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Course Overview

Are you passionate about science, but need more time and opportunities to dip your toes into the various science disciplines before making your choice? The Common Science Programme allows you to explore your interests and aptitude through a broad-based curriculum over two semesters.  This provides a glimpse into the different disciplines offered by the School of Applied Science.

 

To help you further make an informed decision, you will get to participate in education and career guidance (ECG) activities, such as course sharing by lecturers, students and alumni, industry talks and visits, structured reflections, and course counselling sessions.

 

By the end of this one-year programme, you will be well-equipped to pursue one of the following School of Applied Science diploma courses for the next two years of your study:

 

T33 Chemical Engineering

T26 Food, Nutrition and Culinary Science

T64 Medical Biotechnology

T25 Pharmaceutical Science

T45 Veterinary Technology

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission, applicants must obtain 26 points or better for the net ELR2B2 aggregate score (i.e. English Language, 2 relevant subjects and best 2 other subjects, including CCA Bonus Points) and meet the minimum entry requirements of this course. CCA cannot be used to meet the minimum entry requirements.

Subject
Grade

English Language (EL1)*

1-7

Mathematics (E or A)

1-6

Any one of the following subjects

  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Food & Nutrition / Nutrition & Food Science
  • Physics
  • Science (Chemistry , Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry)
1-6
2024 Planned Intake
110
Net ELR2B2 aggregate range (2024 JAE)
7 - 11

* Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)/ Unified Examination Chinese (UEC) holders must have a minimum of grade 6 for the relevant English Language subject (e.g. Bahasa Inggeris).

Admissions Exercises

What You'll Learn

Build a firm foundation in a wide array of science disciplines through subjects that deliver fundamental concepts, as well as subjects that help to enhance digital literacy, build competencies in laboratory risk assessments, and offer multidisciplinary perspectives on sustainability development.

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
AMA1003 Mathematics for Applied Science

This subject covers algebra, differentiation, integration and their applications in applied science contexts.

3
APH1004 Laboratory & Workplace Safety

This subject covers an introduction to Good Laboratory Practice, and the identification and classification of biological, chemical, physical and ergonomic hazards at the workplace and laboratories. It also involves the conduct of risk assessment, risk controls and monitoring as well as communication of these risks to all persons involved in compliance with the Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations.

3
AMB1005 Basic Microbiology

This subject investigates the important fundamentals of microbiology and its relevance to the food, biomedical and biotechnology industries. It covers the types of microorganisms, their cultivation and growth as well as their control.

4
AMA1009 Digitalisation in Applied Science

This subject covers the basic concept of data analytics as well as the processes of data cleaning, processing and visualisation of data in the contexts of applied science. Basic coding and fundamental computational thinking constructs such as variables, data type and logic will also be addressed.

2
ACH1009 Principles of Inorganic & Physical Chemistry 1

This subject covers the basic theory and practical knowledge of inorganic and physical chemistry. Topics include fundamentals of chemistry, atomic structure and chemical bonding, stoichiometry and equilibria concepts of a chemical reaction.

4
AMA1004 Statistics for Applied Science

This subject provides you with the basic statistical techniques that are essential for your course of study. Topics covered include basic probability and distributions, basic statistics, sampling distribution, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance and chi-square testing.

3
AMT1004 Cell Biology & Biochemistry

This subject introduces the biology of cells and the structure-function relationship of cells, cellular membranes and organelles. It covers basic concepts of organic chemistry and the structure-property relationship of essential biomolecules. Basic laboratory skills involving the study of cell structures with the use of cell staining and microscopy techniques, as well as basic biochemical analysis will also be introduced.

5
ANT1005 Nutrition & Health

This subject examines the relationship between food, nutrition and health. It provides an introduction to macro- and micro- nutrients in relation to the well-being of the human body. It covers food sources of these nutrients and their interrelationships as well as the use of basic nutritional tools like My Healthy Plate, food composition tables and online nutritional databases for basic nutritional analysis.

3

You will also take this set of subjects that equips you with the crucial 21st-Century life skills you need to navigate the modern world as an agile, forward-thinking individual and team player.

Subject Code Subject Credit Units
ATX1001 Effective Communication

This subject introduces the fundamentals of effective communication. It also covers how to communicate with and convince an audience through writing and speaking tasks. The skills in this subject will include the application of strategies for communication, appropriate vocabulary, language features, visual aids, tone and style. The Message, Audience, Purpose and Strategy (MAPS) framework will also be applied when planning and engaging in written and verbal communication.​ There will be opportunities to communicate and collaborate through active learning activities, apply digital and information literacy skills and build competence through self-directed learning.

