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Joint Masters of Science in Industrial Chemistry Offered by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM)

For enquires and application, please visit www.gist.edu.sg and apply online

1. The Technical University Munich (TUM)

The joint programme will benefit from synergies between two excellent universities.

TUM has academic staff comprising over 480 professors and 4000 researchers. Scientists of TUM are currently running 14 so-called "Sonderforschungsbereiche" (top position in Germany) and were awarded the Leibniz-Prize (9 times) and the Alexander-Humboldt-Prize (50 times since 1989). At present, TUM offers 75 different academic programme spanning 13 faculties for about 20000 students. TUM graduates over 750 Ph.D. students every year.

TUM´s special status as a "reform university" designated exclusively by the Bavarian government transformed it into one of the most innovative universities in Germany. TUM is currently driving the transformation of the German University system towards international compatible degree schemes. According to the "Münchener Modell" proposed by TUM, international university programme based on bachelor and masters degrees are introduced at TUM. TUM has institutionalised links to 160 foreign partner universities all over the world and is steadily extending international exchange of students, teaching staff and ideas.

As a technical university, TUM is highly technology-oriented and has very strong links to industry. Through research co-operation and top graduates, TUM contributes effectively to the global success of some of Germany´s most important companies, e.g. Siemens and BMW.

According to several independent rankings, the Faculty of Chemistry of TUM represents one of the leading German institute in Chemistry in terms of both research and education. The Faculty of Chemistry with more than 50 professors and their research groups covers diverse fields in modern chemistry. Through this, it provides great opportunities for interdisciplinary research programme and collaborations. Four Nobel Prize Winners amongst the Faculty members of Chemistry attest to a premium research level.

2. German Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)

The German Institute of Science and Technology will be operated by TUM through TUMTECH GmbH.

The programme "Industrial Chemistry" will be conducted in close co-operation between the Faculty of Chemistry of TUM and the Department of Chemistry of NUS.

3. Joint Masters of Science in Industrial Chemistry Programme

(1) Objective of Programme

GIST aims to groom future leaders in selected areas of technology. Specifically, the Masters of Science in Industrial Chemistry will be an enabling postgraduate course for specialist engineers for the pharmaceutical, as well as the fine and speciality chemical industries.

The M.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry will differentiate itself from M.Sc. courses currently offered by the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering by:

• an experienced international teaching staff with a considerable proportion of specialists from industry
• laboratory skills taught in compact whole-day courses of one week each (4 courses)
• development of cultural awareness through student exchange, language programme, and cultural immersion
• the inclusion of economics, business administration, and management science in the curriculum.

(2) Admission Requirements

For admission into the Masters programme, a candidate must:

• Have a good Honours or equivalent degree in chemistry or related disciplines.
• Satisfy the Joint Academic Board of the Faculty of Chemistry of TUM and the Department of Chemistry NUS on the basis of an interview and/ or written test.
• Have good language skills in English [see para (5) (c) for details].

(3) Period of Candidature

The current full-time programme spans 1.5 years comprising two full semesters of course work and 6 months of research work culminating in a written Masters Dissertation. The programme also entails a 2 months internship in industry (Germany or Singapore).

(4) Curriculum

Candidates must successfully complete a programme of study comprising all the following:

(a) 5 essential (4 chemistry + 1 business / management) and 4 elective graduate modules.
(b) Cross-Discipline Courses to improve general knowledge, skills and social competence.
(c) 1 industrial project of 9 weeks duration.
(d) A 6-months research project
(e) If the English language is not the candidates' native language, candidates will be required to take and pass the Diagnostic English Test, conducted by NUS Centre for English Language Communication. Candidates who failed in the Diagnostic English Test, will be required to complete and pass the PE5001 English Language Course ‑Intermediate Level. Alternatively, the internationally recognised TOEFEL test from the candidate is acceptable.

The detailed list of modules offered is given in Annex 1. Each essential graduate modules CM5101, CM5102, CM5103 and CM5104 is based on 45 teaching hours with an additional laboratory component of 1 week (40 h) and carries 6 modular credits. The remaining essential chemistry module CM5105 which has 45 teaching hours with no practical component will be accorded 4 MC. Elective modules are taken from existing modules offered by Department of Chemistry and the Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering at NUS and/or from the Faculty of Chemistry at TU Munich.

