, material balance and liquid transport for the design and management of various stages of processing relating to these food science topics.
Basic Mathematics
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Equips students with basic mathematical knowledge and skills in algebra, trigonometry and calculus to enable them to understand and solve engineering problems encountered in their course of studies. It also serves as a foundation for further mathematics in the subsequent modules. Students also learn how to use mathematical software.
Engineering Mathematics
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Equips students with the necessary mathematical knowledge and skills to solve problems encountered in their course of study. It also serves as a foundation for more advanced mathematics in the second year. Topics include trigonometry, determinants, matrices, complex numbers and calculus.
Education and Career Guidance
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This module aims to help students discover their strengths, values and interests. It also supports students in making informed educational and career choices to achieve their career aspirations.
Second Year & Third Year
From year 2, students are allowed to specialise in the area of their particular interest. They can choose from the folllowing specialisations:
- Medical Technology
- Cardiac Technology
- Biotechnology
Second Year - Medical Technology
Digital Communication for Impact (DCI)
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This module aims to equip students with key skills to leverage digital communication to engage, inspire and impact stakeholders digitally. They will build an understanding of various digital communication platforms/tools and their benefits and limitations. They will also learn what it means to be a responsible Digital Citizen. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency to design and apply key principles when crafting impactful digital communication about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or a relevant context.
Personal Branding and Career Agility (PBCA)
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In this module, students will be equipped with the requisite skill sets, knowledge and tools that will give them an early start on the process of kick-starting their career. Through the Self-Directed Learning Approach, student-centric engagement, curated resources (e.g., CareersFinder, LinkedIn Learning, and more) and curriculum co-developed by industry partners, students will begin their journey into the world of work.
Sustainable Innovation Project (SIP)
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This module, tapping on what students have learnt in the Common Core Curriculum, aims to equip students with a Design Thinking mindset to create an innovative solution to tackle local societal issues mapped to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students collaborate in multi-disciplinary groups to apply design thinking method and tools backed by research and qualitative data, to create sustainable and innovative prototype solutions for real-life issues faced by a local user in need. In the process, they develop a better understanding of themselves, and empathy for a local user in need.
They will also be able to apply their teamwork skills in the course of their sustainable innovation project, and communication skills in the presentation of the project.
Data Fluency (DF)
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In this module, students will be equipped with the baseline skills in using data to gain insights into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These skills are related to the data-handling processes such as formulating data-based questions, pre-processing data and analyzing data using numerical and graphical summaries. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency in using data to examine one aspect of an SDG and/or generate some insights to support one theoretical solution to an SDG.
AI and Its Impact (AII)
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This module aims to equip students with a very broad overview of Artificial Intelligence, and its societal and ethical impacts in modern society. Students will build a simple AI model with online tools and discuss how to promote good ethics in AI. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency of using AI to address their chosen Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
Project
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Enables students to apply and integrate the knowledge & skills acquired throughout the Biomedical Science course in a research and development project. Emphasis is placed on independent-learning, effective teamwork, problem-solving skills and communication skills in the process.
Immunology
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Provides students with an overview of the fundamental concepts of immunology and its importance in clinical medicine. The key essential types and mechanisms of immunity response in defence and disease will be covered.
Clinical Chemistry
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This module provides students with the underlying principles and practical skills in clinical chemistry. With relevant clinical information, the module covers the range of tests usually provided in routine screening and investigation procedures. The importance of good laboratory management and quality control procedures will also be taught with appropriate clinical vignettes.
Medical Microbiology
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Provides an overview of the etiology, clinical features, pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology and control of the important bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic pathogens that are medically relevant or foodborne. The use of therapeutic agents and preventive strategies will be included. Newly emerging illnesses and their suspected etiological agents will also be discussed.
Molecular Techniques
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This module aims to provide students with knowledge and the practical principles of molecular laboratory techniques in research and development. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring competencies in fundamental practical skills for biomedical research.
Cell Biology Techniques
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This module aims to provide students with knowledge and the practical principles of protein methods in research and development. These knowledge and techniques include expression vector design, choice of protein producing cells, recombinant protein production, protein extraction, protein purification, protein processing and analysis. This module lays a good foundation for further development in biomedical sciences in the future.
Chemistry III
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Provides students with the fundamentals of organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms. Topics include stereochemistry, chemical kinetics, substitution, addition and elimination reactions.
Third Year - Medical Technology
Project
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Enables students to apply & integrate the knowledge & skills acquired throughout the Biomedical Science course in a research and development project. Emphasis is placed on independent-learning, effective teamwork, problem-solving skills and communication skills in the process.
Haematology
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This module aims to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills to perform routine laboratory investigations in haematology. They will also learn to interpret and relate haematology results to various haematological diseases for diagnosis and treatment.