3
GTP1301 Current Issues & Critical Thinking

This subject covers current issues, including diverse local and global concerns, that will impact lives and may have critical implications for Singapore. There will be opportunities to build competence through self-directed learning, communicate and collaborate in active discussions and objectively analyse issues using digital and information literacy skills and critical thinking scaffolds.

3
GTP1101 Leadership Fundamentals

This subject focuses on self-leadership based on the values of integrity, respect, and responsibility. Increasing awareness of self and others will lay the foundations for personal and relationship effectiveness. Consequential thinking, clear articulation of personal values and visions, emphatic listening, and collaboration in serving others are some of the essential skills covered in this leadership journey. There will be opportunities to build and to apply the concepts of being a values-centred leader.

2
GTP1201 Career Readiness

This subject focuses on personal management skills. It develops an understanding of one’s career interests, values, personality and skills for career success. It covers the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to succeed in the workplace and achieve professional goals. There will be exposure to apply digital and information literacy skills, build competence through self-directed learning methods, and acquire the skills of being a lifelong learner.

1
INV1001 Innovation & Entrepreneurship

The subject is designed for learners from all disciplines to embrace innovation in either their specialised field or beyond.  Learners will be taught to apply the Design Thinking framework to develop problem statements, ideate and identify feasible solutions. Learners will be exposed to several tools for prototyping. In addition, commercial awareness will be imbued in learners through various innovation and entrepreneurship concepts or tools. This subject also prepares students to be self-directed lifelong learners who are digital and information literate. It nurtures communicative and collaborative citizens who can use objective analysis in problem-solving.

2
LSW1002 Sports & Wellness

This subject reinforces the fundamental knowledge learnt on health, fitness, exercise and sports. Hands-in time will be allocated for a greater variety of fitness exercises and sports skills in a recreation setting. In addition, theoretical knowledge such as sports safety and risk management when participating in physical activities will be introduced. Guidance will be provided for improvement of physical fitness, acquiring of sports skills and relating theoretical knowledge to the physical activities.

2
TGS1002 Global Studies

This subject provides essential skills and knowledge to prepare students for an overseas experience. They will examine the elements of culture and learn the key principles of cross-cultural communication. In addition, they will gain an appreciation and awareness of the political, economic, technological and social landscape to function effectively in a global environment. The subject prepares students to be responsible global citizens and leaders who can contribute to the global community through effective communication and collaboration.

3
TGS1001 Sustainability & Climate Action*

This subject prepares students to be responsible global citizens and future leaders who can contribute to the global community.  It introduces the topics of sustainability and explores how human societies can act to build a sustainable future. This subject focuses on the impact of climate change, potential solutions to climate change, and the future of the green economy from global and local perspectives.

3
GTP1302 Guided Learning*

The subject introduces students to the concepts and process of self-directed learning in a chosen area of inquiry. The process focusses on four stages: planning, performing, monitoring and reflecting. Students get to plan their individual learning project, refine and execute the learning plan, as well as monitor and reflect on their learning progress and project. The learning will be captured and showcased through a curated portfolio. The self-directed learning project will broaden and/or deepen a student’s knowledge and skills. Students will enhance their problem solving and digital literacy skills through this subject.

3

* Students must choose to take either Sustainability & Climate Action or Guided Learning.


Graduation Requirements

All students who enrol through this common programme will graduate with the same diploma as those who had joined a particular diploma right from the start.  They will be subject to the graduation requirements of the respective diplomas into which they have been streamed.

 

Please refer to the respective diploma websites for more information:

 

Career Prospects

Depending on which diploma course you choose to specialise in after your first year, you will find excellent job prospects in areas such as 

Course Fees

PET Course Fee

Main

The table below shows the total subsidised fees (inclusive of GST) payable. 

ADMITTED INSINGAPOREANS
(Age below 40 in the year 2021) 
SINGAPORE PERMANENT RESIDENTSINTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
2023S$3,086.50S$6,317.10S$12,042.20
2022S$3,076.05S$6,306.50S$11,638.20

 

WHEN DO I PAY?

There are 2 semesters in each Academic YEAR (AY). The billing periods for AY 2023/2024 are:
Semester 1:  17 April 2023 – 15 October 2023 
Semester 2:  16 October 2023 – 14 April 2024

Fees are billed and payable by semester. They are usually payable in June for Semester 1 and December for Semester 2.

