Chemical Engineering aims to convert lab-developed physical and chemical processes into practical applications for the production of useful, high value-added products. These products include fuel, plastics, processed foods and pharmaceuticals. Chemical engineering is broader in scope than the other branches of engineering because it draws on the three main engineering foundations: math, physics, and chemistry - whereas the other branches are based on only the first two. The roles chemical engineers play include process and equipment design, productivity improvement, process and quality control, troubleshooting, process safety, energy conservation and waste treatment.

No. A basic knowledge in 'O' Level Combined Science will suffice. This diploma will build upon this knowledge by providing 6 modules of Chemistry subjects to establish a strong foundation. Furthermore the course also involves the use of problem solving skills and the application of systematic and logical reasoning.

Minimum Entry Requirements

* SPM/UEC holders must have a minimum of Grade 6 for their Bahasa Inggeris (Paper 122/Paper 322)/ Communication English or English Language (for UEC holders).

See also the minimum entry requirements for:

• ITE Certificate Holders
• International Students

The cut-off point for the Chemical Engineering course depends on demand for the course and quality of first choice applicants. The cut-off point is to be used a guide only as it may vary from year to year depending on the aggregate scores of the students applying for the course. The cut-off point is the aggregate of the last student admitted to the course and is generated by the computer after it has completed allocating a course to all the students who participated in the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE).

There are no colour restrictions for Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering diplomas; partial colour deficiency or total colour deficiency is acceptable.

The chemical industry is one of the pillars of Singapore’s economy. It is the largest manufacturing industry in Singapore in 2006. Moreover, salaries of technicians in the industry are usually in the top ten compared to other equivalent positions.

Graduates of the Chemical Engineering Diploma Programme may be employed in the following areas:

• Food manufacture
• Environmental engineering
• Petroleum refining
• Petrochemical and polymers
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Process and control instrumentation
• Project management
• Semiconductors
• Specialty chemicals

Currently, Singapore is the 3rd largest petrochemical complex in the world. Many multinational enterprises have made Singapore their regional operating and manufacturing base (e.g. Eastman, ExxonMobil, Shell and Sumitomo). Long-term prospects for the chemicals industry in Singapore remain bright. The reclamation of Jurong Island to house chemical companies, the setting up of the Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES) for intensive research and the huge investment to train chemical engineers in the Chemical Process Technology Centre (CPTC) present themselves as solid evidences of support from the government. This industry is not only here to stay but the long term prospects remain very bright.

The chemical industry is one of the safest environments to work in. The incident rate is lower than the overall average incident rate in Singapore. 5 out of 7 of the 2000 OSH Excellence Recipients were from the chemical industry.

Temasek Polytechnic Chemical Engineering Diploma programme provides students with an excellent technical grounding for further studies. Many of the top universities offer our graduates advanced standing. These overseas universities include:

• Curtin University
• Queensland University of Technology
• RMIT University
• University College of London
• University of New South Wales

Locally, graduates can also apply for admission to the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Science and Materials Engineering.

The Chemical Engineering Diploma course was developed with industry input on the skills needed by graduates to succeed in the workplace. Students admitted to the course can expect to receive a broad-based education in Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry and Engineering Mathematics in Levels 1 and 2. Electives at Level 3 include:

• Analytical Instrumentation
• Current Good Manufacturing Practice
• Introduction to Semiconductor Technology
• Membrane Separation
• Petrochemical Technology
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology
• Process Automation
• Process Technology
• Total Quality Management

• Hands-on Approach
  Students participate in hands-on laboratory work to gain practical experience in operating equipment.
• Visits to Industry
  Industrial visits and the Student Internship Program allow students to see how actual plant equipment work.
• Critical and Creative Thinking

We encourage our students to:

• Think critically
• Be creative
• Look at things from different points of view

"The teachers in the Chemical Engineering Diploma are really friendly and approachable people. Since I like Chemistry, this course is really interesting and challenging."

- Mustafa, 3rd Year student

"I chose Chemical Engineering because I like Chemistry. I think that working in a chemical plant would be more interesting than working in an office."

- Siti Adilah Aridin, 2nd Year student

"Chemical Engineering is the right career choice I made. As the government is encouraging growth in the chemical industry, there will be lots of great jobs available for us."

- Glenn Tham, 3rd Year student

"I like Chemical Engineering at TP because the labs and the practicality of the subjects taught make it very interesting and exciting."

- G. Dulmini Namalika De Silva, 2nd Year student

The Student Internship Program (SIP) is a period during which students are attached to various companies in the chemical industry to experience first hand the workings of the industry. During this period of attachment, students also work on their Final Year (or Major) Project. Students apply the knowledge learnt at the polytechnic in actual projects at their company.

"The SIP program has allowed me to gain invaluable experience, and also put into practice what I have learnt in the course."

- Joey Boh, 3rd Year student

• Research Opportunities
  During the term, students are offered the chance to participate in research projects that are spearheaded by the lecturers. These projects are aimed at solving existing issues faced by various industries.
• Overseas Experience
  The polytechnic offers students a chance to complete their student internship programme overseas. Through such an internship, the student will have the opportunity to experience and exchange different technological and problem solving methodologies and techniques as well as acquire a taste of various new cultures and independent living.
• Pilot Plant
  The school has a Chemical Pilot Plant which is equipped with a wide range of unit operations as well as process control equipment and a Newater treatment unit. It provides students with a conducive environment to learn practical skills in various chemical engineering processes.
• Pharmaceutical Specialization
  Besides the Petrochemical Technology specialization, our Chemical Engineering course also offers the Pharmaceutical specialization to final year students who are keen to work in the pharmaceutical industries. The pharmaceutical specialization stream is based on core chemical engineering modules to ground students in chemistry and process engineering, with additional pharmaceutical related modules to equip students with knowledge and skills needed in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Wide range of electives
  Students have the flexibility to select their electives from an array of subject electives that provide them the exposure to the different fields in the industry. Level 3 students are allowed to choose electives based on their interest and inclination, taking into consideration the job market situation. These unique value-add features of the course would benefit our students greatly when they graduate and seek employment.
• Emphasis on Safety Training
  Our course always emphasize the importance of safety training. The aim is to better prepare students for work in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, putting them in an advantageous position in safety oriented companies such as Schering Plough and DuPont.
• Emphasis on Chemistry
  Students will receive extensive training in the foundation and application of Chemistry which will equip them with skills needed to perform analytical work in Quality Control, Chemical Analysis and Research in the various industries.
• Positive Feedback From Employers
  Our programme is well recognised by the industry for its excellent training it provides to the students by equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed in the industry.

Unique to the Chemical Engineering course at Temasek Polytechnic is the strong emphasis on safety. Occupational Safety and Health as well as Process Safety and Loss Prevention subjects are taught to students to prepare them for work in the chemical industry. There is also a strong emphasis on environmental technology and chemistry. In addition, students wishing to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry can choose to study Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology and Good Manufacturing Practice to strengthen their knowledge and understanding. These unique features of the course add value to the diploma.