Minor Programmes
Aquatic Ecology
Host Faculties:
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (Department of Geography)
- Faculty of Science (Department of Biological Sciences)
The Minor in Aquatic Ecology aims to expose students to the important disciplines of marine and freshwater ecological studies while developing relevant specific skills, knowledge, and experience among them. With the increasing governmental, private, and societal interest in aquatic sciences, there is a growing demand for manpower with expertise in freshwater and/or marine ecology. This Minor complements aptly the primary disciplines of students from the Life Sciences Major and Geography Major. It will also enhance the training for students keen on related career opportunities at relevant governmental and private institutions in Singapore, including Public Utilities Board (PUB), National Environment Agency (NEA), National Parks Board (NParks), The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) and DHI Group.
This is an Open Minor.
Important:
- Please read here for the University's requirement on Minor Programmes.
- For students admitted from AY2019/2020 onwards, the Unit requirement for a Minor is at least 20 Units, of which at least 12 Units for any Minor must be taken from outside the entire set of courses that are listed for the major(s)/another minor that the student is taking/ has taken.
Please note that Students on Exchange Programme (SEP) are not allowed to use dummy codes for course mapping.
| Cohorts AY2019/20 to AY2020/21 | Cohort AY2021/22 onwards |
Essential Courses – Pass the following 4 courses (total 16 Units)
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Essential Courses – Pass the following 4 courses (total 16 Units)
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| Elective Courses – Pass 1 of the following courses (total 4 Unit)
- pass 1 of the following for cohorts 2019/20 and 2020/21 -pass 2 of the following for cohorts 2016/17 to 2018/19 [For students reading Life Sciences Major, please select at least one non-LSM-prefixed course.]
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Elective Course – Pass 1 of the following course (total 4 Unit)
-For students reading Life Sciences Major/Second Major/Minor, at most one LSM-prefixed course is allowed. -For students reading Geography Major/Second Major, at most one GE-prefixed course is allowed. -For students reading BES XDP, please select from HS2906, GE3216 and LSM4260.
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Notes:
(*) This course is not offered from AY2021/2022 onwards.
(**) From AY2021/2022 onwards, this course will not be offered at Level 3000. It will only be offered at Level 4000.
The Minor is open to students from all disciplines, except those who are reading the Environmental Studies Programme from Academic Year 2016/2017 and onwards.
Application is required and successful entry to Aquatic Ecology Minor is subjected to departmental approval.
The application form for Minor in Life Sciences is available here.
Please submit the application form, enclosed with applicant’s CV, to A/P Peter Todd Department of Biological Sciences.
If you wish to email your application to the department, or have further enquiries on Minor in Aquatic Ecology, you may contact the Minor Coordinator, A/P Peter Todd (DBS)
Essential Modules – Pass the following 4 modules
- LSM2251 Ecology and Environment
- LSM3254 Ecology of Aquatic Environments
- GE2229 Water and Environment OR GE3255 Aquatic, Riparian and Coastal Systems
- SP3203 Aquatic Ecology Research
Elective Modules – Pass 2 of the following modules
[For students reading Life Sciences Major, please select at least one non-LSM-prefixed module.]
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- GE2103 Our Planet: An Earth Systems Science Perspective
- GE2215 Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing
- GE2220 Terrestrial and Coastal Environments (*)
- GE2228/GE3253 Weather and Climate
- GE3216 Applications of GIS & Remote Sensing
- GE3221 Ecological Systems
- GE3223 Environmental Change in the Tropics (**)
- GE3231 Natural Hazards
- GE3246 Environmental Pollution (**)
- GE3256 Earth Surface Processes, Landforms and Ecosystems
- LSM2252 Biodiversity
- LSM2253 Applied Data Analysis in Ecology and Evolution
- LSM4257 Aquatic Vertebrate Diversity
- LSM4260 Plankton Ecology
- LSM4261 Marine Biology
- LSM4264 Freshwater Biology
- LSM4266 Aquatic Invertebrate Diversity
Notes:
(*) This module is not offered from AY2021/2022 onwards.
(**) From AY2021/2022 onwards, this module will not be offered at Level 3000. It will only be offered at Level 4000.
