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1. INTRODUCTION The Government of Singapore has introduced a major initiative in life sciences. To implement this initiative it is necessary to equip classroom teachers with the skills and knowledge associated with the life sciences. The programme is designed to meet this objective. This programme offers part-time training courses leading to a Master of Science in five disciplines of Life Sciences: Applied Physics, Applied Plant Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Zoological Sciences. The programme is designed and mass-customised for students with relevant scientific and technical background to upgrade themselves and be equipped with the knowledge needed for the development of the 4th pillar of the Singapore economy – Life Sciences. The curriculum will cover the breadth and depth of multi-disciplinary nature of Life Sciences, specifically in the areas of Physics, Chemistry, the Environment, Animal and Plant Sciences. Students will be trained to understand basic concepts, to conduct experiments and projects using life science instrumentation, and to solve problems in the domain of life sciences. Therefore, a graduate in science or equivalent, or graduate teacher in school or junior college science education will be provided with opportunities to learn and explore recent knowledge and developments in the arena of life sciences, i.e. biological and physical sciences, and related issues, with a holistic and mass-customized approach in a specialised area. 2. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE There are two programme options. Students may
opt to complete 8 courses (24 AUs) plus a dissertation of 6 AUs, or an alternative
of completing 9 courses (27 AUs) with an Independent Research
Project (3 AUs).
The courses required for the award of the MSc are 1 core course (3 AUs),
5 required specialisation courses (15 AUs), and 2 elective courses (6 AUs)
for those opting to do a dissertation, and 3 elective courses (9 AUs) for
those who are interested in the Independent Research Project option. Consequently,
the requirement for graduation is 30 AUs.
All courses have a 3 AU value, with 1 AU being 13 lecture hours or equivalent. 3. TARGET POPULATION The courses are designed for the following three target groups: 1. Science graduate teachers in schools and junior colleges who are keen to upgrade their knowledge in life sciences for their teaching and professional development. 2. Teachers who have successfully completed the Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Life Sciences conducted by NIE. 3. The large market of science and engineering graduates from NTU, NUS, and foreign universities, who wish to upgrade themselves for better job opportunities in life science related industries e.g. biomedical products, bioengineering processes, etc. The five MSc courses in Applied Physics, Applied Plant Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Zoological Sciences should attract different applicants in science and engineering into the different courses. The target enrolment is 25 students for each specialisation, giving a total intake of approximately 125 students per year. 4. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The part-time Master of Science programme by coursework is
offered to: 5. ACCREDITATION Students who have successfully completed the Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Life Sciences at NIE, with good grades, will be exempted from the 2 required specialisation courses. These 2 courses must be of the same topic as those courses in Level 3 of Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Life Sciences Given the fast changing pace of life sciences to obtain accreditation candidates must have completed the programme within the last 5 years prior to application. 6. FEES The programme will operate as a subsidised programme. 7. DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME The MSc programme is designed as a part-time course, with a normal duration of 2 to 4 years. In a typical academic year for a part-time student, the student is required to attend up to two 3-hour lectures per week in the evenings. The course requirements for each specialisation is as follows:
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Master of Science (Applied Plant Sciences) 1 Core Course |
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Master of Science (Environmental Science) 1 Core Course |
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Master of Science (Zoological Sciences) 1 Core Course |
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DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECTS MLS 801 Science: Development, Aims and Role in Society What is science, and what separates science from non-science? Given that scientific advances have a great impact on everyday life, why is there an underlying mistrust of science by the public in many countries? In this course we will look at science from several points of view: its history and development, the basic philosophies underlying science, and the need and means by which the aims, discoveries, and the role of science can be communicated effectively to a wide audience. Although these various elements may seem unrelated to each other, each forms an integral part of an expansive discipline which has many bioethical and economic impacts -- Science. MLS 802 Advanced Plant Physiology The purpose of this advanced plant physiology course is to ensure that students obtain substantive understanding of the physiological processes controlling plant behaviour and productivity both at the biochemical as well as molecular levels. Particular emphasis will be on current research into plant nutrition and water relations; plant metabolism including