1. Holistic Learning
2. Research Opportunities
3. Overseas Experience
4. Student Internship Programme
5. Pilot Plant
6. Pharmaceutical Specialization
7. Wide encompassing range of electives
8. Emphasis on Safety and Environmental Technology
9. Emphasis on Chemistry
10. Positive Feedback From Employers
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Temasek Polytechnic (TP) focuses on holistic learning so that students develop to be all rounded individuals. This is reflected in TP's desired graduate profile which states that all our students should graduate with:
- Competence
- Change readiness
- Character
In the holistic learning environment, students learn through:
- Problem Based Learning (PBL)
This form of learning is driven by problems rather than curriculum. It is directed at knowledge that the students should acquire around problems, not disciplines. - Adventure Learning Programme (ALP)
Temasek Polytechnic has its own Adventure Learning Site which allows students to try out Flying Fox and Pamper Jump (trapeze at a height of 4 storeys). A great outdoor learning experience!! - Flexible Academic System for Temasek (FAST)
This academic architecture produces quality graduates who will have a good grounding in the fundamentals of chemical engineering, life skills, character and a thirst for continuous learning.
In TP's Chemical Engineering course, students are offered the chance to participate in research and development (R&D) projects under the School's Differential Research Programme (DRP). The DRP allows students to have a headstart in research work which is becoming an important driving force for Singapore's economy. Guided by lecturers, students are equipped with the necessary technical skills and knowledge to conduct research within and outside their scope of study as early as in their first year of study. These projects are aimed at solving existing issues faced by various industries.
Students can be involved in niche areas of research such as membrane technology, nanotechnology, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), plant molecular biotechnology, tissue engineering, hydroponics and food product and process development.
To develop a global mindset among students and to provide them with cross-cultural experiences, our students have been sent to Vietnam, Australia, Malaysia, China(Hong Kong, Shanghai, Xiamen) and Philippines for their student internship. Some students have also gone to Vietnam for the course in Global Citizenship. More overseas attachment programmes have been planned for students to acquire overseas experience.
4. Student Internship Programme
During their final year, every student is attached to a company 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 (Major) Project, which aims to solve current existing problems faced by the companies they are attached to. The students apply the knowledge learnt at the polytechnic to be an effective contributor to the company and subsequently acquire confidence to handle their future jobs. They also acquire a lot of new knowledge and on-the-job skills from the companies they are attached to. Furthermore this experience creates opportunities for building professional networks.
- Schering Plough
In Schering Plough students were involved in the areas of the production process, quality control tests, equipment validation and qualification, data analysis, writing SOP and issuance of procedures as well as maintenance of documentation database. - Seraya Chemicals
Li Dan demonstrated her excellent technical skills and hard work in obtaining titration curves of various streams and hydrolysis kinetics of key chemicals as a function of pH. These laboratory findings could be used to justify capital reduction projects in the next facility constructed in Jurong Island. - Infineum Singapore
Ng Mui Hoon Joyce was able to identify a cost effective and best pour point depressant for the lube oil and lubricant. Her analysis has enabled Infineum to be competitive in the type and cost effectiveness of the additive to be recommended to their customers. The results helped the company gain better market penetration and reputation. - SembCorp Utlities and Terminals
Eugene Tay and Zuhrah were heavily involved in site operations & maintenance, laboratory tests and worked on biological treatability studies for different kinds of chemical and pharmaceutical wastewater. Their studies were successfully carried out with satisfactory results obtained. Their direct and important contribution was recognized and appreciated by the company.
The Chemical Pilot Plant 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. Most of the equipment is linked to computers allowing online data to be generated. The hands-on training stimulates thinking skills in chemical engineering principles.
6. Pharmaceutical Specialization
Besides the Petrochemical Technology specialization, our 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 modules such as Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology to equip students with knowledge and skills needed in the pharmaceutical industry.
To allow our students to be flexible, we have an array of electives to expose them 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 current job market situation. Electives include Applications of Instrumental Analysis, Petrochemical Technology, Membrane Separation and Surface Chemistry.
8. Emphasis on Safety and Environmental Technology
Our course strongly emphasizes the importance of safety training. Two 2 modules on Occupational Safety & Health and Process Safety & Loss Prevention educate student on machinery safety, HAZOP, material handling and overall plant safety. The training also instils in them good housekeeping habits. Additionally, environmental technology is also taught. Students also attend enrichment workshops on Occupational Health & Safety & Plant Safety. This would better prepare them for work in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, making them stand out among job applicants to companies which are very safety and environmental oriented such as Dupont, Schering Plough and Mitsui Phenol Pte Ltd.
Our students receive extensive training in the foundation and application of Chemistry. The 6 modules, covering different aspects in Chemistry include Principles of Instrumental Analysis and Organic Chemistry. These modules ground and equip students with skills needed to perform analytical work in quality control, chemical analysis and research in the various industries.
10. Positive Feedback From Employers
Our course/programme has received compliments from the industry. Employers have recognized the Diploma as an excellent training ground to equip students with the necessary skills.
"The course is excellent to help train students achieve proficiency in their field of study. This would help the chemical industry with a pool of well-trained and motivated staff."
- Tom Madilao, Chevron Texaco
"Let me congratulate the School for having done such a great job in setting up a fine discipline in the course of Diploma in Chemical Engineering… I would like to applaud the wonderful and dedicated work by all the staff in bringing the challenge concept to fruition and I certainly look forward to even greater achievements in years to come."
- Lee Chow Kuan, The Polyolefin Company
"The students' performance has been very positive. They are eager to learn, participate and are dedicated to the tasks assigned to them. They show an ability to analyze and conceptualize things differently, and can withstand work-related pressure"
- Schering Plough supervisors
"Students help to do important studies for process improvement which form the basis for cost reduction… I consider her work at Seraya a success and believe that we can use the things learnt from Li Dan's work as the basis to justify capital reduction projects"
- Larry June, Senior Technologist, Seraya Chemicals
"(Mui Hoon) is conscientious about her work and applies new knowledge and skills rapidly. She takes pride in going the extra mile to see that work is completed to the satisfaction of her superiors and colleagues… she has demonstrated high level of innovation and creativity in delivering desirable results."
- Shee Deng Jiun, Infineum
"A conscientious, hardworking and independent student who carries out her internship assignment from our Laboratory Supervisor with zeal and dedication. Wan Qing is a role model for her fellow students to emulate."
- S K Chan, QC/HSE Manager, Mitsui Elastomers Singapore Pte Ltd