Geosciences
A Cross-Disciplinary Minor in Geosciences by the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science
Introduction
Geosciences – the sciences of the Earth and its environment – are concerned with exploring ideas about the natural world, understanding the physical and chemical processes that determine the distribution of resources, location of hazards and operation of surface processes. Geosciences provide advice and guidance on preserving the environment, rehabilitating damaged ecosystems, determining the environmental impact of certain activities, mitigating environmental hazards and assessing the implications of environmental change. How the earth system will respond to human impact is one of the most pressing issues facing society
The subject area of Geosciences is not well represented in NUS beyond courses in the Department of Geography, nor is there provision in any other tertiary institutions in Singapore. Given the increasing significance of environment on national and international agendas it is timely to consider how to improve awareness of geosciences. A Minor in Geosciences would appeal to:
- Students who are interested in the functioning of environmental processes and concerned about the key issues of climate and environmental change, natural hazards and risk management and sustainable land use.
More specifically, it would appeal to:
- Science-based students who wish to complement their understanding of the physical sciences with an environmental focus;
- FASS students (particularly Geography majors) wishing to underpin their environmental knowledge firm a stronger foundation in science; and
- Engineering students wishing to complement environmental technology courses. Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE) is supporting the proposal.
Although there are several courses in NUS that deal with aspects of environmental technology, there are fewer specifically concerned with environmental processes. An opportunity to obtain a better grounding in the application of science to the understanding of the Earth and its environment would be beneficial to students at this time of increasing concern about environmental management. There are many international applied geosciences companies with regional offices in Singapore providing graduate employment opportunities. By developing a minor that enhances analytical and predictive skills in the geosciences area can contribute to improving Singapore’s competitiveness in this arena and to providing future leaders with enhanced environmental awareness that may influence policy development.
This is an Open Minor.
Important:
- Please read here for the University's requirement on Minor Programmes.
- For students admitted from AY2019/2020 onwards, the Unit requirement for a Minor is at least 20 Units, of which at least 12 Units for any Minor must be taken from outside the entire set of courses that are listed for the major(s)/another minor that the student is taking/ has taken.
Please note that Students on Exchange Programme (SEP) are not allowed to use dummy codes for course mapping.
| Cohorts AY2019-2020 (20 Units) | Cohort AY2021 onwards (20 Units) |
1. Fundamental Earth Science – Read and pass both:
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1. Fundamental Earth Science – Read and pass both:
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2. Foundation Science – Read and pass 4 Units from the following:
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2. Foundation Science – Read and pass 4 Units from the following courses:
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3. Elective courses – Read and pass 8 Units from the following:
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3. Elective courses – Read and pass any 8 Units from the following courses:
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Notes:
(*) This course is not offered from AY2021/2022 onwards.
(**) From AY2021/2022 onwards, this course will not be offered at Level 3000. It will only be offered at Level 4000.
(#) This course is not offered from AY2023/2024 onwards.
| Cohort 2018 and before | |
1. Fundamental Earth Science – Read and pass both:
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2. Foundation Science – Read and pass 4 MCs from the following:
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3. Elective modules – Read and pass 12MCs from the following:
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Notes
* GE2219: Climate Water and Environment was deleted as of AY2008-2009. Students who have read and passed GE2219 before AY2008-2009 can use it to count towards the Geosciences Minor.
^ GE3880A: Topics in Petroleum Geoscience has been replaced by GE3244: Fundamentals of Petroleum Exploration. Students who have read GE3880A will not be able to read GE3244.
+ LSM3251: Ecology and Environmental Processes has been replaced by LSM2251: Ecology and Environment. Students who have read LSM3251 will not be able to read LSM2251.
+ LSM3271: Forest Ecology has been replaced by LSM3255: Ecology of Terrestrial Environments. Students who have read LSM3271 will not be able to read LSM3255.
LSM2251 will serve as a pre-requisite to LSM3254 and LSM3255.
* GE3221: Ecological Systems. Students from cohorts 2006-2008 may use this module to count towards the Minor. GE3221 is only applicable for cohorts 2006-2008.
CE2134 preclusion - ME2134
The modules listed as Foundation Science include alternative modules based on prior experience.
