Environmental Studies course starts next year; talks to set up research institute in Suzhou
By Leow Si Wan
IN A sign that environmental issues are gaining importance here, a new undergraduate programme in environmental studies will be launched by the National University of Singapore (NUS) in the latter half of next year.
Fifty to 100 students will get to enrol in this four-year direct honours programme - the first new undergraduate course to be introduced by NUS in five years - and graduate with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree.
The programme, which aims to produce what are called 'green-collar workers', will comprise two years of a broad-based curriculum with modules in subjects such as law, chemistry and geography, before offering specialisations in the final two years. The two available options are currently Environmental Biology and Environmental Geography.
Speaking to about 360 NUS staff, students and other invited guests at the school's annual State of the University address held yesterday, NUS president Tan Chorh Chuan said the new programme is an example of how the 105-year-old institution is creating 'highly multi-disciplinary courses' to make its education offerings more flexible.
Besides the new course, Professor Tan also announced that the university is 'in advanced discussions' to set up an NUS research institute in Suzhou Industrial Park.
The institute, which will pursue research in areas such as finance, water and environmental sustainability, will also support NUS and Singapore start-ups in the Chinese market and offer some training opportunities for Chinese students.
