Diploma in Applied Chemistry

About the Course

Explore the wonders of chemistry!

Diploma in Applied Chemistry is for you if you want to

Impact lives by creating innovative chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Develop innovative and green chemical solutions to address current global challenges in the relevant industries.
Gain insights to laboratory management and learn the ropes of quality systems which include Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and BizSAFE.
Hone your skills in experimental design and keep abreast of emerging technologies in chemistry by being involved in research projects with industry players.

Benefits

Develop competencies in chemical synthesis and analysis, which are highly valued and transferable across specialty chemical, food, pharmaceutical and biologics industries.
Gain industry-relevant knowledge and technical skills from a range of competency units (CmUs) and extensive hands-on training in laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment.
Be mentored by industry leaders like Shimadzu, AGC Inc., Merck and DSM Nutritional.
Look forward to a rewarding and dynamic career in leading chemical, food, pharmaceutical and biologics industries, where you co-create value-added solutions and products.

NYP Professional Competency Model (NYP-PCM) - its unique features

Industry Relevance

Co-partnered by industry leaders like Merck, Shimadzu, DSM Nutritional and
AGC Inc.

Professional Accreditation

You may gain additional industry certifications while you complete your diploma, putting you ahead of the pack.

Agile Response

The curriculum reacts dynamically and quickly to industry changes. You'll be equipped with the latest skills & knowledge.

Integrated Learning

Concurrently learn multiple disciplines.

Read More about NYP-PCM

Course Structure

The NYP Professional Competency Model for the Diploma in Applied Chemistry consists of:

25 Competency Units (CmUs) - Within each interdisciplinary Competency Unit, skills and knowledge from different disciplines are integrated and taught holistically. This enables the students to fulfil specific work-tasks upon completion. Completing the Competency Units will also equip our students with six Course Competencies.
Four Competency Canvases - Where skills and knowledge learnt are assessed for competency, together with a Work-Integration-Unit (WIU) which is a workplace contextualised project. You have to complete all four to graduate.
One Final Year Project (FYP).
One Internship Programme (ITP).
11 General Studies Modules (GSMs) – These modules give you exposure to other areas of interest and allow you to go beyond your chosen area of specialisation.

Course Structure

Students enrolled in Diploma in Applied Chemistry under the Professional Competency Model will have to complete 25 Competency Units (CmUs). Within each interdisciplinary CmU, skills and knowledge from different disciplines are integrated and taught holistically, enabling students to fulfil specific worktasks upon completion.

Completing the CmUs will also equip our students with the six Course Competencies (CCs) below.

Experimental & Product Design
Synthesis & Purification
Bioanalytical & Microbial Testing
Instrumental Analysis
Wet Analytical Applications
Laboratory Operations & Quality System

Students will also need to complete Work-Integration-Unit (WIU) which can be in the form of an internship and/or project that mirror work situations where students can demonstrate their skills and competencies.

CmUs /WIUs in Year 1

Applied Calculus in Scientific Processes [60 hours]

Scientific processes related to reaction rates, cell growth, radioactive decay, process optimisation and drug absorption are regularly monitored to ensure the efficiency of these processes when being used in applied science industry. Through this competency unit, learners will acquire knowledge and skills in differentiation and integration required for monitoring of various scenarios related to these scientific processes. In addition, learners will be introduced to the concept of exponential and logarithm functions to scaffold their learning for performing differentiation and integration of exponential and logarithmic expressions.

Biochemical Analysis [60 hours]

Biochemical analysis skills are essential in applied science laboratories so that one can perform the experiments accurately and safely. Learners will be equipped with concepts in biology and the processes that occur within a living system. In addition, learners will acquire skills in handling biological equipment and performing experiments according to standard protocols and biosafety standards.

Chemical Laboratory Skills [60 hours]

Chemical laboratory skills are vital in applied science to obtain accurate and precise results while performing experiments safely. Through this competency unit, learners will acquire chemical laboratory skills and apply concepts of inorganic and physical chemistry to understand chemical reactions and analytical techniques. They will also be able to select suitable equipment for laboratory usage, plan and conduct experiments, tabulate experimental data and perform calculations to conclude the experiment.