Internship Programme
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Internship forms the cornerstone of polytechnic education where our students obtain relevant professional industrial insights and skills. Furthermore, internship also serves as the key platform for our students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-life context, hone their practical skills and cultivate the right working attitude. The students will gain working experience in the hospital diagnostic laboratory, hospital research laboratories, key research institutes, universities (local and foreign), private diagnostic laboratories and private companies.
Second Year - Cardiac Technology
Digital Communication for Impact (DCI)
More
This module aims to equip students with key skills to leverage digital communication to engage, inspire and impact stakeholders digitally. They will build an understanding of various digital communication platforms/tools and their benefits and limitations. They will also learn what it means to be a responsible Digital Citizen. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency to design and apply key principles when crafting impactful digital communication about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or a relevant context.
Personal Branding and Career Agility (PBCA)
More
In this module, students will be equipped with the requisite skill sets, knowledge and tools that will give them an early start on the process of kick-starting their career. Through the Self-Directed Learning Approach, student-centric engagement, curated resources (e.g., CareersFinder, LinkedIn Learning, and more) and curriculum co-developed by industry partners, students will begin their journey into the world of work.
Sustainable Innovation Project (SIP)
More
This module, tapping on what students have learnt in the Common Core Curriculum, aims to equip students with a Design Thinking mindset to create an innovative solution to tackle local societal issues mapped to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students collaborate in multi-disciplinary groups to apply design thinking method and tools backed by research and qualitative data, to create sustainable and innovative prototype solutions for real-life issues faced by a local user in need. In the process, they develop a better understanding of themselves, and empathy for a local user in need.
They will also be able to apply their teamwork skills in the course of their sustainable innovation project, and communication skills in the presentation of the project.
Data Fluency (DF)
More
In this module, students will be equipped with the baseline skills in using data to gain insights into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These skills are related to the data-handling processes such as formulating data-based questions, pre-processing data and analyzing data using numerical and graphical summaries. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency in using data to examine one aspect of an SDG and/or generate some insights to support one theoretical solution to an SDG.
AI and Its Impact (AII)
More
This module aims to equip students with a very broad overview of Artificial Intelligence, and its societal and ethical impacts in modern society. Students will build a simple AI model with online tools and discuss how to promote good ethics in AI. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency of using AI to address their chosen Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
Immunology
More
Provides students with an overview of the fundamental concepts of immunology and its importance in clinical medicine. The key essential types and mechanisms of immunity response in defence and disease will be covered.
Clinical Chemistry
More
This module provides students with the underlying principles and practical skills in clinical chemistry. With relevant clinical information, the module covers the range of tests usually provided in routine screening and investigation procedures. The importance of good laboratory management and quality control procedures will also be taught with appropriate clinical vignettes.
Medical Microbiology
More
Provides an overview of the etiology, clinical features, pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology and control of the important bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic pathogens that are medically relevant or foodborne. The use of therapeutic agents and preventive strategies will be included. Newly emerging illnesses and their suspected etiological agents will also be discussed.
Molecular Techniques
More
This module aims to provide students with knowledge and the practical principles of molecular laboratory techniques in research and development. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring competencies in fundamental practical skills for biomedical research.
Cell Biology Techniques
More
This module aims to provide students with knowledge and the practical principles of protein methods in research and development. These knowledge and techniques include expression vector design, choice of protein producing cells, recombinant protein production, protein extraction, protein purification, protein processing and analysis. This module lays a good foundation for further development in biomedical sciences in the future.
Chemistry III
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Provides students with the fundamentals of organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms. Topics include stereochemistry, chemical kinetics, substitution, addition and elimination reactions.
Third Year - Cardiac Technology
Applied Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology
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Aims to provide students with a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology of the heart and the clinical relevance of this knowledge.
General Cardiology and Cardiac Disorders 1
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Aims to provide students with definitions, etiologic evaluations, pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, risk factors, treatment, management and complications of various heart diseases.
Diagnostics and Intervention Cardiac Catheterisation
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Aims to provide students an overview of diagnostic and interventional applications of cardiac catheterization. It looks at history, principles, indications, instrumentation techniques, equipment use and new developments of percutaneous coronary intervention and valvuloplasty.
General Cardiology and Cardiac Disorders 2
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Covers definitions, etiological evaluations, pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, risk factors, treatment, management and complications of various heart diseases.
Echocardiography
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Covers information on Conventional & Doppler Echocardiography imaging techniques and illustrations of how they are used in the diagnosis of selected diseases of the heart.
Electrophysiology and Pacemarkers
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Covers basic knowledge in identifying arrhythmias, the fundamental concepts of electrophysiology studies and pacing .
ECG & Rhythm Disorders
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Provides students with fundamental concepts of ECG interpretation & monitoring, as related to diagnosis of heart diseases & abnormalities. Also provides understanding of various rhythm abnormalities commonly encountered in clinical practice.
Clinical Attachment
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Allows students to gain experience in a wide range of cardiology techniques in a hospital or healthcare environment. Professionalism, basic patient care, safety techniques and emergency procedures are emphasised in this attachment.
