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Office of Graduate Programmes, Faculty of Engineering

Table of Contents

1 Welcome…………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
2 Academic Year…………………………………………………………………….……………… 1
3 Registration………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
4 Student Registration Card and its uses…………………………………………………………. 1
5 Use of Library Facilities………………………………………………………….……………….. 1
6 Computer Account …….…………………………………………………………………………. 1
7 Intranet for Students……………………………………………………………………………… 2
7.1 SIS-Overview ………………………………………………………………………….. 2
7.2 Circulars ……………………………………………………………………………………. 2
7.3 Forms ………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
8 Responsibilities of the Research Student……………………………………........................... 2
9 NUS Honour Code …………………….………………………………………………………… 3
10 Period of Candidature……………………………………………………………………………. 4
10.1 Maximum Period of Candidature………………………………………………………. 4
10.2 Residency Requirement ………………………………………………………………. 4
10.3 Extension of Candidature 4
11 Programme Structure………………………………………………………………................. 4
11.1 Degree Requirements………………………………………………….……………… 4
11.2 Coursework Requirements …………………..………………………………………. 4
11.3 English Language Requirements ...………………………………………………….. 5
11.4 Research Methodology & Ethics module: EG5911 ………………………………… 7
11.5 Seminar Module Requirements………………………………………………………. 7
12 Fees…………………………………………………………………………………….………… 7
12.1 Portion of Fees Payable ……………………………………………………………… 9
12.2 Payment of Fees………………………………………………………………………. 9
12.3 Full-Fee Paying Students ……………………………………………………………. 11
12.4 Change of Citizenship (Effect on Fees & RS)……………………………………..… 11
13 Financial Assistance…..……………………………………………………………………….. 11
13.1 NUS Research Scholarship ……………………………………….………………... 11
13.1.1 Renewal of scholarship …….…..…………………………………………. 11
13.1.2 Suspension of scholarship …….….……………………………………… 12
13.1.3 Termination of LKC/PGF awards ......................................................... 12
13.1.4 Deduction of scholarship stipend ……….. ……………..……………….. 12
13.1.5 Application for NUS Research Scholarship ………………………………. 12
13.2 Graduate Assistantship Programme ……………………………………………….. 12
13.3 NUS Student Work Scheme (NSWS) ………………………………………………. 12
14 Selection of Courses and Class Time-Table………………………………………………… 13
14.1 Application for Cross-Faculty Modules……………………………………………… 14
14.2 Pre-taken Graduate Module………………………………………………………….. 14
14.3 Industrial Attachment Module ……………………………………………………….. 14
15 Project Work and Thesis………………………………………………………………………. 14
16 Progress Reports………………………………………………………………………………. 15
17 Transfer of Candidature from MEng to PhD …………………………………………….. 15
18 Conversion of Student Status from Full-time to Part-time…………………….……………. 15
19 Exemption from Coursework Requirement...………………………………………………… 16
20 Examinations……………………………………………………………………………………. 16
20.1 Coursework Examinations…………………………………………….……………... 16
20.1.1 Modular Credit System…………………………………………………….. 16
20.1.2 Use of Calculators for Examination ………….………………………….. 19
20.1.3 Absence from Examinations…………………………………….............. 19
20.2 PhD Qualifying Examinations…………………………………………….............. 19
20.3 Thesis Examination ………………………………………………………………….. 20
20.3.1 Submission and Examination of Thesis…………………………………. 20
20.3.2 Outcome of Examination of Thesis………………………………………. 20
20.3.3 Oral Examination (PhD students) ……………………………………….. 20
21 Appeals ...…………..………………………………………………………………………….. 20
22 Changes in Thesis Topic, Title and Supervisors...…………..……………………………….. 20
23 Application for Leave…………………………………………………………………………….. 21
24 Withdrawal from Programme……………………………………………………………………. 23
25 Change of Personal Particulars…………………………………………………………………. 23
26 Loss and Replacement of Student Card……………………………………………............... 23
27 Assistance to International Candidates………………………………………………………… 23
28 Health Matters…………………………...……………………………………………………….. 23
28.1 NUS Student Insurance Scheme …………………………………………………….. 23
28.2 University Health Centre ……………………………………………………………... 24
29 Student Support@Engineering………………………………………………………................ 25
30 Engineering Graduate Student Council (EGSC)………………………………………………. 25
31 Counselling and Psychological Services Centre (CPS) ……………………………………… 25
32 Student Service Centre (SSC) …………………………………………………………………. 25
33 Sports and Recreational Centre (SRC) Facilities ……………………………………………. 25
34 Centre for Future-Ready Graduates (CFG) ………………………………………………….. 25
35 Car Park Facilities ………………………………..……………………………………………… 25
36 Campus Security …………………………………………………………………………………. 26
37 Transcript of Academic Records ………………………………………………………………. 26
38 Commencement …………………………………………………………………………………. 26
Annex 1 : Generic timeline for fulfilling PhD requirements………………………………………… 28
Annex 2 : Generic timeline for fulfilling MEng requirements ……..……………………………….. 30
Annex 3 : Timeline for taking Qualifying Examination….…………..………………………………… 32
Annex 4 : Thesis Submission and Examination ………………………………………………………. 44
39 Useful Contacts …………………………………………………………………………………… 50
1. Welcome
Welcome to the Faculty of Engineering. We hope that you will find your stay with us stimulating and fruitful. In
particular, we look forward to the day when you graduate, have a fulfilling career and contribute to the development
of society and the Faculty.
We have prepared this guide so that you will be able to appreciate and follow the various administrative procedures
needed for effectively pursuing your studies here. It is essential that you read this entire guide carefully and
thoroughly. Any constructive feedback on the contents of this Guide will be most welcome.
Please note that as rules and regulations within the University may change to accommodate new circumstances, the
contents of this guide are current only at the time of printing.
2. Academic Year
The academic year usually starts in August each year and comprises two semesters as follows:
Semester I : 18 weeks from the start of semester in August, with 1 week break in September
Vacation : 5 weeks
Semester II : 17 weeks from start of semester in January, with 1 week break in February
Vacation : 12 weeks
Students may refer to http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/calendar.html for full details and dates.
3. Registration
All students must register as candidates of the University on admission. New students are to report to your
Department soon after registration so that you will be informed on matters such as the courses you are required to
take. Students either register as full-time or part-time candidates. Full-time candidates are not permitted to be
employed without permission from the University. Those found doing so may have their candidatures terminated
immediately.
No student may concurrently register for more than one degree or register as a candidate of the University and of
another university/institution.
4. Student Registration Card and its uses
Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) for your registration card is enclosed in the registration package which
you would have received during enrolment.
Apart from being able to access computer facilities and specific buildings/laboratories, your PIN can also be used to
access Examination Results via Short Message Service (SMS)/NUS Intranet at the end of each semester. For
scholars, it can also be used to access the electronic payslip.
Should you forget your PIN, please call in person at the Computer Centre’s NUS IT Care Counter (Level 1).
5. Use of Library Facilities
The Student Registration Card can be used at the libraries for loan of books. For newly-registered students, your
account at the University Library will only be activated one week after your candidature start date.
A copy of the “Guide to NUS Libraries” can be obtained from any of the NUS Libraries. Be sure to get a copy and
read it, paying attention to the section on “Library Rules at a Glance”. Please also pay attention to copyright matters
with respect to photocopying of library materials as spelt out in the full set of Library Rules at:
http://libportal.nus.edu.sg/frontend/web/about-nus-libraries/library-rules
The NUS Libraries website is available at http://libportal.nus.edu.sg/frontend/web/about-nus-libraries/our-libraries.
6. Computer Account
Every registered student will be issued a computer account. All students are expected to read their electronic mails
(emails) of their graduate student account. Messages sent to students’ email addresses are deemed by the Faculty
to be equivalent to letters sent to students’ mailing addresses. The Office of Graduate Programmes and Departments
regularly update students of the administrative details of their programmes through emails. Students cannot claim
ignorance for failing to read their emails.
The use of NUS computers within campus is for students’ work-related purposes eg.
research/assignments/coursework. It is an offence to use pirated software in NUS for students’ work. A penalty will
be imposed on the student.
Personal data files under the computer account of graduated/withdrawn/terminated students will be purged within a
week after receiving notice from the University on their conferment/withdrawal/ termination. These students may do a
backup of the files under their account, within the week of notice.

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In addition, students are to make regular checks of their Department’s Notice Board for information on changes in
time-table, module registration, seminars etc.
Please approach the Computer Centre’s NUS IT Care (Tel: 6516 2080 or email: ccehelp@nus.edu.sg) for queries on
the use of computer facilities on campus, or visit the Computer Centre’s website at https://comcen.nus.edu.sg/
7. Intranet for Students
The Intranet for Students is found at http://www.nus.edu.sg → “Students” tab
7.1 NUS Integrated Student Information System – SIS
The Integrated Student Information System (SIS) is a student administration system that integrates key activities of a
student academic life cycle from admission, module registration, student financials and progression to graduation.
Students are able to do the following via SIS :
Academics:
View class timetable
View enrolled modules
View exam timetable
View my student status letter
View transfer credit report
View unofficial transcript and exam results

Finances:
View account summary (Outstanding charges and posted payment)
Make payment
View/update bank account details
Request for student bill/preliminary bill

Personal Information:
View/update personal information (Official name, address, contacts, demographics etc)

Other Functions:
Apply for Leave of Absence
Apply for Research Scholars Holiday Leave
Enter GAP hours in Research Progress Report
Submit/check status of Research Progress Report (for Graduate Research Students)
View "Holds"

Further information on the usage of SIS can be found at


https://myportal.nus.edu.sg/studentportal/eservices/all/myisis.html

7.2 Circulars
Students are advised to refer regularly to the University’s ‘Circulars to Students’.

7.3 Forms
Electronic copies of forms for MEng/PhD students’ use, (as well as the latest developments/changes of this
handbook) can be downloaded from our website for current students at
https://myportal.nus.edu.sg/studentportal/eng/gd/
Students will need their student USERID and NUSNET password to gain access to the website. Students must also
check the University website periodically for important/urgent announcements.

8. Responsibilities of the Research Student


Principles
The completion of a successful programme of study leading towards a research degree requires commitment from
the research student, the student’s supervisor(s), the University and any collaboration of partnership.

At the outset of the research project, the various roles and responsibilities of all parties involved should be identified
and agreed in order to help establish a clear understanding between both parties. The research student should
recognize the expectations, responsibilities and reporting mechanisms involved with the research project within the
department.

