10 Good Reasons why you should study at SPMS
| 1 | You want a 3- to 4-year direct Honours programme? Then SPMS is for you. Ours is the only 3- to 4-year direct Honours programme in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Physical Sciences in Singapore. It's a selective programme where ABB and above grades at A-level, or equivalent, are preferred. |
| 2 | You are determined to develop strong skills in reasoning and (quantitative and qualitative) problem solving? These skills are best developed through the Science and Mathematics courses at SPMS. Employers look for and value such skills, and candidates with such skills progress faster in any organization. |
| 3 | You seek to learn actively through inquiry-based learning, extensive problem-solving, small class discussions, open-ended research projects and the like? SPMS will challenge you, draw out your inquisitiveness, maximize your learning opportunities, and turn you into an independent life-long learner. You will also learn to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. These generic skills are valued by employers. SPMS will develop these skills within the majors as well as through required courses in writing and communication. |
| 4 | You want to avoid over-specialization? The careers of the future and the working environment are ever-changing and unpredictable. Adaptability is important. A shot-gun approach of a broader education will better prepare you for the future. In addition to courses within SPMS, you will also be enriched by the humanities, social sciences and business and management courses, which form part of your graduation requirements. A balance between useful, practical courses and "soft courses" to develop cultural interests and understanding of people, the world and its institutions is important in this age of globalization. |
| 5 | You want design and engineering? The major in Chemistry offered by the Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry is today viewed as Molecular Design and Engineering. The curriculum in Chemistry follows the rigorous American Chemical Society guidelines for accredited chemistry programmes to educate professional Chemists. |
| 6 | You want experimental work with modern devices, instruments and technology? The major in Physics offered by the Division of Physics and Applied Physics will cover the core theories and laws of nature and demonstrate how Science advances technology through laboratory and project work - a direction known as Engineering Physics. Physics is closely intertwined with Engineering and technology; through Physics we learn principles that apply to DNA, nanotechnology, lasers, compact disc players, global positioning, mobile phone, tsunamis, and even financial instruments. Wall Street loves Physicists; so should Shenton Way. |
| 7 | You love the theoretical Sciences? The major in Mathematics offered by the Division of Mathematical Sciences offers a good mix of fundamental, as well as the applied, computational, and the industrial aspects of Mathematics and Statistics. Computation/simulation has emerged as the third paradigm for discovery in the Sciences, after theory and experimentation, and the Mathematical Sciences, coupled with Chemistry, Physics and Computing, provide the foundation for Computational Science which is best pursued via project work at the upper undergraduate and graduate levels. Like Physics, the Mathematical Sciences provide you with strong fundamentals for a broad range of jobs in industry and commerce. Financial institutions, in particular, love graduates who are mathematically inclined to handle their complex financial instruments. |
| 8 | You are thinking of a career in teaching? The National Institute of Education (NIE) is right on NTU campus. You have the opportunity to read education-related Courses offered by NIE. A significant portion of the SPMS curriculum comprises a major in a discipline, with core and advanced Courses, and ancillary courses from disciplines connected to the major, and room for electives across a broad range of disciplines across the NTU campus that you can choose to develop yourself into a better educated person. You may even take a minor in education, just to see if teaching is right for you. |
| 9 | You want direct experience of problem-solving in industry, relevant to your future career through our semester-long industrial internship? Chemistry is a profession and Chemistry graduates can have a job title of “Chemist” in industry. However, like other disciplines, you will find Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics graduates in a variety of positions, and often carrying a title of some sort of “Engineer”! This is not surprising as Engineering is at its heart an applied Science. The semester-long industrial internship is particularly relevant for students who wish to join industry after graduation. The job opportunities for Science, Engineering, and Life Science graduates are the same today! |
| 10 | You are not sure if Science and Mathematics are right for you? Then look at a few prominent people in our midst. Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, majored in Mathematics. Dr Tony Tan, Deputy Prime Minister, majored in Physics. Ms Olivia Lum, former NMP and CEO of Hyflux Ltd, the water purification company, majored in Chemistry. |