The School of Applied Science is responsible for developing and delivering diploma programmes that emphasise the practical applications of science in the industry. Currently, the School offers five full-time diploma courses and one common entry programme for ITE, GCE “O” and “A” level qualification holders. The School’s role is to ensure that graduates are well equipped with the relevant technical knowledge and skills required by industry, and are able to work both independently and effectively as part of a team.

All courses place strong emphasis on the development of problem solving, communication and teamwork skills. Students are given opportunities to demonstrate creativity and critical thinking through project-based assignments and final year projects. To ensure continued relevance to industry needs, the School works closely with industry partners in curriculum design and review. In addition, students gain first-hand industry experience through attachments with various business and industrial organizations under the Student Internship Programmes.

Links to 6 courses:

Common Science Programme

Diploma in Chemical Engineering

Diploma in Food, Nutrition and Culinary Science

Diploma in Medical Biotechnology 

Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science 

Diploma in Veterinary Technology

Lectures

The School of Applied Science adopts a flipped learning approach, where lectures are designed to introduce core concepts and provide foundational knowledge for each subject. Lectures are primarily delivered asynchronously through e-recordings, which are made available on the Learning Management System (LMS) for students’ self-directed learning. Where appropriate, lectures may also be conducted synchronously online via Microsoft Teams or delivered in-person in lecture theatres. 

Tutorials

Tutorials are designed to reinforce and deepen students’ understanding of concepts covered in the lectures. Tutorial classes are typically conducted in groups of about 25 students. Where applicable, tutorial worksheets will be provided on the LMS one week in advance to allow students to prepare for the lesson. During tutorial sessions, students will engage in activities facilitated by their lecturers. Students may also be required to engage in group discussions and present their discussion findings or mini-projects to the class.

Laboratories

Laboratory sessions focus on developing practical techniques and skills relevant to each subject and are also conducted in groups of about 25 students. Students are expected to participate actively in hands-on activities, including experimental techniques, laboratory tests and project work, where applicable. All students must comply with laboratory rules and regulations and observe safety guidelines at all times while working in the laboratory.

Learning approaches

Students will experience a variety of learning approaches, such as:

• Applied learning, where theoretical concepts are connected to real-world practice and industry-relevant contexts;
• Experiential learning through hands-on activities such as laboratory work, projects and practical applications; and
• Interdisciplinary learning, where students integrate knowledge across different fields to better understand and solve complex problems.

Class Attendance & Punctuality

Students must satisfy a minimum of 85% attendance. Students who exceed the maximum number of non-attendance sessions could be given a Pass/Fail grade only. Students will be marked as ‘Late’ once they report beyond the stated start time of the lesson. Both ‘Late’ (‘L’) and ‘Absent’ (‘A’) records will be considered as non-attendance and counted towards the computation of attendance requirement for non-graded pass penalty.

Class Participation

Class participation is an important component of a student’s overall assessment in most subjects. It reflects a positive attitude towards learning, an inquiring and engaged mindset, and active involvement during classes. Students are expected to participate attentively in discussions, demonstrate preparedness by supporting their contributions with appropriate references, and present ideas clearly and concisely. This includes the ability to summarise findings, explain concepts coherently, and show initiative through supplementary reading that complements the lecture content.

Submission of Assignments

All assignments must be submitted by the stipulated deadlines. Late submissions will incur a penalty of 20% of the total marks for the assignment. Assignments submitted 6 or more working days after the deadline will receive zero “0” marks.

Students who have a valid MC/LOA that does not coincide with the assignment or project submission date are expected to adhere to the original submission deadline.

Absence from class

All leave is to be applied through the TP Online Student Services portal (services.tp.edu.sg).

To submit a Medical Certificate (MC): 

• Ensure that the MC is issued by a medical practitioner registered with the Singapore Medical Council.
• Submit the MC within two working days from the first day of the MC period, excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.
• Retain the original MC for at least six months, as it may be required for verification upon request by the School.
• Log into TP Online Student Services.
• Navigate to Attendance → Apply / Submit MC.
• On the MC Summary page, click Apply MC.
• Complete all required application details.
• Upload a clear and legible copy of the MC.
• Review the application to ensure that all information and submitted copy of the MC are accurate and clearly visible.
• Submit the MC and look out for the email confirmation of the submission.
• Check the MC Summary page and TP student email to track the status of the MC application.

