| 1. What is interdisciplinary studies and how would it distinguish your polytechnic eduation? Interdisciplinary Studies provide for an interdisciplinary curriculum so that you can explore outside your chosen course of study. You will learn essential skills for employment. For instance, if you are a Business student, you can explore the exciting world of biotechnology through an IS module. Conversely, if you are a Life Sciences student, you can take a module in Entrepreneurship. You will be able to take yourself beyond the boundaries of a traditional polytechnic education.
2. What would I gain from having an interdisciplinary education?
Besides broadening your academic horizon, our modules will equip you with the skills to adapt, innovate, communicate and participate effectively in an ever changing social and work environment.
3. What’s the proportion of the interdisciplinary curriculum?
The interdisciplinary component of your curriculum takes about 4 hours per week of curriculum time. Over 3 years, you would take 20 credits worth of IS modules.
4. Am I able to choose my interdisciplinary modules?
Yes. As you move on to Levels 2 and 3, you will be able to choose your interdisciplinary elective modules. Your Ngee Ann learning curriculum has two parts: your discipline modules, offered within your diploma course, and a set of interdisciplinary modules, offered by the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. All modules are equally important and you have to pass all modules to graduate.
5. How are IS modules classified?
IS modules are classified into: Prescribed modules, which are compulsory for all students. Elective modules, which are chosen from 4 categories.
6. What are prescribed modules?
Prescribed modules are those that are compulsory for you. There are prescribed modules for students in Year 1, 2 and 3. Prescribed modules help you build a foundational set of skills. For details on the prescribed modules, see Level 1, 2 and 3 modules on the menu.
7. What are elective modules?
These modules offer you a chance to design a course of study that interests you most. In Year 2 and 3, you can pick and choose from a menu with a spread of 4 categories comprising Arts & Humanities, Business, Design and Science & Technology. Students need to pass modules in at least 2 categories.
8. How are the interdisciplinary modules assessed?
All interdisciplinary modules have continuous assessments. These will carry credits that is needed for you to graduate and would impact your cumulative GPA.
9. What happens if I fail IS modules?
For prescribed modules, students have to repeat the failed modules. For elective modules, students have to repeat the failed module or replace the failed module with a new one from the same category.
10. Are IS modules considered for NP awards and graduation?
Yes. Performance in IS modules will be taken into account for both.
11. How do I find out more about IS modules?
Please visit our website here. Alternatively, you can visit the IS office in Block 53, Level 05 and/or call Tel: 6460 8366 / Fax: 6462 5631.
12. I have a distinction in English Language. Do I have to do the Communication modules?
Yes, all students must do the Communication modules. A solid knowledge of English would help you in the area of communication. However, in these modules you will not study the English language per se. Instead, you will learn valuable skills such as how to deliver presentations and manage interviews. In the first year, you will be equipped with foundational skills for clear written and oral discourse. In the subsequent years, you get to choose from varied subjects such as small group communication dynamics, or an awareness of contemporary issues, to name but a few. You can also choose to study foreign languages such as French, German, Japanese, or Spanish.
13. How does the IS Elective Ranking & Balloting system work?
The IS Elective Ranking and Balloting (ERB) system is used each semester by NP students to select their IS elective modules. ERB allows Level 2 and 3 students to indicate their preferred IS electives and rank them online. Based on the student’s preference ranking, the system will try to allocate ONE IS elective module for each student.
|