NUS Life Sciences - Admissions

NUS Life Sciences

Life Sciences Major is the undergraduate course in biological and biomedical sciences in National University of Singapore (NUS). With a common foundation in the underlying knowledge vital to all areas of Life Sciences in the first year of study, selection of relevant advanced-level modules will pave the way to one of the three specialisations as well as the many diverse disciplines in Life Sciences.

  • Designed as a single multi-disciplinary undergraduate course in biological and biomedical sciences taught by departments in Faculty of Science and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS.

  • All students are in a 4-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree programme at the time of admission but with the flexibility of an exit plan for students at the end of three years to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree.

  • Option to pick up one of the three specialisations: Biomedical Science, Molecular and Cell Biology, Environmental Biology.

  • Diverse roadmaps of modules for different themes in Life Sciences, customised to individual interest and development.

NUS Life Sciences offers 4-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) and 3-year Bachelor of Science degrees.

  • BSc (Hons) in Life Sciences (Specialisation in Biomedical Science)
  • BSc (Hons) in Life Sciences (Specialisation in Molecular and Cell Biology)
  • BSc (Hons) in Life Sciences (Specialisation in Environmental Biology)
  • BSc (Hons) in Life Sciences
  • BSc in Life Sciences

Special programmes uniquely for Life Sciences Major.

Also offered are Second Major in Life Sciences and Minor in Life Sciences to all NUS undergraduates.

In Honours Year 4, NUS Life Sciences Majors may choose to pursue one of the three specialisations or decide to maintain a broad perspective in Life Sciences.

Biomedical Science focuses on human health and diseases, and its goal of clinical solutions.
Molecular and Cell Biology emphasises the fundamental physical, chemical and biological mechanisms of living organisms;
Environmental Biology affirms the importance and relevance of biodiversity and ecology and its applications towards environmental conservation.

To read Life Sciences as the primary Major, candidates should apply for admissions to Faculty of Science:

  • Possess two H2 or GCE ‘A’ Level passes (or equivalents) in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics/Further Mathematics, or Physics.
  • For IB qualification, two HL passes in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
  • Select ‘Science’ as the choice of course for single degree study, or any choice of course for DDP/DMP/MMP study with ‘Life Sciences’.

Local Polytechnic Diploma accredited for NUS Life Sciences Major is accepted for the course of study Science (Life Sciences). Acceptable local Diplomas:

For admissions enquiries, please contact the Office of Admissions (OAM).
For enquiries pertaining to NUS Life Sciences and Life Sciences Major specifically, please email to Life Sciences Enquiry.
The Office of Admissions (OAM) conducts the Undergraduate Admissions Exercise. Please visit the website for the admissions application.

If you have accepted the offer to read Science as your course of study, you may declare to read Life Sciences Major at the start of your candidature upon matriculation.

NUS Life Sciences Major graduates are fully poised to pursue a diverse range of careers ranging from research and scientific services, to healthcare and medical industries, and to education and related professions. A general Science degree, coupled with the scientific thinking and analytical skills acquired during the undergraduate course, enables our graduates to be eligible for a wide array of careers that seek Bachelor of Science degree as the entry qualification. Academically-inclined graduates will be able to embark on graduate studies at NUS or overseas as well as enter graduate medical education such as the Duke-NUS Medical School.

Graduates from the disciplines of Life Sciences are well suited for careers in biological, biomedical and biotechnological contexts, as well as agricultural, horticultural and environmental issues. Prospective employers include Research Institutes, Government Ministries and Statutory Boards such as National Parks Board (NParks), National Environment Agency (NEA), Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), specialist medical centres and clinics, government and private hospitals. Many of our graduates work as teachers in Schools, Junior Colleges, Polytechnics and Universities. MNCs and local companies from the private and industrial sectors involving biotech, medical, pharmaceutical, food production and environmental technology are also common options considered by our graduates.

In addition Life Sciences graduates have also embarked on a wide spectrum of non-life sciences related professions such as mass media productions, communications and information services, banking and finance, law and public services, defence and security. The more entrepreneurial graduates have also set up their own ventures.