MORE DETAILS ON FEES AND FINANCE

View course fees for other intakes, subsidies, grants, bursary and awards at the Fees & Financial matters section. 

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FAQs

What is this programme about?

What is this programme about?

The Common Science Programme is for students who are passionate about pursuing a career in an applied science discipline but are undecided on which discipline to pursue at the admission exercises. CSP provides more time and opportunities to experience the modules from the various science disciplines before making their choices. It allows students to explore their interests and aptitude through a broad-based curriculum over two semesters that provides a glimpse into the different disciplines offered by the School of Applied Science. The broad-based curriculum also forms a strong foundation in the science disciplines and provide flexibility for CSP students to pursue one of the five diploma courses after their first year.

To help them further make an informed decision, CSP students will get to participate in education and career guidance (ECG) activities, such as course sharing by lecturers, students and alumni, industry talks and visits, structured reflections, and course counselling sessions.

By the end of this one-year programme, students will be well-equipped to pursue one of the five School of Applied Science diploma courses for the next two years of study.

How is TP Common Science Programme different from the common science programmes offered by the other polytechnics?

How is TP Common Science Programme different from the common science programmes offered by the other polytechnics?

Students in the Common Science Programme will take subjects that equip them with the crucial 21st-Century life skills that they need to navigate the modern world as an agile, forward-thinking individual and team player.

This programme is uniquely diverse and comprehensive.  In addition to subjects in the basic sciences, mathematics and laboratory safety, it also offers subjects in digitalisation, nutrition and health, and statistics. These subjects equip students with skills and knowledge that prepare students for their diploma-specific subjects and industry, regardless of which diploma they choose to stream into after Year 1.

In TP School of Applied Science, CSP students will steam into any one of the five courses offered by the school at the end of Year 1, Semester 2.

Does CSP accept applicants through PFP, JPAE, DAE, EAE, EAE-ITE, EAE-WA?

Does CSP accept applicants through PFP, JPAE, DAE, EAE, EAE-ITE, EAE-WA?

Yes. CSP is offered for these admission exercises, just like the five diploma courses offered by the School of Applied Science.

How will CSP students be streamed into one of the five diploma courses at the end of Year 1?

How will CSP students be streamed into one of the five diploma courses at the end of Year 1?

There will be a streaming exercise at the end of Year 1, Semester 2. CSP students will be able to indicate their choice of diploma course ranked in order of their preference. Students will be streamed based on their preferred course ranking, as well as their overall performance and participation in the relevant ECG activities in Year 1.

The number of CSP students streamed into each of the five diploma courses will vary from year to year, depending on factors such as course demand and course intake numbers.

My ELR2B2 aggregate score does not meet the cut-off point of my preferred School of Applied Science diploma course. Will I stand a better chance if I apply for admission into CSP during the admission exercise, then select my preferred diploma course during streaming at the end of Year 1?

My ELR2B2 aggregate score does not meet the cut-off point of my preferred School of Applied Science diploma course. Will I stand a better chance if I apply for admission into CSP during the admission exercise, then select my preferred diploma course during streaming at the end of Year 1?

During the admission exercises, applicants are advised to select courses based on their ELR2B2 aggregate score, their aptitudes and interests, and other considerations such as post-diploma career or educational plans.

There is no guarantee that a CSP student will get into their preferred choice of diploma course during the streaming exercise at the end of Year 1. The Common Science Programme will benefit applicants who are certain that they would like to pursue an applied science discipline at the diploma level, but are undecided between two or more of the diploma courses offered by the School of Applied Science.

Because CSP students may not necessarily get streamed into the diploma course of choice at the end of Year 1, it is beneficial for CSP students to maintain an open mind and be receptive towards more than just their preferred choice of diploma course.

Will CSP students be disadvantaged compared to their peers who entered one of the five diploma courses from Year 1?

Will CSP students be disadvantaged compared to their peers who entered one of the five diploma courses from Year 1?

No, CSP students will not be disadvantaged. CSP students take the same subjects as Year 1 students who enter any one of the five diploma courses. In the School of Applied Science, all Year 1 students take a common suite of subjects, regardless of which course they are in, including CSP.

Compared to their peers who gain admission into one the five diploma courses from Year 1, CSP students will benefit from the opportunities to take part in variety of ECG activities offered by the five diploma courses in Year 1.

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