Ngee Ann Polytechnic will be offering applied subjects to upper secondary students at SST from 2012.  The subjects which are designed, conducted and assessed by Ngee Ann Polytechnic are equivalent in rigour and scope to existing ‘O’ level subjects.  The applied subject results will be reflected in the GCE ‘O’ level Examination Certificate and recognised for admission into Junior Colleges and Polytechnics.

The 3 applied subjects offered in 2012 are: Biotechnology, Media Studies (EL), and Fundamentals of Electronics.  The school will continue to explore with MOE and the tertiary partners to offer other applied subjects in years to come. 

BIOTECHNOLOGY

The Biotechnology course introduces students to the study of the use of living organisms or their products, and cellular biomolecular processes, to solve problems or make useful products for the benefit of mankind.   The subject uses knowledge from a variety of disciplines including, biology, chemistry, physics, bioinformatics, genetic engineering and manufacturing processes. The subject of biotechnology is, however, distinct from biology as while biology studies basic processes of living organisms, biotechnology is the application of biology to solve problems and improve lives.

Students will have an opportunity to learn about principles and applications of various areas of biotechnology such as cell culture technology, microbial biotechnology and recombinant DNA technology. This subject helps the students develop good laboratory skills and a research mindset. It also provides students with a foundation for further studies in biotechnology, biomedical science and other related fields.

FUNDAMENTALS OF ELECTRONICS

The Fundamentals of Electronics course aims to equip students with a sound understanding of basic electronics theory and at the same time provide ample opportunities for students to hone their creative and problem solving skills through practical application of electronics to the design of authentic gadgets and products.

The topics taught include fundamentals of physics and electricity, types of resistors, voltage and current sources, Network Theorem and analysis, the capacitor, light emitting semiconductors, sensors, and output devices, The Bipolar Junction Transistor, and project management.

Students will experience motivating learning through real world applications such as building of a transistor organ, rain detector, sound activated ballet dancer, universal electronic timer, heat sensor, line-follower robot, and a two-way electronic intercom system.

Students will hone their creative and problem-solving skills through effective training in basic electronics theory and practical electronics.

MEDIA STUDIES (EL)

The Media Studies course equips students to be media literate individuals who are able to critically evaluate the media and use it to communicate effectively.   The subject aims to foster a critical understanding of a range of media texts and the ways in which they are read and understood by different audiences.  It also develops in students a critical awareness of media representations of individuals, groups and issues.

Media Studies primarily develops an understanding of the relationships between media industries, institutions, technologies, products and audiences, and encourages an awareness of the debates surrounding the role of the media and its industries in contemporary society. Students will also get to explore and represent their own ideas and experiences by developing practical production skills in one or more media.

Students will learn to analyse how media messages are put together, and produce narrative videos including scripting, storyboarding, directing, acting, video editing and audio mixing. They will critically evaluate how media portrays different groups of people, and discuss how media influences the audience and the impact of digital communications on society.