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.

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.

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).

Physiological and Visual Optics

Provides information on the function of the visual pathway, including the study of spectral sensitivity, colour perception and luminance. The module introduces the eye as an optical instrument. Topics include emmetropia and ametropia of the eye, distribution and correction of refractive errors, visual resolution and ocular aberrations, ocular transmission characteristics, retinal stimulus pattern and basics of eye movements.

Geometrical and Physical Optics

Covers the study of physical optics, aberrations, photometry, laser and fibre optics. It also provides a basic understanding of the optics of thin lenses, lens systems and aberrations.

Ocular Anatomy and Physiology

Aims to give students a general understanding of the anatomical features and the functions of the different structures of the eye. Students learn the structural details of the eye and its surroundings and also the importance of their physiology in maintaining good vision.

Clinical Optometry 1

Provides students with an understanding of clinical optometric process in eye consultation. This is the first of three modules to build students’ competency in clinical optometry. It develops students’ technical skill and competency in performing vision assessment. This module gives students the opportunity to work with patients early in their educational experience.

Clinical Optometry 2

Develops students’ clinical problem solving skills related to patients’ refractive error through case study discussions. It also provides the opportunity for students to work with patients.

Ophthalmic Optics

Covers the manufacturing, measurement, standards and specifications of ophthalmic lenses and spectacle frames. Students learn the skills of transforming a prescription into high quality eyeglasses.

Ophthalmic Dispensing

Teaches advanced techniques of spectacles assembly. Students learn about the application of latest ophthalmic products and their performance. This module will equip students with the skills to dispense optical appliances to patients in the most effective way.

Human Anatomy, Physiology and General Medical Disorders

This module is designed to introduce students to the structure and functions of various systems in the human body. It also provides the foundation knowledge in cell biology and introduction to pathology. Students will be able to appreciate how some systems is related to the eye and eye diseases.

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.

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.

Ocular Disease 1

Provides an overview of the science of microbiology, with an emphasis on the application to the study of ocular infections. The module covers the diagnosis and management of anterior segment of the eye in response to local pathologic processes (e.g. infection, trauma, neoplasm) and disorders (e.g. congenital).

Clinical Optometry 3

Builds up on Clinical Optometry I and II with the technical skills to assess the anterior ocular health of patient.

Binocular Vision

Prepares students with fundamental knowledge in development of binocular vision; equipping students with skills to detect, diagnose and management of common binocular conditions.

Contact Lenses

Covers the principles of contact lens and integrate them with students’ understanding of the cornea, tear film and eyelid anatomy. The emphasis is also on the acquisition of contact lens-related clinical skills, problem solving and clinical decision making in the fitting of soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses.

Clinical Practice I

Develops the clinical critical thinking and problem solving skills of optometry students by hands-on clinical experience in patient examination.

Contact Lens Practice 1

Develops students’ clinical critical thinking and problem solving skills in contact lens consultation and examination.

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.

Elective 1

Elective 2

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.

Ocular Disease 2

Covers the diagnosis, referral and management of eye conditions in response to degenerations, injuries and systemic pathologic processes with emphasis on the conditions of the posterior segment of the eye.

Paediatric Optometry

Aims to provide students with basic knowledge of paediatric optometry, clinical testing and managing paediatric patients in an optometric practice.

Clinical Practice 2

Further develops the clinical skills needed to competently examine patients in optometric practice, and recommend appropriate treatment, strategies and management for patients presenting for primary eye care.

Contact Lens Practice 2

Provides in-depth clinical experience in diagnosis of contact lens complications and development of patient management skills.

Internship Programme

The 22-weeks internship programme provides immersive experiential learning in a relevant work place environment. It is also a platform outside classroom to enhance students’ skills and proficiency as optometrists, so that they are work and life ready upon graduation. The main aims are (i) to provide workplace learning and (ii) to enable students to apply the knowledge and skills obtained throughout the different modules they have learned in the course.

Elective 3