Data & Statistical Methods [60 hours]

Statistical methods are important for processing and analysing data obtained from various studies in applied science. In this competency unit, learners will acquire the skill of quantitative reasoning for use in the decision-making through collecting, organizing, analysing, interpreting and presenting data.

Instruments & Measurements [45 hours]

The ability to operate instruments and obtain measurements are fundamental to applied science. This competency unit equips learners with concepts of physical quantities that are commonly used for process monitoring such as pressure, flow rate, temperature and heat. Learners will then develop the competencies to perform calculations and measurements of these quantities.

Applied Science Project (WIU) [30 hours]

Applied Science skills are important in providing solutions for the real-world problems. This Work Integration Unit provides a platform for the learners to develop innovative scientific solutions to the problems identified, while developing innovative & enterprising (I&E) attributes for their career and life.

Organic Methodologies [60 hours]

Organic methodologies provide essential knowledge and skills required in the synthesis and analysis of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Learners will acquire skills to construct organic compounds by applying knowledge of the structures, properties and reactions of organic molecules.

Microbiology Techniques [45 hours]

Microbiology techniques are used in microbial control during the production of pharmaceuticals. Learners will be equipped with the essential microbiological techniques which allow them to inhibit growth of microorganisms in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. They will also be competent in performing appropriate methods used for the study of bacteria and microscopic fungi.

Chemical Structures & Reactivities [60 hours]

Chemical structures are used in the study of the properties and reactivities of chemical compounds. Learners will be able to apply the concepts of atomic and molecular structures to predict chemical properties, reactivities and interactions. Learners will develop the ability to synthesize chemical compounds which have wide applications in chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Chromatographic Techniques [60 hours]

Chromatographic techniques are widely applied in the purification and analysis of compounds in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Learners will acquire skills in selecting and performing chromatographic methods to separate compounds in a mixture based on their physical and chemical properties.

Titrimetric & Gravimetric Analysis [45 hours]

Titrimetric and gravimetric analysis are techniques that are used to determine the amount of an analyte which affect the properties and purity of the sample. Learners will become proficient in selecting and performing appropriate titrimetric and gravimetric methods on samples to determine concentrations of analytes in samples.

Sample Preparation & Extraction Techniques [30 hours]

Sample preparation and extraction are important steps to ensure that samples are amenable to specific instrumental method of analysis. Learners will gain skills in the extraction, digestion and derivatization of compounds prior to sample analysis.

CmUs /WIUs in Year 2

Specialty Chemicals Development [45 hours]

Specialty chemicals are high-value chemicals with specific functions that can influence the performance of the finished products. The specialty chemical industry is an emerging industry which is of importance to Singapore and the global economy. Learners will synthesise and analyse specialty chemicals to explore functional applications that fit industry needs.

Chemical Systems [45 hours]

Chemical systems involve behaviour of matters and changes of chemical reactions in the system. Learners will acquire knowledge and skills to examine the behaviour of gases and interpret chemical phenomena in terms of reaction kinetics, equilibria, electrochemistry, thermochemistry and thermodynamics.

Synthesis & Purification Techniques [60 hours]

Synthesis and purification techniques provide essential knowledge and skills required in the pharmaceutical and chemical laboratories. Learners will acquire practical skills and techniques in compound synthesis and purification. They will be skilled in selecting appropriate synthetic and purification methods to generate reproducible and reliable experimental data. Learners will also present their experimental results through appropriate written communication.

Spectroscopic Techniques [60 hours]

Spectroscopic techniques are used to elucidate and identify the structures of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Learners will gain key concepts and techniques of spectroscopy and interpret spectral data to identify organic compounds. They will also develop the ability to perform appropriate spectroscopy experiments.

