Why would anyone deliberately swallow bacteria and then set about to cure himself with antibiotics?

That’s just what two professors from the University of Western Australia (UWA ) did - to prove that stomach ulcers are not caused by stress, as everyone thought, but by a specific type of bacteria.
And for their pioneering discovery, Professor Barry Marshall and Emeritus Professor Robin Warren were awarded the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and thanks to them, peptic ulcer is no longer a chronic, disabling disease, but a curable one.

Molecular Biology is the study of the function and structure of genes and how they regulate the growth and the specialisation of living cells.
You could say Molecular Biology is the mother of all life sciences as its study is a starting point for those who want to work in the exciting new biotechnology industries. It has important practical applications in everyday life. Application of the broad topic / course could be seen in numerous areas. Examples include:

• the use of genetically engineered organisms to produce new and better vaccines
• insulin for the treatment of diabetes
• growth hormone for the treatment of growth defects
• antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs
• the production of more efficient and environmental friendly agricultural systems.

For the future, Molecular Biology bolds the promise of improved livestock, the development of disease-resistant and drought-resistant crops, and the easier diagnosis and even curing of genetic diseases in humans.

The University’s Accolades

• University of Western Australia (UWA) belongs to the prestigious Group of Eight, a collaboration of the top research universities in Australia
• UWA scored five stars ratings for research intensity and student to staff ratios. In relation to undergraduate students, it scored five stars for difficulty to get in and positive graduate outcomes and a four star rating for success in getting a job and graduate starting salaries. (Good Universities Guide, 2008)
• UWA has been ranked 47th of the Top 100 World Universities. (University of Shanghai Jiaotong, Institute of Higher Education and Social Research, 2008 Academic Ranking in the field of Life and Agricultural Sciences)
• UWA has been ranked first in Australia for the quality of its undergraduate students and second for the quality of its undergraduate programmes. (Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, 2006)
• A World Top 100 University. (Newsweek, 2006)
• Nobel Prize Winning University – Professor Barry Marshall and Emeritus Professor Robin Warren for Physiology or Medicine 2005

Course Structure

• The course consist of 24 units; each amounting to 6 credit points
• 2 semesters in year; April and September
• 1 module is taught over 8 weeks

Course Outline

Delivery of modules may not follow the sequence as shown and subject to change.

Facilities at PSB Academy

Students undertaking this degree will also enjoy an interactive teaching, lab-oriented learning and well-designed curriculum provide a total learning experience, and preparing you for real world situations. Over 40% of the total curriculum is focused on practical training.

PSB Academy believes in offering our students the best possible education utilising the most state-of-the-art facilities. Our S$2 million laboratory facilities provide our students with the best learning environment and cutting edge equipment.

PSB Academy Life Science, Chemistry and Sport Science Laboratories

Duration

The course can be completed within an estimated minimum period of 4 years. For those with exemptions, this course may be completed within a shorter period.

Assessment and Examination

Students are given a unit outline at the commencement of each unit. The unit outline provides the assessment mode and weightings for the unit. Most units have several points of assessments, which may include laboratory assignments, projects, mid-term examinations and final examinations.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry score for The University of Western Australia’s Bachelor of Science programme are:

Local Student Admission

• GCE ‘A’ Level and STPM (subject to the University's admission guidelines); OR
• Local Science-related diploma in relevant areas with average ‘C’ grade; OR
  
• Local Engineering diploma with Calculus Mathematics background and a ‘C’ average grade may be considered; OR
• Foundation Diploma in Life Sciences with an average ‘C’ grade, with a grade no lower than 'D' in any of the units; other than Chemistry where a minimum 'C' grade is required

Other Prerequisites

• GCE ‘A’ Level Mathematics or equivalent is also a pre-requisite for entry to the BSc programmes
• Advanced standing may be granted for relevant polytechnic diploma holders, subject to the University’s assessment

English Language Proficiency

Please note that all students must also meet the following minimum English proficiency requirements:

• C6 or better for GCE ‘O’ Level; OR
• 570 (paper-based total) and 230 (computer-based total) in TOEFL with Essay Rating/TWE of 4.5 or Internet-based Test (iBT): An overall score of 90 with a minimum score of 22 in the Writing section and no less than 20 in the other sections; OR
• 6.5 in IELTS with no band less than 6.0; OR
• ‘C’ grade for the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English

Graduation Requirements

For more information on graduation requirements, please click here: http://courses.handbooks.uwa.edu.au/courses/c5/5011.14.

Availability

Local Student Admission

Part-time intakes 2012: Apr and Sep

Course Fees

Part-time pathway

Graduates of PSB Academy can enjoy fee rebates for subsequent courses. Please contact your Admissions Officer for further details.

* All fees inclusive of 7% GST and subject to change annually
* Course fee excludes textbooks, lab coats and safety goggles
* Click here to view other charges for students

Updated on 29 September 2011; PSB Academy reserves the right to amend this information without prior notice.