The Professional Certificate in Computational Reasoning
What’s It About?
Through a series of fun and engaging hands-on activities, this Professional Certificate aims to empower individuals who are new to data analysis and coding by equipping the learner with two things: (1) the foundational concepts and skills to carry out basic data analysis on Microsoft Excel and create simple but powerful algorithms to solve complex real-world problems; and (2) the critical reasoning skills essential to using these computational tools effectively and well so that they can critically self-evaluate the way they apply these tools, and thus be able to reason effectively in a variety of contexts.
Learners will learn to identify problems and design solutions, while also developing a critical awareness of the merits and limits of their methods, thereby empowering them to make better-informed decisions and to articulate strong justifications for those decisions.
What past participants have to say...
“This is one of the most fun courses I have ever attended! I didn't realise that something so dry (Microsoft Excel) can be taught into something so interesting. I enjoyed the lessons tremendously. In fact, I kept looking forward to them!”
– SGUnited Skills Programme Participant in International Financial Technology (FinTech) for Non-Technical Executives
“I thought this was going to be a boring course. I did not expect to have so much fun analysing data on Excel.”
– SGUnited Skills Programme Participant in 5D Built Environment Professionals
“I learnt how to carry out data analysis on Excel and now I’m able to apply the skills to actual problems in my work.”
– SGUnited Skills Programme Participant in 5D Built Environment Professionals
“The course was very eye-opening and applicable to the real world. I now appreciate how data can either help us or become a problem for us.”
– SGUnited Skills Programme Participant in Advanced Manufacturing
“This course not only taught me Excel but it also taught me to question the data. It constantly stimulated my mind to interpret and challenge my assumptions.”
– SGUnited Skills Programme Participant in International Financial Technology (FinTech) for Non-Technical Executives
“I came into this course terrified of the idea of learning coding, as I have always heard stories from my friends about the nights that they stayed up trying to fix the bugs in their codes, crying because their codes could not run etc. Never did I expect to be able to create my own game after the completion of this course. The lessons truly allowed me to view problem-solving through a humanitarian perspective. I also got to think more critically about algorithms, which was broadened my perspectives.”
– Former NUS FASS Participant
Who's It For?
This course is best suited for professionals, executives, managers, as well as fresh graduates from non-technical backgrounds wishing to pick up the foundational skills in coding and data analysis to further their careers.
If you’ve taken computing courses before and struggled to learn, this course is for you! We have designed this with the assumption that you have no familiarity in data analysis and coding, and we’ll teach you all you need to know from the ground up in a fun and engaging manner.
The Instructor
Jonathan Y. H. Sim is Associate Fellow with the NUS Teaching Academy, and Lecturer with the Department of Philosophy, at the National University of Singapore. He teaches the Philosophy of Computing and Data Analytics and Chinese philosophy to both undergraduates and working professionals. For his passion in teaching and his effective teaching methods, Jonathan won the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (FTEA) in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Jonathan is working with various government agencies, offering insights as a philosopher on various national issues. He has also been invited to share his insights on education to various media outlets in Singapore and across the Asia Pacific region.
What past participants have to say...
“Jonathan is very engaging and creative, he makes ‘dry’ complex topics fun and easy to understand. I’m impressed by all the well thought out examples and lecture materials.
He’s a very good mentor.”
– SGUnited Skills Programme Participant in International Financial Technology (FinTech) for Non-Technical Executives
“The Instructor is very engaging and creative in his teaching materials. It kept all of us very entertained and glued to the screen while watching his videos/attending his classes!”
– SGUnited Skills Programme Participant in International Financial Technology (FinTech) for Non-Technical Executives
“Jonathan and his team of Teaching Assistants have been very helpful. They never turn us away at any point. And they answer our questions according to our level of understanding.”
– SGUnited Skills Programme Participant in 5D Built Environment Professionals
What Will We Learn?
The Professional Certificate in Computational Reasoning comprises three short modules that the learner will have to complete:
Module 1: How to Critically Reason with Data on Microsoft Excel
This course aims to equip the learner with (1) the technical skills to carry out basic data preparation and analysis using Microsoft Excel, and more importantly, (2) the reasoning skills to critically evaluate the assumptions used in interpretating data, and how to formulate strong justifications using data.
Module 2: The Fundamentals of Algorithm Design and the Politics of Algorithms
This course aims to equip the learner with the fundamental concepts of algorithm design and computational thinking, thereby empowering the learner to effectively solve complex real-world problems. The course aims to push the learner further, by imparting critical reasoning skills to evaluate algorithms, not just in terms of performance, but to also identify the possibility of embedded politics that can unintentionally discriminate against specific groups of people, so as to develop more wholesome and effective solutions.
Module 3: Computational Reasoning Applied (An Introduction to Coding with VBA)
This course aims to equip the learner with the basics of coding using VBA on Excel to better enhance one’s data analysis capabilities on Microsoft Excel. Through this hands-on approach, the learner will gain deeper insights into the politics of algorithms and algorithmic discrimination.
How Much Work Do I Have To Do?
Each short module will comprise a variety of fun learning activities to help you excel in your learning journey. Here’s the breakdown of the learning activities:
| Learning Activities | Workload Per Module (hours) | No. of Modules | Total Workload (hours) |
| (1) Online Lecture Videos and Interactive Lecture Activities | 3 |
x3 |
9 |
| (2) Individual Assignments | 4 | 12 | |
| (3) Facilitated Learning on Zoom | 3 | 9 | |
| (4) Group Project | 4 | 12 | |
| Total | 14 | 42 |
When Is It?
Important: Do note that this course will not be offered in 2024. If you are looking to offer this course for your organisation, please contact the course trainer, Jonathan Y. H. Sim at jyhsim@nus.edu.sg.
This course is offered in the blended-learning format. Lectures will be done online through interactive pre-recorded videos. There are lecture activities for you to follow, and some preparatory assignments to help you reinforce your learning.
There will also be face-to-face Zoom classes for each module to take your learning further.
| Module 1
How to Critically Reason with Data on Microsoft Excel |
Module 2
The Fundamentals of Algorithm Design and the Politics of Algorithms |
Module 3
Computational Reasoning Applied (An Introduction to Coding with VBA) |
|
| There are currently no classes scheduled at the moment. | There are currently no classes scheduled at the moment. | There are currently no classes scheduled at the moment. |
Note: All online course resources will be released two weeks before our first face-to-face Zoom class. Preparatory assignments for each module are due the day before the Zoom class.
How Much Does It Cost?
| Fee Description | Amount Payable (incl. GST) for 1x module | Number of modules | Total Payable (incl. GST) for the Professional Certificate |
| Full Course Fees | $1836.00 |
x3 |
$5508.00 |
| Price after SSG Funding* (if you are a SC and under 40 years old, or a PR) |
$545.70 | $1637.10 | |
| Pricing after SSG Funding* (if you are a SC and 40 years old or above) |
$205.70 | $617.10 |
The information above is applicable to all registrants except for NUS fresh graduates under the NUS Resilience & Growth (R&G) Initiative 2020, where ONE (1x) virtual voucher can be used to redeem this Professional Certificate. Use of the virtual voucher will be as per conditions set in NUS Resilience & Growth Initiative 2020.
Skillsfuture credits can also be used to offset the payable amount.
*SSG Funding: Eligible for Claim Period 1 Jul 2021 to 30 June 2024. Learners must record at least 75% attendance, and pass all assessment components, to be eligible for SSG funding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants are required to enrol in all 3 modules for this Professional Certificate.