- PC1141 and PC 1142 are modules requiring A-level Physics. PC 1221 is an introductory module for students without A-level Physics, while PC1431 is tailored for Engineering students
- CM1111 requires A-Level Chemistry. CM1417 is for students without A-level Chemistry.
- LSM1103 is a fundamental pre-requisite for all the LSM electives listed. Students who have taken A-level or H2 Biology will not be able to read LSM1301: General Biology. Students without A-level or H2 Biology are required to read LSM1301: General Biology before proceeding to read other LSM modules listed in the Minor.
GIS
Better decisions through Geographical Information Systems
- a programme suitable for students from both JC and Poly
- a subject that spans the disciplines of Arts and Science
- a technique that enables an understanding of past events, the solving of current issues, and the prediction of future trends
Now NUS students have the opportunity to declare a Minor in GIS, one of the most important emerging and evolving fields in technology.
This is an Open Minor.
Important:
- Please read here for the University's requirement on Minor Programmes.
- For students admitted from AY2019/2020 onwards, the Unit requirement for a Minor is at least 20 Units, of which at least 12 Units for any Minor must be taken from outside the entire set of courses that are listed for the major(s)/another minor that the student is taking/ has taken.
Contact: Department of Geography (Dr Nathan Green)
Please note that Students on Exchange Programme (SEP) are not allowed to use dummy codes for course mapping.
Why Do The Minor?
The GIS Minor programme will produce graduates who are equipped to function as GIS specialists in industry, government and academia. It will:
- provide students with an interdisciplinary educational opportunity to enhance their individual disciplines through the study and application of GIS theory, methods and technologies;
- endow students with the geographical concepts and practical skills necessary to enter the job market as GIS specialists; and
- develop individuals with a broad grasp of GIS technology, and who are not only technologically competent but also solution-oriented.
Who Should Do The Minor
The Minor is open to students from all Faculties and is designed to meet the needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. The Minor is appropriate for students interested in careers utilizing GIS as an analytical tool in such areas as geography, business, communication, engineering, environmental science, political science, public health, sociology, and urban planning, or for students pursuing GIS as a profession in a related discipline such as computer science or information systems. Students who complete the programme will leave it with a set of skills, and the ability to apply these to different areas of knowledge.
What Are The Requirements?
| Cohorts AY2019-20 (20Units) | Cohort AY2021 onwards (20Units) |
1. Essential courses – Read and pass both courses :
2. Quantitative methods course – Read and pass 4 units from the following:
3. Elective courses – Read and pass 8 units from the following:
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1. Essential courses – Read and pass both courses :
2. Quantitative methods course – Read and pass 4 units from the following courses :
3. Elective courses – Read and pass any 8 units from the following courses :
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Important: Please read here for the University's requirement on Minor Programmes.
What Are The Requirements?
A minimum of 6 modules (24 MCs) is required to successfully complete the Minor. Its foundations consist of:
- three Essential modules in GIS
- one quantitative methods module
- two elective modules in their own or related disciplines.
Students interested in the Minor are strongly encouraged to read the two Level 2000 essential modules (i.e., GE2215 and GE2227) as early as possible, preferably in their Year 1 and Year 2.
Some modules may not be offered every year. For example, GE3238 and GE3216 are currently being rotated every academic year. Please check with respective department for current module offering.
Important: Please check the University's requirement on Minor Programmes.
Modules Available For The GIS Minor
Essential GIS (all three are required)
- GE2215 Introduction to GIS
- GE2227 Cartography and Visualization or GE3252 Cartography and Geovisualisation
- GE3238 GIS Design and Practices
Quantitative methods
- ST1131 Introduction to Statistics and Statistical Computing
- ST1232 Statistics for Life Sciences
- ST2334 Probability and Statistics
- GE2101 Methods and Practices in Geography
- SC2101 Methods of Social Research
Elective (select any two)
Cluster 1 System development
- IT2002 Database Technology and Management
- CS1010/CS1010E/CS1010FC/CS1010J/CS1010S/CS1010X or CS1101S Programming Methodology
- CS1020 or CS1020E Data Structures and Algorithms I
- CS2040 or CS2040C Data Structures and Algorithms
- CS2030 Programming Methodology II
- CS2102 Database Systems
- CS3223 Database Systems Implementation
- AR2524 Spatial Computational Thinking
- NM2213 Introduction to User Experience Design/NM3243 User Experience Design
Cluster 2 Applications
- CE2409 Computer Applications in Civil Engineering
- GE3216 Application of GIS and Remote Sensing
- RE2301 GIS for Real Estate
- GET1030 Digital Humanities in Arts Research/Computers and the Humanities (cohorts 2015 and onwards)
- NM3213 Digital Humanities
Note:
Some modules have prerequisites and/or preclusions.
