WHAT YOU'LL STUDY

Thinking Critically about the UN SDGs (TCU)

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 United Nations 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 in an 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)

This module aims to equip students with the skills to collaborate effectively in a team, particularly in a digital environment. This is crucial in light of the global shift to working online precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will learn about team dynamics at various stages of team development. They will use Microsoft Teams to collaborate online. They will also evaluate their own teamwork skills and that of their teammates using the CATME framework.

Effective Writing for the Workplace (EWW)

This 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 and follow standard format and conventions in their writing.

Persuasive Communication with Data Storytelling (PCDS)

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 UN SDGs.

Problem Solving with Creative & Computational Thinking (PSCCT)

This module aims to equip students 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 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Biochemistry & Cell Biology

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Elective 1

Digital Communication for Impact (DCI)

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 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) or a relevant context.

Personal Branding and Career Agility (PBCA)

This module aims to equip students 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 (eg. Learning Advisement Portal, LinkedIn Learning, and more) and curriculum co-developed by industry partners, students will begin their journey into the world of work. Upon completion of the module, students should be able to develop professional skills and build interpersonal relationships, acquire the skills to seek and secure work, develop the ability to adapt and respond effectively to changes at work, and appreciate and respect the diversity of individuals, culture and work environment.

Sustainable Innovation Project (SIP)

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 UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN 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. Students 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)

This module aims to equip students with baseline skills in using data to gain insights into the UN SDGs. These skills are related to the data-handling processes such as formulating data-based questions, pre-processing data and analysing 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 a UN SDG and/or generate some insights to support one theoretical solution to a UN SDG.

AI and Its Impact (AII)

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 UN SDG.

Quality Assurance and Statistics

Provides an understanding of the important concepts on Quality Assurance, Statistical Analysis and Experimental Design in the chemical manufacturing industry. Topics covered include statistical tools used for quality assurance, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, factorial design of experiments and acceptance sampling plan.

Laboratory Management

Provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills in laboratory quality control and management techniques for effective work in a chemical laboratory. Case studies of laboratory audits will be used to enhance students' understanding of the operation of an ISO17025 accredited laboratory.

Forensic Chemistry

Provides students with laboratory skills and theoretical knowledge of forensic chemistry. It provides students with the ability to develop problem-solving skills and encourages students to think and learn independently.

Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Provides knowledge on the pharmaceutical industry and its products. It outlines the drug development process from synthesis to market launch and describes common drug classes and their applications in terms of structure-activity relationships, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses and side effects. Students will gain theoretical and practical skills on the synthesis and analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished dosage forms.

Chemistry III

Provides students with the fundamentals of organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms. Topics include stereochemistry, chemical kinetics, substitution, addition and elimination reactions.

Further Chemistry I

This module aims to provide further understanding of chemistry such as properties of gases, acids and bases, chemical thermodynamics, simple mixtures, valence bond model (hybridisation), and transition metal chemistry that will be essential for the understanding of other chemistry disciplines.

Further Chemistry II

Concepts are needed for the understanding of equilibria in chemistry as well as the practical importance to study the rates of reactions for the purpose to predict how quickly a reaction mixture approaches equilibrium. Equilibria include physical change (e.g. fusion and vaporisation) and chemical change, including electrochemistry. Moreover, the understanding of thermodynamics in particular of enthalpy and entropy is where we can deliver a unified view of equilibrium and the direction of spontaneous change in terms of the chemical potentials of substances. The topics covered in this module shall help students’ learning of other modules such as colloid chemistry and basic pharmacology & pharmaceutical sciences.

Environmental and Water Technology

This module aims to provide students with the underlying principles and key concepts of environmental and water technology and how these can be applied to the resolution of contemporary global issues such as climate change, environmental degradation, transboundary pollution, species extinction, soil remediation, etc.

Engineering Mathematics II

The module is designed to provide students with further knowledge in mathematics and analytical skills to solve engineering problems encountered in their studies. Among the topics covered are Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations, Laplace Transforms and Fourier Series.

