M.Sc. Programme in Chemistry for Energy & Environment

Last update: Nov 2020

*This program will be replaced Aug 2021 by a new programme, tentatively called Master in Chemical Sciences, which will offer broad training in industry topics and deep training in chemistry topics to cater to both academia and the emerging advanced chemistry sectors. More details will be released as soon as available before end of this year. If you have any queries, please contact Ms Carrie Wong.

Why study the Master of Science in Chemistry for Energy & Environment

Energy and environment technologies are important R&D areas for the future development of mankind. As our economy continues to grow, the global appetite for energy and resources swells. With our finite supply of fossil fuels projected to eventually run out, a shift towards more sustainable clean energy sources has started. In addition, ensuring a supply of clean water and maintaining a habitable environment have long been important issues in many countries including Singapore. Economic development coupled with population growth directly affects the livability of the environment and also competes for land resources required for water catchment.

This programme provides you with a good broad knowledge of the latest energy and environmental technologies, including some background in regulatory policies and risk assessments. You will gain a deep understanding in modern materials design and synthesis strategies, advance characterization and analytical techniques, and the study of chemical structures and materials properties. You will be trained hands-on also in practical R&D skills in synthesis and characterization, fabrication and performance testing, information and literature retrieval, as well as critical interpretation and analysis.

What would you study?

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The M.Sc. in Chemistry for Energy & Environment is a 40-modular credit (MC) programme comprises of a blend of core and elective content modules, plus a hands-on R&D project.
Doing it full-time, you would be able to complete the course in one year from August to July the subsequent year.

(1) Compulsory R&D project (16 MC)

CM5199: M.Sc. R&D project

Students will perform 10-month independent R&D project in the broad area of energy and/or environment under the close supervision of a faculty member
Some projects may be co-supervised with industry partners

(2) Three compulsory Core Modules (4 MC each)

CM5101: Advanced Analysis and Characterization Techniques

This module gives a comprehensive training on various advanced techniques used in chemical analysis and materials characterization
The content will be delivered through recorded lectures, online videos and assessments, while practical knowledge is imparted through hands-on training on real instrumental analysis via a “problem-solving” project

CM5151: Energy Storage and Conversion Chemistry

This module discusses the various fundamentals and issues concerning energy storage and conversion chemistry

CM5152: Water Chemistry and Environment

This module coves current issues on water chemistry and environment, as well as solutions in tackling these issues

(3) Three Elective Modules (4 MC each)

Choose any three modules from a basket of chemistry level 5000 Electives
Up to 2 modules may be selected from outside the basket with prior approval

What are the requirements?

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

You must have a degree in Chemistry or related subject, with at least a Second Class Honours or its equivalent.
If your native tongue or medium of undergraduate instruction is not English, you must have a TOEFL (IBT) score of min. 85 (min. 22 writing) or IELTS score of 6.
Applicants with other qualifications and achievements suitable for the programme may also apply and will be considered case by case.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

You must successfully complete the programme of study with its required compulsory and elective modules, and obtain a minimum CAP (Cumulative Aggregate Point) of 3.00 (i.e. B-).

CANDIDATURE REQUIREMENTS

Full-time students can complete the study between 2 to 6 semesters; part-time students can complete the study between 4 to 8 semesters. However, dismissal and refusal of re-admission will be issued if your CAP < 2.50 for two consecutive semesters of study or CAP < 3.00 for three consecutive semesters of study.

How much is the course fee?

The tuition fee for the full programme (inclusive of 7% GST) is SGD 29,960.00. Payment schedule due on the first week of every semester is as follows:

	1^st Semester	2^nd Semester	3^rd Semester	4^th Semester
Full-time students	SGD 18,550	SGD 12,300	NA	NA
Part-time students	SGD 12,360	SGD 6,180	SGD 6,180	SGD 6,130

• A non-refundable application fee of S$50 (inclusive of 7% GST) must accompany your online application.

• In addition, students have to pay the Miscellaneous Student Fees as stipulated by the University.

• Students who take additional modules or re-take modules will be charged at 10% of the tuition fee (i.e. S$2,996) per additional or repeated module.

• Students who take extra semesters to complete the study will be charged the Graduate Students Miscellaneous Student Fees every semester until graduation.

Can I study part-time? (not applicable to foreigners with student pass)

If you wish to register as part-time student for this programme, we encourage you to plan your study in 4 semesters (although your maximum allowed candidature is 8 semesters). Depicted below is the suggested timeline for a part-time student:

	1st Semester	2nd Semester	3rd Semester	4th Semester
Core modules – CM5101, CM5151 & CM5152	2-3 weeks condensed lectures at the beginning of semester for CM5151/CM5152		2-3 weeks condensed lectures at the beginning of semester for CM5151/CM5152
	Study CM5101 through online lecture content, arrange to perform the problem-solving project through appointments with TA and Lab personnel
CM5199	Work on an “in-house” R&D project within company or work on the R&D project at Supervisor’s lab in the evenings/weekends
Elective Module	Select electives that offer lectures in the evenings

We believe this programme is well-tailored for working adults to upgrade their technical skills and knowledge. They can consider working out an “in-house” R&D project that forge collaboration with our faculty member as Supervisor. All project proposals must be submitted for consideration prior to registration. The scope, the anticipated amount of work, and the expectation will be scrutinized and calibrated by the Programme Management Committee.

Some examples of R&D projects are: development of analysis protocols for contaminated water/soil samples from an industrial plant; fabrication and characterization of materials for devices; optimization of an environmental sensors; development of green method for the removal of known waste products from a process; etc.

How to apply?

You should apply online with payment (click here to apply online).

Activities	August Intake
Application Deadline (For online application, fee payment, and the supporting documents via post reaching the Department)	15 Mar
Result of Application (Only shortlisted applicants will be advised further)	May
Offer Letter (The result of application is final and no appeal will be entertained)	June/July

For enquiries, please email to masterchemistry@nus.edu.sg

Important:
The University has not engaged any external agencies to undertake graduate student recruitment on its behalf. Candidates interested in our graduate programmes are advised to apply directly to the University and not through any agents. Candidates who apply through agents will not have any added advantage in gaining admission and the University reserves the right to reject such applications without giving reasons.