Curriculum
1. What is the difference between GER PE and UE ?
Information on GER PE (General Education Requirement Prescribed Electives) can be found from here. UE (Unrestricted Electives) are all other electives offered by schools all over NTU, which may also include language electives, NIE Courses and minor Courses.
2. What are GER Core ? Is it compulsory to take them ?
As the name suggests, core courses are compulsory to be taken. All students in SPMS are to do the following GER Core : HW102A The Art of Academic Writing (3 AU, taken in Sem 2 Year 2), HW111A Mastering Communication (3 AU, taken in Sem 2 Year 1), MPS811 Defence Science (3 AU, taken in Sem 2 Year 2), MPS812 Entrepreneurship (3 AU, taken in Sem 2 Year 2 and Year 3 Sem 1).
3. I have so many AUs of UE to clear, I don’t think I can clear it within 3 years.
It is not necessary to clear GER PE and UE requirement within the first three years of study, but students are encouraged to clear them as soon as possible to allow for a better focus in the final year.
4. Can I take more than 144 AU during my study ?
Yes, only if you have not completed all the graduation requirement and only for UE. You have to appeal for UE overload and appeal is reviewed on case by case basis.
5. I don’t like to do so many GER PE (AHSS). Can I choose to do more GER PE (STS) or GER PE (BM) ?
No, GER requirement is set by the University and all students regardless of their Programmes will have the same requirement.
6. When will I choose my track in MATH/PHY Programme ?
MATH students will choose their tracks in Sem 1 Year 2, prior to the courses registration for the following semester. PHY students will choose their tracks in Sem 2 Year 1, prior to the courses registration for the following semester.
7. After I have chosen the track, can I change later on ?
Yes, just write in to spmsundgrad@ntu.edu.sg. Please note that changing track carries a risk of delaying graduation due to different graduation requirement, especially when it is done at a later stage.
8. What must I do in order to get into Accelerated Bachelor Programme (ABP)?
This programme is strictly by invitation. If you are eligible, you will receive an invitation from the School via email. Thus it is crucial to keep your mailbox clear and check regularly. Please view website for more details on eligibility. http://www.spms.ntu.edu.sg/CurrentUndergraduate/UndergradABP.html
9. If I fulfill my graduation requirement in 3 and a half years and I am not under ABP, will I be charged for the final semester?
Tuition fees are chargeable on semester basis hence you will not be charged for any tuition fees after the semester you are graduating.
10. How do I know whether I have fulfill my graduation requirement?
You should check from time to time the courses you have taken from this website. http://www.spms.ntu.edu.sg/CurrentUndergraduate/CourseRegSem2AY0809.html
Registration of Courses
1. When is the registration of courses period ?
Registration of courses period will usually be around June/July for Semester 1 and around December for Semester 2.
The add/drop period is on the first two weeks of school.
The registration system, STARS, will only be opened to students on these two periods.
2. Do I need to do registration of courses if I’m a freshman ?
No, you should have obtained a timetable when you matriculate online. Nevertheless, you will still need to do add/drop as necessary. If you did not obtain any timetable when you matriculate online, please write to spmsundgrad@ntu.edu.sg.
3. How do I do the add/drop period ?
Log in to STARS from Studentlink. It is not recommended to use STARS Planner during the add/drop period. In STARS, there are options to add Courses, drop Courses, change index numbers, swap index numbers, check/print Courses registered.
4. I lost my STARS PIN. What should I do ?
You may contact CITS Helpdesk, helpdesk@ntu.edu.sg, for assistance. Alternatively, you can go down personally to the CITS Helpdesk counter at NS4-02-21.
5. Could you advise me on how to do registration of courses ?
Please refer to the guide to registration of courses which can also be found from STARS. STARS is accessible from the Studentlink (http://www.ntu.edu.sg/studentlink/). You are strongly advised to follow the step by step guide as missing a step will often put you at a disadvantage.
6. I have registered XYZ123 but it’s not reflected in my edveNTUre. Please add it for me.
Please contact Blackboard helpdesk, bb-help@ntu.edu.sg, for assistance. You are reminded to check from the STARS and not edveNTUre for the courses that you have successfully registered.
