WHAT YOU'LL STUDY

Thinking Critically about the UN SDGs (TCU)

This module aims to equip students with skills in critical and analytical thinking through the exploration of contemporary local and global issues, through the lens of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using information literacy skills, students will select a local issue connected to the SDGs, and look for relevant information on the issue. They will use a critical thinking framework to evaluate a diverse range of sources for their validity and reliability, and consider different perspectives on the issue before presenting their assigned stand, substantiated by reasons and evidence. This module also aims to enhance students’ knowledge and appreciation of local and global issues related to the 2030 global agenda, represented by the SDGs. Students will learn about the core principles of the SDGs and find out how the goals apply to their own lives, as well as to Singapore.

Digital Communication for Impact (DCI)

This module aims to equip students with key skills to leverage digital communication to engage, inspire and impact stakeholders digitally. They will build an understanding of various digital communication platforms/tools and their benefits and limitations. They will also learn what it means to be a responsible Digital Citizen. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency to design and apply key principles when crafting impactful digital communication about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or a relevant context.

Collaboration in the Digital Age (CDA)

This module helps students to understand how to be an effective team player, according to the CATME model of team member effectiveness. Students will practise writing a team charter to set the team up for success. They will also be exposed to various digital collaboration tools and best practices, practise holding effective team meetings online and offline, and work on their interpersonal communication skills.

Data Fluency (DF)

In this module, students will be equipped with the baseline skills in using data to gain insights into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These skills are related to the data-handling processes such as formulating data-based questions, pre-processing data and analyzing data using numerical and graphical summaries. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency in using data to examine one aspect of an SDG and/or generate some insights to support one theoretical solution to an SDG.

AI and Its Impact (AII)

This module aims to equip students with a very broad overview of Artificial Intelligence, and its societal and ethical impacts in modern society. Students will build a simple AI model with online tools and discuss how to promote good ethics in AI. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency of using AI to address their chosen Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Chemistry I

Upon completion of this module, students will develop an in-depth understanding of the electronic structure of atoms and its basis for the study of chemical bonding. Students will learn to apply the VSEPR model to visualise three dimensional structure of molecules and determine the possible types of interactions to explain the physical and chemical properties of matter. They will also learn the structure and bonding of matter and be able to predict trends in the properties of matter and its reaction. This will enable students to apply the fundamental ideas of conservations of matter and energy in stoichiometry and thermochemistry. The module also aims to equip students with the analytical and observation skills and techniques critical for working in a chemical laboratory by exposing them to a range of experimental techniques in the areas of titration, thermochemistry and qualitative inorganic analysis.

Chemistry II

Upon completion of this module, students will develop a basic understanding that changes in matter involved the study of its feasibility due to kinetics and thermodynamics consideration and extent of change. The qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemical kinetics are introduced to students and this will form the basis for the study of chemical equilibrium, including chemical equilibria in aqueous media involving acids and bases. Topics in organic chemistry will introduce students to basic concepts on how simple molecules can be constructed and applied to organic reaction transformations and functional group interconversion. This provides students the opportunity to apply their knowledge on structure and bonding to understand the structure and reactivity of organic molecules. The module also aims to equip students with the analytical and observation skills critical for working in a chemical laboratory by exposing them to a range of experimental skills and techniques in the areas of reaction kinetics, simple organic synthesis and purification and qualitative organic analysis.

Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics

Provides students with basic understanding of thermodynamic principles such as ideal gas laws and Henry’s law on reactive and non-reactive processes.

Introduction to Chemical Engineering

This module provides students with a basic understanding of the profession of chemical engineering. Students will learn the fundamental of chemical engineering principles and applications of engineering measurements. Types of processes (unit operations) and equipment, as well as plant utilities used in the chemical industry will be covered too. Besides, the module also provides students with concepts of material balance. It enables students to perform material balance on common unit operations and on processes without chemical reactions. Students will also learn to represent processes using a block flow diagram and process flow diagram.

Heat Transfer & Equipment

This module provides students with the fundamentals of heat transfer by conduction and convection and their application in industrial heat transfer equipment, including shell-and-tube heat exchanger, plate heat exchanger, etc.

Fluid Flow & Equipment

This module provides students with basic knowledge of fluid flow behaviour in the process industries. It covers fluid flow analysis using Bernoulli equation and energy losses in pipes and fittings. Students will also be introduced to various rotary equipment commonly used in the process industries.

Laboratory and Process Skills 1

Students learn basic skills required in the laboratory and process operations, including interpreting PFDs and P&IDs and perform line tracing.

Laboratory and Process Skills 2

Students learn to operate pumps, commission heat exchangers, start-up and shut down unit operations.

Basic Mathematics

Equips students with basic mathematical knowledge and skills in algebra, trigonometry and calculus to enable them to understand and solve engineering problems encountered in their course of studies. It also serves as a foundation for further mathematics in the subsequent modules. Students also learn how to use mathematical software.

Engineering Mathematics

Equips students with the necessary mathematical knowledge and skills to solve problems encountered in their course of study. It also serves as a foundation for more advanced mathematics in the second year. Topics include trigonometry, determinants, matrices, complex numbers and calculus.

Education and Career Guidance

This module aims to help students discover their strengths, values and interests. It also supports students in making informed educational and career choices to achieve their career aspirations.

Sustainable Innovation Project (SIP)

This module, tapping on what students have learnt in the Common Core Curriculum, aims to equip students with a Design Thinking mindset to create an innovative solution to tackle local societal issues mapped to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students collaborate in multi-disciplinary groups to apply design thinking method and tools backed by research and qualitative data, to create sustainable and innovative prototype solutions for real-life issues faced by a local user in need. In the process, they develop a better understanding of themselves, and empathy for a local user in need. They will also be able to apply their teamwork skills in the course of their sustainable innovation project, and communication skills in the presentation of the project.