photosynthesis, respiration, carbohydrate metabolism with an emphasis on regulation and the interaction among metabolic pathways; plant growth regulation; hormone metabolism and action. Group discussion of selected recent publications with reference to the use of plant physiology in improving crop production and horticulture will also be emphasised. The purpose of this activity is to introduce students to critical use of scientific papers published within the various fields of interest. MLS 803 Plant Molecular Genetics This is an advanced course in plant molecular genetics. Topics include: molecular marker generation, genetic applications of molecular markers, quantitative trait loci (QTLs), development of transgenic plants for basic and applied research, and plant functional genomics. Emphasis will also be given to understanding how genetic, physiological, biochemical and molecular attributes of individual plants contribute to their fitness in agriculture and natural ecosystems. MLS 804 Cellular and Molecular Biology of Plant Development Topics in this course include: principles of genomic equivalence, differential gene expression, cytoplasmic localization, cell-cell communication and paragenetic information in generating cellular differentiation and specialization. Detailed discussion of specialised topics in embryogenesis and vegetative to reproductive state transition and development will be conducted. MLS 805 Global Change Science and Ecophysiology This course focuses on understanding the natural and social science aspects of the current global climate change issue. The course participants will be introduced to relevant ongoing national and international discussions. The second key theme in this course is to understand photosynthetic carbon gain in relation to growth, respiration, decomposition and water use, all in the context of global change. There will also be a detailed study of selected topics in plant eco-physiology with an emphasis on the concept of "plant water-carbon dioxide dilemma", environmental perturbations on plant growth, plant and microclimatic measurements, the use of stable isotopes in interpreting plant performance and plant functional types. MLS 806 Plant-microbe interactions The study of plant-microbe interactions involves approaches from many biological sub-disciplines that include plant, bacterial and fungal genetics, molecular and cellular biology and microscopy. In this course, particular emphasis will be given to exploring, at the cellular and molecular level, sequential stages that typify the establishment of interactions that have evolved between terrestrial plants and microorganisms. This will include both reciprocally beneficial relationships and pathogenic interactions. Highlighted will be current research on deciphering what is the molecular dialogue between plants and microorganisms, what controls the dialogue and the possibilities of manipulating these interactions. MLS 809 Advanced Biostatistics and Experimental Design Some common univariate and multivariate analyses suitable for EIA work (e.g., ANOVA, MANOVA, ANCOVA, Cluster analysis, PCA) will be taught in this course. Graduate students will be introduced to both univariate and multivariate data analyses with the aid of a statistical software package (MINITAB) such that they will be able to analyse their own research data. Statistical techniques useful for laboratory and field scientists will be highlighted, with an emphasis on practical approaches to the design and execution of research. MLS 850 Plant Secondary Metabolites There are many different types of secondary metabolites such as plant hormones, phenolic compounds, vitamins, etc. Plants produce secondary metabolites as defences against fungi, bacteria, insects and viruses. This course highlights current developments in secondary plant metabolites research, and emphasizes in particular the functions of plant secondary metabolites as defence and signal compounds. The potential uses of plant secondary metabolites in medicine as therapeutic agents, and in agriculture as biorational pesticides will also be included. Techniques for the purification and analyses of these compounds will be included. MLS 811 Separation and Analytical Techniques The isolation and purification of organic and bioorganic molecules are important subjects in the study of product performance that carried those components. An understanding of the pure materials either a single component or a class of homologues are highly crucial in the development of new bio-products and understanding their performance. The discovery of new drugs and bio-materials often started from the success in the isolation and purification of the active component as well as an adequate understanding of their structures at the molecular level. Topics are general introduction; classification of physical, chemical & biological methods; physical and physico-chemical methods of separation; chromatographic method and preparative separation; case study on separation of biomolecules; purification and isolation of trace substances; concept and trends in modern chemical analysis; analytical spectroscopy of biomolecules: FTIR, UV, fluorescence and related techniques; magnetic resonance and imaging, capillary electrophoresis; GC-MS and HPLC-MSAnalytical methods in quality control of bio-products; current trends and development. MLS 812 Sustainable Landscapes: Integrating Conservation, Land Use and Food Production This course focuses on the search for sustainable relationships between humans and their global environment, an issue that has become a matter of urgency. Economic and social goals, and strategies of resource use and ecosystem management form an integral part of this study. The problems and policies associated with the use of wilderness, forests, eco-tourism, farmland