Laboratory Quality Management [30 hours]

Laboratory quality management is important to ensure good laboratory performance and data compliance. This provides assurance of safety and credibility of products. Learners will be equipped with concepts of quality management systems and common statistical tools used in chemical laboratories. Learners will also be exposed to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in data systems in the industry.

Chemical Analysis Project (WIU) [60 hours]

Chemical analysis is critical in ensuring the quality and safety of raw materials, in-process samples and finished products. Learners will acquire skills and knowledge in evaluating, designing and implementing an analytical procedure. They will then select appropriate sample preparation and analytical methods to identify and quantify compounds in a mixture. Learners will also present their experimental results using oral and written scientific communications.

Reactions & Mechanisms [60 hours]

Reaction mechanisms are sequences of reactions to illustrate essential chemical transformations such as substitution, elimination and addition reactions. Learners will acquire skills in organic synthesis and apply concepts of organic chemistry to explain chemical reactions and mechanisms. They will also develop the ability to plan, execute and improvise experiments.

Pharmaceutical Synthesis & Formulation [60 hours]

Pharmaceutical products consist of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients. The safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products are highly dependent on the physicochemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients. Learners will be equipped with the knowledge of physicochemical properties and interactions of pharmaceutical ingredients to synthesize active pharmaceutical ingredients. They will also be familiar with the dosage forms and formulation techniques of pharmaceutical products.

Bioanalytical Techniques [60 hours]

Bioanalytical techniques are used to characterize biopharmaceutical products in ensuring the quality of in-process samples and finished products. Learners will be able to select appropriate bioanalytical techniques and instrumentation, based on the analysis' requirements. They will also acquire practical skills to perform the analysis and interpret the analytical data.

Elemental Analysis [60 hours]

Elemental analysis is an important method to assess the chemical composition of a compound. This is useful for applications ranging from materials identification and characterization to quality control monitoring. Learners will acquire skills to select suitable instruments, plan and execute experiments to perform elemental analysis.

Product Design Project (WIU) [60 hours]

Product design is an essential skill required to create value added solutions and products for consumers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Through a hands-on group project, learners will be able to generate ideas to design products by applying knowledge in applied chemistry. Learners will employ design thinking process, data management and business model canvas to ensure user desirability and business viability. Learners will also develop competencies in innovation and enterprise to solve complex problems.

CmUs /WIUs in Year 3

Sustainable Design & Implementation [60 hours]

Sustainable chemistry is important for ensuring the sustainability of manufacturing processes in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Learners will design and evaluate chemical processes using environmentally benign chemical protocols to minimise the use of non-renewable resources. They will also synthesise chemical compounds through reducing or eliminating the use and generation of hazardous chemicals.

Applied Research & Development [60 hours]

Research and development are key drivers in the innovation process to propel the growth of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Learners will apply their technical skills and knowledge to create value-added solutions or products for the industry. They will perform literature search, conduct experiments and present their findings through oral and written communications.

Organometallic & Catalytic Applications [60 hours]

Organometallic compounds play an essential role as chemical catalysts in industrial processes to increase the rates of reactions. Learners will apply the classical models/theories to explain the structures, isomerism, physical properties and chemical reactions of organometallic compounds. They will develop the ability to select appropriate catalysts for different kinds of chemical reactions and synthesise desired chemical compounds which have wide applications in chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Good Manufacturing Practice [30 hours]

Good manufacturing practice (GMP) is a quality control system that ensures consistency and reproducibility in the chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing production. Learners will be equipped with essential concepts in GMP and good documentation practices in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

BizSAFE [30 hours]

BizSAFE is a nationally recognised capability building programme designed to help companies build workplace safety and health capabilities. Learners will acquire the concepts and practical know-how on safety and risk management. They will also be competent to use various methodologies related to Hazard Analysis such as HAZOP and be able to perform Risk Assessments that conforms to prevailing Workplace Safety & Health legislation.

Experimental Design Project (WIU) [60 hours]

Experimental design involves skills in generating and re-designing of experimental procedures by authentic inquiry. This can help to optimize chemical processes. Learners will apply their skills and knowledge to design, plan, evaluate, implement, analyse and present experimental studies.

