Diploma in Chemical & Pharmaceutical Technology

About the Course

Improve sustainability and enhance lives with advanced manufacturing technologies.

Diploma in Chemical & Pharmaceutical Technology is for you if you want to:

Craft innovative and green solutions to improve sustainability and enhance lives.
Make significant impact in diverse fields ranging from petrochemical, pharmaceutical, environmental to sustainable energy upon graduation.
Embark on an exciting learning journey in advanced chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies.
Contribute to society effectively as a highly skilled chemical technologist with a strong foundation in science and technology.

Benefits

Discover how advanced technologies can transform chemical compounds into useful everyday products and life-saving medicines.
Attain practical competencies and valuable expertise in advanced chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies by working in the-state-of-the-art and fully equipped chemical and pharmaceutical pilot plant and laboratories such as the Secondary Pharmaceutical Technology Centre (making capsules, tablets, creams and lotions) and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Plant.
Seize career opportunities in diverse fields such as oil & gas, petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, high-end polymers, and pharmaceuticals/medicinal products.

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

Industry Relevance

Co-partnered by industry leaders like Croda Singapore, Huntsman, Veolia Water Technologies and Singapore Refining Company.

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 Chemical and Pharmaceutical Technology 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.
Five 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 five 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 Chemical & Pharmaceutical Technology 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.

Laboratory Analysis & Quality Management
Safety & Health Management
Transfer Processes
Process Operations & Control
Energy & Resource Management
Manufacturing Technology & Processes

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 Synthesis Methods [60 hours]

The reactants and products in chemical process industries are mostly organic compounds. Hence it is important to understand organic synthesis which is the construction of more complex organic compounds from simpler molecules using chemical reactions. Through this competency unit, learners will design synthetic pathways to specific molecules by applying the concepts of organic functional groups and their chemical characteristics. Learners will also be competent in elucidating structures of organic compounds with the use of UV/Vis and IR spectroscopic methods.

Chemical Analysis Methods [45 hours]

Chemical Analysis Methods develop learners with competencies in carrying out important test methods and operating testing equipment in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Through this competency unit, learners will acquire the skills to perform chemical analysis using industry-standard test methods and equipment. Learners will be competent to handle chromatographic methods, spectrochemical methods and physical testing methods.

Mass Balance Applications [45 hours]

Performing mass balances is an important skill required for sizing of equipment in the process industry. Through this competency unit, learners will perform mass balance calculations on reactive and non-reactive processes for steady state and non-steady state conditions in commonly used unit processes.

Sustainability Practices [45 hours]

The process industry has a profound impact on the environment, the climate and our resources. This competency unit will help learners make sense of this impact and equip them with the capability to apply sustainability practices in the activities required of a technician in the process industry. Learners will acquire sustainability and environmental concepts so that they will be able to perform tasks such as conducting environmental aspects and impacts analysis for various work activities. Learners will also develop skills in presenting ideas and solutions collaboratively.

Water Treatment & Applications [60 hours]

This competency unit equips learners with the principles and concepts in industrial water & wastewater treatment technologies. Through this competency unit, learners will develop competencies in basic design and sizing of conventional unit operations and processes in wastewater treatment. Learners will also be competent in performing basic troubleshooting and providing solutions to common operational problems encountered in various wastewater treatment units.

Chemical Plant Equipment Operations [45 hours]

The understanding and use of chemical plant equipment are essential to facilitate the manufacture of chemical products. Through this competency unit, learners will develop competencies in the selection and operation of process equipment such as valves, pumps, heat exchange equipment, distillation columns, reactors and cooling towers. Learners will also be competent in the application of these equipment to meet process requirements.

CmUs /WIUs in Year 2

Energy Balance Applications [45 hours]

Energy balances are important in industry as they facilitate improvement in profitability by reducing energy losses in system. Through this competency unit, learners will develop competencies to determine the amount of energy that flows into or out from each process unit. Learners will also be competent in calculating the energy requirements for process units.

Fluid Mechanics Applications [60 hours]

Fluid mechanics is important in the process industry because the substances handled are often in the form of fluids. This competency unit will equip learners with the skills to predict fluid flow behaviour and head losses for piping systems. Learners will acquire application skills on piping design, pump sizing and selection, and functionality of flow meters. Learners will also be competent in the proper techniques to operate pumps and in the trending of flow conditions.

