Special Programme in Science (or SPS as we SPSians passionately call it) was established in 1996 as an initiative of the Faculty of Science to nurture aspirant scientists toward the growing demands of Singapore’s knowledge-based economy. SPS has since always been the Faculty of Science’s premiere academic programme that incorporates multidisciplinary research, active peer-learning, and student mentorship. In 2010, SPS underwent a major curriculum boost through the implementation of Integrated Science Curriculum that comes in the 4 thematic-based modules, namely Atoms to Molecules, The Cell, The Earth, and The Universe, together with 2 research-based modules (Discovering Science and Investigating Science). At the backbone of the curriculum is the utilization of sophisticated computational and visualization tools, such as MATHEMATICA software, that enables students with different background across the Faculty to understand and appreciate science.

SPS is open to all Faculty of Science students. Admission into the SPS programme, however, is strictly by invitation through interviews at the beginning of every academic year. This is because SPS is an intense programme intended for undergraduates who cherish outstanding scholarship, who take delight in the rigorous training of the mind, and who have a fierce passion and strong aptitude for science. Once in the programme, students are introduced to some of the broad areas of contemporary scientific concerns through an interdisciplinary approach, a key cornerstone and hallmark of SPS. Opportunities are also abound for students to dabble in scientific investigations and to embark on in-depth studies of advanced topics that are at the forefront of modern scientific endeavours. Nowadays SPS Alumni boast the credential of being postgraduates or full-time academicians in reputable institutions across the world, such as MIT, Max-Plank Institute, NUS, Oxford, Cambridge, McGill, Carnegie-Mellon, NTU, Stanford, etc …

SPS also enjoys a great privilege from the Faculty of Science Dean’s Office in term facility, technical, and administrative support. For instance, SPS students get to enjoy the SPS room, where they can interact with seniors, mentors, alumni, and  visiting renowned scientists. Students also gain access to our SPS library and our computer cluster. The best part, however, is that SPS is not all about lectures and discussions. We organize an annual Newbies’ Orientation Camp for our newly joined freshmen as well as a Dean’s Tea in August. Regular academic as well as ad-hoc non-academic programmes are continually being arranged, from SPS Idea Club, BBQ, night cycling to SPS chalet, etc … SPS is more than a classroom. We are a close community and we look forward to welcoming you to our family.