Introduction
This Diploma course in Applied Science (Industrial Chemistry and Life Sciences) consists of five Modular Certificates (MC). Each MC is designed to be completed in one academic semester and is made up of 150 to 180 hours.
Participants are required to bring computer notebook when attending lessons, as you may need it to access the e-learning materials, writing reports, etc.
Course Objectives
The Diploma in Applied Science (Industrial Chemistry and Life Sciences) is to prepare working adults with the necessary knowledge and skills for future career advancement and to meet the future demands in the chemical and life sciences industries. It is a broad-based applied science education with emphasis on chemistry and life science modules and laboratory skills.
Suitable for
People who intend or are working in industries (that include pharmaceutical, petroleum, petrochemicals, specialised chemicals, processing, oil and energy, analytical laboratories, environmental and water technology, material science, life science, research and development etc.) that require technical staff to carry out analytical or research work such as evaluation, trouble-shooting, sampling, inspection, analysis or routine bench skills in life sciences (electrophoresis etc) and testing as well as experiment design. This course also includes trainings in laboratory management and safety.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants with any of the following qualifications are invited to apply for the Part-Time diploma:
a) The following GCE 'O' Level grades and with at least 1 year of relevant working experience:
English Language Grade 1 – 7
Mathematics (Elementary or Additional) Grade 1 – 6
Science (Pure or Combined) Grade 1 – 6
OR
b) Nitec in Chemical Process Technology, Life Sciences or related science or technology discipline with GPA >= 3.5.
OR
c) Nitec in Chemical Process Technology, Life Sciences or related science or technology discipline with GPA >= 3.0 and at least 1 year of relevant working experience.
OR
d) Nitec in Technology in Chemical Process Technology, Life Sciences or related science or technology discipline with GPA >= 3.5 and at least 1 year of relevant working experience.
OR
e) Higher Nitec in Chemical Technology, Biotechnology or related science or technology discipline with GPA >= 2.0.
OR
f) Higher Nitec in Chemical Technology, Biotechnology or related science or technology discipline with GPA >= 1.5 and at least 1 year of relevant working experience.
OR
g) Higher Nitec in Technology in Chemical Technology, Biotechnology or related science or technology discipline with GPA >= 2.0 and at least 1 year of relevant working experience.
OR
h) Relevant WSQ Advanced Certificate (or higher) with at at least 1 year of relevant working experience and Level 6 for both WSQ Workplace Literacy SOA & Workplace Numeracy SOA
OR
i) Applicant with one of the qualifications listed above and at least 2 years of relevant working experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements may be considered for admission to the course based on evidence of at least 5 years of relevant working experience or supporting evidence of competency readiness. Suitable applicants who are shortlisted will have to go through an interview and/or entrance test. The Polytechnic reserves the right to shortlist and admit applicants.
Course Outline
The course is a 2.5 years part-time programme. It consists of 5 Modular Certificates (MC) conducted over 5 semesters, 1 MC per semester. The first MC to start with is MC1. The classes are conducted in the evening. Each MC comprises of a few modules and the details are as follows:
MC 1 - Certificate in Core Chemistry I and Biosafety
Module 1 – Inorganic Chemistry
Module 2 - Analytical Chemistry
Module 3 - Chemical and Biosafety
MC 2 Certificate in Core Chemistry II and Microbiology
Module 1 – Organic Chemistry
Module 2 - Physical Chemistry
Module 3 - Microbiology
MC 3 Certificate in Laboratory Management and Statistics
Module 1 – Environmental and Water Technology
Module 2 - Good Laboratory Practice and Management
Module 3 - Applied Statistics and Quality Assurance
MC 4 Certificate in Applied Chemistry
Module 1 – Organic Chemistry – Reaction Mechanisms
Module 2 - Instrumental Analysis
Module 3 - Basic Biochemistry
MC 5 Certificate in Life Science*
Module 1 – Molecular Genetics
Module 2 - General Anatomy & Physiology
Module 3 - Forensic Science
MC 6 Certificate in Chemical Science*
Module 1 – Materials for the Modern World
Module 2 - Petrochemicals and its Applications
Module 3 - Forensic Science
* Subjected to the minimum class size requirement, either MC 5 or MC 6 will be offered.
The synopsis of the modules can be found here.
Award / Certification / Accreditation
Upon completion of five Certificates within a five-year validity period, the participant will be conferred a Diploma qualification from Singapore Polytechnic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which universities can I apply to after I complete my CET Diploma? You can apply to part-time undergraduate programmes which are relevant to your diploma course at NUS and UniSIM.
Please click here for more information on NUS, Bachelor of Technology (BTech) Programme.
2. Will I need to take any bridging programme?
The revised part-time diploma is intended to be more accessible to the workforce, and is made shorter in duration compared to the full-time diploma because broad-based interdisciplinary modules, final year projects and internships, as well as academic modules such as Mathematics and Sciences, are omitted. As such, most part-time undergraduate programmes would require you to go through a bridging programme to prepare you adequately before admission.
3. If I need to take the bridging programme, how much will it cost and how long will it take?
While the bridging programmes are currently being worked out by the polytechnics and universities, the duration will depend on the type and nature of the part-time degree course that you apply for, and are expected to be between six months to a year. The fees will not be more expensive than undergraduate modules of comparable duration.