Heat Transfer Analysis [60 hours]

Heat exchangers are critical units in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing plants. Through this competency unit, learners will develop the competencies to design and size heat exchangers with the given process parameters and for steady state and non-steady state heat transfer. Learners will also be equipped to perform troubleshooting on heat exchangers.

Engineering Drawing [45 hours]

Interpretation of process flow diagrams is an essential skill for controlling and monitoring processes in the process industry to achieve the operating outcomes. This competency unit will develop learners with the skills to prepare and interpret flow diagrams and piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&ID). Learners will also acquire competencies related to designing P&ID which includes aspects in basic process control and material selection techniques.

Safety & Risk Management [45 hours]

Safety & risk management is an essential aspect of the process industry in ensuring safety and health at the workplace. This competency unit equips learners with the concepts and practical know-how on safety and risk management for the process industry through understanding common hazards such as chemical, fire & explosion and work in confined space. Learners will acquire techniques to prevent and mitigate hazards as well as manage the risks. Learners will also be able to apply various methodologies related to hazard analysis and hazard control such as HAZOP and process safety hierarchy and be able to perform risk assessments that conforms to prevailing workplace safety & health legislation.

Sustainability Project (WIU) [60 hours]

Companies in the process industry face big challenges in environmental sustainability as they are big consumers of resources. Through this work integration unit, learners will work in teams to harness analytical thinking, problem-solving skills as well as creativity to address sustainability challenges in the process industry. Learners will also acquire competencies in developing prototypes, showcasing their capabilities, and pitching their ideas to customers.

Safe Process Operations [60 hours]

Ensuring safety is critical in the operations of process plants. Through this competency unit, learners will learn the skills to perform operational and maintenance duties of a field and control technician while ensuring safety. Learners will also apply safe work practices in the areas of process monitoring, sample collection, work permit and shift-handover systems.

Mass Transfer Operations [45 hours]

Separation processes are key in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, as they are used to achieve the required purity in products. Through this competency unit, learners will perform sizing and material balance calculations on processes such as distillation, vapor-liquid absorption and liquid-liquid extraction. Learners will also operate mass transfer processes by manipulating the parameters that affect process performance.

Process Control & Automation [60 hours]

Process control and automation help to ease process operation and ensure product quality. This competency unit guides learners to understand and apply the principles in process automation and control in the process industries, for continuous and batch processes. It introduces concepts of process control, process dynamics, PID controller and the instrumentation required in a control loop. Learners will be able to tune the control parameters to optimize process settings. Learners will also gain skills in determining plant maintenance status using artificial intelligence technology.

Quality Systems & GMP [60 hours]

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is a critical system which ensures proper design, monitoring, and control of the pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and facilities. Through this competency unit, learners will be able to implement GMP to assure the production of high-quality pharmaceutical products. Learners will acquire the competency to classify and maintain cleanroom standards and systematically handle deviations and non-conformances with accordance to Good Documentation Practice and other GMP guidelines.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing [60 hours]

Production of pharmaceutical drugs is a critical component of the healthcare ecosystem. Through this competency unit, learners will relate relevant process engineering principles, and develop competencies in the production of small molecule pharmaceutical drugs. Learners will also evaluate how changes to key process parameters affect the quality attributes of pharmaceutical drugs.

Process Integration Project (WIU) [30 hours]

A well-designed process plant needs to be both technically and economically feasible. In this work integration unit, learners will work on a team project to plan, design and optimize a manufacturing plant taking into consideration technical and costing factors. Learners will integrate their knowledge and skills from several competency units to calculate materials flow and to perform equipment sizing. Finally, they will optimise the plant and present findings based on economic considerations.

CmUs /WIUs in Year 3

Process Operations & Optimisation [60 hours]

Process industries process or convert raw materials into many different products through the operation of various unit operations. Through this competency unit, learners will develop competencies to operate, monitor, trouble-shoot and optimise process operations. Learners will be competent to perform start-up / shutdown process operations and carry out troubleshooting of processes during emergency situations. Learners will also acquire capabilities in optimising processes to improve product yield and energy efficiency that are in compliance to safety, health and environmental requirements.

