The First Step towards Excellence: Foundation in Biological and Biomedical Sciences at NUMed
The path towards an undergraduate degree in Medicine is known to be distinctively challenging. Many new medical students find it difficult to adjust to the demands of medical school. Fortunately, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia’s (NUMed) Foundation in Biological and Biomedical Sciences programme ensures students will gain the fundamental knowledge and skills required to thrive and excel in their journey.
The Foundation programme is uniquely designed to complement, and hence prepare student for a smooth transition into, the university’s prestigious Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (BMS) degree programmes. It mirrors the curriculum of the Foundation programme delivered in Newcastle University, UK, a world-class civic university with a distinguished history of research and academic excellence. This gives NUMed’s Foundation students the option of pursuing their undergraduate studies in Newcastle University, UK, where they will be able to choose from a wide range of degrees that also include Biochemistry, Physiological Sciences, Pharmacology, Sports and Exercise, Food and Human Nutrition, Psychology, Animal Science, Environmental Science and Marine Biology.
NUMed’s Foundation in Biological and Biomedical Sciences programme draws its strength from its principle of Constructive Alignment, where all teaching, learning tasks and assessments are intrinsically linked to produce exceptional learning outcomes. Through lectures, practical laboratory sessions, reading, seminar discussions and tutorials, Foundation students will gain firm knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of Biological and Biomedical Sciences.

At NUMed, students will not just advance academically but also develop socially and intellectually. The Foundation programme produces critical thinkers, creative problem solvers and diligent scholars ready to tackle the demands of UK Higher Education.
Students will learn eight modules across three semesters. The Biology I, Biology II, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Statistics, and Medical Studies modules equip students with the essential scientific and medical knowledge and practical laboratory skills to thrive in a medical or science undergraduate degree programme.
Meanwhile, the English for Academic Purposes module enhances students’ use and understanding of spoken English in academic and social contexts, writing techniques for academic study and reading comprehension of challenging academic texts. In addition, the Study Skills and ICT for Science and Medicine module trains students to develop independent learning skills, adapt them to UK Higher Education culture as well as gaining an understanding of Information and Communications Technology.
By enrolling in NUMed’s Foundation in Biological and Biomedical Sciences programme, you will take the first step on a path of distinction and excellence. Furthermore, if you achieve academic distinction in this programme and choose to progress on to one of NUMed’s degree programmes, you will be eligible for consideration for the Vice Chancellor’s Merit Awards. Each award is for one year and is equivalent in value to 10% of the annual fee.
Besides the MBBS and BMS undergraduate programmes, NUMed also offers opportunities for postgraduate studies. All programmes of study lead to the award of the same degrees as those studied at the university’s parent campus in the UK. To find out more about NUMed’s programmes, excellent facilities, and student life, visit www.newcastle.edu.my.