(5) Continuation and Termination of Candidature

For continuation of candidature, students are to obtain either a Cumulative Average Point (CAP) or a Semester Average Point (SAP) of at least 2.50. Students will be issued an academic warning if the CAP and SAP are < 2.50.

Students' candidature will be terminated (and refused re-admission) if:

(a) in the 1st semester of study, the SAP for NUS modules < 1.0; or
(b) for 2 consecutive semesters of study, both CAP and SAP for NUS modules are < 2.50

(6) Graduation Requirements/Conferment/Award of Degree

For graduation, a student:

(a) must obtain a minimum CAP for all modules of 2.50 (C+); &
(b) must not have taken more than 15 modules/attempts of the modules or its equivalent of 60 modular credits during his/her candidature; &
(c) must complete and pass the 5 core/ essential modules and at least 4 elective modules; &
(d) must obtain a 'P' (Pass) grade for the industrial project; &
(e) must obtain at least a Grade D for the English Language Course - Intermediate Level (if not exempted from the English Language requirement).

NUS and TUM will confer the degree jointly. The degree scroll will be a common one for the joint programme.

(7) Examinations

Candidates will be examined at the end of their study for the coursework modules including cross-discipline courses. The Joint Academic Board will decide on the examination results of the modules offered at each university.

A committee comprising a minimum of 4 academics from both Universities will examine the Masters Dissertation. The examination process will entail a presentation of the research work done by the candidate followed by a question and answer session by the examiners. The location of the examination will be conducted where the candidate has performed the major part of the work.

(8) Structure of the Course

With the exception of CM5105 which has no practical components, each essential graduate modules (CM5101, CM5102, CM5103 and CM5104) comprises 45 contact hours of lectures/ tutorials/ assignments with an additional laboratory component of 1 week (40 h) is assigned 6 modular credits. CM5105 is accorded 4 MC.

Graduation requirement:

9 modules with a total of 44 modular credits (consisting of 5 core/ essential and 4 elective modules) of graduate modules, successful completion of a 2-months (9 weeks) industrial attachment, and completion of a project/thesis of 6 months duration. The thesis is accepted after an oral defence in the presence of four Members of the examination board.

Programme Essentials

Each module: 30 Hours of Lectures + 15 Hours of tutorials unless otherwise specified (Each essential module apart from CM5105 will have 1 week of practical work comprising a total of 40 hours.)

5 Essential modules (4 Chemistry + 1 Business/Management)
4 (4 out of 12) elective modules
(Chemistry/Chemical & Environmental Engineering/TUM)
2 weeks of language course (business / technical English)
2 months internship (9 weeks)
6-months project (master thesis)

Cross-Discipline Courses in evening and weekend: (10 hours for each module)
- Selected Topics in Chemical Business Administration
- Management Methods in Chemical Industry
- Legal Aspects in Chemical Industry (e.g. Environmental Laws)
- International Patent Law
- Aspects of European and Asian History and Culture

Core/ Essential modules - New Modules

* Jointly taught by staff from NUS and TUM

Elective Modules

NEW MODULES

Module Code and Title: CM5101 Catalysis - Principles & Applications
Cross Listing: NA

Brief Module Description for Handbook/Prospectus

1 What are the learning objectives?

After reading this module, students should be aware of catalysis as a key concept in chemistry, and of the role of catalytic processes in modern chemical manufacturing.

The module offers the student a fundamental view on catalysis covering all relevant aspects ranging from the theoretical basis to the large-scale industrial application. The synthesis of modern organometallic catalysts is extensively discussed as well as the relationship of the structural properties of organometallic catalysts and their resulting catalytic properties. The industrial importance of catalysis in fields like organic polymers or silicones is also discussed.