Leave of Absence (LOA) may be requested for valid reasons, such as:

1. Bereavement of immediate family members, including spouse, parents, grandparents, siblings and children
2. Participation in approved international/national events or competitions
3. Civil emergencies such as floods or disruptions to the national transportation system
4. Special cases such as accidents are subject to special consideration on a case-by-case basis.

Where the reason for LOA is known beforehand, students must submit their application for LOA at least 3 weeks before the start of the leave period. Students who are unsure about the validity of their reason for applying for LOA should consult their Care Person or Course Chair for guidance before submitting an application. Students are also required to inform the relevant subject tutor(s) in advance of their intended absence. Students should retain the original supporting documents for at least six months.

To apply for LOA:

• Prepare the required supporting documents. Supporting documents should include the student’s name and, if applicable, the date and time of the event.
• Log in to TP Online Student Services.
• Navigate to Attendance → Apply / Submit LOA.
• On the LOA Summary page, click Apply LOA.
• Complete all required application details.
• Upload a clear and legible copy of the supporting documents.
• Review the application to ensure that all information and supporting documents are accurate and clearly visible.
• Submit the LOA application and look out for the email confirmation of the submission.
• Check the LOA Summary page and TP student email to track the status of the application.

Assessment Methods

The School employs a range of assessment methods to evaluate students’ learning. These include assignments, practical reports, laboratory skills assessments, oral presentations, project interviews and reports, quizzes, tests, and semestral examinations. These methods may be used individually or in combination to help lecturers assess students’ understanding more accurately.

Assessments also provide students with feedback to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, and to track their progress in each subject. In addition, they are used to determine students’ readiness to progress through the course, recognise outstanding performance through awards or honours, and confirm competency in specific areas of knowledge and practice.

Absence from tests

Students who are absent from tests due to extenuating circumstances may submit an MC or LOA application within two working days from the first day of the MC period. Where the reason for absence from the test is known beforehand, students must submit their application for leave of absence at least 3 weeks before the start of the LOA period.

Students whose appeals for absence from a test are approved will be required to sit for a Special Assessment for the affected test.  The mark obtained in the Special Assessment will be downgraded by ONE grade and it will take the place of that for the test.  The one-grade downgrade rule will not apply to approved absences due to hospitalization leave, contagious illnesses, bereavement of an immediate family member and representation in national or international event.

Credit Units

Every subject is assigned credit units (cu). These credit units are a measure of students’ workload and reflect the scheduled contact hours for a particular subject. In any subject, 1 credit unit is assigned 15 hours of work. Hence, if a subject were assigned 4 credit units, students taking the subject would have a 60-hour (15 x 4) workload.

Before the assigned credit units are awarded, students must have passed the subject assessments and fulfilled the required attendance at lessons.

In a semester, each student must take subjects that collectively award a minimum of 15 credit units and maximum of 26 credit units.

Letter Grades

The quality of students’ achievement in each subject is indicated by letter grades. Letter grades are assigned numeric grade values called ‘grade points’. The table below shows the grading system with the letter grades and their corresponding grade points. The grade points are used to calculate the Grade Point Average (GPA).

Grading System

Grade Point Average (GPA)

A student’s progress within a programme will be assessed based on the Grade Point Average (GPA). The GPA is a numerical indicator of academic standing and reflects a student’s overall academic performance in the course. Both Semester GPA and Cumulative GPA are computed. Grades for non-letter-graded subjects, as well as subjects for which a student has been granted exemption, are excluded from the GPA calculation.