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The Research Student
General Aspect
a) The research student must accept ultimate responsibility for his/her own research activity and candidacy for
a degree.
b) Satisfactory progress at all times should be maintained with respect to the research project and any
programme of work agreed with the supervisor(s).
c) Any circumstances that might require the student’s mode of study to be modified or the student’s institutional
registration to be extended, suspended or withdrawn, must be made known to the student’s supervisor(s).
d) It is the research student’s responsibility to check with Department regarding fulfillment of graduation
requirements for the degree admitted. Failure to do so and not fulfilling the requirements will lead to
termination of candidature.
Research Aspect
a) The research student must be responsible for the directions of any innovation in the development of the
research project.
b) Problems arising related to the project must be highlighted to the supervisor(s) as well as providing adequate
explanation of any failure to attend meetings, deadlines or other commitments, so that appropriate guidance
may be offered.
c) The research student is encouraged to make use of appropriate teaching and learning facilities made
available by the university. (e.g. computer clusters/center, laboratories, libraries etc)
d) Students are to comply with rules & regulations when using NUS facilities and communicate with fellow
students in English while doing research in laboratories.
e) The research student is required to familiarize themselves with relevant aspects of the University or any
other interested party.
Written Aspect
a) To submit written work in a specified and agreed time before meeting with the supervisor(s).
b) To prepare periodic progress reports on the research project.
c) To communicate to others in the academic community, both orally and in written form students’ research
findings.
d) To successfully complete any training programme arranged by, provided, through the University or third
party.
e) Please note that plagiarism is a serious offence. It amounts to intellectual theft. It means to take and use
another person’s ideas, writing etc. as your own. Any student caught plagiarising will be seriously dealt with.
Offenders may have their candidature suspended/terminated. All students may refer to the website at
http://emodule.nus.edu.sg/ac/ which has been designed to provide students with answers to the nature of
plagiarism and how the University has dealt with such issues.
Teaching Duties & Department Work
a) A scholar or part-time/full-time research students may be assigned teaching duties or department work if the
supervisor finds the scholar’s progress to be consistently satisfactory.
b) The scholar is thus required to be responsible for the work assigned and to perform & complete the duties
well and on time.
c) A scholar is to communicate in English at all times during teaching duties and Departmental work.
d) At any point in time, the scholar’s award of scholarship can be terminated/suspended should the
Department/Faculty deemed the scholar to be not executing his/her duties in a professional manner.
Most importantly, the research student must act as a responsible member of the institution’s academic
community.

9. NUS Honour Code


All students, as members of the National University of Singapore (NUS) are to undertake to maintain the highest
standard of personal integrity and to respect the rule of law, social order, the rights of others and abide by the
Statutes, regulations and rules of the University as are expected of all members of the University, both within and
outside the University.
In particular, all students are to uphold and maintain absolute academic honesty and integrity at all times. Students
are expected to understand that the forms of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to cheating, giving or
receiving any un-permitted aid, fabrication, plagiarism or participation in any action that compromises the integrity of
the academic standard of the University.
All students are reminded that failure to abide by the Honour Code may be sufficient cause for expulsion from the
University. Students are responsible for understanding and complying with the policies and procedures established
by the Senate and the University Administration at http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/administrative-policies.html

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In addition, research students are to take note of copyright issues of the university, information is available at
http://libportal.nus.edu.sg/frontend/ms/scholarly-communication/copyright. For further information on intellectual
property matters, you may visit http://enterprise.nus.edu.sg/technology-commercialisation
10. Period of Candidature
10.1 Maximum Period of Candidature
The maximum period of candidature for MEng programme is three years. As for the PhD programme, the maximum
period of candidature is five years. The period of candidature is the same for both full-time and part-time
programmes.

10.2 Residency Requirement


The minimum residency requirement for a MEng and PhD student is 6 months and 18 months respectively.
10.3 Extension of Candidature
Students who are unable to submit their thesis for examination by the maximum period of their candidature will need
to apply for an extension of their candidature. The form (289/90A(2)) should be completed and handed to your
supervisor(s) and the Department Head. Consideration for extension of candidature is based on justification and
compelling reason(s) and on performance and progress made.
Students should take note of the following:
a) Applications for extension of candidature must be submitted at least 3 months before the expiry of
candidature.
b) If application is submitted within 6 months after the expiry date of the current maximum candidature, an
administrative fee of S$250 will be payable to reinstate the candidature. An application submitted 6 months
after candidature expiry date will not be considered.
c) Requests are considered on a case by case basis and only with compelling reasons.
The candidature will only be reinstated if approval is obtained from the Faculty (for cases where applications for
extension are submitted after expiry date of candidature and within 6 months from expiry). The University strongly
encourages students to submit the thesis for examination before the candidature lapse.
11. Programme Structure
11.1 Degree Requirements

In addition to the thesis which forms a major part of your work, the normal requirements of the research degrees for
MEng and PhD include certain coursework and English language requirements. Doctoral students are also expected
to pass a PhD Qualifying Examination. The details of these requirements are described in Sections 11.2, 11.3 and
20.2 respectively.
Students pursuing the following Joint Degree programmes :
 NUS-IITB Joint PhD
 NUS-IITK Joint PhD
 NUS-IITM Joint PhD
 NUS-CentraleSupélec Joint PhD
 NUS-SUTD Joint PhD
 NUS-TU/e Joint PhD
are advised to check with the Department for further details regarding the degree requirements.
11.2 Coursework Requirements
All graduate students must take and pass (at an expected proficiency level) a number of modules in order to
graduate (unless exemption has been granted by the University). A graduate module is normally equivalent to 4
modular credits (MC).
11.2.1 Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (Civil Engineering Programme) (for students enrolled before
August 2012 Intake) and Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering
MEng students must take and pass at least 4 modules (Graduate Seminars and Graduate English Course modules
are not included), or its equivalent of 16 modular credits (MCs). At least 12 MCs must be at graduate level within the
subject or in related disciplines and the other remaining credits may be from other levels in the same or other
disciplines subject to the approval of the Department.

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PhD students must take and pass at least 8 modules (Doctoral Seminars and Graduate English Course modules are
not included), or its equivalent of 32 modular credits (MCs)*. At least 24 MCs must be at graduate level within
the subject or in related disciplines and the other remaining credits may be from other levels in the same or other
disciplines subject to the approval of the Department.

11.2.2 Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (for students enrolled from Aug 2011 Intake)
MEng students must take and pass at least 4 modules (Graduate Seminars and Graduate English Course modules
are not included), or its equivalent of 16 modular credits (MCs). All 16 MCs must be at graduate level within the
subject or in related disciplines and must comprise of two EE5000 modules, one EE6000 module and one
“unrestricted” module.
PhD students must take and pass at least 6 modules (Doctoral Seminars and Graduate English Course modules are
not included), or its equivalent of 24 modular credits (MCs). All 24 MCs must be at graduate level within the subject
or in related disciplines and must comprise of two EE5000 modules, two EE6000 modules and two “unrestricted”
modules. PhD students must also obtain a Satisfactory Grade for EE6990 Research Attachment of 4 MCs (2x2).
Both MEng and PhD students from the Dept of ECE must take and pass ES5101 Technical Communication for
Engineers. For detailed graduation requirements, ECE students may refer to the table at page 16.
11.2.3 All other students(excluding 11.2.1 and 11.2.2)
MEng students must take and pass at least 4 modules (Graduate Seminars and Graduate English Course modules
are not included), or its equivalent of 16 modular credits (MCs). At least 12 MCs must be at graduate level within the
subject or in related disciplines and the other remaining credits may be from other levels in the same or other
disciplines subject to the approval of the Department.
PhD students must take and pass at least 6 modules (Doctoral Seminars and Graduate English Course modules are
not included), or its equivalent of 24 modular credits (MCs). At least 18 MCs must be at graduate level within the
subject or in related disciplines and the other remaining credits may be from other levels in the same or other
disciplines subject to the approval of the Department.
For the detailed requirement of each Department/Division, it is the student’s responsibility to check with their
Department/Division and supervisor(s). Graduate/Doctoral Seminars and English Language Course modules are
excluded from the minimum MC count.
Please refer to Section 20.1.1 on the rules relating to continuation and termination of candidatures.
11.3 English Language Requirements
All international students are required to take an English language proficiency test unless exemption has been
granted. Any exemption from the English language requirement will be indicated in the letter of offer for admission to
the MEng/PhD programmes.
Upon registration as a student, you should register with the University’s Centre for English Language Communication
(CELC) to sit for the Diagnostic English Test (DET). This test is conducted twice a year (in January and July).
Registration information and test dates can be found at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/events/registration/registration-for-det.html . If you have missed your DET with valid
reasons, you should register for the next available test. Please take note that a student can only sit for the DET
once.
The DET is a two-hour placement test for incoming graduate students from non-English medium universities. Based
on the result of this test, students are assigned to appropriate Graduate English Course modules which provide them
language support to deal with their academic tasks. The test requires students to read some texts and then,
synthesising ideas from them, to write an academic essay of about 500 words in response to a question prompt. A
sample of the DET paper can be found at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/celc/programmes/files/DET_SAMPLE%20updated%202016_210616.pdf
Students who have taken the DET but have deferred doing the required English module or failed the end-of-course
examination must register in the next semester to take and pass the course. Scholarship may be suspended if the
Graduate English Course (Intermediate Level) is not completed within two semesters from date of registration
without any satisfactory reason(s).Thus those students who are placed in the Basic level of the Graduate English
Course must not defer taking the module. Students must obtain a minimum grade C in order to progress to the next
level.
Please note that candidates who have not taken the DET (if required to, as stated in the offer letter) will not be
allowed to take the Graduate English Course.
The Graduate English Course is designed primarily to help you in writing your thesis. It will also help you in general,
as a good command of English is highly valued in the world of business in Singapore. So do take full advantage of
the opportunity provided to you.

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If you are a MEng student, you are expected to achieve a pass in the intermediate level of the Graduate English
Course. Students must register for module ES5001A and obtain a Grade C and above.
If you are a PhD student, you are expected to pass both the intermediate level (ES5001A), and the advanced level
(ES5002) of the Graduate English Course. Only Grade C and above obtained in both modules are counted towards
fulfilment of the English language requirement. PhD students registered from AY2017/2018 Semester 1 onwards will
be required to take ES5101 instead of ES5002. Please check with your departments when you are required to
register for ES5101.

ES5101 : Technical Communication for Engineers - a guide on when to register:


PhD Take DET 1st semester 2nd semester 3rd 4th 5th semester
students semester semester
Example 1 Yes If required to take Required to Take
: Basic – ES5000 take : ES5101
Intermediate –
ES5001A
Example 2 Yes Required to take : Take ES5101
Intermediate -
ES5001A
Example 3 Not required Take ES5101in 2nd semester
or Exempted (latest by 3rd semester )
from DET

MEng Yes If required – take Take ES5001A If upgrade to PhD - by 4th Take ES5101
students Basic: ES5000 semester (latest by 5th
semester)

Important Note:
An additional fee of up to S$2,000 is payable for a student who is to repeat a graduate English course (i.e. when the
student obtains a Grade D or below, and must re-take the module).
The Graduate English classes are usually conducted twice weekly with two two-hour tutorials per week (total 4
hours); there are some evening and Saturday classes (for part time students). Your performance in the Graduate
English Course is one of the important factors in determining whether you are progressing satisfactorily in your
candidature, thus regular attendance and satisfactory progress are required. A penalty may be imposed on students
who fail to attend classes regularly.
Please check the CELC website during the online module registration period for the schedules.

Students who are on overseas study attachment will need to return to the University to complete and pass the
required English courses. English modules taken overseas while on study attachment cannot be used to replace the
University’s English modules.

To improve your English, you are expected to use English in your work in this University. This includes
communication with your supervisor(s), technical staff, administrative offices and your peers.
In addition to the requirements outlined under Section 11.2 and 11.3, the Head of Department/Division or Vice Dean
(Graduate Programmes) may require a research student to undertake other work that may be relevant to his/her
research degree.
Writing and Communication Hub (WCH)
WCH provides free one-to-one consultation service to NUS students who need help with their writing and oral
presentation assignments. It also holds conversation classes for students who want to practice casual, English-
language conversation in a friendly and supportive environment.

