Frequently Asked Questions
More information is available at Faculty of Science FAQ
http://www.science.nus.edu.sg/prospective/undergraduates/
General
Q1 : I am worried that I may not be able to find a job if I major in xxx (Chem, Appl. Chem.
or FST). Graduates are doing well now but what if the industry does not grow?
A : This is one good reason why one should always read a subject based on the area of interest and competent and not jobs available in the industry during their first year of study. Imagine reading a subject that you do not like so that you will be able to land on a job in this area easily but for the rest of your life. This person will be doing something they do not like for the rest of their life if they do not learn to like it along the way. If you enjoy and have the curiosity for xxx (Chem., Appl. Chem.. or FST), go all out for it. Furthermore, interest and passion will allow one to pursue deeper into the subject and discover more opportunity available.
Q2 : What is the difference between Chemistry, Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering?
A : The Chemistry course of NUS provides a broad training in inorganic, organic, physical, and analytical chemistry. Further qualification and specialization can be obtained during the Honours year and during postgraduate studies. Synthetic chemists find employment in product development and R&D in the polymer and particularly the fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Analytical chemists are sought after for quality control and customer support. Other chemists find employment in the government service in environmental protection, as forensic chemists, or in the customs and excise department.
Applied Chemistry is solidly founded in Chemistry. However, engineering topics (such as mass and heat transfer, fluid flow, unit operations for reaction and separation, selection of adequate materials) are addressed in two lecture modules and by dedicated laboratory experiments. Familiarity with engineering concepts should enable the Applied Chemistry graduates to communicate better with Chemical and Mechanical Engineers, and thereby to contribute their specific chemical knowledge more effectively, e.g. in a process development team. Genuine chemical topics, such as structure and bonding, design of a chemical synthesis, analytical techniques, and spectroscopic tools for structure elucidation will be addressed in depth - much of it in lectures shared with the Chemistry students. The Applied Chemistry Programme offers the possibility to specialise in Drug Chemistry or Materials Chemistry, where within the Materials Option, you can select either Polymer Chemistry or Solid State Chemistry (with the aim to qualify for a job in the semiconductor device industry).
The Applied Chemistry course aims to provide a sufficiently broad base in chemistry, while also addressing special problems in chemical production. As such, unit operations of the chemical industry are treated, and more emphasis is given to technical details in process flow diagrams. A professional placement (internship; 6 months) in industry provides the students of the course with an early inside view of the chemical industry. Applied Chemistry graduates are particularly well suited to work with chemists and chemical engineers on process scale-up and all problems related to bringing a product from the discovery stage to full-scale production.
Classical Chemical Engineering was dealing with the optimization of large plants and unit operations done at large scales in continuously operating processes. Traditionally, chemical engineers were involved in the technical side of plant operations. However, as these technologies mature, chemical engineering is looking towards waste treatment (environmental engineering), and moves towards what we do in Applied Chemistry: the treatment of multi-product, multi-purpose (batch-processing) plants where flexibility in production overrides optimization with respect to heat integration and stream recycling.
Q3 : Can I get into Science with these "A" Level grades (e.g. all C's)?
A : The cut-off point for admission to the Faculty of Science differs from year to year. Therefore, no one will be able to tell you if your results will be able to guarantee you a place in the Faculty of Science. However, as long as the minimum requirement is met, you may stand a chance to be admitted to the Faculty of Science. Similarly, admission to the Faculty of Science does not guarantee that one will be able to select chemistry as a major. One must have the relevant pre-requisites to read for chemistry subjects in order to major in chemistry. In addition to various pre-requisite, those who are interested to major in FST will also have to compete for limited places available for this programme.
Applied Chemistry
The Applied Chemistry Programme offered by the Department of Chemistry is a relatively young programme: the first intake (into Year 2) was in 1997/98. Since then, more than 250 students have graduated from the programme, over 50% of them with an Honours degree. In addition, many students have obtained an M.Sc., and several have already completed studies for their Ph.D. The majority of Applied Chemistry graduates found work in Singapore, but some are overseas for further studies.
Since 2005/06, Applied Chemistry is a 4-year programme. Once admitted, students are allowed to complete the 4-year course and register for the Honours Project module even if their CAP is below 3.50 at the end of Level 3000. However, students can leave the course after fulfilling the requirements for the (3-year) B.Appl. Sci. degree, for example if they intend to enroll in a masters programme overseas where the requirement is a B.Sc. in Chemistry.
A limited number of students may be admitted provisionally into the programme even if they do not fulfill the CAP requirement, provided their performance in CM1161 and other chemistry modules justifies discretionary consideration. However, provisional admission does not entitle to later take the Honours Project module; students have to obtain a CAP of minimum 3.50 before their status changes from "provisional" to regular.