- GEK2503: Remote Sensing for Earth Observation, is only for cohorts 2014 and before. Cohort 2015 onwards will not be able to read this module to fulfill the Minor requirements due to university curricular structure change.
- CS3223: Database Management Systems, the course title is now changed to CS3223: Database Systems Implementation.
- Students who have read RE3490/RE2901 should not read RE2301.
- IT1002: No longer offered but students who have read and passed the module may use the module to count towards the GIS graduation requirement.
- Some modules may not be offered every year. For example, GE3238 and GE3216 are currently being rotated every academic year. Please check with respective department for current module offering.
Students Projects
Check out these interesting projects done by our students.
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- Mapping Potential Sea Level Rise in Singapore
by Reuben Li Mingguang, Chen Dewen and Luo Guo Ann (2008)
- Mapping Potential Sea Level Rise in Singapore
Internships
Along with a solid foundation in GIS related coursework, an internship allows you to further develop strong GIS skills. You will apply what you have learnt in class to the real world issues. Besides, an internship is an excellent way to be exposed to prospective employers! After the launch of the GIS Minor Programme in August 2006, the Department has been discussing with various companies for internship opportunities. During the long university vacation, students who finished three essential GIS courses are already doing their interns with the Deloitte Petroleum Services, the Petroleum Geo-Services Asia-Pacific, and the DHI Water & Environment on various environmental projects. The Department also launched a new courses GE3550A GIS Internship Course in AY2007/08.
FAQs
Q: How do I register for the Minor?
A: You can either declare your intention to do the minor when you take your first course from the GIS Minor basket, or pass all six (or five, depending on your cohort) course required and then declare the minor. Students who have already taken courses within the Minor (e.g., CS1010, GE2215) are eligible for the Minor too.
Q: Do I need to do the core course first before taking any elective courses ?
A: Not necessary. You may read the Essential GIS course before, after, or in the process of taking elective courses.
Q: I came from Polytechnic and was awarded with a few exemptions (CS1010, CS2102) from NUS. Can I use my exemptions to fulfill the “Elective Area” requirements of the GIS Minor?
A: You will be able to use the exempted courses from Polytechnic to fulfill your “Elective Area” requirements of the GIS Minor only if you are a Geography Major.
Q: Can I read one or two GIS courses but not take the Minor?
A: Yes, the GIS courses offered by the Geography Department (e.g., GE2215, GE2227, GE3216 GE3238, GE3252) are not just for students enrolled in the GIS Minor. They are especially useful for geography majors and NUS undergraduate students interested in using GIS and working with spatial data.
Q: How many courses can I double count for both my Major and Minor?
A: Based on university’s requirements, you can use up to 8 MCs to count towards your Major and Minor programme.
Q: If I am a Geography Major and the Minor requirement for my cohort is 24 MCs, can I double count GE2101 and GE3216?
A: No. But you can double count two of the three essential GIS courses (i.e., GE2215, GE2227 and GE3238).
Q: Can I take GET1030 as my GE course and have it double-counted as one of the elective courses for the GIS Minor?
A: No, you will need to take another GET course to fulfil the GE course requirements if you wish to use GET1030 for the GIS Minor. Please note that the newer cohorts have different general education requirements.
Q: If I am a non-Geography Major, can I take the GE courses (ie. GE2215, GE2227, GE3252, GE3238, GE2101 and GE3216) to fulfill my Breadth Requirements (Unrestricted electives outside major) and have them counted towards the GIS Minor?
A: Yes, you can do that. You can also take other GIS courses outside your major and have them counted as your Breadth (if applicable) and the GIS Minor.
