Special science programme marks 20th year
NUS’ Special Programme in Science (SPS) celebrated its 20th anniversary on 28 October by launching a fund for students in the programme.
More than $17,000 has been collected for those who need assistance such as participating in local and overseas competitions and attending supplementary programmes. Guest-of-Honour NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan officially launched the Special Programme in Science Fund at the event, attended by 250 guests and SPS alumni.
In his address, Prof Tan highlighted the achievements of SPS students and several prominent alumni. He identified three measures the University is adopting to keep pace with change: continuously creating value for students, Singapore and the community; helping students to develop their potential; and remaining committed to the spirit of giving.
An estimated 500 students have graduated from the programme, with many going on to pursue postgraduate degrees and careers in prestigious institutions around the globe.
The SPS was conceived in 1996, thanks to the efforts of NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost Professor Tan Eng Chye, then Sub-Dean at NUS Science. Tasked to create a Talent Development Programme, Prof Tan and colleagues from various Science departments brainstormed ideas and decided on the University of British Columbia’s model. The first such programme at NUS, it encompasses multidisciplinary research, active peer-learning, independent thinking and student mentorship.
With its slogan of “Live curious. Be challenged.”, the two-year SPS attracts mainly freshmen who are keen to explore multidisciplinary aspects of scientific topics and research at NUS Science. The academic programme aims to nurture aspiring scientists by introducing some areas of contemporary scientific concerns through a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Students can participate in scientific investigations and conduct in-depth studies of advanced scientific topics.
SPS students on a field trip to the Tropical Marine Science Institute on St John’s Island
Some 40 Science undergraduates admitted yearly to the SPS undergo the Integrated Science Curriculum. It currently comprises four thematic-based modules: Atoms to Molecules, The Cell, The Earth and The Universe, together with two research-based modules, Discovering Science and Integrated Science Project. Computational and visualisation tools enable students with different backgrounds to understand and appreciate science, while the small class sizes maximise interaction between faculty, mentors and students.
Undergraduates have benefitted from the courses they took, proving their mettle by winning multiple awards in research and science competitions, including the recent international Natural Sciences Tournament in Russia and the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition in the US.
See the history of SPS.