For further information about the Hub, please go to www.nus.edu.sg/celc/writinghub

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11.4 Research Methodology & Ethics module: EG5911

EG5911 (Research Methodology & Ethics) : Semester 1 AY2017/2018

Item Newly registered students : things to do Remarks


  Register online at start of semester for This module is for MEng & PhD (full time & part time) students to be
st
Information Literacy (item 1) taken in the 1 semester except for ISE PhD students, for ISE PhD
students, please check with department.
This module is to be completed with CS* grade before Oral
Qualifying Exam (OQE).
  Components to complete:
1 Register online for Information Literacy (Lab) Date & Venue will be displayed in the Engineering online
registration module system. Register for 1 lab. Students are
required to attend the lab, there are no extra/make-up labs. Please
do not miss the lab you have registered. Assessment components
will be made known on the day of the lab class.
Labs are available on Wednesday or Saturday, 9am to 1 pm and
2pm to 6pm in week 4 only. The contents are the same, students to
register for 1 lab ONLY.

2 Complete online Safety Induction course The information will be will be sent to students, by the faculty’s
Infrastructure & Safety Office via email.
Attendance will be tracked.

3 Complete online Academic Culture module - Please log-in to : http://emodule.nus.edu.sg/ac/launch.htm


topic on Plagiarism Click on the topic: Plagiarism, and follow through the lecture, do
answer the questions that are given.
Attendance will be tracked.
 
  All MEng and PhD students must complete items 1 to 3 and obtain CS grade before OQE.
MEng students who intend to upgrade must complete items 1 to 3 and obtain a CS grade before upgrading.
Notes: Students are to complete items 1 to 3 by end of Recess Week.
Once items 1 to 3 have been assessed: CS /CU* grade to be given for EG5911 upon release of exam results.
For CU grade, student will have to repeat the component(s) that will be stated in the next semester.
*CS: Completed Satisfactory
 
CU: Completed Unsatisfactory

MEng & PhD students will be required to register for this module.

This module provides students with background knowledge on how to conduct research based on best practices.
Issues on good international ethical practices, technical writing skills and skills in scientific presentations will also be
taught. It is part of the fulfilment for MEng/PHD graduation requirement. It carries 0 MCs and is graded on a
Satisfactory/Completed Unsatisfactory (CS/CU) basis.

Students are required to obtain a Completed Satisfactory grade.

For PhD students, the module is to be taken before the Oral Qualifying Examination. For MEng students keen to
transfer to PhD candidature, this module must be taken before the PhD Comprehensive Qualifying Examination.
Please confirm with your respective Departments on the time line for taking EG5911.
In addition to the Safety Induction course, all research students must view and answer the questions in the online
Academic Culture on information on plagiarism & penalties at http://emodule.nus.edu.sg/ac/launch.htm,

11.5 Seminar Module Requirements


MEng and PhD students are required to attend and present a required number of seminars. The completion of this
seminar module is part of graduation requirement. Please check with your Department/Division for the detailed
requirements.

12. Fees
The fees for AY2017/2018 are as follows:

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Tuition Fees (per Annum)

Fees payable Per Annum Amounts (S$) by :


Category of Graduate Singapore Singapore International Students with Non-Subsidised
Programme Citizens1,2 Permanent Service Obligation3,4/ Fees5
Residents1 (inclusive of
Graduate Assistantship
GST)
Programme
(Inclusive of GST)
Research
Programmes offered 8,500 11,900 18,200 34,450
by Engineering

Above table is meant for those admitted in AY2017/2018. For students admitted in previous years, please visit
http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/edu/gd-fees.html

Notes for New Students:


1. All fees quoted here are in Singapore Dollars (S$). Tuition fees are reviewed yearly and thus, subject to revision.
a) Tuition fees for graduate coursework and graduate research programmes for students admitted in AY2017/2018
intake will be increased by 1% and 1.5% per year respectively, for the remaining course duration.
2. For students who are Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents, the tuition fees quoted here are
subsidised by the Singapore government (through the Ministry of Education, MOE) and are exclusive of prevailing GST.
The applicable GST for these students is subsidised by MOE.
3. With effect from AY2016/2017 intake, the prevailing GST (currently 7%) on the fees payable will be borne by International
Students. The tuition fees quoted here are inclusive of the prevailing GST.
4. Students who are not in receipt of MOE Subsidy will have to pay the non-subsidised fee amounts as quoted here (which
are inclusive of the prevailing GST).
5. Students who have previously enjoyed government subsidy or sponsorship by a Singapore government agency (such
as scholarships offered by the Ministries, Public Service Commission and Statutory Boards) in a graduate programme
should refer to the Eligibility Guidelines for MOE Subsidy. Students who are not eligible for MOE subsidy are also not
eligible for most scholarships. For more details, please refer to Scholarships/Awards.
6. SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy:
Students who are Singapore Citizens, aged 40 and above (based on the year which the student turns 40 years old) and
enrolled in MOE-subsidised coursework programmes may be eligible for higher subsidy under the SkillsFuture MidCareer
Enhanced Subsidy. The fees payable will be 60% lower than the standard subsidised fees payable by other
Singaporean students. The amount of fees payable will be reflected in their individual student bill. Students who are not
eligible for MOE subsidy are also not eligible for the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy.
7. Service Obligation Scheme:
The University may deem it feasible, based on industry demand, to implement a Service Obligation (in some MOEsubsidised
programmes) for International Students. International Students who are eligible and have signed the Service
Obligation Agreement will pay reduced tuition fees. The amount of fees payable will be reflected in their individual studentbill. The
determination of this feasibility is at the sole discretion of the University.

Miscellaneous Student Fees

(A) For new students admitted in AY2017/2018


The table below shows the miscellaneous student fees payable per semester by the graduate intake of AY2017/18
for their entire candidature.

Miscellaneous Student Fees Full Time Part Time

Student Services Fee (SSF) (Lab-Based) $176.45 $132.15

Health Service Fee (HSF) $67.95 -

Notes:
1. If fees are not paid or only partially paid by the due date, a late payment charge of $25 may be imposed.
2. All fees shown are inclusive of prevailing GST.
3. For conversion from full-time to part-time or vice versa, the SSF payable for the semester is as follows:

Conversion From Date of Conversion Student Services Fee Payable


Full-Time to Part-Time By end of instructional week 2 Part-Time SSF
After Instructional Week 2 Full-Time SSF
Part-Time to Full-Time Any time In The Semester Full-Time SSF

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4. All full-time students (local and international) are required to subscribe to the University’s medical insurance
scheme. Please refer to http://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc/services/billing-insurance/insurance-matters.html for
details on the scheme. For conversion from full-time to part-time or vice versa, the HSF payable for the
semester is as follows:

Conversion From Date of Conversion Health Service Fee Payable


Full-Time to Part-Time By end of Instructional Week 2 Exempted
After Instructional Week 2 Full Fee
Part-Time to Full-Time Within First Half of Semester, Full Fee
i.e., on or Before 30 Sep (Sem 1) or 31 Mar (Sem 2)
Second Half of Semester, Half Fee
i.e., After 30 Sep (Sem 1) or 31 Mar (Sem 2)

For research students who have submitted their thesis, the Health Service Fee will be payable as long as the
student remains as full-time and has not been conferred the degree.

12.1 Portion of Fees Payable


12.1.1 For Submission of Thesis
Fees are payable until satisfactory completion of the thesis for examination. A grace period during the first three weeks
of Semester 1 and first two weeks of Semester 2 will be given for submission of the thesis. If the thesis (approved by
supervisor) is submitted during the grace period, fees for that semester will be waived. If the thesis (approved by
supervisor) is submitted for examination after the grace period but during the first half of a semester, half of the fees
paid for that semester will be refunded to the candidate.
Research students (non-scholars) who submit their thesis for examination during the semester when they are on Leave
of Absence or during the semester immediately after the leave will have to pay fees for 1 semester, even if the thesis is
submitted within the Instruction Week 2.
Please refer to Annex 4 for more details regarding submission of thesis.
12.1.2 For Withdrawal/Termination of Candidature
Self-financing students who leave the University, either through withdrawal on their own accord or termination of
candidature by the University, after Instructional Week 2 of the semester will be liable to pay fees for the entire
semester.

Date of Withdrawal/Termination Fee Payable


Before Instructional Week 2 Exempted
After Instructional Week 2 Full fee for the semester

12.1.3 For Students who are on Leave of Absence


Self-financing students who are granted leave of absence for part of a semester (i.e. the period of leave does not cover
the dates of the whole semester) are required to pay fees for that semester. Those who are granted leave of absence
for the entire semester will be exempted from payment of fees for that semester. However, the leave of absence
application must be submitted before the deadline for payment fees for that semester (i.e. before Instructional Week 2),
otherwise fees for the semester will be payable.

Date of Submitting Leave of Absence Application Fee Payable


Before Instructional Week 2 Exempted
After Instructional Week 2 Full fee for the semester

For further details on the dates and portion of fees payable, please refer to http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/education-
at-nus/graduate-education/fees.html

12.2 Payment of fees


Deadline for Payment
Fees must be paid in advance each semester. If fees are not paid by the due date, a late fee will be imposed ($25 for
non-payment / $10 for partial payment).

9
Payment in cash or NETS may be made at the Student Service Centre, Level 1, Yusof Ishak House. Cheque or bank
draft in S$ should be made payable to “National University of Singapore” with your name and registration number
written on the reverse side of the cheque/bank draft.
For newly registered students, the bill/payment form for the first semester will be issued by the Registrar’s Office. For
existing students, you will be informed via email sent to your NUS account to view your Student Bill online at least 2
weeks prior to the deadline for fee payment. No hardcopy Student Bill will be sent. Students may check and view the
latest status of their student accounts, make e-payment or print their student bills by accessing the online Student
Account Enquiring System at https://myaces.nus.edu.sg/StudentPayment/Login.jsp . For enquiries, students may
contact Student Service Centre at Tel: 6516 1177 or send an email to http://www.askstudentservice.nus.edu.sg
Students are encouraged to pay their fees through GIRO. Application forms for GIRO payment are available from the
Student Service Centre. It can also be printed from the NUS website (Student Matters -> Finance-related Forms).
If you are sponsored by your employer who will be paying your fees, a cheque (payable to the "National University of
Singapore") for the relevant amount should be made only after you receive the bill. Please inform your employer to
send the cheque with the bill directly to the Office of Financial Services.

Research Scholars
Research scholars who are no longer in receipt of the research scholarship and have not submitted their thesis
(approved by supervisor) for examination, will not be eligible for tuition fee subsidy. They are required to pay fees with
effect from the semester as indicated below, depending on the last day of the research scholarship :

Last day of research scholarship Fees payable effective from


Before deadline for payment of fees Current semester
After deadline for payment of fees Subsequent semester

Fees will be payable until the thesis (approved by supervisor) is submitted for examination.

Full-time Staff
To encourage our staff members to upgrade their qualifications through programmes offered by NUS, the University
provides concession on tuition fees of government subsidized graduate programmes to all full-time staff.
The concession provides the same dollar quantum subsidy to all eligible staff members based on Singapore Citizen
subsidized fee rates, as summarized in the table below.