Q: If I am from the School of Computing, can I double count the CS courses in the Minor?
A: Yes you may, but please also check with your department and SoC as there may be other requirements or restrictions.
Q: If I go on overseas exchange, can I transfer relevant courses for the minor?
A: Yes. For students on overseas exchange, credit transfer of up to 8 MC of relevant courses for the minor may be accepted.
SLA Geospatial Medal and Prize
SLA Geospatial Medal and Prize
The SLA Geospatial Medal and Prize is awarded from an expendable donation of S$15,000 from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) in 2015. The prize will be given out starting from AY2014-15.
The prize will be awarded annually as follows:
- Subject to rule 4 below, a gold medal and cash prize of S$1,500 less the value of the gold medal will be awarded to a graduating student in Minor in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) programme who has:
- obtained at least an Honours (Distinction); and
- completed the requirements in the Minor in GIS programme; and
- achieved the highest average score from the three GIS courses:
- GE2215 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
- GE3238 GIS Design and Practices
- GE3252 Cartography and Geovisualisation or GE3216 Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing [If the student takes more than one course in point iii(c), the higher score course among (c) will be used in calculation with (a) GE2215 and (b) GE3238.]; and
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- achieved the highest GPA score if there is a tie in the highest average score for the three courses from point iii above.
- The award will be made by the Board of Undergraduate Studies on the recommendation of the relevant Board of Examiners.
- In making a recommendation to the Board of Undergraduate Studies, the Board of Examiners will also take into consideration the candidate's ability to apply and use geospatial knowledge based on feedback from the lecturers of the 3 core courses in the Minor in GIS programme.
- No award will be made unless there is a candidate of sufficient merit.
- This gift shall be governed by the University Statutes and Regulations, specifically, Statute 7 on Gifts to the University and the corresponding Regulation.
Urban Studies
Jointly Offered By Department of Geography (FASS) and Department of Real Estate (NUS Business School)
It is estimated that the world’s urban population recently surpassed 50% of the total population. Asia remains less than 50% urbanised but is one of the most rapidly urbanising regions on Earth. International linkages between urban management professionals of various kinds are also increasing and Singapore is seen as a leader in many aspects of urban management, policy and planning. For these and other reasons, opportunities for urban professionals are likely to continue to increase.
Students will be offered the chance to develop expertise and skills in urban studies that would be an asset not only for those already majoring in an urban-related area, but also for the many others from various faculties who have an interest in urban-related careers. Students will get the opportunity to make explicit to employers their special strengths in this area.
Students will be provided with a good balance of breadth of knowledge, practical skills, and theoretical depth in a range of urban-related fields. The minor is not conceived as an introduction to any major in urban studies or such like. Instead, it is to be seen purely as a minor which can enhance the degrees and employability of students taking a wide variety of existing majors.
This is an Open Minor.
Important:
- Please read here for the University's requirement on Minor Programmes.
- For students admitted from AY2019/2020 onwards, the Unit requirement for a Minor is at least 20 Units, of which at least 12 Units for any Minor must be taken from outside the entire set of courses that are listed for the major(s)/another minor that the student is taking/ has taken.
Please note that Students on Exchange Programme (SEP) are not allowed to use dummy codes for course mapping.
| Cohorts AY2021 to 2022 (20 Units) | Cohort AY2023 onwards (20 Units) |
1. Core courses – Read and pass 12 Units from the following courses, with at least 4 Units in GE:
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1. Core courses – Read and pass 12 Units from the following courses, with at least 4 Units in GE:
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2. Elective courses – Read and pass 8 Units from the following:
Notes: RE1705 will not be offered from AY2023/2024 onwards. RE2706 will not be offered from AY2024/2025 onwards. |
2. Elective courses – Read and pass 8 Units from the following courses:
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For students admitted from AY2019/2020 onwards, the Unit requirement for a Minor is at least 20 Units, of which at least 12 Units for any Minor must be taken from outside the entire set of courses that are listed for the major(s)/another minor that the student is taking/ has taken.
