National University of Singapore

Polymer science is the study of plastic materials of everyday life and the development of new materials that meet technological needs. This course covers classification and synthesis of polymers by different polymerization techniques; copolymerization reactions and industrial polymers; physical properties of polymers both in the solid state and in solution. The course also covers laboratory techniques in polymerization, determination of molecular weight and spectroscopic studies. Part one of the course covers the following topics: classification of polymers; thermoplastics and thermosets; polymerization mechanism; polymer structures; copolymers; tacticity; geometrical isomers; polymer synthesis; step-growth polymerization; chain growth polymerizations I Radical polymerization; chain growth polymerizations II Ionic polymerizations; coordination polymerizations & new methodologies and synthesis of special chain topologies (networks, graft, block). Part two of the course covers the following topics: polymer size and conformations; thermodynamics of mixtures; thermodynamics of polymer solutions; application of Flory-Huggins Theory to determine entropy of polymer dissolution; phase behavior of polymer solutions; characterization of polymer solutions - osmotic pressure and viscometry; light scattering and dynamic light scattering; size exclusion chromatography and mass spectrometry; solid state properties of polymers – glassy state; mechanical properties and processing of polymers; elastomeric and crystalline state of polymers.

This course looks at various aspects of information technology (IT) innovations with a focus on the critical importance of ethics and professional best-practices to successfully manage the risks brought by digitization and related new business models.

This course introduces Visual Basic and Python and specifically ties uses within real estate. This is a hands-on lecture which provides many real world examples to how to create programs to handle many common real estate functions and uses. Students learn how to code and create functions in both VBA and Python.

This course is a continuation of Chinese 5. It emphasizes the communicative function and the training of the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). A systematic way of introducing drills and exercises allows students to master the necessary grammatical knowledge and rules for word and sentence formation. The students are also involved in doing projects related to Chinese culture and history. Essay writing skills are strengthened. Classes are conducted in various ways including vocabulary introduction, short texts reading, grammar and character practicing, and storytelling.

This course offers an illustrated survey of markets and the place of markets in society from the perspectives of economic sociology and economic geography, with particular attention to macro-sociological and historical modes of analyses. The course introduces important sociological ideas relevant to the analysis of markets in society, including concepts such as commodities, commodification, embeddedness, the institutional infrastructures of markets, and the regulation of economic life. These ideas are examined in an applied manner through case studies on justice, social welfare, consumption, and globalization. The focus of the is on illustrating the institutional and social foundations of economy, and the consequences of different institutions for the organization of economic life across the world.   Attendance is essential for achieving a good grade in this module. Contributions to classroom discussion during tutorial sessions will be graded. There will be a 1,200 words long term paper and a final exam consisting of essays and short answer questions. In addition, groups of five students will prepare a presentation and a collective essay of 2,000 words on a particular market of their choosing. The presentation will be conducted in regular tutorial sessions and students will prepare a written essay, which will polish the ideas they develop for their group presentation. The collective essay of 2,000 words will be due toward the end of the term.

This course provides an introduction to the subject of hydrology. The course covers hydrology processes in detail in addition to lectures on relevant water-related issues at the global and regional scale with examples taken from the region. Water is crucial for the survival of living organisms. The current emphasis on the availability and supply of water in Singapore and on a global scale points to the need for increased knowledge and awareness of this vital resource. Topics include rainfall; groundwater; river basin hydrology; hydrological hazards; elements of fluvial geomorphology; impacts of human activities on water; potable water and wastewater treatment; aquatic ecosystems; water cycles and geomatics; and integrated water resource management.

This course discusses how findings and insights from psychology can be incorporated formally and rigorously into economics to improve its descriptive and predictive powers. It also discusses the implications for policymakers. Topics: introduction and methodology; judgment under uncertainty: expected utility theory vs. prospect theory; heuristic and biases; mental accounting and choice bracketing; intertemporal choice: exponential discounting vs. hyperbolic discounting; predicting the future: hot-cold empathy gap and projection bias; implications for public policies: default matters; inattention and coarse thinking; preferences: real vs. nominal, beliefs about others; application to financial economics: excessive volatility, bubbles, anomalies, trading mistakes, and limits to arbitrage; application to other fields in economics; happiness: definition, measurement, and hypotheses.

Biomaterials involve the integration of engineering materials with biological entities in the body. The success of any implant or medical device depends very much on the biomaterials used. The course introduces life-science topics and provides an appreciation of multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving. Topics include biological materials, metals, polymers, ceramics and composites use as implants, relationship between structure-composition-manufacturing process, mechanical testing and evaluation of implants and numerous case studies ranging from heart valves to tissue engineering of bones. Video presentations and invited lectures from clinicians compliments the breadth covered in this course.