| |
|
|
|
|
Head's Message
Welcome to the Department of Chemistry of the National University of Singapore.
In the development of the Department and its research and teaching programmes, international impact and recognition, and national needs, aspirations and relevance have always been the driving forces. Our goal of attaining and maintaining first-class quality of, and excellence in, research and teaching, at the international level, has remained a priority since the formation of the National University of Singapore in 1981.
The important position of Chemistry vis-a-vis the other sciences dictates that a sound knowledge of Chemistry is of great value not only to those who want to become chemists but also to others who intend to specialise in the other branches of science or technology. As far as Singapore is concerned, the Department's main contribution to the growth of the national economy is in the area of manpower training. It has produced graduates, both generalists as well as specialists, for the private and the public sectors. These graduates can be found in the chemical and petrochemical industries, food and beverage industries, pharmaceutical and electronics industries, government ministries and departments (Health, Environment, Education, etc.) and statutory boards such as the Health Sciences Authority, Port of Singapore Authority, SPRING Singapore, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, the Public Utilities Board, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, etc. and, of course, in our schools.
The importance of teaching Chemistry in schools should not be understated. The teacher has the role of producing pupils knowledgeable in Chemistry, and while some of these may not make it to university, they should ideally leave school with a sound background in the science. Given the pervasive influence of Chemistry in our lives, a population that is reasonably well-informed can only benefit the community, by way of making decisions about things that affect us, such as the environment, food, health, etc.
Our graduates with advanced degrees are also employed by the industries and institutions mentioned above. In addition, there are also the universities, polytechnics and national research institutes. Indeed our higher-degree graduates are making an impact in these institutions. In addition, increasingly, our PhD graduates are taking up post-doctoral positions in top universities worldwide, or securing employment further afield.
The Department has developed into one of the most productive in chemistry research. Our research output compares favourably with reputable departments of Chemistry worldwide. As always, to go with productivity, we strive to create international impact with our research. Please read our latest Annual Report in which more detailed information on our current research is given; or go to the Summary of Research Activities, elsewhere on this web site.
We encourage you to learn more about us, to explore the wealth of information here on this website on our research and teaching programmes, student and alumni events, and our people. We invite you to carry out cutting-edge chemistry and related research as graduate students with our dedicated faculty members, and to enrol in our undergraduate courses.
We encourage our international colleagues to contact us with ideas for collaborative research, and interactions, to work together to make a difference.
|
|