Elective 2

Advanced Instrumental and Lab Techniques

Covers advanced techniques such as GC-MS, LC, fluorimetry, ICP-OES, FTIR and flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. Hands-on experience with selected instruments is emphasised.

Advanced Organic Chemistry

Provides students with knowledge of functional group transformation; disconnection approach to synthesis; stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms; basic theory and applications of spectroscopic methods in organic chemistry, such as IR, MS and NMR. It aims to strengthen students' fundamental knowledge in organic chemistry so that students are able to explain important reaction pathways, devise organic syntheses and elucidate organic compounds with acquired advanced instrumental data.

Specialty Chemicals

Covers the fundamentals and applications of industrial specialty chemicals such as detergents, dispersants, chemical additives, fine chemicals and industrial catalysts. Also included are polymers, solvents, fuel additives and synthetic base oils. Key manufacturing processes and raw materials optimisation are also covered.

Petrochemicals and its Applications

To provide students with the detailed theoretical knowledge of the various processes and the chemistry involved to refine petroleum to basic chemical building blocks, followed by their conversion to some useful common and specialty chemicals. The importance of petrochemicals to the Singapore’s economy is discussed. Students will acquire the essential skills to determine the physical and chemical properties of petroleum products and petrochemicals.

cGMP and Validation

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.

Internship Programme

The 22-week internship forms an integral part of the coursework and allows students to gain practical working exposure to real-life industrial environment and further develop technical/ research skills and knowledge. It will help develop important work skills such as positive working attitude, initiative, interpersonal/communication skills and team work.

Elective 3

Advanced Instrumental and Lab Techniques

Covers advanced techniques such as GC-MS, LC, fluorimetry, ICP-OES, FTIR and flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. Hands-on experience with selected instruments is emphasised.

Advanced Organic Chemistry

Provides students with knowledge of functional group transformation; disconnection approach to synthesis; stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms; basic theory and applications of spectroscopic methods in organic chemistry, such as IR, MS and NMR. It aims to strengthen students' fundamental knowledge in organic chemistry so that students are able to explain important reaction pathways, devise organic syntheses and elucidate organic compounds with acquired advanced instrumental data.

cGMP and Validation

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.

Pharmaceutical Engineering

Provides students with basic understanding of major unit operations such as crystallisation and purification in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Biopharmaceutical Engineering

Provides students with basic understanding of major unit operations in large-scale biopharmaceutical production, as well as the respective equipment and instruments used.

Internship Programme

The 22-week internship forms an integral part of the coursework and allows students to gain practical working exposure to real-life industrial environment and further develop technical/ research skills and knowledge. It will help develop important work skills such as positive working attitude, initiative, interpersonal/communication skills and team work.

Elective 3

Digital Communication for Impact (DCI)

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 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) or a relevant context.

Personal Branding and Career Agility (PBCA)

This module aims to equip students 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 (eg. Learning Advisement Portal, LinkedIn Learning, and more) and curriculum co-developed by industry partners, students will begin their journey into the world of work. Upon completion of the module, students should be able to develop professional skills and build interpersonal relationships, acquire the skills to seek and secure work, develop the ability to adapt and respond effectively to changes at work, and appreciate and respect the diversity of individuals, culture and work environment.

Sustainable Innovation Project (SIP)

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 UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN 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. Students 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)

This module aims to equip students with baseline skills in using data to gain insights into the UN SDGs. These skills are related to the data-handling processes such as formulating data-based questions, pre-processing data and analysing 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 a UN SDG and/or generate some insights to support one theoretical solution to a UN SDG.

AI and Its Impact (AII)

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 UN SDG.

Quality Assurance and Statistics

Provides an understanding of the important concepts on Quality Assurance, Statistical Analysis and Experimental Design in the chemical manufacturing industry. Topics covered include statistical tools used for quality assurance, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, factorial design of experiments and acceptance sampling plan.