Concession/Discount
Programme
Singapore Citizens Singapore Permanent Residents &
International Students
Government-subsidized Research Dollar quantum concession for Singaporeans
Full waiver
Programme

Other guidelines for this staff concession are:


a) The concession covers only the tuition fees.
b) It does not cover other charges like registration fees, examination fees and copyright fees.
c) No service bond with NUS will be imposed.
In the event of staff members leaving on or before the end of the second instructional week of a semester, he or she will
not be accorded the concession from that semester onwards.
Interested staff members may apply for the concession by emailing their particulars to Ms Pamela Leo (Office of
Human Resources) at ohrleokh@nus.edu.sg. Successful applicants need not re-apply for the concession in
subsequent semesters.
For clarification of the guidelines, staff may refer to OHR’s writeup at Staff Portal
https://share.nus.edu.sg/corporate/policies/hr2/benefits/government-subsidized-graduate-programs.pdf or call 6516
4887 (Compensation & Benefits Section, Office of Human Resources).
Late and Partial Payment Penalties
Students who do not meet fee payment deadlines stipulated by the Office of Financial Services may incur penalty
fees. If fees are not paid, or only partially paid, by the due date indicated in the bill, a late fee will be imposed.
Should fees remain outstanding after the relevant fee payment due date, a Negative Service Indicator (NSI) will be
tagged against the student account as a “Hold” and the student will not be able to receive his/her results transcript,
his/her thesis will not be examined (for research students), student status / conferment letter will be withheld, the
student will not be able to view exam results / enroll for any modules and his/her degree scroll will be withheld (for
graduating students). In addition, students with overdue fees may have their candidature of study terminated.

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Please refer to Office of Financial Services website for NSI penalties:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/finance/FAQStudentFinanceMatters.html

12.3 Full-Fee Paying Students


Students who are on leave of absence for part of the semester (e.g. a few days or up to a few months in a semester)
are still required to pay fees regardless of whether the student has registered for modules or not. A student need not
pay fees only when the application for Leave of Absence is for the entire semester.
12.4 Change of Citizenship (Effect on Fees & RS)
Citizenship changes which result in tuition fee rate changes will be effected in the semester only if notification is
received no later than the end of the second instructional week. Notification received beyond that will have the
revised tuition fee effected only in the following semester.
For those receiving the NUS Research Scholarship, any revised scholarship stipend due to a change in citizenship
will be effected the month after the student’s notification.

13. Financial Assistance


For the full range of financial assistance available, please refer to the website
http://www.nus.edu.sg/admissions/graduate-studies/scholarships-financial-aid-and-fees.html

Students who are awarded scholarship from the University must take every effort to manage the monthly stipend
given. Please save some of the amount given, in the event of the suspension of scholarship due to :
a) Not meeting academic requirements (unsatisfactory CAP)
b) Poor/unsatisfactory research progress
c) Disciplinary issues
d) Unable to pass PhD Oral Qualifying Examination by the 2nd year of candidature

Scholarship may be reduced/suspended for a stipulated period and the student may be required to pay fees. The
University takes a very serious view on students’ overall performance. The scholarship will be re-activated upon
approval by the Faculty after the student has made improvements. There will be no backpay for the period when
scholarship was suspended nor any extension of scholarship due to a suspension.

13.1 NUS Research Scholarship/Lee Kong Chian (LKC) Graduate Scholarship/President’s Graduate Fellowship
(PGF)

Students receiving any of the above Scholarships are not allowed to concurrently hold any other scholarships while
pursuing the research programme. Students who wish to take up other scholarships (having been awarded the NUS
Research Scholarship/LKC Graduate Scholarship/President’s Graduate Fellowship) must inform the University to
withdraw the current Scholarship.

As part of the terms and conditions of the NUS Research Scholarship/President’s Graduate Fellowship, international
students receiving the Scholarship (admitted from AY2014/2015) are required to perform duties under the Graduate
Assistantship Programme (GAP).

The total time spend on work done under the GAP and any other paid/unpaid work shall not exceed 16 hours a week
and the required total hours must be completed before thesis submission.
The Scholar will be paid for work done in excess of the hours required under GAP at a rate in accordance with the
Part-Time Appointment Scheme. Such payment will be subject to tax where applicable.
Please refer to the Terms and Conditions of each award at http://www.nus.edu.sg/admissions/graduate-
studies/scholarships-financial-aid-and-fees/scholarships-awards.html
13.1.1 Renewal of Scholarship
In addition to the renewal of your candidature, your scholarship must be renewed each year if you are a Research
Scholar and would like to continue to receive financial support from the University. This renewal is reviewed during
the half-yearly progress reporting exercise. Upon notification via email, you must complete the progress report
online (refer to para 16). Your supervisor(s) will comment on the progress made. The Department/Division and
University will then evaluate your renewal application.
While each renewal of a scholarship will usually be for an additional period of six months or one year, a shorter
period of renewal or no renewal may result if your progress in your candidature is found to be unsatisfactory.

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The maximum periods for you to receive the scholarship are 2 and 4 years, for the MEng and PhD programmes
respectively. If you are not able to complete your thesis by the time your scholarship expires, you will have to work
on your thesis without any financial support from the University.
13.1.2 Suspension of Scholarship
For the completion of a successful programme of study leading towards a higher research degree, much commitment
is required from the research student. Good progress must be maintained at all times for full-time Scholarship
holders during their research candidature. A minimum CAP of 3.50 must be maintained for the completion of
coursework requirement (please refer to item 20.1.1) and good research progress. The research scholarship may be
suspended if the progress in coursework and/or research has not been satisfactory. (i.e. CAP below 3.50 and
research progress less than good) It may be reinstated after satisfactory progress is made. Students on leave of
absence (LOA) will have the scholarship suspended, except for those on overseas study/attachment. There will be no
pay-back of stipend after student returns from LOA to resume studies.

13.1.3 Termination of Lee Kong Chian (LKC) Graduate Scholarship/President’s Graduate Fellowship (PGF)
Students awarded either LKC or PGF will have to maintain ‘Very Good’ research progress at all times. The student is
allowed to have only 1 ‘Good’ rating. Should a student receive 2 ‘’Good’ ratings consecutively, the award will be
terminated and student will be awarded NUS Research Scholarship instead. There will be no re-instatement of
LKC/PGF thereafter.

13.1.4 Deduction of research scholarship stipend for payment of outstanding tuition fees
Scholars need to note that their research scholarship stipend may be used to pay any outstanding tuition fees (due to
suspension of scholarship).

13.1.5. Application for NUS Research Scholarship (for existing self-financing & GST B students)
Existing self-financing and GST B students who wish to apply for the Research Scholarship should write in for this
request. The letter, together with the result slip(s), is to be handed to supervisor(s), Division/Department Head and
the Vice Dean (Graduate Programmes) for endorsement before the University considers such request.
13.2 Graduate Assistantship Programme
International Students on Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) scholarships who are admitted from
AY2014/2015 must fulfil the requirements of the Graduate Assistantship Programme (GAP). The number of
hours required during the candidature is stated in the respective terms and conditions of the scholarship. Do
check with your Department Office if you require clarifications on the hours to be clocked. For monitoring
purpose, students will be required to indicate the cumulative hours clocked in the online system for the half-
yearly research progress report. A duly endorsed summary sheet is also to be uploaded each time.
Students whose scholarship is terminated due to poor academic progress, disciplinary issues, change to a non-
MOE funded scholarship etc will still have to fulfil pro-rated GAP requirement. Please note that the tuition fee
rate (without Service Obligation) will be charged henceforth. However, students may apply to sign a Service
Obligation agreement in order to enjoy the tuition fee rate (with Service Obligation) (i.e. after MOE’s approval).
13.3 NUS Student Work Scheme
The NUS Student Work Scheme (NSWS) is aimed to encourage NUS students to be self-reliant and to gain some
working experience in campus. The details of the jobs available under the NSWS will reside in a central portal NUS
TalentConnect (https://nus-
csm.symplicity.com/students/index.php?signin_tab=0&signin_tab=0&PHPSESSID=08a762c7fcb6cdb00fdb52ace9a6
14e4) where both prospective NUS Hiring Departments and the interested NUS Student Applicants can find a job
match.

There are many Work Study opportunities in NUS available to interested NUS Students. On-the-job training and
guidance will be provided to equip NUS Students with the necessary skills and knowledge. Through the NSWS,
students will gain valuable experience before they enter the workforce.

Eligibility and maximum working hours :


a) Full-time undergraduate and graduate students may apply to work on a part-time basis during the period of
their candidature. An exception has been made for part-time graduate research students (who are non-
NUS staff) to work as NSWS-Research Assistant
b) Students who are on industrial attachment, professional attachment, internship and practicum are not
allowed to work under the NSWS.

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c) Students are advised to work for a maximum of 16 hours per week during Term time so as to not adversely
affect their studies. As full-time students, they are expected to commit themselves to at least 40 hours of
study per week. Students should note that commitments from employment will not be accepted as valid
reasons for absence, uncompleted work, late submission of work, or poor performance, and may lead to
exclusion from certain full-time programmes.
d) Full-time international students are only allowed to work a maximum of 16 hours a week during NUS term
time.

**Refer to Table below for the maximum number of hours allowed for the various groups of students during Term and
Vacation time.

NUS Student Work Scheme (NSWS) – Maximum working hours allowed

During Term Time During Vacation Time


Max. number of working hours Max. number of working hours
(paid or unpaid) per week (paid or unpaid) per week
SC SPR IS SC SPR IS
Research Scholars (to refer to 16^ 16^ 16 16^ 16^ 16
Scholarship’s T&Cs for eligibility to Full-Time
work and working hours
Self-Financing Research Students Full-Time 16^ 16^ 16 16^ 16^ 16
*Part-Time 16^ 16^ 16 16^ 16^ 16
SC – Singaporean Citizen
SPR – Singapore Permanent Resident
IS – International Student

*Part-Time graduate research students (who are not NUS staff) can work as “NSWS-Research Assistant”
^All SC/SPR Graduate research students may be allowed to work more than 16 hours per week subject to approval
by Faculty/Department.

Note : Graduate research students are committed to work on their thesis throughout their candidature period, thus
they do not have “Vacation” time.

Guidelines for NUS Student applicant :


a) The NUS Student Applicant can apply for the jobs under the NSWS either via NUS TalentConnect or directly
with the Hiring Department. Students applying to "Teaching /Research Assistant” appointments would also
need to complete the Supplementary Form and submit it to the Hiring Department.
b) The Student needs to ensure that the Timesheet is accurately completed and submitted to his/her supervisor
either on a monthly basis or once the job stint has been completed.
c) The Student needs to ensure that their credit bank account details are accurately updated in MyISIS. This is
the bank account that will be used for the payment of the NSWS allowances.
d) NUS Students who qualify under the Office of Financial Aid, Work Study Assistance Scheme may continue to
seek job opportunities through NUS TalentConnect website. When applying for a job under the NSWS, the
applicant is encouraged to submit the letter from the Office of Financial Aid for priority consideration
to the prospective NUS Hiring Department.

Detailed information and forms are available at http://nus.edu.sg/cfg/students/employment-opportunities. For


clarification or additional information on the NSWS please contact the Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG) at
6516 1385 or email CFG at: careers@nus.edu.sg

14. Selection of Courses and Class Time-Table


As a graduate research student, you are to consult with and obtain approval of your supervisor(s) on the modules
you intend to read within the first two weeks of commencement of each semester. Following which, you are to
register your request to read the approved module(s) online.
Students are advised to register early for their modules to avoid disappointment, as popular modules can be over-
subscribed.

