The Core Curriculum at NUS

1
Welcome to the
Totally changed my attitude towards knowledge,
science and research .. Liang Yeong Cherng
Andreas Dewanto
SPS Coordinating Mentor
March 12, 2005
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Our Vision
To cultivate in each participant the attributes
and attitudes that underlie all human greatness
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Our Missions

• To cater to students who are passionate about
  science
• To introduce contemporary scientific concerns
  through interdisciplinary approach
• To provide an avenue for students to embark on
  scientific investigations and in-depth studies
• To allow students to closely interact with peers
  and mentors.

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Staffs Students in SPS
Mathematics
Probability Statistics
Biological Sciences
SPS
Physics
Chemistry
Pharmacy
Material Science
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SPSians

• Students ( 130)
• From all Departments in the FoS
• Yr 1 Yr 4

Student Mentors (13) Honours Graduate Students
Staff Mentors (5)
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The Programme

• Semester I of year 1- Induction Semester
• Semester II of year 1 - Discovering Science
  (SP2171)
• Semester I of year 2 - Investigating Science
  (SP2172)
• Semester II of year 2 onwards
• Independent Study (SP2173/SP3173)
• Research Project/UROPS (SP2174/SP3174)
• Semester I /or II of Year 3 Junior Mentorship
• Semester I II of Year 4 Senior Mentorship

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Induction Semester

• Activities designed to induce students into new
  modes
• of learning and culture of science
• Orientation Activities
• Literature Review
• Scientific Seminars
• Laboratory Visits Outings
• Speech-craft Workshop
• Linux courses

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Discovering Science (SP2171)

• Series of seminars conducted on a theme that
  straddles several scientific disciplines.
• The theme - largely determined by the interests
  of the students and the team of instructors.
• Examples of Themes
• Atoms to Matter / Matter to Materials
• Neuroscience
• Mars
• Energy
• Symmetry/Patterns, Rhythm Size
• Information Communication
• Life Growth

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Investigating Science (SP2172)
The projects are usually closely related to the
theme of SP2171 Students from
several disciplines get to work in small groups.
This module lays the foundation for further
work in experimental science.

• Some Examples
• Building Lasers
• Kirlian Photography
• The Investigation of Whether Laser Energy
  Increases
• the Effectiveness of Large Drugs on Cell Death
• Aerodynamics of Rocket Bodies
• Lasers in the Study of Fluorescence in
  Chlorophyll
• and the Implications on Photosynthesis

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Independent Study Module (SP2173/3173)

• Covers an in-depth exploration of a chosen area
  of
• specialization in science.
• Rides on an existing module offered by a
  department.
• Allows students to designed new modules
• Students propose an independent study plan

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Some Attributes of SP2174/3174

• Offers a unique opportunity to work with one or
  more
• scientist in specific area of study
• Engage actively in research, discussions
  intellectual
• communications
• Experience an intellectual process of inquiry
  
• creative thinking
• Experience the exhilaration of discovery and
  invention
• Acquire the skills of communication and
  presentation

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Interactive student-mentor discussion
Dont forget to submit your report next week,
gals!!
Seminar!! Seminar!!
Now, I understand ?!!
Hmmm SPS seminar is always the best!!!
Peer-learning, the best way of learning
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Visit by Prof. D. Osheroff, Physics Nobel
Laureate 1996
Chit chat with Prof. G. Thooft, Physics Nobel
Laureate 1999
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Mens Sana in Corpore Sano
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Outing to Marina Bay
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Summary

• Close-knit community of students who study, play
• and develop their intellectual capabilities
• Flexibility in designing course of study through
• independent study, research projects, etc...
• Attain both breadth depth within a discipline

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and what do some of our students alumni have
to say?
To me, SPS was a very significant turning point
in my undergraduate studies SPS was the perfect
MEETING PLACE where students from different
disciplines meet together to exchange ideas
Tan Kim Chuan
"Never let school interfere with your Education".
This is what SPS truly meant to me through the
years. It gave me an opprotunity to come together
with people and discuss ideas and not just under
the pretense of a group project, but out of mere
interest. In the insanity of this grades oriented
curriculum where it is seldom you find people
take courses for interest, it provided a respite.
It was just loads of fun! Got to meet lots of
crazy people, do insane things and propose whacky
research ideas." Shruti Kapoor
I think I have gained an appreciation for
research level work through various interactions
with staff and mentors of SPS. I also enjoy the
social culture of inquiry and active learning.
Ng E-Jay