7. I have registered XYZ123 as GER PE and I want to change it to UE (or any other course types). How can I do it ?
If the course is taken in the current semester and it is still within the add/drop period, you can do it yourself by dropping and adding back through STARS. Remember to choose the right course type when you add back.
If the course is taken in the current semester and it is past the add/drop period, you may inform spmsundgrad@ntu.edu.sg with your matric number.
If the course was taken in the past semesters, you may send your request to spmsundgrad@ntu.edu.sg with your matric number and reason to change. The request will be considered on case-by-case basis.
8. What is the minimum load, normal load and overload ?
Under the modular system, students have the freedom to determine their own pace in finishing the Programme hence there is no minimum load.
Normal load = 18 AU per semester
Maximum auto overload = 24 AU per semester
9. How can I do more than the maximum auto overload ?
You can obtain the overload appeal form from the General Offices. All appeals will be considered on case-by-case basis.
10. I can’t register XYZ123 offered by other school. Could you help me ?
You will need to contact the respective schools as they might have imposed certain policies with regards to their courses offered.
11. When and how do I register MPS812?
SPMS will inform the students before the registration period opens.
12. What happens if I miss the registration period for MPS812?
You may register the next time when it is offered again, or you may send your request to SPMSUndgrad@ntu.edu.sg . Approval is based on case-to-case basis.
13. Am I able to change group or drop MPS812 after I have registered?
No, unless for a valid reason. You may send your request to SPMSUndgrad@ntu.edu.sg, otherwise you may carry the penalty of graded ‘F’.
14. What happens if I am left with 1 AU of my UE and I want to take up a UE with 3AUs? Do I need to apply for overload?
As long as your UE in balance is not zero, you may register for another UE regardless of the AU. Once your AU from UE has reached a balance of 0, then you will need to apply for UE overload if you wish to take another UE.
15. Can we take both Special Term I and Special Term II during the holidays and if there is any fees for taking both of them?
As of the year 2009, fees are charged for some courses. And you may take up to 2 courses in the 2 special terms combined, subject to availability of vacancies. http://www.ntu.edu.sg/Services/Academic/undergraduates/Pages/fees.aspx
16. May I S/U Major PE for Year 4 courses?
No. You are not allowed to S/U Major PE regardless of which year’s courses. http://www.spms.ntu.edu.sg/CurrentUndergraduate/UndergradSUOption.html
17. Will my Concentration and Minor appear on my Transcript and Certificate?
Minor will appear on Transcript but not on your Degree Certificate. Concentration will neither appear in Transcript nor Degree Certificate. It is just for your knowledge.
18. If I fail the course I take the first time, can I S/U it when I retake it?
Unfortunately, you are unable to. Once a course has been placed under S/U option, the repeat attempt of the same course will also fall under the S/U option. Similarly, once a course has NOT been placed under the S/U option, the repeat attempt(s) of the same course will also NOT fall under the S/U option.
19. If I failed a course which I have opted under the S/U option for the first time, and passed on the repeated attempt, will it replace my previous grade?
No. Both the pass and fail attempts (regardless of U or F) will appear in your transcript.
20. Does the school allow student to register for both internship and special term courses?
Students should register for either special term courses OR internship and NOT both.
21. How may we know which study year to follow for our registration period?
You are to use the schedule of registration study year to register your courses. Eg. If you are study year 2 (time and date to register is 1 Jan 1330 - 1630, but your registration study year states 3 (2 Jan 1330 – 1630), you register year 2 courses on 2 Jan 1330-1630.
22. In STARS, when I see 3 course types. One is C – Core, two is P – Prescribed electives. Then what is ‘G’?
‘G’ – General Electives = ‘UE’ – Unrestrictive electives.
23. I ran out of Au for UE. What must I do in order to be able to register for the special term courses?
UE overload application is not applicable for Special Terms. Students should refrain from taking up extra courses unnecessarily, in particular for research courses which is usually more cost-demanding compared to coursework courses. However, if there are plenty of openings for the research course itself, students can still be allowed to participate in the research course, subject to the Division approval.