The approved list of modules for the semester can be viewed online. Departments may post the approved list on the
Department’s Notice Board as well.
The Online Module Registration System (https://myaces.nus.edu.sg/gseonline/) is used to facilitate module
registration for graduate students from the Faculty of Engineering. During the Online Module Registration Exercise,
students may log in to register/drop modules. Information on the modules available/offered by the
Departments/Divisions can be obtained from this system

13
Class time-tables are posted on the Departments’/Divisions’ websites.

Further inquiries may be made at:


Programmes for Location Telephone No:
Biomedical Engineering E4 #04-08 6516 1611
Chemical & Biomolecular Engrg E5 #02-09 6516 8824
Civil & Environmental Engrg E1A #07-03 6516 4513
Electrical & Computer Engrg E4 #05-45 6516 6236
Engineering & Technology Mgmt ? EA #05-34 6516 8502
Industrial & Systems Engrg ? E1A #06-25 6516 2206
Materials Science & Engrg EA #03-09 6516 4672
Mechanical Engrg EA #07-08 6516 7608

14.1 Application for Cross-Faculty Modules


Students who intend to read modules offered by another Department other than the student’s home Department, can
register their interest to do so by completing a form, which is available from the Department’s General Office. Such
requests would be considered on a case-by-case basis according to the relevance of the module to your degree of
study, module availability, and the Departments’ approval. Students are NOT ALLOWED to register for the same
module more than once, in which the module was taken for a previous degree in NUS.
Students who need to apply for modules in other faculties are required to do so in advance, as soon as the time-table
is available. Students are to sign up for modules for each semester not later than the second week of
commencement of each semester. The application form, GSE 2/2005, can be obtained from OGP/Departments.
Students are to fill up the form and submit to their respective departments.
14.2 Pre-taken Graduate Module
NUS BEng graduates may apply for credit transfer of their approved pre-taken* graduate module(s), taken during
their undergraduate studies towards their current MEng/PhD studies.
The pre-taken modules should have been taken less than 5 years prior to admission of their MEng/PhD admission,
and were not counted towards their BEng degree. Upon approval, the pre-taken modules and grades will be
transferred and included in the CAP computation of their current MEng/PhD programme.
Students seeking credit transfer and exemption are to apply to the Department/Division by the end of the 2nd
instructional week of the first semester of candidature.
* Pre-taken graduate modules must be as indicated in the transcript records for the BEng degree.

14.3 Industrial Attachment Module


With effect from Semester 1, AY2016/2017, students may opt for one IA module with attachment to a company for a
period between 60 working days to a year. This 4 MC module will be graded as Completed Satisfactory (CS) or
Completed Unsatisfactory (CU) and student must register by completing an application form, to be submitted to the
department before the end of the second week of commencement of the semester.

The completed form OGP2/2016 should mention the company to be attached to, attachment period, salary and
workplan. If approved, student needs to maintain regular contact with NUS and Company. NUS may schedule
official visits to the workplace and progress will be monitored.

An IA Evaluation Panel comprising of all supervisors (both industry and University) with a nominated examiner will
grade the module after student completes and submits form OGP3/2016. A report by student describing the IA
experience should include an introduction to the company, description of job scope, accomplishments and
reflections. A presentation may be required.
Please visit http://www.eng2.nus.edu.sg/proj/eeintranet/Student/Grad/rshForms.html for the timelines, details and
forms.
15. Project Work and Thesis
MEng and PhD programmes are primarily research-based and you should keep in close contact with your
supervisor(s) who will guide you on your research projects. Towards the end of your research project, you will have
to write and submit a thesis on your research work for examination.

A guide for preparation of the thesis is available in the Student Portal


(https://myportal.nus.edu.sg/studentportal/academics/gd/). You are to read the guide carefully to avoid unnecessary
work. Upon completion of your thesis and all requested documents, you should seek the approval of your
supervisor(s) and submit these to your Department. Your thesis will be sent to External and Internal Examiners.

14
Depending on their comments, it may be necessary for you to modify your thesis and to carry out additional research
work before your thesis can be accepted.

In addition to the examination of the thesis, the award of a PhD will also require the candidate to make oral
presentation(s) of about 20 to 30 minutes (powerpoint presentation is usually required) to a panel of senior academic
staff as well as to fellow research students within the faculty and be able to provide satisfactory answers to the
various questions raised.

16. Progress Reports


Your candidature has to be renewed half yearly, subject to satisfactory progress. The renewal usually takes place in
September and February. The Registrar's Office will email your supervisor(s) to evaluate your progress via an online
system.

To maintain your status as a Graduate student, you must write a report on the progress made since the previous
report. Your supervisor(s) will comment on the progress made and make his recommendations. The Department
and University will evaluate/review the progress before renewal of your candidature is granted. It is the student’s
responsibility to hand in the report. Please note that the report for online submission should be less than 150KB, in
PDF format (this is approximately two A4-size pages).

17. Transfer of Candidature from MEng to PhD


If you are currently on the MEng programme and would like to work for a PhD degree, you can apply for a transfer to
the PhD programme after you have satisfied your coursework requirements and the English Language requirements
(if any) for the MEng.

To be eligible, you must obtain a CAP of at least 3.50. The computation of CAP will be based on all modules taken
(excluding CELC modules). Please check with your department on the requirements for the transfer. Students with
CAP that does not meet the minimum requirement but have a journal paper accepted for publication may also submit
an application for consideration. It is also expected that students who wish to transfer are also doing well in their
research work.

For the transfer, you have to submit a detailed proposal on the research work performed and future research work to
be carried out. This report, usually a 30-40 page proposal, will be examined. You will also have to make an oral
presentation to a panel of examiners before your transfer can be considered.

A written examination is included. Your research proposal together with the panel's recommendations and the
completed form [RO.578/95B (1)] are to be submitted to your Department Office. Please discuss your interest with
your supervisor(s).

Please note that if your application to transfer to the PhD candidature and request for the NUS Research Scholarship
(if applicable) are both successful, the scholarship will be awarded from date of transfer to end of 4th year of
candidature only.

It is advisable that you apply for the transfer to PhD as early as possible if you are interested in high level research
and development work. Transfer should be completed between 18 – 24 months from start of the MEng candidature.
(Please refer to Annex 3 for the timeline).

MEng research scholars transferred to PhD candidature after passing the PhD Qualifying Examination will have an
additional $500 per month added to their stipend (from the passing date of the examination up to the fourth year of
candidature/expiry date of Research Scholarship, whichever is earlier).
18. Conversion of Student Status from Full-Time to Part-Time
Towards the end of the research project, some students may find employment and wish to convert their candidature
to part-time status. For those students who are or have been on Research Scholarship, under no circumstances
should they start work before they obtain approval from the University. Otherwise, they are liable to the penalty of
having to repay the University the Scholarship and have their candidature terminated immediately.
Students should note that writing the thesis requires a lot of effort and progress is likely to be extremely slow when
he/she starts working. A satisfactory draft must be submitted to the supervisor before applying for part-time
conversion. Approval for the conversion is granted on a case-by-case basis.
For students who are receiving Research Scholarship, approval is normally not granted unless:
a) the student has submitted a draft of the complete thesis to the supervisor(s),
b) the student has completed ALL coursework requirements (inclusive of English if required),
c) the supervisor(s) in his/her best judgment feels that the student is able to submit the softbound copy of the
thesis for examination within three months.

15
Applications for conversion of student’s status from full-time to part-time should be made on the prescribed form
RO681/15 and handed to existing supervisor(s), Department/Division Head and the Vice Dean (Graduate
Programmes) for approval a month before actual date of conversion.

19. Exemption from Coursework Requirement


Students may apply for module exemption, subject to a case-by-case consideration if students have completed
relevant graduate module(s) from a graduate programme in NUS. The maximum number of modules that may be
granted exemption is 50% of coursework requirements. ie. 2 modules exemption for MEng and 3 modules for PhD
students.
Modules requested for exemption should be a Graduate level module, relevant to current research area and must
have been taken within 5 years from registration of the current degree/programme.
Request for exemption of modules must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Programmes through the
supervisor(s), and Head of Department by end of 2nd instructional week of the first semester of candidature.
Students are to state their current research topic in the letter and attach a copy of the result slip/transcript which
shows the modules to be exempted.
Please note that full exemptions from the coursework requirement will not be given if the modules had been used for
the earning of an earlier NUS graduate degree. Modules previously granted for exemption cannot be used again for
exemption in the current degree that a student is pursuing. The modules that are approved for exemption will not be
calculated in the CAP of the student’s current degree.
20. Examinations
20.1 Coursework Examination
Examinations for courses are usually held at the end of each semester of study. Candidates are not permitted to
repeat any passed module taken previously.

20.1.1 Modular Credit System


1. Modular Credits
Each existing graduate module of 39 hours of lecture is to be assigned 4 modular credits.

2. Grade and Grade Point


Grade Grade Point
A+ 5.00
A 5.00
A- 4.50
B+ 4.00 CAP for Graduation:
B 3.50
B- 3.00 MEng (coursework requirement) ≥ 3.00
C+ 2.50 PhD (coursework requirement) ≥ 3.50
C 2.00
D+ 1.50
D 1.00
F (Fail) 0
A candidate who is absent in the examination of a module without a valid reason acceptable to the
Board of Examiners will be given Grade F (Fail) for the module which he/she is absent in.
Modules with no assigned MCs or grade points are excluded from the calculation of CAP.

There are a number of situations for which no grade points are assigned:
Incomplete (IC)
The ‘IC’ grade is assigned when a student’s work is of passing quality but is incomplete for good reasons (e.g., illness
during the official examination period). However, even such good reasons will not warrant an ‘IC’ grade if the work already
completed for the module is clearly not of passing quality; instead, students should note that the ‘F’ grade will be assigned
in such cases. A module assigned an ‘IC’ grade normally cannot be used to fulfil the pre-requisite of a higher-level module.

Should a student choose to repeat the module in a subsequent semester, none of the work done previously may be carried
forward for assessment purposes.

In Progress (IP)
For a module that extends beyond more than one semester, evaluation of a student’s performance is deferred until the
completion of the module. The provisional grade of ‘IP’ is assigned in the intervening semesters. This is replaced with the
final grade when the student completes the module.

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Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U)
Some modules (e.g. seminar module, EG5911 Research Methodology and Ethics) are graded on a
‘Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory’ (S/U) basis.

Withdrawn (W)
When a student withdraws from a module between the first day of Week 3 of the instructional period and the last day of the
Recess Week, a ‘W’ grade will be recorded in the transcript. Withdrawals after this period (i.e. from the first day of Week 7
of the instructional period) will result in an ‘F’ grade, which will be included in the computation of the CAP and will not be
eligible for the S/U option.

3. S/U Declaration Option


Effective Semester 2, AY2016/2017, Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) option is available to graduate engineering
research students (MEng and PhD).
The Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) option is intended to encourage students to pursue their intellectual interests,
without undue concern that exploring a new subject area may adversely affect their CAP.