Thermodynamic Cycles & Applications [45 hours]

Thermodynamics is important because it deals with work, heat and energy, which are concepts that find applications in many engineering systems in the process industry. This competency unit will develop learners with the competency to apply thermodynamic processes and cycles for energy conservation. Learners will also develop the skills for the operations of ideal and actual thermodynamic cycles.

Reactor Operations [60 hours]

The efficient operation of reactors is fundamental to the success of every chemical plant. In this competency unit, learners will develop the competency to select, design and operate reactors to produce useful chemical and pharmaceutical products efficiently. Learners will also acquire the skills to perform reactor sizing, optimise production rates, and determine heat loads for adiabatic/isothermal reactors.

Energy Analysis & Optimisation [45 hours]

Monitoring and calculating energy efficiency of process equipment is essential for optimising energy usage in the chemical process industry. Through this competency unit, learners will develop competencies to perform energy efficiency assessments with industry methods. Learners will be competent in proposing energy efficiency measures of process equipment and use simulation tools to evaluate the energy savings.

Safety Management Project (WIU) [45 hours]

Operating and maintaining process equipment is critical in industry. Through this work integration unit, learners will demonstrate competencies in preparing and planning for shutdown/start-up of unit operations for a process manufacturing plant. Learners will also acquire competencies involving equipment isolation, performing Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies and conducting Risk Assessment prior to the actual shutdown work.

Energy Optimisation Project (WIU) [45 hours]

Efficient energy use is critical in the industry. Through this work integration unit, learners will demonstrate competencies in relating changes in operation patterns to energy consumption and apply energy balance and optimization concepts to perform energy efficiency and savings analysis for common industry processes. Learners will also be competent to collaborate in teams to assess energy consumption, propose measurement plans and provide a technical report on recommendations to improve energy efficiency in selected plant processes.

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]

Through the Final Year Project, learners will synthesise the knowledge and skills they have developed from the course to deliver chemical technology solutions for real-life problems. The projects may range from industry-commissioned, R&D to poly-wide and learner-initiated projects. Leveraging new tools and technologies, learners will develop problem-solving and lifelong learning skills as they work independently to achieve the various milestones set by their project supervisors. Working within diverse group settings, learners will also deepen their repertoire of 21st century skills to prepare them for entry into the workforce.

Five 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 five 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

Chian Yeow ChanSite Director, CRODA Singapore"Croda’s commitments are to be Climate, Land and People Positive by 2030 and to be the most sustainable supplier of innovative ingredients. As part of our ambitious goals, Croda Singapore has collaborated with NYP to create the Professional Competency Model (PCM) curriculum for the Diploma in Chemical & Pharmaceutical Technology. The new curriculum places emphasis on sustainability, safety management and Industry 4.0 applications. These are the megatrends that will address the current needs in the process industry and, most importantly, prepare NYP graduates in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) landscape."

Han Wee GuanEnvironment, Health & Safety Manager, HUNTSMAN Singapore"As a global chemicals company, Huntsman finds its key that the industry workforce is highly skilled and innovative. NYP’s Professional Competency Model (PCM) focuses on allowing learners to apply their knowledge in industry-relevant tasks. With PCM, learners are equipped with key competencies and skills to contribute to the workplace and the industry. They also gain invaluable insights from industry partners, which will help them learn, innovate, and thrive. We look forward to building the next generation of career-ready talent by working alongside NYP to enhance the Diploma in Chemical & Pharmaceutical Technology curriculum and its delivery.."

Bong Hean TarDevelopment Engineering Manager, Singapore Refining Company"The Diploma in Chemical & Pharmaceutical Technology’s Professional Competency Model (PCM) curriculum is a collaboration between NYP and its partners, aimed at developing a pipeline of highly trained talent, who are crucial to Singapore’s status as a process industrial hub. The Singapore Refining Company (SRC) believes that our employees are our most important assets and the driving force behind our success. One of our primary goals is to train young people, challenge their abilities, and continue to develop them. SRC is glad to work with NYP to ensure that the curriculum is aligned with the industry’s best practices and designed to optimise a learner’s potential and develop competencies relevant to the current industry needs."

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