Effective Writing for the Workplace (EWW)

The module aims to equip students with effective written communication skills necessary for the workplace. At the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate effective writing skills. They should be able to apply the principles of PAC (Purpose, Audience & Context) and 5 Cs of Communication (Complete, Clear, Concise, Courteous and Correct) to plan and craft effective business messages. In addition, students should be able to use effective visuals, employ appropriate language, follow standard format and conventions, and cite using the Harvard Style in their writing.

Persuasive Communication with Data Storytelling (PCDS)

This module aims to equip students with the baseline skills to craft compelling narratives using effective data storytelling techniques. Students will generate data visualisations, and apply narrative elements and persuasive delivery techniques to influence others or shape their perspectives. Upon completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency in using persuasive communication to convince stakeholders intellectually and affectively to call them into action in tackling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Problem Solving with Creative & Computational Thinking (PSCCT)

In this module, students will be equipped with baseline creative and computational thinking skills for problem solving. Students will learn about the value of focused & diffuse thinking, problem identification and analysis, creative thinking, and the four pillars of computational thinking in the problem-solving process. Students will apply these techniques to tackle wicked problems related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Chemical Reaction Engineering

Provides students with basic understanding of chemical reaction kinetics and their applications in designing chemical reactors such as CSTR and PFTR. Students will also be introduced concepts of sustainable development via green chemical reaction processes.

Separation Processes

Provides students with basic understanding of mass transfer principles and their applications in separation processes such as distillation and liquid-liquid extraction.

Chemical Engineering Design Calculations and Simulation

Students learn to perform design and sizing calculations for various unit operations, utility lines and equipment. Students will also learn process simulation.

Introduction to Chemical Product Design

This module seeks to develop students' proficiency in chemical product design, nurturing their capacity to conceive, evaluate, and develop chemical products. Encompassing the entire process from idea generation to product design and implementation, it also incorporates advanced manufacturing techniques. Students will become acquainted with digital fabrication workflows, encompassing equipment setup, operations, and limitations. The module has a strong emphasis on crucial skills such as teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving. It also integrates content aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Process Instrumentation & Control

This module covers the concepts on how industrial processes can be monitored and controlled. By drawing upon students’ underpinning knowledge in chemical engineering, they will solve problems by connecting process characteristics to process operation, measurement, control and optimisation.

Chemical Product Design & Development

The module allows the learners to refine the conceived chemical product idea from the preceding module and make a workable prototype to demonstrate its functionalities. To produce the workable prototype, learners will work in teams and apply the digital fabrication skills acquired from the preceding module. Additionally, the learners will be taught tools and techniques on idea refinement, specifications development and experimental design. Learners will also be introduced to the basics of micro-controllers and sensors and learn coding to perform simple automated tasks with the micro-controllers. Finally, they will compose project proposals to continue product development in their capstone projects.

Process Operation Skills 1

Students learn to start-up and shut down various separation process unit operations, maintain steady-state through monitoring and controlling process parameters.

Process Operation Skills 2

Students learn to start-up and shut down various reactors, maintain steadystate through monitoring and controlling process parameters, as well as perform process troubleshooting.

Engineering Mathematics II

The module is designed to provide students with further knowledge in mathematics and analytical skills to solve engineering problems encountered in their studies. Among the topics covered are Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations, Laplace Transforms and Fourier Series.

Elective 1

Elective 2

Personal Branding and Career Agility (PBCA)

In this module, students will be equipped with the requisite skill sets, knowledge and tools that will give them an early start on the process of kick-starting their career. Through the Self-Directed Learning Approach, student-centric engagement, curated resources (e.g., CareersFinder, LinkedIn Learning, and more) and curriculum co-developed by industry partners, students will begin their journey into the world of work.

Process Plant Safety and Engineering Ethics

Plant Design, Economics & Sustainable Development

This module provides students with basic concepts of process plant design, costing and evaluation in plant design project, along with considerations of environment, health and safety (EHS) aspects. Basic concepts on sustainable development in chemical engineering especially process intensification will also be introduced. Students are required to use their knowledge of chemical engineering principles learnt in various core modules, as well as skills in process and equipment design to integrate various unit operations in the design of selected chemical process plant.

Biopharmaceutical & Pharmaceutical Engineering

This module provides students with basic knowledge of pharmaceutical and biologics manufacturing processes. It also covers the current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements and technologies for improving productivity in this industry.

Capstone Project

The Capstone Project is a module in which students pursue independent research on a question or problem of their choice. It is a multifaceted assignment that serves as an integrative experience for students at the end of the diploma program.

Biopharmaceutical & Pharmaceutical Practice

This module is the fifth of a series of 5 skills-based modules to be implemented over 5 semesters of the DCHE course. It provides students with hands-on experience in the operation of bioreactors including single use bioreactors, downstream processing equipment and bioanalytical instruments.

Internship Programme

The primary aim of internship is to prepare students with competencies, skills and attitudes for the working world and lifelong learning. The internship involves a 22-week industrial attachment that provides students authentic work-based learning opportunities to develop key work related skills while working in chemical engineering companies and institutions. Applied research and development project encourages interns to be creative and innovative in the context of deepening core chemical engineering skill sets and broadening transferable skills. Such skills are necessary in order to be adaptable and vigilant in today’s world.

Elective 3