Examinations
1. Can I use graphic calculator for examinations ?
The list of approved calculators can be found from here. Calculators are to be sealed during the prescribed period before they can be used in the examinations.
2. What are the rules of using calculators in examinations ?
The regulation in using calculators can be found from here
3. I was sick on my exam day. What should I do ?
Please refer to the Administrative Services section.
4. Can you please provide me with another examination as I was under medical leave/leave of absence on my examination day ?
The University does not provide any supplementary examinations for students who missed an examination for whatsoever reason. When a repeat course is not offered for a final year student, the student may be permitted to take the course as a restricted repeat so that the graduation will not be delayed. Restricted repeat may only be granted for students who will otherwise have to delay their graduation if they could not clear the missed examination on the current semester.
Grading
1. What are the grades computed for GPA ?
All grades except non-letter grades are computed for GPA. Non-letter grades include EX (Exempted), P (Pass) or F (Failed), S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory), IP (In Progress), I (Illness/Approved Medical Leave), LOA (Approved Leave of Absence).
2. I took more than 144 AU because I overloaded my UE requirement. Can I select the best 144 AU for the CGPA computation ?
CGPA will be computed from ALL Programmes attempted, including failed and repeat attempts.
3. I accepted some exemptions before but I want to cancel them and take the modules.
Exemptions that have been accepted on the signed reply form are irrevocable.
Administrative Services
1. I need to defer my reservist training/apply for bursaries/etc etc, can I have a letter to certify my student status ?
You can come down personally to the Office of Academic Services (Student Services Center, Level 1) to request for certification letter. Alternatively, you can also request online from Studentlink.
2. How do I apply for long leave of absence (more than 1 semester) ?
You will have to write-in officially to the Office of Academic Services. Students who applied leave after the first two weeks of school are required to pay full tuition fees for that semester.
3. I was sick…… What should I do with my MC ?
Please submit the original MC to the General Office (SPMS Chair's Office Level 4) if you missed any classes that have assessment components or compulsory attendance. Please notify us if you also missed any quizzes/tests that are conducted during your MC period. MC must be submitted within 7 working days. Failure to do so will result on zero mark awarded to any assessment components missed. (MC from Traditional Chinese Medicine is not accepted in the University)
4. I have just lost an immediate family……
Valid leave of absence on compassionate grounds in the event of the demise of an immediate family (parents, siblings and grandparents ONLY) may be given within 7 days of the event and on the day of the funeral. Please inform the School with a supporting document (death certificate, etc.).
5. I was sick on my exam day. What should I do ?
When a student is absent from an examination, on account of illness, a Medical Report and an MC must be submitted to the Office of Academic Services within 48 hours. The Medical Report form must be taken to the medical practitioner and it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the report is dully completed by the practitioner and that it reaches the OAS within 48 hours. Due consideration cannot be expected from the Dean concerned if the medical report is not received on time.
6. Where do I submit my MC and when should I submit and who do I look for?
You are to submit your original MC to the General Office within 7 working days. The MC submission form can be obtained from the General Office. The form must be duly completed to accompany the MC.
Matriculation
1. I have done online matriculation and my timetable showed only a few modules registered ?
CHEM : You will be allocated MAS181, PAP181 and CBC121 yourselves during the add/drop period. You may drop CBC811 if you feel that your load is too heavy. Please drop PAP181 if you have accepted the exemption for PAP111.
MATH : You can register electives during add/drop period.
MAEC : You can register electives during add/drop period.
PHY : You will be allocated MAS181 and CBC111.
Please refer to the guide to registration of Courses from STARS.
2. I failed QET… What should I do ?
You have to take HW001 English Proficiency, the classes are mostly on Wednesday afternoon. Any electives clash with HW001 should be dropped.
3. Did my reply form reach the School ? I have been exempted from some of the modules but it’s still in my timetable after I matriculated.
Courses that you are exempted from have to be dropped during the add/drop period. The summary of exemptions will be posted outside the General Offices.
4. I have missed the collection of matriculation card period.
You may collect your matriculation cards at the Office of Academic Services (Student Services Centre, Level 1). If your matriculation cards were sent back for amendments, you will have to collect them there as well.