2 What are the major topics covered?

• Fundamental and Theoretical Aspects of Catalysis
• Homogenous Catalysis
• Heterogenous Catalysis

3 Who are the target students?

• Chemistry and Chemical Engineering students accepted in the joint TUM-NUS M.Sc. programme in Industrial Chemistry
• Professionals from Chemical Industry seeking for advanced training in catalysis

Syllabus:

Fundamental Aspects of Catalysis; Homogenous & Heterogeneous Catalysis; Biocatalysis; Catalysis in Organic Polymer Chemistry

Level: 5000

Modular Credits: 6 MC

Mode(s) of teaching and learning:

• Catalysis: Principles and Applications (Lecture):
  30 hours of lectures + 15 hours of tutorials, arranged as a block course of 5 weeks duration
• Catalysis: Principles and Applications (Practical):
  1 week (40 h) of practical work, 8 hours per day (Monday to Friday)

To be offered with effect from: Sem 1 from AY 2002/03

Maximum Class Size: 40

Prerequisites:

For regular students: Permission to the MSc programme in Industrial Chemistry
For professionals (advanced training): Agreement with GIST

Assessment:

Continuous assessment (CA) in the form of tests, quizzes and practicals will comprise up to 60% of the marks for the given module with the final examination taking up the remainder

Module Code and Title: CM5102 Biomedicinal Sciences
Cross Listing: NA

Brief Module Description for Handbook/Prospectus

1 What are the learning objectives?

The student learns in this module that biomedical sciences have become one of the most important research areas at university as well as in industry. The student gets familiar with fascinating methodology that might help to profoundly improve human health.

The module provides students with an insight in the fundamentals of modern biochemistry and biotechnology from which the Life Sciences Industry has great benefit. The student learns how the powerful tools of recombinant DNA and protein technology are currently leading to a revolution in human therapy and diagnosis. The implications for the industrial drug discovery and development process is covered as well as the structure-activity relationship of drugs. Proteins and their structure will be discussed, and students will be familiarised with modern methods for structure determination, particularly such based on NMR and XRD

2 What are the major topics covered?

• Medicinal Biochemistry and Biotechnology
• Diagnosis and Therapy
• Structure Determination and Drug Discovery

3 Who are the target students?

• Chemistry and Chemical Engineering students accepted in the joint TUM-NUS M.Sc. programme in Industrial Chemistry
• Professionals from Chemical Industry seeking for advanced training in biomedicinal chemistry

Syllabus:

Medicinal Biochemistry and Biotechnology; Diagnosis and Therapy; Structure Determination and Drug Discovery

Level: 5000

Modular Credits: 6 MC

Mode(s) of teaching and learning:

• Biomedicinal Chemistry (Lecture):
  30 hours of lectures + 15 hours of tutorials, arranged as a block course of 5 weeks duration
• Biomedicinal Chemistry (Practical):
  1 week (40 h) of practical work, 8 hours per day (Monday to Friday)

To be offered with effect from: Sem 1 from AY 2002/03

Maximum Class Size: 40

Prerequisites:

For regular students: Permission to the MSc programme in Industrial Chemistry
For professionals (advanced training): Agreement with GIST

Module Code and Title: CM5103 Chemical Technology
Cross Listing: NA

Brief Module Description for Handbook/Prospectus:

1 What are the learning objectives?

After reading this course, students shall have a clear understanding of the applications of physical chemistry for the design of chemical processes. Particularly, concepts of environmental stewardship and "responsible care" and its incorporation in the plant and process design will be at the centre of the course.

2 What are the major topics covered?

• Applied Kinetics and Process Technology
• Petroleum and Petrochemical Processes;
• Sustainibility of Industrial Processes and Environmental Chemistry

3 Who are the target students?

• Chemistry and Chemical Engineering students accepted in the joint TUM-NUS M.Sc. programme in Industrial Chemistry
• Professionals from Chemical Industry seeking for advanced training in Chemical Technology

Syllabus:

Particle Processing; Petrochemical Industry; Petroleum Processes; Environmental Chemistry; Kinetics & Reaction Engineering

Level: 5000

Modular Credits: 6 MC

Mode(s) of teaching and learning:

• Chemical Technology (Lecture):
  30 hours of lectures + 15 hours of tutorials, arranged as a block course of 5 weeks duration
• Chemical Technology (Practical):
  1 week (40 h) of practical work, 8 hours per day (Monday to Friday)

To be offered with effect from: Sem 1 from AY 2002/03

Maximum Class Size: 40

Prerequisites:

For regular students: Permission to the MSc programme in Industrial Chemistry
For professionals (advanced training): Agreement with GIST

Assessment:

Continuous assessment (CA) in the form of tests, quizzes and practicals will comprise up to 60% of the marks for the given module with the final examination taking up the remainder.