Internship Programme (WIU) [480/ 960 hours]

Through this Internship Programme, learners will be assigned to real-life workplace environments to receive On-the-Job Training (OJT) where they can apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the course. The learners will be guided by the supervisors or mentors at the workplace to develop the relevant competencies at the same time their learning will also be facilitated by school internship mentors throughout the internship period. This will allow learners to develop competencies and experiences at the workplace. In addition, they will acquire important work values and ethics which include being responsible and positive, as well as taking initiative and exercising integrity. Through this internship programme, learners will be industry and future-ready.

Overseas Internship Programme (WIU) [960 hours]

Final Year Project (WIU) [480 hours]

Final Year Project provides an opportunity for learners to put their technical skills and knowledge to co-create value-added solutions or products with industry partners. Learners will perform literature search and experiments with guidance from supervisors and present their findings at the end of the semester.

Four Competency Canvases – Where skills and knowledge learnt are assessed for competency, together with a Work-Integration-Unit (WIU) which is a workplace contextualised project. You are required to complete all four Competency Canvases to graduate.

The following list reflects the Competency Units and Work-Integration Units mapped under each Competency Canvas.

Collaboration with Industry Partners

Why Our Partners are On Board

Prem AnandExecutive Officer & Senior General Manager, SHIMADZU (Asia Pacific)"Shimadzu is honoured to partner NYP in bringing cutting-edge innovation and advanced technologies in laboratory instruments to academia. Being the only Nobel Prize-winning organisation in the industry, we have been spearheading futuristic technologies including Analytical Intelligence and Living Instruments. As part of our partnership, we will bring the precious knowledge of these innovations and more to NYP and co-create the curriculum.

The NYP-Shimadzu Innovation & Education (NYP-SHINE) Centre has contributed to the scientific landscape of Singapore. Similarly, our partnership in the Professional Competency Model (PCM) of the Diploma in Applied Chemistry will continue to enhance the quality of education in Singapore and shine a path for others to follow in the APAC region.

Shimadzu has, in the last 30 years, developed many mutually beneficial academic collaborations with tertiary institutes in Asia. As technology has rapidly accelerated due to COVID-19, it is essential that learners and educators keep up with the times — an endeavour that is supported by Shimadzu’s Digital Classrooms and Digital Laboratories. As part of our Corporate Philosophy of ‘Contributing to Society through Science & Technology’, Shimadzu looks forward to collaborating with NYP to nurture a professionally competent and industry-ready workforce."

Ng Soon HuangHead of QCA, DSM - Firmenich"DSM has been collaborating with Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) for more than 10 years. We are very excited to co-mentor and co-assess NYP students with this enhanced teaching pedagogy. DSM’s purpose is to create brighter lives for all. We believe that through science and innovation, we can tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges like malnutrition. With this industry-relevant curriculum, learners will be equipped with various laboratory and leadership skills and, importantly, a bigger vision on the importance of nutrition, which will greatly prepare them for their future careers."

Casey OngSenior Director, Chemicals Division, AGC Asia Pacific"NYP’s Professional Competency Model (PCM) is carefully designed with the holistic needs of their students, the workforce and the industries in mind. By collaborating with major industry players and companies, NYP gives their students the opportunity to acquire practical skills and industry-specific insights, so they may graduate as professionally competent individuals. AGC Asia Pacific is proud to support NYP in developing a generation of chemists and engineers who are both technically proficient and business-savvy."

Caine LeongHead of Commercial, Asia Pacific, Merck Contract Testing Services"We’re excited to collaborate with Nanyang Polytechnic to enhance the diploma programme with internship opportunities. An internship experience within a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) biosafety testing facility will provide learners with insights into the biosafety testing requirements within the biomanufacturing industry. They will learn about the importance of ensuring the safety of the world’s medicines by delivering the highest quality testing services and regulatory expertise to bring life-changing medicines to patients.”

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