Diploma in Materials Science (R17)

About the Programme

Materials Science is the study of the relationship between the structures and properties of materials. The structure of materials is studied at various levels, from the smallest atoms and molecules, to the big crystals and polymers. With the knowledge of the properties of these structures, you can then manipulate the materials to suit the usage you want.

Students will learn to manipulate the structures and properties of materials at the atomic or molecular, crystalline, microscopic and macroscopic levels using advanced characterisation equipment and processing techniques. They will also have an opportunity to make new materials for new areas of industrial as well as domestic applications.

What has Materials Science got to do with me?

• Silicon chip in your handphone, laptop and other electronic gadgets
• High speed train (e.g. shinkansen in Japan) and the superconductors
• Colourful contact lenses
• Pacemaker in a patient’s heart
• Artificial hip transplants
• Dental filling in your tooth cavity
• Microfiltration membrane in NEWater production

Programme Objectives

Materials Science is an exciting, innovative and multi-disciplinary field that forms the basis for cutting-edge technologies such as nanotechnology and advanced materials. It is one of the most important driving forces of technological advances in this century and encompasses a wide spectrum of materials, including polymers, metals, ceramics, electronics materials, composites and biomaterials. Our Diploma in Materials Science (DMTS) programme equips students with a strong understanding of the properties and fundamentals of materials. We emphasise the application of knowledge and the innovation of high performance products demanded by industry via the learning of processing, testing and characterisation of materials.

Our Problem-based Learning approach further enhances our students’ communication and problem-solving skills, preparing them for modern work environments and lifelong learning. Students are given the grounding in materials science through common subjects such as Applied Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Materials Science and Molecular Cell and Biology. Students also engage actively in hands-on laboratory activities. Their extensive involvement in Final Year Projects or industrial attachments in external companies also prepares them with the necessary knowledge and technical skills required for the workplace and further studies. With our all-rounded curriculum, we provide our graduates with a wide range of opportunities for employment and further studies.

The DMTS faculty also excels in diverse fields of biomaterials, electronic materials, adhesive materials and synthetic chemistry. With our New Materials Technology Development Centre which steers and guides research and development activities in these areas, our students are given opportunities to work with researchers from universities, research institutes and multinational cooperation to identify and develop new functionalities for advanced materials and smart materials in the electronics, environmental and biomedical industries.

Students who complete their diploma programme with good GPAs can gain admission into Nanyang Technological University’s Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Science and Engineering) programme with up to two years’ exemption. Graduates can also pursue further studies at universities, in Materials Science, Engineering, Sciences and other disciplines with relevant subject exemptions.

What are the specialization options available in this diploma programme?

There are 3 specialization options in the DMTS, namely (1) Materials Science, (2) Biomaterials and (3) Microelectronic Materials.

Materials Science

The technological advances that have transformed our world over the last 20 years are a result of developments in Materials Science. But even new and improved materials have the potential to fail, and knowing how to investigate and analyse how and why materials fail is essential. This specialisation option offers students the opportunity to be equipped with the relevant knowledge on advanced materials, nanotechnology and failure analysis. Those who complete their course with good GPAs can gain admission into Nanyang Technological University’s Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Science and Engineering) programme, and complete the four-year course in as few as two years.

Biomaterials

This specialisation, an exciting and rapidly expanding field, combines the study of biology, medicine and materials. This specialisation option introduces you to specific issues concerning the application of materials technology and provides an opportunity to develop a career where you can help improve mankind’s standard of living. Students taking this option can further their studies in the areas of Materials Science, Biotechnology or Biomedical Sciences.

Microelectronic Materials

The electronics sector in Singapore continues to be the major industry that underpins the country’s economic growth. Numerous world-leading names in electronics have operations here and many new players are setting up as well. This specialisation option offers you the opportunity to learn about semiconductors and the associated processes that this industry is built upon. Those taking up this specialisation will have many options after graduation, whether they decide to join the workforce or further their studies.

How does this course at Republic Polytechnic compare to those found in other polytechnics?

RP is the first polytechnic in Singapore that offers a diploma programme in Materials Science. In 2010, Singapore Polytechnic will also launch a diploma programme in Materials Science. The course structure of our programme is very similar. The main difference is that our programme will be delivered using the Problem-based Learning (PBL) approach and has been developed since 2005. Our PBL approach enhances our students’ communication and problem-solving skills, preparing them for modern work environments and lifelong learning. The diploma programme benchmarks itself with NUS’s first- and second-year degree programmes offered, which are established degree programmes. This also enables graduates who meet the GPA criteria to apply for Nanyang Technological University’s Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Science and Engineering) programme with up to two years’ exemption.

Who will be teaching this programme?

Our staff have material science and engineering related experience in both academic research and industry. Many of them also possess postgraduate qualifications in this field and excel in areas such as biomaterials, electronic materials, adhesive materials and synthetic chemistry.

Career Prospects

As materials science is a multidisciplinary field, DMTS graduates are well-equipped for a wide range of employment opportunities. Relevant industries include materials, electronics, chemical, semiconductor, polymer, aerospace, environmental and healthcare industries. Graduates can work as laboratory technologists, quality and logistic control executives as well as assistant engineers in process and research development.

Further Studies

Graduates can further their studies at universities here and overseas in materials science, biology, chemistry, applied physics, engineering and the biomedical sciences, with relevant subject exemptions. Locally, both National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in Materials Science and Engineering. You may pursue further education in these local universities after getting the diploma if you meet the entry criteria for university admission. Moreover, students, who complete their diploma programme with good GPAs, can gain admission into Nanyang Technological University’s Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Science and Engineering) programme with up to two years’ exemption. There are also many overseas universities that offer degree programmes in Materials Science and Materials Science and Engineering.