Formula for calculating the GPA:

GPA   =  sum(credit units assigned to subject X subject grade point)
                     sum (credit units assigned to all subjects allocated)     

Repeating a subject

A student who fails a core subject on the first attempt is required to re‑take the subject when it is next offered. The student must attend all scheduled lessons and complete the required coursework in order to obtain a new subject grade. Failure to pass a core subject after two attempts will result in the removal from the course study. Students removed from their course of study can appeal for reinstatement (Student Services Digital - Home) and if granted, they will be placed on extended probation.

Number of Attempts Permitted for Re-Taking Subjects

A total of 2 attempts are allowed for each core subject. If a student fails to attain a pass within 2 attempts, he/she would be removed from the course.  For electives, student will not be allowed to choose the same elective again if he/she did not attain a pass within 2 attempts.

Eligibility Criteria for Taking Subjects at a Higher Level

Students must have completed the required credit units for subjects at a lower level before they can proceed to take corresponding subjects at a higher level.

For example:

•  To be eligible for a Level 2 subject in his diploma of study, a student must have completed at least 20 credit units. These include credit units from corresponding prerequisite Level 1 subjects.
•  To be eligible for a Level 3 subject in his diploma of study, a student must have completed at least 60 credit units. These include credit units from corresponding prerequisite Level 1 and Level 2 subjects.

Reduced modular load

Students who require additional support in managing their academic workload may apply for a reduced modular load. This arrangement allows students to take fewer modules within a semester, helping them better cope with academic demands while maintaining their well-being. Applications are subject to approval and may be granted based on individual circumstances. Students are encouraged to consult their Course Manager or Care Persons for guidance before applying.

Criteria for removal from course of study

Students may be recommended to the Board of Examiners for removal from their course of study based under any of the following conditions: 

• Failure to pass a core subject or a required diploma elective subject after two attempts.
• Attainment of a Cumulative GPA of less than 1.0 for three consecutive semesters.
• Failure to fulfil the graduation requirements within ten semesters of study.

Lab safety should be a constant concern to everyone in the lab.  The following rules should also be observed at all times:

1.  Do not wait along the corridor or enter the laboratory unless authorized.
   
   
2. Leave all bags and files, except your laboratory manual and your pencil case, in the pigeon holes.  Do not overcrowd your workbench as this may cause accidents. Valuables such as your wallet should not be left unattended.
   
   
3. Laboratory coats should be worn at all times in the laboratories.  Students without lab  coats and proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are not allowed to conduct lab work in the laboratories.  Laboratory coats should not be worn outside the laboratories.  Students’ names should be sewn or written in permanent ink on    their laboratory coats for identification purposes.  Used lab coats should be kept in isolation or in a plastic bag to prevent cross contamination.
   
   
4. Note : Laboratory coats designated for food laboratories are not to be worn in any other laboratory.
   
   
5. Long hair must be tied up to prevent the hair from being caught in instruments or flames of Bunsen burner or from falling into chemicals.
   
   
6. Nails should be kept short and neat for hygiene and safety reasons.
   
   
7. During the first laboratory session, students should familiarise themselves with the locations of the first aid cabinets, eye wash, emergency shower, telephones, fire extinguishers and emergency exits and related lab rules and guidelines.
   
   
8. Make sure your work area is clean, dry and that all water, gas and electric supplies are turned off before you leave the laboratory.
   
   
9. Do not smoke, eat or drink in the laboratory.
   
   
10. Never work alone in the laboratory unless authorized to do so.
    
    
11. Students are liable for any breakage or damage to laboratory materials (glassware, equipment) due to their carelessness.  A maximum fine of $50 per item may be imposed.
    
    
12. Students are not allowed to remove any laboratory material or equipment from the laboratory unless authorised to do so.
    
    
13. Always practice good housekeeping and wash your hands before leaving the laboratory.
    
    
14. User shall approach staff i/c if he/she wants to know about the material or equipment that they are using in the lab by referring to laboratory operating manual and safety measures specific to that particular laboratory.
    
    
15. In the event of accident or injury, inform the staff on duty immediately or call the

      
       Emergency Hotline at:

       6780-5322, ASC General Office (during office hours)

       6780-5999, TP Fire Command Center (after Office hours)