and urban industrial society are examined. Singaporean issues are central, but are set in a global context. Topics include: the concept of sustainable land-use, measuring and monitoring biodiversity, developing land-use policies that take in ecosystem, social, and economic needs, and the development of a "land ethic" in modern societies. MLS 813 Physics in Biology This course covers the forces on and in the body; Physics of skeleton; the nervous system and neurons; and electricity within the body. Biomagnetism, pressure in the body, pressure inside the skull, osmotic pressure and transport through membranes will be covered also. The Physics of the lungs and breathing, physics of some common lung diseases, biological effects of radiation, and biological effects involving electricity and magnetism applied to the body are part of this course. MLS 814 Physical Methods for the Analysis of Biological Materials The amount of information that can be derived from an examination of any material depends ultimately on how fine a probe is used. The wavelength of X-rays in the region of 0.1 nm would be an excellent probe. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is useful for the studies of molecular structure. The electron microscope is also widely used for high resolution work in studying cellular ultrastructure. Transmission and scanning electron microscopies (TEM and SEM) are normally used to investigate the 3-dimensional pattern of cells and tissues. To identify the various elements especially heavy metals in a biological material, the energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy is an excellent tool. When light falls on a suspension of biological molecules, a certain fraction of light is absorbed depending on the wavelength of light. When the absorption versus wavelength characteristics are analysed with a spectrophotometer, several absorption bands are evident. These bands give information on the molecular structure of the biological sample. Infrared (IR), visible, and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopies are common and accurate techniques used in industries and research laboratories. Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is another technique for the surface analysis of a sample. All these techniques will be covered in this course. MLS 818 Bioinorganic Chemistry The role of metals in biological systems is an area of great interest to chemists and biologists alike. Life in its present form would not be possible without the involvement of the metallic elements. This course deals with the key ways in which metals participate in biochemical processes, focussing on biomolecules that incorporate metal atoms in their molecular structures. The ways in which the chemical properties of selected metals define the biological function of the systems they are found in will be discussed. Important applications of inorganic and coordination chemistry in medicine will also be highlighted. Topics are introduction to the role of inorganic chemistry in life processes, metallobiomolecules and the role of small molecule models in the investigation of the structure and function of metals found in metallobiomolecules; metal management: uptake, transport, storage and detoxification; oxygen-carrier proteins: haem- and non-haem-proteins; haemoglobin, myoglobin, haemocyanin, and haemerythrin; electron-transfer proteins; further examples of metalloenzymes: superoxide dismutase, vitamin B12 coenzyme, nitrogenases; therapeutic uses of coordination chemistry: overview of inorganic drugs, chelating agents, anti-cancer compounds based on platinum and other metals, gold antiarthritic agents, radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging and radioimmunotherapy. MLS 821 Biosensors: Theory and Applications The main objective of this course is to familiarise participants with the development and characterisation of biosensors. Various transducing principles and immobilization techniques of the bioreceptors will be introduced. Important applications of the biosensors in biomedical and biotechnological fields will be highlighted. New trends in the developments of miniaturized and microarray biosensors will be discussed. Topics include introduction to biosensors and classification; fundamentals of transducing techniques, e.g. electrochemical, optical and thermal; immobilization techniques of bioreceptors, e.g. cells, tissues, enzymes, antibodies, microorganisms; important applications in biomedical, biotechnology & environmental areas; trends and issues in the development of biosensors, e.g. miniaturization, microarray, implantable devices, non-aqueous applications. MLS 822 Bioactive Natural Products and Their Derivatives The objectives of this course are to familiarise participants with the chemical properties and applications of physiologically active natural products and the roles played by these substances on the development of more effective synthetic analogues for therapy. Topics are classification of natural products; isolation, structure-elucidation and activity screening of biologically active natural products; chemistry of selected bioactive natural products from organisms, micro-organisms, higher plants, insects and marine organisms; natural products and drug development: lead compounds, synthetic analogues, quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) study and molecular recognition. MLS 851 Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials This course highlights the importance of surface and polymer chemistry in life sciences. Colloid and surface science plays a vital role in maintaining and promoting supramolecular structures and processes that sustain life. A specific example is the phospholipid bilayers that form the membranes of biological cells. The