SPECIAL PROGRAMME IN SCIENCE: A PEDAGOGICAL MODEL FOR TEACHING AN INTEGRATED-SCIENCE CURRICULUM TO UNDERGRADUATES

The Special Programme in Science (SPS) is the premier academic programme under the auspices of the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore. In this article, we describe a model adopted by SPS with the intention of cutting across traditional borders to teach science as an integrated whole. The Integrated Science Curriculum (ISC) developed for SPS consists of four thematic (Atoms to Molecules, The Cell, The Earth, The Universe) and two research (Discovering Science, Integrated Science Project) courses. Recognising the diverse background of our students, we have also incorporated additional training in sophisticated computation and visualisation software (e. g. Mathematica (TM)) to give students a way to examine concepts that yields an understanding and appreciation of science. Finally, at the backbone of the curriculum is the strong involvement of student mentors (i.e. senior SPS students) who act as role models and guides for the junior SPS students. We will also address issues related to the SPS admissions procedure, the challenges faced in implementing the ISC, and how active-learning is an integral part of the ISC.