The S/U declaration exercise will be conducted upon the release of examination results and will end by the stipulated
deadline, which will be announced each semester. Students will exercise their S/U option during this period for any
module that permits the S/U option. Thereafter, the student's decision will be considered final.
4. Continuation, Termination and Graduation
For continuation of candidature a student must obtain satisfactory progress during his/her candidature. A student is
terminated and refused re-admission if he/she obtains fails to maintain the minimum CAP.
For any semester in which the student’s CAP falls below the CAP required for graduation (i.e. 3.00 for MEng and
3.50 for PhD), he/she will be issued an academic warning. A student may also be issued an academic warning or
placed on probation for poor performance in the Qualifying Examination, research, or other programme
requirements.
Table 1 Continuation Requirements

CANDIDATURE REQUIREMENT

 CAP should not fall below 1.50 in the 1st semester of candidature; or
MEng  CAP should not fall below 2.50 for two consecutive semesters; or
 CAP should not fall below 3.00 for three consecutive semesters

 CAP should not fall below 1.50 in the 1st semester of candidature; or
PhD  CAP should not fall below 3.00 for two consecutive semesters; or
 CAP should not fall below 3.50 for three consecutive semesters

Table 2 Graduation Requirements

For graduation,
(i) MEng students (in all Departments except Electrical & Computer Engineering) must:
 obtain at least 16 MCs (Graduate Seminars and Graduate English Course modules are not included), of which at least
12 MCs must be at graduate level within the subject or in related disciplines and the remaining credits may be from other
levels in the same or other disciplines subject to the approval of the Department; &
 obtain CAP > 3.00 in best 4 modules (or equivalent of 16 MCs); &
 pass the MEng thesis; &
 obtain minimum Grade C in the Graduate English Course (Intermediate Level), where applicable; &
 Satisfactory Grade for Graduate Seminars.

(ii) M.Eng. students (in Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering) must:
 obtain at least 16 MCs (Graduate Seminars and Graduate English Course modules are not included), of which 16
MCs must be at graduate level within the subject or in related disciplines, subjected to approval of the Department.
The modules comprise of 2 EE5000 modules, 1 EE6000 module and 1 “unrestricted” module; &
 obtain CAP > 3.00 in the best 4 modules (or equivalent of 16 MCs); &
 obtain minimum Grade C in ES5101 Technical Communication for Engineers (0 MC, graded). For students
registered before Semester 1 AY2017/2018
 pass the M.Eng. thesis; &
 obtain minimum Grade C in the Graduate English Course (Intermediate Level), where applicable; &
 Satisfactory Grade for EG5911: Research Methodology & Ethics module: &
 Satisfactory Grade for Graduate Seminars.

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(iii) PhD students (in all Departments except Electrical & Computer and Industrial Systems Eng and Management) must:
 obtain at least 24 MCs^ (Doctoral Seminars and Graduate English Course modules are not included), of which at least
18 MCs must be at graduate level within the subject or in related disciplines and the remaining credits may be from other
levels in the same or other disciplines subject to the approval of the Department; &
 obtain CAP > 3.50 in best 6 modules (or equivalent of 24 MCs); &
 pass the Qualifying Examination; &
 pass the PhD thesis and Oral Examination; &
 obtain minimum Grade C in the Graduate English Course (Intermediate and Advanced Levels), where applicable;
(Advance Level applicable to students registered before Semester 1 AY2017/2018) &
 Satisfactory Grade for EG5911: Research Methodology & Ethics module:
 obtain minimum C grade in ES5101 (applicable to students registered from Semester 1 AY2017/2018 onwards)
 Satisfactory Grade for Doctoral Seminars.
^PhD students (registered before August 2012) in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (Civil Engineering
Programme) are required to take an additional 8 MCs (of its equivalent of 2 modules) on Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis
as approved by the Department.

(iv) Ph.D. students (in Department of Electrical & Computer Eng) must:
 obtain at least 24 MCs (Doctoral Seminars and Graduate English Course modules are not included), of which 24 MCs
must be at graduate level within the subject or in related disciplines, subjected to approval of the Department. The
modules comprise of 2 EE5000 modules, 2 EE6000 modules and 2 “unrestricted” modules; &
 obtain Satisfactory Grade for EE6990 Research Attachment of 4 MCs (2x2); &
 obtain CAP > 3.50 in the best 6 modules (or equivalent of 24 MCs); &
 obtain minimum Grade C in ES5101 Technical Communication for Engineers (0 MC, graded).
 pass the Qualifying Examination; &
 pass the Ph.D. thesis and Oral Examination; &
 obtain minimum Grade C in the Graduate English Course (Intermediate Level), where applicable; &
 Satisfactory Grade for EG5911: Research Methodology & Ethics module: &
 Satisfactory Grade for Doctoral Seminars.

(v) PhD students (in Department of Industrial Systems Eng and Management – ISE track) must:
 obtain at least 32 MCs (Doctoral Seminars and Graduate English Course modules are not included), of which at least 24
MCs must be at graduate level within the subject or in related disciplines and the remaining credits may be from other
levels in the same or other disciplines subject to the approval of the Department; &
 obtain CAP > 3.50 in best 8 modules (or equivalent of 32 MCs); &
 pass the Qualifying Examination; &
 pass the PhD thesis and Oral Examination; &
 obtain minimum Grade C in the Graduate English Course (Intermediate and Advanced Levels, where applicable),
applicable to students registered before Semester 1 AY2017/2018; &
 Satisfactory Grade for EG5911 : Research Methodology & Ethics module: &
 obtain minimum Grade C in ES5101 Technical Communication for Engineers (0 MC, graded) applicable to students
registered from Semester 1 AY2017/018 onwards
 Satisfactory Grade for Doctoral Seminars.

(vi) PhD students (in Department of Industrial Systems Eng and Management – ETM track) must:
 obtain at least 24 MCs (Doctoral Seminars and Graduate English Course modules are not included), of which at least 18
MCs must be at graduate level within the subject or in related disciplines and the remaining credits may be from other
levels in the same or other disciplines subject to the approval of the Department; &
 obtain CAP > 3.50 in best 6 modules (or equivalent of 24 MCs); &
 pass the Qualifying Examination; &
 pass the PhD thesis and Oral Examination; &
 obtain minimum Grade C in the Graduate English Course (Intermediate and Advanced Levels, where applicable);
applicable to students registered before Semester 1 AY2017/2018 &
 Satisfactory Grade for EG5911: Research Methodology & Ethics module: &
 obtain minimum Grade C in ES5101 Technical Communication for Engineers (0 MC, graded) applicable to students
registered from Semester 1 AY2017/018 onwards
 Satisfactory Grade for Doctoral Seminars.

*Applicable for students registered from August 2011 Intake

Notes:
CAP = Cumulative Average Point

Formulae for CAP = Sum (Grade Pt x MC)


Sum (MC)

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All letter grades (including Grade F) are computed in the CAP computation for students who have yet to accumulate the minimum
number of modular credits for graduation. Students who have achieved more than the minimum number of modular credits for
graduation, the CAP is computed on the best modules equivalent to minimum number of modular credits (inclusive of
foundation/core modules, where required).
The English Language requirement will be considered separately. CELC modules are excluded from the computation of the
average grade for fulfilment of coursework requirement.
All graduate students are not permitted to repeat a non-core module which he/she has passed for the purpose of improving
his/her grade. Please consult your Department if necessary.

20.1.2 Use of Calculators for Examinations


Information extracted from https://myportal.nus.edu.sg/studentportal/academics/all/docs/Use-of-Electronic-
Calculators.pdf :
1. Students are not required to go to different departments to have their calculators verified or stamped prior to the
assessments. Students should check with their lecturers for models that are permitted to be used.

2. For assessments where calculators are permitted, students are required to,

a) ensure that their electronic calculators are silent without print‐out facilities
b) ensure that their calculators are in working condition, because students are not allowed to borrow calculators
from other students, or requests for replacements during the assessments
c) there are no calculator covers, instruction leaflets or instructions and formulae printed on the lid/cover of the
calculator
d) be responsible to clear any information and/or programmes stored in the programmable calculators prior to
the assessments, where programmable calculators are permitted

3. Calculators with the function of communication with other machines, palm‐top PCs, electronic organisers, digital
diaries/dictionaries and notebook computers are not permitted.

4. Candidates may not claim special consideration for non-possession of a calculator, malfunctioning of a calculator
or for inability to use a calculator.

5. Any candidate who brings items into the examination hall that does not comply with the above instruction would
be deemed to have committed an act of cheating. Disciplinary action will be taken against him/her accordingly.

20.1.3 Absence from Examinations


A candidate who fails to sit for the examination of a module, without a valid reason acceptable to the University will
be given a Grade F (Fail) for the module which he/she is absent in.

20.2 PhD Qualifying Examinations


If you are a PhD candidate, in addition to the coursework requirements as described in paragraph 11.2, you are also
required to take and pass a PhD Qualifying Examination. This consists of:
a) the submission of a 30-40 page proposal of the research which you have undertaken, including a work
schedule to show future work to be done with explanation details; &
b) an oral presentation of your research proposal before a 3-member panel including your supervisor(s) and
members appointed by your Department Head.
c) a Comprehensive Examination is to be completed prior to taking the Oral Qualifying Examination. Students
are encouraged to take the Comprehensive Examination by the end of the first year.
d) the Qualifying Examinations (both Comprehensive & Oral) should be completed by the 24th month (for full-
time & part-time PhD students) of a student’s candidature.
e) See Annex 3 for timeline of when Qualifying Examinations are to be taken.

When the Oral Qualifying Examination is to be taken :


Please refer to Annex 3 for the timeline.
(1) Direct PhD candidates
To be completed latest by 24th month of PhD candidature. Candidates are expected to have satisfied the coursework
and English language (if any) requirements for the MEng before they are allowed to take the Examination. The
student has to seek the Department’s confirmation on eligibility to take the Examination. PhD students/MEng
students transferring to PhD, if required to take English must pass Intermediate English (ES5001A) before taking
Oral Qualifying Examination. (Please refer to section

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11.3 English Language Requirements
Scholars who pass their PhD Oral Qualifying Examination will have an additional $500 per month added to their
stipend (from the date of the examination up to the fourth year of candidature/expiry date of Research Scholarship,
whichever is earlier).

Research scholars who have not taken their Oral Qualifying Examination (OQE), after a predetermined time, will
receive a reminder letter. Scholarship (i.e. stipend & fee subsidy) will not be renewed if the OQE is not completed by
the 24th month of their candidatures. Under this circumstance, scholars will:
a) not receive their stipend; &
b) have to pay their own tuition fees.
Upon passing the OQE, the scholarship will be renewed. Scholars:
a) will be paid stipend only from the day of OQE passing; &
b) may not get reimbursement for the tuition fees that were paid.
Students may have their PhD candidature reviewed for termination, if they do not pass the Qualifying Examination by
the given timeframe. Candidates who fail their Qualifying Examination may be recommended to the Board of
Graduate Studies to have their candidature terminated. Conversion to Masters programme will not be allowed.