applications of some colloidal systems such as liposomes and vesicles for controlled drug delivery will be discussed. The course also deals with the chemistry of biomaterials and the applications of some advanced polymeric systems in life sciences. Topics include introduction to colloid and surface chemistry; surfactants, micelle, micellar catalysis; biological membrane and cells; liposomes and vesicles; controlled delivery systems; general introduction to polymer chemistry; bio-compatible polymers; biomaterials for tissue engineering; intelligent polymers and their applications in biotechnology (protein separation and purification, biocatalysis). MLS 824 Trends in Chemical Science and Technology The chemical trade and industry of Singapore, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industry their allied industry will be taught. The other topics include modern chemistry and technologies pertaining to environmental pollution, chemical waste management and good practices, small chemical producers and businesses. This course is intended to give students a comprehensive understanding of the contributions of chemical science and technology to the national economy and policy of Singapore. Course content may vary from year to year. MLS 825 Physical Methods In Structural Elucidation Principles of electronic absorption spectroscopy, nature of radiation, ground states and excited states and selection rules will be covered. Other topics include simple symmetry treatment of molecules leading to IR/Raman active modes, mass spectrometry, principles and simple fragmentation patterns, magnetic susceptibility measurements and magnetic behaviour of inorganic compounds. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, principles and interpretation of nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectra (proton and other common nuclei), electron magnetic resonance ESR spectra, x-ray spectroscopy, principles and interpretations will also be taught. MLS 826 Bioorganic Chemistry This course aims to equip participants with a broad understanding of the organic chemistry of living systems, the tools and techniques for studying biomolecules, and the application of bioorganic chemistry knowledge. The structure, structure determination, synthesis, and functions of DNA, RNA, proteins, and carbohydrates will be discussed. Catalysis by ribozymes and enzymes, the roles of cofactors, and modes of kinetic behaviour and inhibition will be presented. Principles involved in the design of organic molecules to mimic and for recognition in biological systems, tools of bioinformatics, molecular biology and combinatorial synthesis will also be discussed. MLS 827 Earth's Resources and Responses to Stress Earth's biodiversity is composed of both abiotic and biotic resources, which sustain life in a balance of constructive and destructive forces. Natural ecosystems depend on these resources, and have efficient means of utilising and cycling them. Destructive forces may be natural or anthropogenic, and they exert various levels of stress on the environment. This course introduces the biodiversity of life on earth at the ecosystem level. Stressors of the environment and the responses of organisms and ecosystems will be examined. MLS 828 Environmental Health and Toxicology Pollution is a global problem that affects all of earth's biomes, in the atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic realms. This course will deal with the various types of physical, chemical and biotic pollutants being introduced into the environment on a daily basis, including modern-day synthetically created products of man. Effects of pollutants on the health of the environment will be investigated, together with various relevant strategies used to mitigate pollution and contamination. MLS 829 Conservation and Management In a rapidly changing world where the utilisation of resources is inextricably linked to development, the challenge of ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources has global consequences. This course will deal with issues relating to the sustainable use, protection, conservation and management of the earth's natural resources through relevant case studies. Local, regional and international initiatives, which address the issue of sustainable development and natural resource management, and the role of science in environmental management will be studied. MLS 830 Integrated Management Systems The success or failure of management strategies for environmental protection and natural resource utilisation very often depends on the efficient use of tools for managing information, realistic models and simulations. This course examines the use of database management tools, geographic information systems, modelling techniques, as well as economic evaluation and assessment tools for sustainable development, which relate to environmental health. MLS 831 Seminars on Special Topics Other relevant and important subjects relating to the study of the environment will be covered in a seminar series. Experts from relevant industries will be invited deliver seminars and workshops on several topics including environmental law, environmental management systems and audits, and the role and relevance of environmental agencies. Students will also be assessed through term papers on related topics. MLS 832 Water Treatment and Process Design The supply of adequate water is an issue of much concern to any developing country, more so for an urban city like Singapore. Much effort is being placed in Singapore to ensure adequate water supply for our future. This course provides an important introduction to students on water characteristics, its treatment and process design. Topics on the latest technological advancement in the handling, treatment and recycling of water will