WHAT YOU'LL STUDY

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.

Scientific Applications

This module aims to provide students with an overview as well as insights into the applications of science in day-to-day life, covering areas such as flavour and fragrances, materials and food science. Designed as an active learning module, students will explore and relate fundamental scientific principles to practices in the various industries as well as their course of study.

Process Principles

Industrial processing plays a critical role in turning raw materials into higher value products with extended shelf lives, increased variety and enhanced quality. This module introduces processes and focusses on unit conversions, material balance, liquid transport and related engineering concepts so that students understand how these relate to effective design and management of various stages of processing.

Communicating for Project (Proposal) Effectiveness

Aims to equip students with the skills to articulate and communicate ideas persuasively, and to work effectively in teams. They will be taught to pitch ideas or concepts and to write proposals to an intended audience.

Critical and Analytical Thinking

This module aims to equip students with skills in critical and analytical thinking, which includes the ability to evaluate different perspectives, articulate a point of view and support it with relevant and credible evidence. The module also provides students with opportunities to practise information literacy, and critical and analytical thinking through the exploration of contemporary local and global issues.

Narrative Thinking

This module aims to equip students with the skills to critically evaluate the elements of narratives used in a variety of contexts, and to appreciate and harness the power of storytelling in our daily life. Students will analyse narratives to connect and contextualise self to society, and learn to craft impactful personal narratives to inspire or influence others.

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 1: Personal Development

This module aims to help you discover your strengths, values and interests. It also supports you in making informed educational and career choices to achieve your career aspirations.

Elective 1

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.

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.

The Art of Perfumery

Covers a brief history of how perfumes evolved over the years. The students will also be introduced to the classics of perfumery such as Joy, No. 5 and L’air du Temps. The applications of fragrances will be covered to depict the evolution of perfumery. During the practical sessions, students will learn how to construct simple floral bases such as rose and jasmine as well as concoct simple base formulations. These simple base concoctions will be dosed into different products to illustrate the applications of fragrances.

Formulation and Colloidal Science of Cosmetics

Studies the chemistry behind cosmetic products formulation. Different emulsion types in creams and lotions as well as in surfactant systems will be covered. The important role of surfactants, oils in the formulation and manufacture of cosmetics and toiletries will be discussed. The selection of different types of raw materials to form a stable cosmetic product will be demonstrated as well as the application of HLB system. Students will have hands-on experience in the selection of surfactants, emollients, emulsifiers, fragrances and preservatives for different cosmetics.

Chemistry of Cosmetic Raw Materials

Covers a detailed study of raw ingredients used in skin and hair care products. At the end of the module, students will have an intimate knowledge of the raw materials used in different skin and hair products and will learn about the different preparation, testing and evaluation methods for quality control and stability studies. They will be able to formulate different hair and skin care products in a team.

Fragrance and Flavour Chemistry I

Students will acquire the foundation knowledge to participate/contribute effectively in any industry where fragrances and flavours are used. They will learn the proper techniques of smelling and identifying the different types of fragrance and flavour raw materials. They will also be able to apply the underlying principles of fragrance and flavour composition to create a simple fragrance base and make a presentation on a proposed product incorporating this fragrance based on user preference. In addition they will have a good understanding of the fragrance and flavour manufacturing processes.

Fragrance and Flavour Chemistry II

Students will learn how the raw materials in fragrances and flavours are obtained and used. They will also be taught how to predict the possible chemical reactions that may take place when raw materials are mixed together. They will be exposed to the different areas of fragrance applications and learn how to develop a product based on the requirements of the current market.

Communicating for Professional Effectiveness

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify jobs that match their interests, capabilities and qualifications to prepare resumes that are unique and customised for job requirements and hone interview skills to help them secure that job. Students will also understand and be able to apply self-awareness techniques including applying emotional intelligence principles in a professional setting to manage self and a team at the workplace.

Social Innovation Project

This module aims to equip students with a Design Thinking mindset in a social innovation context. Students collaborate in multi-disciplinary groups to apply Design Thinking tools and methods to create innovative prototype solutions for local social issues. In the process, they will develop a better understanding of themselves, and empathy for a local community in need.

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.

Education and Career Guidance 2: Career Development

This module aims to help you develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for work effectiveness.

Elective 2

Elective 3

Safety Assessment, GMP and Cosmetic Regulations

Provides an overview of the relevant regulatory framework and standard practices adopted for ascertaining the safety aspects of personal care and cosmetic products to be used by consumers. Students will learn about the quality management system, the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principles and standards for applications in the manufacturing process of cosmetics – from raw materials to finished products; from facilities and equipment to packaging and labelling. Finally, the students will be taught on the fundamentals of toxicology and the various methodologies and alternative testing methods to evaluate the safety of ingredients and formulations.

Internship Programme

This 44-week programme offers meaningful work attachments in discipline related industries. The valuable work experience will not only help our students apply their knowledge acquired in their course to solve real-life problems but also gain an in-depth insight into the chemical industries, in particular the burgeoning cosmetics and fragrance industry, as well as understand the dynamics of changes in their workplaces. This intensive out-ofthe-classroom training will hone the life skills of our students in the areas of effective communication, teamwork, project management and emotional resilience so that they become better equipped to serve the industry upon their graduation.