Polymeric Materials

Provides students with knowledge of both commodity and engineering plastics pertaining to their manufacture, properties and applications. Students will also learn about cost effective additives such as heat stabilisers, plasticisers, nucleating agents and fillers that enhance performances.

Metallic and Ceramic Materials

Deals with two important classes of engineering materials, ie, metals and ceramics. Building on their foundation of materials science, students will be able to understand the structures, properties and applications of metals and their alloys. Students will also study ceramics in relation to their properties, i.e. magnetic, thermal, optical and electrical. In addition, students will gain an overview of the importance and the properties of these materials in various related industries.

Materials Characterisation & Failure Analysis

Provides students with an overview of the common testing and characterisation techniques, including mechanical testing, infra-red spectroscopy, thermal analysis, chromatography and microscopy.

Materials Processing

Covers the processing methods for different materials and students will be able to apply concept and fundamental knowledge to compare the processes between the different materials that are used in industries.

Materials Processing Skills

Aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge critical for processing of different materials. They will acquire these skills through carrying out commonly used processes for polymers, metals and ceramics. The skills and knowledge learnt will also reinforce the theories covered in the materials and materials processing modules. Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to select and carry out an appropriate processing method for different materials.

Materials Laboratory Skills

Aims to equip students with the skills critical for testing and characterising different materials. They will acquire these skills through different experiments. The skills and knowledge learnt will also reinforce the theories covered in the lectures which provide the basis for third year module. Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to carry out essential testing and characterisation of materials independently.

Chemistry III

Provides students with the fundamentals of organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms. Topics include stereochemistry, chemical kinetics, substitution, addition and elimination reactions.

Further Chemistry I

This module aims to provide further understanding of chemistry such as properties of gases, acids and bases, chemical thermodynamics, simple mixtures, valence bond model (hybridisation), and transition metal chemistry that will be essential for the understanding of other chemistry disciplines.

Engineering Mathematics II

The module is designed to provide students with further knowledge in mathematics and analytical skills to solve engineering problems encountered in their studies. Among the topics covered are Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations, Laplace Transforms and Fourier Series.

Mechanics of Materials

Provides students with basic knowledge in mechanics of materials. Students are exposed to scenarios in axial loading, the bending of beams and combined bending and torsion. In these scenarios, students will learn how analysis of forces, stress analysis, material behaviour and failure criteria are linked to solve problems. Students will also be exposed to experimental methods.

Elective 2

Laboratory Management

Provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills in laboratory quality control and management techniques for effective work in a chemical laboratory. Case studies of laboratory audits will be used to enhance students' understanding of the operation of an ISO17025 accredited laboratory.

Materials Innovation & Design

Provides students with knowledge of the fundamentals of product design, development and commercialisation, specialising in materials. It will also give them practice in using appropriate methods and techniques in product modelling and rapid prototyping, eg, 3-D prototyping. The subject also supports the overall course aim of developing problem-solving skills and encouraging students to think and learn both independently and in a team.

Advanced Materials

Recent technological breakthroughs and the desire for new functions have generated demand for novel and innovative materials. The effort of developing innovative advanced materials like nanomaterials, biomaterials, green materials and composite materials has been on the increase. The module will provide an introductory knowledge to the structures, properties, applications and current development of the different advanced materials, to equip the students with deep skills and knowledge to explore the materials novelty.

Capstone Project

Enables students to apply and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course to solve problems involving product design and development. Emphasis is placed on independent learning, teamwork, problem-solving and communications skills.

Coatings, Adhesives and Elastomers

Provides students with knowledge on the properties and applications of different types of surface coatings, adhesives, elastomers and inks. Students will be given an overview on selecting polymers and additives to produce the formulations. The characteristics, evaluation of performance and applications of coating and elastomeric products will also be covered.

Internship Programme

The 22-week internship forms an integral part of the coursework and allows students to gain practical working exposure to real-life industrial environment and further develop technical/ research skills and knowledge. It will help develop important work skills such as positive working attitude, initiative, interpersonal/communication skills and team work.

Elective 3