be covered. MLS 833 Environmental Biotechnology The application of basic concepts of biotechnology is an important field of environmental science and engineering. This course introduces fundamental ideas of biotechnology to the student and discusses the microbial aspects of organisms that are useful to environmental science and engineering. MLS 834 Forest Ecology and Management Many countries depend on forests as natural resources that contribute towards economic growth. Large areas of the world's forests, however, are being cleared at a fast pace, which, left unchecked, may result in the loss of biodiversity as well as the degradation of the environment through soil erosion and the building up of greenhouse gases, not to mention a loss of a potentially sustainable source of income. How then do we achieve a balance to attain sustainable growth? This course will examine two overlapping yet very different issues. The first concerns the dynamics of forest ecosystems: their history, distribution, and ecology. The second issue is that of forest usage and management, timber and non-timber extraction methods, and silviculture. Policies pertaining to the international trade in timber, forest conservation, and sustainable forestry will also be examined in an attempt to better understand the forces that will determine the fate of our forest resources. MLS 835 Micro Total Analysis Systems Micro total analysis systems (mTAS) is still in an early stage of its existence. It is an exciting field in which to work, with simultaneous advances being made on many fronts. With the dynamic nature of this field of research, this course is intended to introduce the students to the current state of the art of mTAS, and hopefully, to provide the students with the tools necessary to grow in understanding beyond the scope of this course as the field advances. MLS 840 Biomedical Imaging Ultrasound, Doppler effect, and ultrasound pictures of the body. Physiological effects of ultrasound in therapy, and ultrasound to measure motion are also covered. Lasers, laser-tissue interaction, laser-induced autofluorescence of biological tissues, laser diagnosis of diseased tissues, laser imaging of cancer tissues. Confocal and atomic force microscopy: surface topography of native bio-molecules at nanometer resolution, structure and function of living cells, surface topology of objects in fluid for the examination of macromolecular changes of bio-molecular interactions and enzymatic reactions. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Equilibrium magnetization, spin precession, pulsed RF & spin rotation, Free Induction Decay (FID), magnetic field gradients, phase & frequency encoding, image contrast. MRI hardware: superconducting magnet, magnetic gradient coils, RF coils. Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Positron annihilation. Interaction of gamma-rays with matter. Scintillation detectors, co-incidence detection. Image resolution MLS 841 Photonics Optics: laser optics, mirrors, polarizers, lenses, electro-optical, nonlinear, fibre optics, aberrations . Lasers: Longitudinal and transverse mode selection, mode locking, Q-switching, laser amplifiers, pulse chopping, pulse lengthening, pulse compression, frequency selection. Techniques to characterise laser energy, pulse shape, wavefront, divergence, coherence, modes, polarisation using calorimetry, photo-diodes, PMT, correlation, interfereometry, spectrometry. Light matter interactions, including light interactions biological tissue and applications of laser in industry and medical field will also be discussed. MLS 842 Nanotechnology Nanoparticles; tetrahedrally bonded semiconductor structures. Properties of individual nanoparticles: metal nanocluster; semiconducting nanoparticles. Methods of synthesis: RF plasma; chemical methods; thermolysis and pulsed laser ablation. Carbon nanostrutures: carbon molecule; carbon clusters; carbon nanotubes (fabrication, structure, electrical and mechanical properties); applications of carbon nanotubes. Quantum Wells, Wires and Dots: Introduction and preparation of quantum nanostructures; size and dimensionality effect; and Applications. Biological Nanomaterials: biological building blocks; polypeptide nanowires and protein nanoparticles; DNA double nanowire; biological nanowires. Nanomachine and Nanodevices: MEMSs and NEMSs. MLS 843 Statistical Physics Respiration & energy requirements; order of magnitude estimates. Binomial distribution: concepts of probability, variance, mean value; applications to sex distribution of children, random coils. Diffusion and transport: molecular theory of gases, equipartition theorem, random walk in 1 and 3 dimensions, Fick’s law; osmotic pressure, hemeodialysis, ultracentrifugation; permeability of red blood cells. Poisson distribution: application to detection of light by the eye; Luria-Delbruck experiment. Thermal equilibrium: equilibrium between phases; dilute solutions. Applications in nanotechnology and biophysics. MLS 844 Applied Quantum Mechanics Quantum mechanics is widely recognized as the basic law which governs all of nature, including all materials and devices. It has always been essential to the understanding of material properties, and as devices become smaller it is also essential for studying their behavior. The course covers those parts of quantum theory which are necessary for applied physicists. It focuses on the approximations and concepts which allow estimates of the entire range of properties of nuclei, atoms, molecules, and solids, as well as the behavior of lasers and other quantum-optic devices: Foundations; Simple Systems; Hamiltonian Mechanics; Atoms and Nuclei; Molecules; Crystals; Transitions; Tunneling; Transition Rates; Transport; Noise; Energy Bands; Electron Dynamics in Solids; Vibrations in Solids; Creation and Annihilation Operators; Phonons; Coherent States; Coulomb Effects; Cooperative Phenomena; Shake-off Excitations. MLS 845 Spectroscopy Interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter, energy levels. Instrumentation, resolving power. Atomic spectroscopy: emission spectra of hydrogen and sodium, X-ray spectroscopy, electronic structures of atoms and periodicity of elements, applications in analysis of elements and astronomy. Ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy: Instrumentation, colour in transition metal compounds, applications in organic chemistry. Microwave spectroscopy: Theory of rotation of molecules, rotational spectra of diatomic molecules, and of polyatomic molecules, microwave spectrometer, applications in identification of gases and in chemical analysis. Infrared spectroscopy: Theory of the vibrating diatomic molecule, diatomic vibrating rotator, vibration-rotation spectra of diatomic, linear and polyatomic molecules, interaction of rotations and vibrations, applications in the analysis of molecular structure of linear molecules. MLS 846 Thermonuclear Fusion and Radiation World Energy Scenario, The energy crisis, Need to develop a relatively clean long-term alternative energy source; Thermonuclear Fusion: The Nuclear fusion as energy source, Possible Fusion Reactions, Fusion Reaction Cross section; The Fundamentals of Fusion Process: The Energy Balance, Bremsstrahlung Power Loss, Cyclotron Power Loss, Effect of Impurity, Ideal Plasma-Confinement Criterion; Plasma Confinement: The Magnetic Confinement, Open-Ended Confinement-Magnetic Mirror, Closed-ended Toroidal Confinement; The Tokamak: General consideration of toroidal devices, Magnetic configuration of Tokamak, Tokamak equilibrium and stability; Laser Fusion: ICF Power gain and Driver requirements, Thermonuclear Burn Fraction, Implosion and compression of matter; Ignition and Propagation burn; The Plasma Focus: General characteristics of Focus Device, Current sheath dynamics in plasma focus, Computational model of Plasma focus device; Plasma Radiation Sources and Application: Development of focus device as multiple radiation source of x-rays, electron beam, ions and neutron, diagnostics and application of focus device to microlithography, thin film processing and thin film deposition. MLS 847 Atomic and Molecular Physics One-electron atoms: The Schrodinger equation and its solution for a Coulomb field, spin-orbit interaction energy, relativistic correction of state energy, the Lamb shift, radiative processes and selection rules, applications of the Schrodinger equation. Two-electron atoms: Electrostatic interaction and exchange degeneracy, helium ground state and Pauli exclusive principle, singlet and triplet energy states of helium. Multielectron atoms: The central-field approximation, energy ordering of the outer filled subshells, alkali atoms, the L-S and J-J couplings, allowed terms, multiplet structure and Lande interval rule, Doppler shift and broadening, applications in X-ray line spectra. Molecular Physics: Separation of electronic and nuclear motion, potential energy function for a chemical bond, vibrational energy states of diatomic molecules, rotational energy states for a rigid molecule and a nonrigid rotator, rotational energy-level population, applications in rotation-vibration spectra of linear molecules and simple polyatomic molecules. Applications in life sciences. MLS 848 Medical Physics Ultrasound in medicine: Ultrasound, Doppler effects and ultrasound to measure motion (e.g. Blood flow). Laser in medicine: Laser-tissue interaction, thermal effects, laser angioplasty, laser-induced autofluorescence of biological tissues, laser diagnosis of diseased tissues; Radiation physics and applications in therapeutic medicine: Radioactivity, the interaction of radiation with matter, diagnostic radiology, radionuclides in diagnosis, radiation protection; Medical uses of X rays: Fluoroscopy, mammography, radiation therapy, Nuclear medicine: Activity and cumulated activity, dose calculation, MLS 849 Selected research reports in Biomedical Physics Application of LIAF spectra detection system in human colorectal cancer in-vivo Screening; Applications of laser induced autofluorescence diagnosis and confocal imaging techniques to study the diseased plant tissues; Visualization of orchid mycorrhizal structures using light, Epifluorescent and laser scanning confocal microscopy; High sensitivity and specificity of laser-induced autofluorescence spectra for detection of colorectal cancer with an artificial neural network; Red blood cell surface scan via atomic force microscope; Study of the intensity ratio from the characteristics of auto-fluorescence; Spectra of human colorectal tissue; Autofluorescence spectral changes from the colonic mucosa of the rat during colorectal cancer formation; Distance and angular dependence of intensity ratios in laser-induced autofluorescence techniques; Identify human colorectal cancerous tissues via laser induced autofluorescence confocal image; Laser light distribution in tissues; Studies of the steady and time-resolved autofluorescence spectroscopy and autofluorescence photobleaching of in-vitro human colonic tissues. MLS 861 Comparative Functional Anatomy The focus of this course is on vertebrate and invertebrate studies at the organismic level, emphasizing comparative, anatomical, developmental morphology, adaptive radiation, and functional characteristics of evolutionary significance. The study of this subject in contemporary zoology is vast; consequently, selected themes and taxa, their phylogeny, and systems, will form the topics of study. Laboratory work with preserved and live specimens and demonstrations emphasize comparative functional anatomy and techniques of biological