Important Note:
PhD students who have failed in either the Comprehensive Qualifying examination or Oral Qualifying examination
twice will have their candidature terminated.
(2) Candidates recommended for transfer from MEng to PhD
Please refer to section 17 for more details.
20.3 Thesis Examination

20.3.1 Submission and Examination of Thesis


Please refer to Annex 4.
A detailed guide is available at Registrar’s website: http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/events/examination/thesis-
submission-and-examination.html
20.3.2 Outcome of Examination of Thesis
Candidates will be informed by Registrar’s Office on the outcome of the MEng/PhD thesis after all examiners’ reports
are received. There may be minor/major amendments to be made if any, by the candidate, in consultation with the
supervisor. Depending on the outcome of the examination, the revised thesis may be sent for further examination.
Students are to adhere to the deadline for submission of the amended thesis. No further extension of deadline will
be approved.
20.3.3 Oral Examination (PhD students)
PhD students will need to pass the Oral Examination. The Department will notify students early of the oral
examination date. Students are to be physically present in NUS for this examination. Students are required to
make an oral presentation of the thesis, highlighting the objectives and scope of the research project, the
methodology adopted and conclusions and original contributions to the research area. The oral examination
proceedings may be observed by academic staff, graduate and undergraduate students and members of the public.
21. Appeals
In the event that a student needs to submit an appeal letter, please note the following:
a) To provide justifications.
b) For any medical reasons, it is compulsory to submit original medical documents from the hospital or clinic
and these documents must be in English.
c) Any other documents deemed necessary.
Students are to take note that personal reasons relating to family, financial issues as well as work issues are not
accepted by the Faculty as justifications in any appeal submitted.
All appeals submitted will be considered on a case-by-case basis according to University guidelines.
22. Changes in Thesis Topic, Title and Supervisors
If you need to make any changes to your approved thesis topic, title (as indicated in the University's offer letter)
or/and existing supervisor(s), you are required to obtain approval. To do so, you should complete the relevant forms
(change of topic/title form - 797/92A; change of supervisor form – 797/92B) providing the reasons for this request.
Forms are available from your Department's General Office. Before the University considers your request, the
completed form should be handed to your existing supervisor(s) and the Department/Division Head for comments.

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23. Application for Leave
a) Holiday Leave (PAID Leave – Applicable for Research Scholars with stipend only)
Please log in to https://myisis.nus.edu.sg to submit your holiday leave application
i) A research scholar is eligible for paid holiday leave of 21 working days per calendar year for the duration
of the research scholarship. Depending on the start date and end date of the research scholarship, the
leave entitlement for the year will be pro-rated accordingly.

ii) The scholar should give his/her leave approver sufficient time (two weeks) to approve his/her application.
Student should go for the leave only after the application has been approved.
iii) There will not be additional leave granted for periods of research scholarship extension. However, any
unconsumed leave may be taken up to the end of the extended period of the scholarship or the end of the
year of the original scholarship end date, whichever is earlier.
iv) Holiday leave excludes Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. There is no half-day leave application.
v) Holiday leave cannot be taken during periods of scholarship suspension.
vi) Unconsumed leave in any one year will not be carried forward to the next year.
vii) Medical leave that falls within the applied holiday leave period will not be considered
viii) When the research scholarship is terminated, the leave entitlement will be pro-rated according to the
termination date. If excess leave had been taken, the scholarship stipend will be deducted accordingly.
Holiday leave must be consumed before the scholarship end date (including the period of extended
scholarship).Holiday leave not utilized prior to the scholarship termination date will lapse and there will be
no payment of stipend in lieu thereof.
ix) For transfer of candidature (from Master’s to PhD and vice versa), the holiday leave entitlement will be
adjusted accordingly.
x) Students who are undertaking trial projects and have not formally registered as research scholars will not
be entitled to holiday leave.

Important
Research Scholars are advised to plan leisure travel or holiday leave prudently; allowances should be made for
unexpected situations eg. Flight cancellations due to poor weather, natural disasters. Scholars who have exhausted
their leave and are affected by circumstances beyond control, and who returns late should not expect the University
to recompense their over-consumption of leave.

Scholars should purchase travel insurance to cover this type of eventuality. AIG offers discounted travel insurance to
students. Details are available at http://www.nus.edu.sg/finance/TravelInsurance.html

b) Leave of Absence (Unpaid)


Please submit application via the Leave of Absence online system at SIS.
i) Leave of absence is inclusive of Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays.
ii) All holiday leave balance must be fully utilized before applying for leave of absence; unless the
Faculty/School decides otherwise.

c) Leave of Absence – Personal-Maternity (Paid Leave) – from 9 January 2017


Please submit applications via the Leave of Absence online system at SIS.

i) Leave of absence is inclusive of Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays.

ii) Paid maternity leave is granted to female research scholars up to eight (8) weeks per confinement, i.e.
delivery of a child. It is to be taken as one continuous block and can commence four weeks prior to
confinement or from the date of confinement.

iii) Supporting medical documents must be submitted with the application. A copy of the birth certificate of
the child is to be submitted either with the application or to your Department within one month from the
child’s birth.
d) Medical Leave
i) Paid medical leave is granted up to 30 days per calendar year for out-patient and 60 days per calendar
year if hospitalisation is required. Please submit applications via the Leave of Absence online system at
SIS. Valid supporting medical certificates or letter must be submitted with the application.

21
e) Compassionate Leave
Each research scholar can be granted a maximum of five consecutive days per demise of an immediate
family member (including spouse, child, parent, grandparent, brother/sister, parent-in-law and son/daughter-
in-law). Please submit application via the Leave of Absence online system at SIS.
f) Reservist Training
Paid leave will be granted unless the Faculty/School decides otherwise. Please submit applications via the
Leave of Absence online system at SIS. A copy of the notice must be submitted with the application. Those
who are required to serve the balance of the NS liability period will not be given paid leave.
g) Conference Leave
i) A research scholar is granted a maximum of 14 days’ leave in an academic year to attend conference(s)
which must be related to his research area.
ii) A maximum of 2 days before & a maximum of 2 days after the conference may be granted for travelling
purpose.

iii) A copy of the invitation letter from the organiser must be attached with the leave application.
iv) Students are required to apply for conference leave independently of the application for financial
assistance for conference
v) Students are to check with the respective Departments/Divisions on the Application of Conference
Leave.
h) Study Leave
i) A research scholar may apply for paid study leave to undertake a course of study/ fieldwork related to
his research area for a maximum period of 6 months. Beyond which, the retention of scholarship will be
decided on a case-by-case basis.
ii) Research scholars applying for study leave must provide the following:
 a detailed work schedule;
 the institution in which the study will be carried out (if applicable);
 quantum of financial help provided
(if any).

i) Others
i) Exchange Programme
 limited to a maximum of 2 semesters or 1 academic year; whichever is shorter, leave will be granted
with retention of research scholarship.
 supporting documents must be submitted:
 research work plan during Exchange period
 Letter from overseas University
ii) Research Collaboration/Attachment/Internships
 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
 in respect of research scholarship (RS):
- scholar will retain stipend if he does not receive any allowance from partner university.
- scholar will get to keep the difference between RS amount and allowance if the latter is less
than the RS.
- scholar will keep the full allowance, without RS, if the allowance is equal to or more than the RS.
 supporting documents must be submitted.
- research work plan during collaboration/attachment
- Letter from overseas University
For leave types (f) to (h), please submit application directly to department/division.
Exemptions & Revisions
The University may revise this Scheme from time to time in its absolute discretion.
The University shall be entitled to make and issue additional guidelines with respect to this Scheme from time to time
and to revise or amend such guidelines as it deems fit. All such guidelines shall be deemed to be part of the
Scheme.

Note: All leave applied and approved will be counted towards the student’s candidature.

22
24. Withdrawal from Programme
Candidates who intend to withdraw from their respective programme must submit the prescribed form (Withdrawal
from University (Graduate Research Students) to the Registrar’s Office, through their supervisor(s), Head of
Department and Vice Dean (Graduate Programmes).
Students who leave the University after the second instructional week of a semester are liable to pay fees for the
whole semester. Please refer to 12.1.2 for fees payable.
For students who have registered modules in the semester, effective the date they notify their withdrawal, their
module(s) and candidature status will be recorded as follows:
Notification of withdrawal Module(s) registered for the Withdrawal Status
semester
By end of Instructional Week 2* Remove from record completely. Take effect from the date of
First day of Instructional Week 3* Record with a “WU” grade application.
through to last day of Reading representing “withdrawal from
Week* university”.
First day of Examination Period* Record with final grade(s) awarded Withdrawal will not be processed
through to last day of Vacation* by the University. until after results release.
Withdrawal will only take effect
from the first day of the following
semester.
* Please refer to Academic Calendar for the actual date.

25. Change of Personal Particulars


All students must update any change in their personal particulars such as mailing address, resident status etc, via
SIS.

26. Loss and Replacement of Student Card


A student must report the loss of his/her student card online via the Online Lostcard Management System
(https://myaces.nus.edu.sg/lostcard/controller?cmd=Login ) Once a report has been made, both the Library and
Office of Student Affairs will be alerted via email to prevent anyone from misusing your lost card should they find it.
Application for a replacement card is also done using the same online system. However, you may want to wait for a
few days before making the application in case your card is found and returned to you.
A first replacement card fee of S$30.00 (inclusive of prevailing Goods and Services Tax) is payable. The processing
time is normally 7 working days from the date of request. You will be informed via your NUS student email once your
new card is ready for collection at the Computer Centre.

27. Assistance to International Students


International students can approach the Student Service Centre located at Yusof Ishak House for assistance which
include :.
a) International Students Orientation
b) assistance with immigration matters
c) advice on accommodation
d) other concerns of foreign students
They provide information relevant to international students on immigration matters, accommodation, transport service
etc at their webpage http://nus.edu.sg/osa/
Students who require more details are advised to see the officer-in-charge at the Office of Student Affairs (3rd Storey
Yusof Ishak House) or call 6516 4817 or fax 6778 5902.

International students (on student pass) who withdraw or leave the University, are required to call immediately at the
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), ICA Building at 10, Kallang Road (Tel : 6391 6100), during office
hours with their passport for cancellation of their student pass.

28. Health Matters


28.1 NUS Student Insurance Scheme
Full-time local and international students are required to subscribe to this scheme. It will be included in the
Mandatory Miscellaneous Fees/Miscellaneous Student Fees of the student bill on a semester basis. This is a
compulsory scheme. No opt-out is allowed.

23
For Research Scholars, the amount will be automatically deducted from the stipends on a semester basis.
Graduate Students, who subsequently convert their candidature from full-time to part-time will not be covered and
there is no refund of premium paid. For further details and claims related matters, please refer to the University
Health Centre website at http://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc/services/billing-insurance/insurance-matters.html .
» Personal Accident Insurance Coverage
» Hospitalisation, Surgical & Mental Health Insurance Scheme
» Outpatient Specialist Care
ADDITIONAL INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR OVERSEAS STUDY PROGRAMMES
All students are strongly advised to have adequate medical coverage when travelling overseas for exchange or study
programmes. The NUS Medical Scheme does not cover all forms of overseas outpatient medical treatment of
illnesses. You may wish to contact any insurer for detailed information to provide such coverage to suit your need
during your stay overseas on study programmes or other related activities.
28.2 University Health Centre
The University Health Centre (Health Services) provide comprehensive outpatient medical treatment to all students
at a minimal charge. For contact information, please visit http://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc/healthservice

Consultation hours are:


Kent Ridge Campus >
Monday – Wednesday : 8.30 am to 6.00 pm (registration closes at 5:30pm)
Thursday : 8.30am to 5.00pm (registration closes at 4.30pm)
Friday : 8.30 am to 5.30 pm (registration closes at 5:00pm)
(close for lunch from 12.30pm – 1.30 pm)
Saturday, Sunday, Public holidays : Closed
Alternatively, medical treatment is available from any Government Polyclinic.
e.g.
Clementi Polyclinic ]
Blk 451 Clementi Avenue 3 #02-307 ] Not for medical
Singapore 120451 ] examinations or
Tel No: 6355 3000 ] reports

You are strongly encouraged to visit the polyclinic by appointment; an appointment may be made via NHGP Contact
Centre at 6355 3000 or via the Online Appointment System
(https://www.nhgp.com.sg/apptmod/apptmod_login.aspx?r=view_appointments).