Q1 : Is it hard to be admitted into Applied Chemistry?
A : The Applied Chemistry Programme is a rigorous course. Admission into the course is limited to about 50 students. This number is dictated by the limited availability of industrial internship positions for the Professional Placement, which is part of the course.
Prerequisite for admission into Year 2 Applied Chemistry is CM1161 Principles of Chemical Processes I, as well as a good performance in your studies. The admission requirement is a CAP of minimum 3.50 after the first year. All students have to take CM1101, CM1121, and CM1131, and are encouraged to take also CM1111 so that they can follow the General Chemistry Course should they fail to be admitted into Applied Chemistry. A solid foundation in Chemistry is required for successful participation in Applied Chemistry.
Q2 : What is the difference between Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering?
A : Applied Chemistry is solidly founded in Chemistry. However, engineering topics (such as mass and heat transfer, fluid flow, unit operations for reaction and separation, reaction engineering, and the selection of adequate materials) are addressed through special lecture modules throughout the course, and by dedicated laboratory experiments. Familiarity with engineering concepts should enable the Applied Chemistry graduates to communicate better with Chemical and Mechanical Engineers, and thereby to contribute their specific chemical knowledge more effectively, e.g. in a process development team. Genuine chemical topics, such as structure and bonding, design of a chemical synthesis, analytical techniques, and spectroscopic tools for structure elucidation will be addressed in depth - much of it in lectures shared with the Chemistry students. The Applied Chemistry Programme offers the possibility to concentrate in Drug Chemistry or Materials Chemistry, where within the Materials Option, you can select modules for further specialization with emphasis on Polymer Chemistry or Solid State Chemistry, the latter with the aim to qualify for a job in the semiconductor device industry
Q3 : Are my job prospects better if I chose Applied Chemistry?
A : This question cannot be answered. However, we expect that Applied Chemistry students aim for a position in the chemical or process industry (including pharmaceutical companies and wafer plants) as their first career goal. The Professional Placement, a 6-month internship with a reputable, in most cases multinational, company, gives you a first-hand impression of what chemical industry is, and provides you with the opportunity to network and develop contacts with a future employer. About 20% of the students will have the opportunity to spend their industrial attachment period overseas. This additional experience will certainly increase your 'marketability'.
Q4 : Can I participate in SEP (student exchange programme) if I chose Applied Chemistry?
A : In principle, yes. However, the Applied Chemistry course is rigidly structured, and we can offer each module only once per academic year. Also, the Professional Placement period is fixed as the first semester of the 3rd year. The preparations for the Industrial Attachment, including interviews with the prospective training providers, take place during the entire second year, but more so in the second semester. Exchange can be easier arranged for within the framework of the PPP. Special agreements exist, e.g., with the Technical University Munich, Germany, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, and with the Ecole Superieure de Chimie de Montpellier, France. Under such a scheme, it may even be possible to spend an entire year abroad (6 month in industry, and one semester at the university), or to enroll in an accelerated M.Sc. programme (M.Sc. after 5 university years).
More FAQ for Applied Chemistry
Chemistry
Q1 : What is Advanced Placement Credit (APC) and how do I apply for APC?
A : Advanced Placement allows a student to read more advanced modules by being credit for the prerequisites. This means that a student can graduate in a shorter time. A student with good "A" Level results or good results in polytechnic, may seek APCs up to 40 MC of modules for Polytechnic Diploma Holders and up to 20 MC for GCE “A” Level Qualifications. Currently, the Department of Chemistry offer the following modules for APCs: CM1121 and CM1131. To apply for APCs in these modules, candidates must send their application form to the Dean's Office by a certain deadline (normally one month before academic year commence). All advanced placement candidates are required to sit for tests which determine whether they will be given the advanced placement credits. For further enquiries, please contact Level 1 Coordinator, Dr Emelyn Tan (chmtsqe@nus.edu.sg) or visit http://www.science.nus.edu.sg/undergraduates/freshmen/apc/index.html.
Q2 : Which major(s) in polytechnics can be considered to be admitted to Chemistry?
What are the exemptions?
A : Candidates holding a local Polytechnic Diploma accredited for Chemistry Major.
Q3 : I would like to know more about the new four-year degree programme.
A : The new one-track degree structure is only applicable to students admitted on or after 1999/2000. Please refer to the
Faculty of Science website (under the category "other academics matters for students") for up-to-date information.
Q4 : Where can I find resources for my course?
Food Sciences and Technology (FST)
Q1 : Why can't I find the Dept of Food Science and Technology (FST)?
A : Food Science and Technology is a PROGRAMME within the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science.