systematics. Evolutionary innovation and the contemporary role of comparative anatomy as a path-breaking, pioneering discipline in solving new problems and generating novel theories crossing traditional interdisciplinary barriers of biological disciplines and engineering science are highlighted. MLS 862 Chemical Zoology The main objective of this course is to present a broad coverage of chemical communication in terrestrial and marine animals. The various structural classes of chemicals, pheromones and their biosyntheses and adaptive functions will also be discussed. Emphasis will be on the myriad functions and mechanisms of action of these molecules produced by animals in various phenomena such as bioluminescence and chemosensory mechanisms. The geneses and evolution of chemical communication in animals will also be explored. Topics will include techniques and methodologies employed in the study of chemical communication. This course also highlights the significance of such molecules with regards to biotechnology, especially in the area of drug discovery and development. MLS 863 Economic Zoology This course provides a comprehensive survey of the economic importance of animals to Man, their role in human economy, and their economic impact on agriculture, industry and aviation; economic importance of animals as beasts of burden, food supply, biochemical products, pollinators, seed dispersal agents, biological control agents, sport, and outdoor recreational activity. Other topics include: pests of foodstuffs and stored products, pests found in and near buildings, shipping and aircraft facilities; assessment of damage and impact; reproductive biology, life cycles, and foraging habits of major vertebrate pest species; methods, and legal aspects for control strategies using pesticides, poison, traps, gas, hygiene, sound; management options and control of major arthropod and vertebrate pests. MLS 864 Current topics in Animal Behaviour The course examines research topics of current importance in animal behaviour and behavioural biology and ethical issues on the use of animals in behavioural studies. Topics include: behavioural and phenotypic plasticity; ontogeny and the role of the brain in behaviour and learning; the evolution of adaptive strategies; techniques for studying animal behaviour in laboratory and field; population and sex differences in behaviour, exemplified by studies examining sexual selection and the evolution of signaling systems and decision-making; optimality, spatial memory, aggression, dispersal and territoriality; life history evolution, female fitness and offspring size-number trade-offs; insights into behaviour gained from new technologies, including DNA fingerprinting, molecular biology, and artificial intelligence; how behavioural studies may contribute to welfare of animals in domestic, zoo, and entertainment environments; the extrapolation from studies of the behaviour of non-human animals to human behaviour. MLS 865 Comparative Environmental Physiology The course discusses physiological functioning and comparative adaptation of animals across a range of environments and to parameters such as water, ions, light, nutrient levels, temperature. Topics include: the physical nature of an organism’s environment, size, isometric and allometric scaling; mechanisms of adaptation , physiological regulation of gene expression; osmoregulation, excretion, costs and energetics of water and ion balance; energy metabolism; ventilation systems, comparative physiology of respiratory pigments; respiratory and circulatory adaptations to anoxia, hypoxia during diving, burrowing, high-altitude exposure; adaptations to the deep-sea environment; physiological effects of temperature; adaptations to life in the marine, estuarine, freshwater, thermally extreme and terrestrial (including extreme) environments with attention to thermal, respiratory, ionic, osmotic, reproductive and life-cycle adaptation; mammalian thermoregulation, endocrine system and human reproductive physiology. MLS 866 Wildlife Biology and Diseases This course is structured both on a discipline basis (epidemiology, virology) and selected taxa by taxa basis, e.g., avian diseases, mammalian diseases. The subject areas covered include: (i) foundation topics on wildlife biology- impact of diseases on wildlife populations, vertebrate taxonomy; population cyclicity and growth; techniques for wild life studies; wildlife population monitoring; age structure, demography, population genetics; diversity in anatomy and physiology; principle of management in captivity and in the wild of a range of vertebrate taxa; nutritional and energy requirements; sustainable use of wildlife, (ii) research methodologies relevant to the study of wildlife; principles of epidemiology, (iii) non-infectious diseases of nutritional, toxin-related, and reproductive disorders, and (iv) infectious diseases and disease investigations- immunological techniques for diagnosis and pathogenesis; infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites; emerging wildlife diseases and their investigations and control. MLS 867 Aquaculture and Fisheries Management This course is intended for students with an interest in aquaculture and fisheries systems in Singapore and the region. Biology of species exploited in Singapore and the Southeast Asian region and current culture technologies, methods of breeding, genetic selection, and economic models are discussed. The course also explores topics on growth rate and efficiencies, biotic and abiotic factors; reproduction, metabolism and growth models and nutritional requirements, the relationship between stress and disease, including environmental factors and various pathogens important or potentially important during intensive culture; cost-benefit analysis, and