National University of Singapore

This course introduces and investigates fundamental concepts of linear algebra in the context of the Euclidean spaces R^n. Topics include systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, Euclidean spaces, linear combinations and linear span, subspaces, linear independence, bases and dimension, rank of a matrix, inner products, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization, linear transformations between Euclidean spaces, and applications.

Using selected Singapore texts from a variety of different genres, this course explores the historical roots and contemporary relevance of literary production in Singapore. Beginning with colonial writing, the course moves through considerations of national and postcolonial literatures to contemporary concerns. Given Singapore's history, the notion of a "Singapore" text will be used creatively in order to reflect upon the growth of Singaporean identity and culture, and literary texts from other countries in the region may be used for comparative purposes.

The course introduces the foundational and holistic knowledge and understanding of urbanism―the study of relationships between people in urban areas with the built environment. It provides a comprehensive inquiry of urban history, key theories, topics, design principles and practices related to urban design, urban planning and landscape design. The emphasis is on developing critical and analytical skills of reading, documenting, analyzing and synthesizing complex information regarding contemporary urban issues and conditions. 

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of sub-cellular structures, functions and interactions in unicellular and multi-cellular systems. Emphasis is on cellular functions. Topics include structures and functions of organelles, organelle biogenesis (including organelle inheritance and import of proteins into organelles), intracellular protein trafficking, the cytoskeleton, and cell movements. In addition, students will be introduced to the current concepts of intercellular and intracellular signalling, molecular basis of cell proliferation and apoptosis.

This introductory course explores what a living thing is, the basics of life, and the science behind it. Topics include how traits are inherited, biotechnology, diversity of life, concept of life functions from cells to tissues and from organs to systems, how organisms maintain their internal constancy, and the organization of major organ systems.

This is a course in single-variable calculus. It introduces precise definitions of limit, continuity, derivative, and the Riemann integral. It covers computational techniques and applications of differentiation and integration. This course concludes with an introduction to first order differential equations. Major topics include functions; limit and continuity; derivative; Intermediate Value Theorem; chain rule; implicit differentiation; higher derivatives; Mean Value Theorem; Riemann integral; Fundamental Theorem of Calculus; elementary transcendental functions and their inverses; techniques of integration; computation of area, volume and arc length using definite integrals; and first order differential equations.

This course provides basic principles to the engineering of biology with emphasis on the design and construction of synthetic gene circuits in living cells. The course also discusses current and emerging applications driven by synthetic biology, and the socio-ethical responsibilities that are required of synthetic biologists. 

This course introduces classical Southeast Asian dance and drama with a particular emphasis on masked dance traditions. Drawing on an analysis of scholarly texts, videos and hands-on sessions the course takes an exciting theatrical journey through Southeast Asia. The course teaches an appreciation of classical dance traditions in the region from a variety of angles, such as dramaturgical principles, music, aesthetics, ritual significance, nationalism, tourism and change. The course also teaches how to perform and create compositions in a Southeast Asian dance form.