Q2 : How do I gain entry to the Food Science and Technology Programme?
A : Candidates who have the intention to major in FST must first gain entry to the Faculty of Science. When offered a place in the Faculty of Science, one must apply to the programme by completing an application form which must be submitted to the FST office before the beginning of the semester of their first year in NUS (the closing date for the application will be specified in the form). The FST application form is available at the FST website www.fst.nus.edu.sg.
Polytechnic graduates with a good diploma awarded in food related courses may also be admitted directly to the programme. Polytechnic graduates need not complete the application form mentioned above. Those with exceptionally strong academic record in other relevant areas may also be admitted.
Q3 : Which major(s) in polytechnics can be considered to be admitted to FST? What are the exemptions?
A : For admission to Food Science and Technology Programme, polytechnic graduates with diploma in food related courses are given an advantage e.g. diploma in chemical process technology (food option) and diploma in applied food science and nutrition. Those with exceptionally strong academic record in other relevant areas may also be admitted. No exemptions will be given for food related modules. However, students may apply for exemption for CM or LSM modules from the relevant departments.
Q4 : What is the minimum requirement for entry?
A : Good 'A' level passes, H2 or equivalent in Chemistry, Biology, and either Mathematics or Physics. However, having met the minimum requirement does not guarantee one a place in FST. One must be reminded that no one will be able to tell you if your results are able to guarantee you a place in FST and that the cut-off point for admission differs from year to year.
Q5 : Are the numbers of students admitted to FST limited? If so, how do I know the
chances of admission?
A : Yes. FST will admit 45* students in the year 2007/8. *This number is subjected to change in the future. No one will be able to easily tell one the chances of being admitted. As long as you are able to able to meet the minimum requirement, you may apply. Most importantly, you must have passion in the subject.
Q6 : Do I have to attend an interview for the admission the FST programme?
A : An interview will be called only when necessary. It is not a concern if you have not been called for an interview.
Q7 : Will I be accepted if I do not have 'A' level Biology?
A : Candidates with 'O' or 'AO' level biology and exceptionally good 'A' level results may be considered for admission. However, if accepted, one will have to take a bridging biology module at NUS subject to approval by the Dept. of Biological Sciences.
Q8 : What will I learn in FST? What degree will I get at the end of my studies?
A : FST is a multidisciplinary subject which covers area in Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, Microbiology, Engineering, etc. FST is NOT a programme to enhance your culinary skills. FST graduate will receive a B. Appl. Sc. or B. Appl. Sc. (Hon). This means that FST undergraduates will have to spend one semester for industrial attachment with food related companies.
Q9 : Will there be opportunities to go abroad in the FST programme?
A : There are many opportunities to go abroad. Mainly, the students can go abroad by applying for the Student Exchange Programme (SEP) or applying for an industrial attachment opportunity overseas. There are also other programmes to go abroad organized by the University or student organizations. Students in FST are strongly encouraged to participate in such activities to broaden their horizons.
Q10 : If admitted to the programme, can I still participate in other programmes in the
Faculty or University?
A : Many FST undergraduates participates in various other programmes in the University e.g. University Scholars Programme. FST does not restrict students in participating in any of such programmes.
Q11 : What are the job prospects of FST graduates?
A : The list given here is not exhaustive: Quality control, food scientist, food technologist, food product development, research scientist, laboratory technologist, food health and safety inspector, food law enforcement officer, food technical manager, teacher, nutrition advisor, production supervision, flavour scientist/technologist, sensory scientist, technical sales and marketing etc.
Most of these jobs are provided in food and allied industries, government and non-government organizations, and in education. FST graduates have been able to find jobs locally or abroad.
Q12 : Are there any scholarships or awards specifically for FST students?
A : Awards are given based on merit to the most deserved students every year. Students may apply for scholarships when they are opened for application. The date will be announced in the class as well as transmitted through emails to FST students. Some awards and scholarships are listed here: P J Barlow Book Prize, Nestle R&D Centre Pte Ltd Scholarship, Givaudan Singapore Pte Ltd Award, Thong Siek Food Industries Pte Ltd Award, Firmenich Asia Pte Ltd Award, SIFST Student Award.
Q13 : What are the Graduate (postgraduate) programmes in FST?
A : The postgraduate programme in FST is by research only. Candidates must have at least BSc (Hons) II upper before one can be considered for admission to the programme. Further information on application can be found on our website:
www.fst.nus.edu.sg.
Q14 : What are the professional organizations that recognize a degree in FST?
A : Within Singapore, the degree is recognized by professional organization such as the Singapore Institute of Food Science and Technology (SIFST) and Singapore National Institute of Chemistry (SNIC).