new technologies, such as genetic engineering and future prospects for the industry. The fisheries management section discuses fisheries practices, dynamics and research, stock assessment and management, and case studies on fish, shellfish, and crustacean farming; quantitative methods of fisheries stock assessment and quantitative analysis of fisheries. MLS 868 Seminars in Zoology The seminar series focuses on current research areas, topics, and reviews of literature in zoological sciences. The sessions are jointly conducted by staff members, adjunct staff, guest lecturers and students. Students are required to read, synthesise, and make a class presentation of the zoological topic that is agreed to early in the course. Seminar topics are selected and approved on a thematic or disciplinary, rather than taxon-specific basis. MLS 869 Economic Entomology The course aims to provide a lecture and laboratory survey of the classification, life histories, and ecology of the economically important pest insects in agricultural, forest ecosystems and urban environments, as well as the farming of economically important species. Insect population dynamics is discussed with reference to common insect pests in Southeast Asia and why some insects become pests. Other topics include: pest management theory; principles, practice, application, and issues of biological, cultural, genetic and chemical methods of control to maintain pest populations below economic threshold levels; economic decision levels as applied to agroecosystems; ethics in pest management, and intellectual tools to evaluate beneficial and harmful species. MLS 870 Evolution and Phylogeny: Theory, Practice and Application While Physics and Chemistry have many fundamental laws that most science students become acquainted with, Biology is fascinating in that there is a single principle, natural selection, that explains the unity of all life and the incredible diversity of living things and their innumerable adaptations for survival and reproduction. We will explore the process of evolution and the patterns of relationship among living things that follow from it. In addition, we will see how an evolutionary approach can help us better understand the interaction between organisms and their environment, as well as how an understanding of evolution and phylogeny can assist in the conservation and management of habitats and endangered species. Research themes and methods that are currently being actively pursued in the field will be highlighted. MLS 872 Synthetic and Catalytic Organic Chemistry Advanced topics in organic synthesis with emphasis on stereoselective synthesis will be covered. Olefin synthesis and metathesis. Applications of organometallics to organic synthesis. Total synthesis of biologically and clinically important compounds. These topics are taught with special emphasis on the current emerging tools in organic synthetic methodology. MLS 873 Analytical Tools and Techniques in Molecular Biology This lab-based module exposes students to principal research approaches and methodologies currently adopted in the life sciences. Tools and techniques will be taught in context of their applications to research and industry. Topics include molecular techniques such as DNA and protein isolation and quantification, restriction enzyme digests and RFLPs (restriction fragment length polymorphisms), PCR (polymerase chain reaction), image analysis and documentation, genetic transformation using bacterial plasmids and particle gun bombardment, DNA sequencing, and methods in enzymology such as ELISA (enzyme linked immunoassay). Emphasis is on ‘hands-on’ laboratory experience and linking this to real situations in which tools and techniques can be used to answer specific scientific questions. Because of the nature and duration of the laboratory sessions, this subject will be offered only as an intensive, six consecutive full-day long module. This module will generally be conducted either in June/July or November/December each year. MLS 874 Economic Botany Plants are vital sources of food, medicine, fibre and timber. Economically
important plants that have changed societies, social habits and
made history will be introduced. Uses of local plants and plant
produce and their impact on the region’s economy will also be highlighted.
This module intends to explore the future global impact of plants on
healthcare, diets, lifestyles and the environment. Topics include man’s
dependence on plants, the use of plants as renewable resources, and
prospects for research into plants that will yield wonder drugs to
combat age-old as well as emerging diseases. Emphasis will also be
placed on discussing the bio-prospecting for novel plant products of
industrial value and bio-business. MLS 875 Mycology This module provides a survey of the biology, activities, and roles of major groups of fungi, with emphasis on classification and evolutionary relationships. Students will be involved in field and lab work as well as presenting seminars based on current topics in mycology. MLS 800 Independent Research Project This course exposes students to all phases of the scientific research process through inquiry-based learning strategies. Students will undertake in-depth investigations of suitable research questions relevant to their areas of specialisation (i.e., Applied Plant Sciences, Applied Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences and Zoological Sciences). The processes include the formulation of a research problem, literature survey, hypothesis setting, design of experiments, data collection and analyses, discussion of results, writing of scientific papers and presentation of research findings in the scientific arena. This course provides opportunities for leading-edge research in the life sciences. |