- Core courses - Read and pass 12 Units from the following courses, with at least 4 Units in GE:
- RE1701 Urban Land Use and Development
- RE1706 Design and Construction
- RE2701 Urban Planning
- GE3204 Cities and Regions: Planning for Change
- GE3248 Cities in Transition
- Elective courses – Read and pass 8 Units from the following courses:
- RE2706 Real Estate Finance
- RE2701 Urban Planning
- RE3701 Real Estate Investment Analysis
- RE3902 Housing Markets and Policies
- AR2223 Theory of Urban Design and Planning (cohorts 2016 and before)
- GE2202 Economy and Space
- GE2102 Politics, Economies and Space
- GE3241 Geographies of Social Life
- GE3219 Globalisation and Asian Cities
- GE3236 Transport and Communications
- ENV3104 Socio-Ecological Assessment of Environmental Impacts
- EC3381 Urban Economics
- EC3382 Transport Economics I
- SC3206 Urban Sociology
Notes:
GE2202 and GE3219 will not be offered from AY2021/2022 onwards.
RE1705 will not be offered from AY2023/2024 onwards.
RE2706 will not be offered from AY2024/2025 onwards.
To qualify for the Minor in Urban Studies, students will need a minimum of 6 courses (3 or 4 core courses, and 3 or 2 elective courses respectively) from the lists below. At least 4 courses to be considered towards the Urban Studies Minor must be read outside a student’s own major department and at least two courses must be from level 3000 or 4000. All courses are equal to 4 Units. This graduation requirement is only applicable to cohorts 2018 and before.
At least three core courses from the list below. These can be either two RE + one GE courses OR two GE + one RE courses, which include the following:
- RE1705 Real Estate Finance and Accounting
- RE1701 Urban Land Use and Development
- RE1706 Design and Construction
- GE2204 Cities in Transition
- GE3204 Cities and Regions: Planning for Change
Students have to choose two or more elective courses from the lists below to obtain a total of six or more courses inclusive of the core courses.
- RE2706 Real Estate Finance
- RE2701 Urban Planning
- RE3701 Real Estate Investment Analysis
- RE3902 Housing Markets and Policies
- AR2223 Theory of Urban Design and Planning
- GE2202 Economy and Space
- GE3241 Geographies of Social Life
- EC3381 Urban Economics
- EC3382 Transport Economics I
- GE3219 Globalisation and the Asian Cities
- GE3236 Transport and Communications
- SC3206 Urban Sociology
Note:
- At least four courses required for the Urban Studies Minor must be taken outside the student’s own department
- At least two courses must be from Level 3000
- AR2223 Theory of Urban Design and Planning is no longer offered. Students who have read and passed the module in AY16-17 and before may count it towards their graduation requirements.
To qualify for the Minor in Urban Studies, students will need a minimum of 6 courses (3 or 4 core courses, and 3 or 2 elective courses respectively) from the lists below. At least 4 courses to be considered towards the Urban Studies Minor must be read outside a student’s own major department and at least two courses must be from level 3000 or 4000. All courses are equal to 4 Units.
At least three core courses from the list below. These can be either two RE + one GE courses OR two GE + one RE courses, which include the following:
- RE1101 Fundamentals of Real Estate Finance OR RE1705 Real Estate Finance and Accounting
- RE1102 Urban Land Use and Development OR RE1701 Urban Land Use and Development
- RE1103 Property and Facilities Management OR RE1706 Design and Construction
- GE2204 Cities in Transition
- GE3204 Cities and Regions: Planning for Change
Students have to choose two or more elective courses from the lists below to obtain a total of six or more courses inclusive of the core courses.
- RE2104 Real Estate Finance OR RE2706 Real Estate Finance
- RE3103 Real Estate Development OR RE2701 Urban Planning
- RE4211 REIT Management OR RE3701 Real Estate Investment Analysis
- RE4301 Housing Markets and Housing Policies OR RE3902 Housing Markets and Policies
- AR2223 Theory of Urban Design and Planning
- GE2202 Economy and Space
- GE3241 Geographies of Social Life
- EC3381 Urban Economics
- EC3382 Transport Economics I
- GE3219 Globalisation and the Asian Cities
- GE3236 Transport and Communications
- SC3206 Urban Sociology
Note:
- At least four courses required for the Urban Studies Minor must be taken outside the student’s own department
- At least two courses must be from Level 3000