Module Code and Title: CM5104 Materials Chemistry & Engineering
Cross Listing: NA

Brief Module Description for Handbook/Prospectus:

1 What are the learning objectives?

The student learns the huge potential of new materials providing innovative solutions for a wide range of industries.

2 What are the major topics covered?

• Surface Technologies, Sensors, Microsensor Arrays, Semiconductors
• Nanomaterials, Clusters & Colloids; Materials Design and Properties
• Microelectromechanical Systems

3 Who are the target students?

• Chemistry and Chemical Engineering students accepted in the joint TUM-NUS M.Sc. programme in Industrial Chemistry
• Professionals from Chemical Industry seeking for advanced training in Materials Chemistry & Engineering

Syllabus:

Surface Technologies and Quality Assurance; Nanomaterials, Clusters & Colloids; Materials Design and Properties; Sensors, Microsensor Arrays, Semiconductors; Microelectromechanical Systems; Microseparations, solvent-minimised Micro-extractions

Level: 5000

Modular Credits: 6 MC

Mode(s) of teaching and learning:

• Materials Chemistry and Engineering (Lecture):
  30 hours of lectures + 15 hours of tutorials, arranged as a block course of 5 weeks duration
• Materials Chemistry and Engineering (Practical):
  1 week (40 h) of practical work, 8 hours per day (Monday to Friday)

To be offered with effect from: Sem 1 from AY 2002/03

Maximum Class Size: 40

Prerequisites:

For regular students: Permission to the MSc programme in Industrial Chemistry
For professionals (advanced training): Agreement with GIST

Assessment:

Continuous assessment (CA) in the form of tests, quizzes and practicals will comprise up to 60% of the marks for the given module with the final examination taking up the remainder

Module Code and Title: CM5105 Basics in Chemical Business Administration
Cross Listing: NA

Brief Module Description for Handbook/Prospectus:

1 What are the learning objectives?

The student learns in this module the basic aspects of industrial business. He recognizes that the economical success of chemical companies requires much more than excellent research and development. The complex challenges for the globally acting chemical industry are included in this module as well.

2 What are the major topics covered?

• Finance (Financial information, financial analysis and understanding financial accounting statements);
• Marketing (marketing analysis and marketing strategies as communications, distribution channel pricing, product and quality policy)
• Supply Chain Management (operation capabilities, process design, logistics and service operations);
• Organisational Behaviour (interpersonal relationship, conflict analysis and development of organisations)

3 Who are the target students?

• Chemistry and Chemical Engineering students accepted in the joint TUM-NUS M.Sc. programme in Industrial Chemistry
• Professionals from Chemical Industry seeking for advanced training in Chemical Business Administration

Syllabus:

Finance (Financial information, financial analysis and understanding financial accounting statements); Marketing (marketing analysis and marketing strategies as communications, distribution channel pricing, product and quality policy) Supply Chain Management (operation capabilities, process design, logistics and service operations); Organisational Behaviour (interpersonal relationship, conflict analysis and development of organisations)

Level: 5000

Modular Credits: 4 MC

Mode(s) of teaching and learning:

• Chemical Business Administration (Lecture):
  30 hours of lectures + 15 hours of tutorials, arranged as a block course of 5 weeks duration
• No Practical is offered for this module

To be offered with effect from: Sem 1 from AY 2002/03

Maximum Class Size: 40

Prerequisites:

For regular students: Permission to the MSc programme in Industrial Chemistry
For professionals (advanced training): Agreement with GIST

Assessment:

Continuous assessment (CA) in the form of tests, assignments and quizzes will comprise up to 60% of the marks for the given module with the final examination taking up the remainder.