Second Year - Biotechnology
Digital Communication for Impact (DCI)
More
This module aims to equip students with key skills to leverage digital communication to engage, inspire and impact stakeholders digitally. They will build an understanding of various digital communication platforms/tools and their benefits and limitations. They will also learn what it means to be a responsible Digital Citizen. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency to design and apply key principles when crafting impactful digital communication about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or a relevant context.
Personal Branding and Career Agility (PBCA)
More
In this module, students will be equipped with the requisite skill sets, knowledge and tools that will give them an early start on the process of kick-starting their career. Through the Self-Directed Learning Approach, student-centric engagement, curated resources (e.g., CareersFinder, LinkedIn Learning, and more) and curriculum co-developed by industry partners, students will begin their journey into the world of work.
Sustainable Innovation Project (SIP)
More
This module, tapping on what students have learnt in the Common Core Curriculum, aims to equip students with a Design Thinking mindset to create an innovative solution to tackle local societal issues mapped to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students collaborate in multi-disciplinary groups to apply design thinking method and tools backed by research and qualitative data, to create sustainable and innovative prototype solutions for real-life issues faced by a local user in need. In the process, they develop a better understanding of themselves, and empathy for a local user in need.
They will also be able to apply their teamwork skills in the course of their sustainable innovation project, and communication skills in the presentation of the project.
Data Fluency (DF)
More
In this module, students will be equipped with the baseline skills in using data to gain insights into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These skills are related to the data-handling processes such as formulating data-based questions, pre-processing data and analyzing data using numerical and graphical summaries. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency in using data to examine one aspect of an SDG and/or generate some insights to support one theoretical solution to an SDG.
AI and Its Impact (AII)
More
This module aims to equip students with a very broad overview of Artificial Intelligence, and its societal and ethical impacts in modern society. Students will build a simple AI model with online tools and discuss how to promote good ethics in AI. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency of using AI to address their chosen Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
Health, Safety and Environmental Management
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Provides students with the principles and methodology of risk assessment so
that they can identify hazards and risks, implement and propose risk control
measures taking into consideration relevant legislations, standards and guidelines.
Students are also able to apply and comply with safe work procedures at potentially
dangerous environments or a clean room, follow chemical safety procedures and
interpret Safety Data Sheets.
Immunology
More
Provides students with an overview of the fundamental concepts of immunology and its importance in clinical medicine. The key essential types and mechanisms of immunity response in defence and disease will be covered.
Project
More
Enables students to apply and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Biomedical Science course in a research and development project. Emphasis is on independent learning, effective teamwork, problem-solving skills and communication skills in the process.
Molecular Techniques
More
This module aims to provide students with knowledge and the practical principles of molecular laboratory techniques in research and development. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring competencies in fundamental practical skills for biomedical research.
Cell Biology Techniques
More
This module aims to provide students with knowledge and the practical principles of protein methods in research and development. These knowledge and techniques include expression vector design, choice of protein producing cells, recombinant protein production, protein extraction, protein purification, protein processing and analysis. This module lays a good foundation for further development in biomedical sciences in the future.
cGMP and Validation
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Provides students with the fundamental principles and concepts of cGMP. It describes the various guidelines and the requirements for the manufacture and testing of active pharmaceutical ingredients and medicinal products. This module also equips the students with the knowledge on validation of various processes and equipment used in a cGMP manufacturing environment.
Chemistry III
More
Provides students with the fundamentals of organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms. Topics include stereochemistry, chemical kinetics, substitution, addition and elimination reactions.
Third Year - Biotechnology
Project
More
Enables students to apply and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Biomedical Science course in a research and development project. Emphasis is on independent learning, effective teamwork, problem-solving skills and communication skills in the process.
Internship Programme
More
Internship forms the cornerstone of polytechnic education where our students obtain relevant professional industrial insights and skills. Furthermore, internship also serves as the key platform for our students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-life context, hone their practical skills and cultivate the right working attitude. The students will gain working experience in the hospital diagnostic laboratory, hospital research laboratories, key research institutes, universities (local and foreign), private diagnostic laboratories and private companies.
Electives
The SP elective framework offers students options to pursue their passion and / or meet different career needs, and is an integral part of the holistic education we seek to provide to our students. The learning experiences of this elective framework help students in their development as self-directed, versatile, life-long learners, which are essential in today’s volatile and changing societal as well as occupational landscape.
Common Core Curriculum
The Common Core Curriculum is designed to prepare students for a disruptive world that is ever-changing. Comprising critical human and emerging digital skills, the common core modules offer students an integral and inter-disciplinary learning experience
to address the wicked problems of the world (framed by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals). Through the Common Core modules, students will think critically about real-world problems, empathise with local and global communities
and be challenged to effect change.
Click here to find out more.
Please note: Course structure subjected to change.