Polyclinic Consultation hours are:


Monday - Friday : 8.00 am to 1.00 pm (registration closes at 12.00pm)
2.00 pm to 4.30 pm (registration closes at 4.00pm)
Saturday : 8.00 am to 12.30 pm (registration closes at 12.00pm)
Sunday & Public holidays : Closed

Buses: Take Bus 96 from campus. Alight at the bus stop before Clementi MRT Station.

For Emergency after Office Hours :


Accident and Emergency units at all Government and privatized hospitals. The nearest are:
National University Hospital ] Take Internal shuttle bus to Kent Ridge MRT, Kent Ridge Road
Main line ) Tel: (65) 6779 5555
24 hrs General Enquiries ) Email: NUH_Enquiries@nuhs.edu.sg

Central Appointment Line Tel: (65) 6772 2002


Email: appointment@nuhs.edu.sg

Emergency Tel: (65) 6772 4921


Dental Care Email: Dental_Centre@nuhs.edu.sg
OR
Alexandra Hospital ] Take Bus No. 197 after crossing Ayer Rajah
378, Alexandra Road ] Expressway or Bus No. 33 at Kent Vale Bus Stop
Tel: (65) 6472 2000 (Main line)
(65) 6476 8828 (Appointment line)

24
29. Student Support@Engineering
Students who wish to talk to a support officer regarding personal issues, which may be affecting their studies may
wish to make an appointment with Mr. Martin Macneu Nonis. Mr Martin is located at Office of Undergraduate
Programme (OUP) at Blk EA, #04-10, email: engnmm@nus.edu.sg , Tel: 6516 7612. In the event Mr Martin cannot be
reached, students should call 6516 7777 (24 hours) if an emergency arises; counsellors will attend to urgent calls.

30. Engineering Graduate Student Council (EGSC)

The Engineering Graduate Student Council plays an active role in the social networking of our students; check out
their blog at http://enginepostgrad.blogspot.sg/ and feel free to chat and meet new friends in NUS by logging on to
their Facebook NUS EGSC or twitter at http://twitter.com/NUSEGSC.

31. Counselling and Psychological Services (CPS)


Situated at Level 2, University Health Centre, CPS offers a wide range of services such as individual counseling,
couples counseling, and crisis intervention. More details are available at http://nus.edu.sg/uhc/services/mental-
health/student.html (Tel: 6516 2376)
A new 24-hour Crisis Hotline is available to students who are in extreme distress and cannot wait for a scheduled
counseling appointment. Students can call the LifeLine NUS at 6516 7777 for immediate assistance.

32. Student Service Centre (SSC)


The Student Service Centre located at Yusof Ishak House provides counter service for Office of Student Affairs,
Registrar’s Office, Office of Financial Services and International Relations Office. Services include application for
transcripts, student status letter, payment of student bills, student pass and others. More details are available at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/ssc

33. Sports and Recreation Centre (SRC)


There is a wide variety of sports facilities that cater to different sporting interests. Details on our SRC facilities are
available at http://nus.edu.sg/osa/documents/resources-and-policies/book-facilities/Sports%20Facilities.pdf (Tel:
6516 2384)

34. Centre for Future-Ready Graduates (CFG)


The Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG) helps to prepare you for the future by equipping you with a toolbox of
essential life skills and connecting you with the industry, employers and career opportunities. CFG’s wide range of
services and programmes includes:

- Career Advisory and Coaching


- Career and personal development workshops
- Career-related resources
- Internship programmes
- Career and recruitment events

Centrally located at Yusof Ishak House Level 2, the CFG also serves as a one-stop venue for employers to provide
opportunities for students and alumni alike. Interested students may schedule an appointment with a team of friendly
Career Advisors, who will coach you in understanding yourself better by using career assessment tools. They will
also guide you to discover your motivation and potential, provide resumé critique and mock interview sessions to
help facilitate your entry to the working world. You can contact CFG at careers@nus.edu.sg.

35. Car Park Facilities


Ramky Cleantech Services Pte Ltd manages the car parks at NUS Kent Ridge Campus and University Town while
Wilson Parking (S) Pte Ltd manages the car parks atthe Bukit Timah Campus. All car parks are installed with
automated parking system using Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) technology. Access via the car park will be by In-
Vehicle Unit (IU) identification for both season and short-term users.
Red colored lots are reserved for staff holding the appropriate NUS season passes. Students and visitors may park
their vehicles in white colored lots at the following pay car parks for a nominal fee. Please note that there is a 15
minute grace period for all vehicles. Vehicles will be charged within the operating hours only although entrance and
exit barriers are operating round the clock.

Please visit http://www.nus.edu.sg/oca/Transport/Parking-Information.html for updated details on location of car


parks, staff and student parking services, and visitors parking information.

25
Pay parking hours are from 8.30am to 7.30pm from Mondays to Fridays and from 8.30am to 5.00pm on Saturdays.
Payment is by cashcard only. More information on parking and rates is available at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/oca/Transport/Parking-Information-Visitors.html

Traffic regulations are strictly enforced in Kent Ridge campus. The University regards the violation of traffic
regulations as a serious offence and all traffic offences committed will be referred to the Traffic Police for their action.
Offenders may also be dealt by their respective Deans under clause 9 of Statute 25 governing Discipline.

36. Campus Security

Campus Security provides 24-hour security service on all NUS campuses. Their presence in the Buggy and Bicycle
Patrols, Traffic Management Unit and patrol cars are reassuring to the community. Students may call the Hotline at
6874 1616 for immediate assistance.

37. Transcript of Academic Records

Transcript of Academic Records is available upon request, by applying online at


http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/administrative-policies/transcripts-and-records.html . Details on application procedure,
charges and mode of payment are also available from the above website.

38. Commencement

Commencement is an annual University-wide event celebrated in early July. For about a fortnight, the University
celebrates the graduation of each class. All students who have completed their studies and conferred their degrees
between 1 July of the preceding calendar year and 30 June of the current calendar year, both dates inclusive, are
invited. Further information, including the schedule of ceremonies, is made available, from March each year, at the
Commencement website (http://www.nus.edu.sg/commencement).
All eligible students will be requested to register their attendance online at the website by the first of June of the
current calendar year.
Graduands are also reminded to check their emails regularly and visit the Commencement website for updates. PhD
candidates may use their doctoral title after they receive the letter on conferment of the degree.

26
ANNEXES

27
Annex 1

*Generic timeline for fulfilling PhD requirements –


for conferment of the degree by 5th year

Semester Requirement Details


Before start of English Sit for the Diagnostic English Test (DET), which is conducted by
1st semester (for students who have NUS’s Centre for English Language Communications (CELC). Details
not been exempted. as conveyed to student in his/her offer letter for admission to NUS.
Please refer to offer
letter for details)
1st semester English  For students emplaced into a English class, proceed to take
classes.
 Proceed to take the module(s) until the student fulfils the English
language requirement.
Coursework Read modules as prescribed/approved by supervisors
EG5911 Research To register and read the module, please refer to page 6 for
Methodology & Ethics details on Department’s requirement on when to register.
Module* (applicable to
students who are
registered from August
2013)
Seminar module Attend research seminars
Research Start Research
2nd semester Coursework  Read modules as prescribed/approved by supervisors
st
(end of 1 yr)  At least 4 graduate modules should be completed
Seminar module Attend research seminars
CQE – Attempt CQE
Research Complete substantial literature review, formulate objective & scope

3rd semester Coursework Read modules as prescribed/approved by supervisors


EG5911 To register and read the module, for ISE PhD students
Seminar module Make a least 1 seminar presentation before you take your OQE
(it helps you prepare for your OQE)
CQE Pass CQE before end of 3rd semester
OQE Those who pass CQE in the previous semester, to take OQE
Research  Done substantial research
 To be able to start drafting QE report
4th semester English Complete English modules (at least at intermediate level)
nd
(end of 2 yr) Coursework  Read modules as prescribed/approved by supervisors
 Complete coursework requirements
Seminar module Attend research seminars
OQE  Those who pass CQE in the previous semester, to take OQE
 Must complete OQE within 24 months
Research Complete what is necessary for OQE

28
Semester Requirement Details
5th semester Research Done enough to write at least a conference paper
Seminar module Attend research seminars
6th semester Coursework Complete coursework requirements
rd
(end of 3 yr) Seminar module Attend research seminars
Research  Done enough to write at least a journal paper
 Complete 2/3 of research
To meet Thesis Advisory Committee at least once during 3rd yr of
candidature

7th semester English Complete English modules (at advanced level)


Seminar module  Make another seminar presentation before your Oral Defence
of thesis (helps you prepare for your Oral Defence
sequentially)
8th semester Seminar module  Complete seminar module requirement
th
(end of 4 yr) Research  Submit draft thesis to supervisor for corrections at the
beginning of the 8th semester
 Check and re-run cases
 Write paper Polish up thesis
 Submit thesis for examination before end of semester
To meet Thesis Advisory Committee at least once during final 4th
yr of candidature
Main Supervisor to nominate examiners for student’s thesis examination for HoD to consider
Notes:
* Do check with your Department/Division for more department/division specific requirements

Jf/GSE Central Depository/Timeline – fulfilling Ph.D. requirements.doc


Revised: 3 October 2013

29
Annex 2

*Generic timeline for fulfilling MEng requirements –


for conferment of the degree by 3rd year

Semester Requirement Details


Before start of English Sit for the Diagnostic English Test (DET), which is conducted by
1st semester (for students who have NUS’s Centre for English Language Communications (CELC).
not been exempted. Details as conveyed to student in his/her offer letter for admission
Please refer to offer letter to NUS.
for details)
1st semester English  For students emplaced into a English class, proceed to take
classes.
 Proceed to take the module(s) until the student fulfils the
English language requirement.
Coursework Read modules as prescribed/approved by supervisors
EG5911 To register and read the module, please refer to page 6 for details
on Department’s requirement on when to register.
Seminar module Attend research seminars
Research Start Research
2nd semester Coursework  Read modules as prescribed/approved by supervisors
st
(end of 1 yr)  At least 4 graduate modules should be completed
EG5911 To register and read the module, for ECE MEng students
Seminar module Attend research seminars
CQE – Attempt CQE (if interested to upgrade to PhD)
Research Complete substantial literature review, formulate objective & scope

3rd semester Coursework & English To complete all coursework requirements including English
Seminar module Make a least 1 seminar presentation
CQE Pass CQE before end of 3rd semester (if interested to upgrade to
PhD)
OQE Those who pass CQE in the previous semester, to take OQE (if
interested to upgrade to PhD)
Research  Complete at least ¾ of research
 To be able to start drafting MEng thesis
th
4 semester Coursework  Complete coursework requirements
nd
(end of 2 yr) Seminar module Complete research seminars requirements
OQE  Those who pass CQE in the previous semester, to take OQE
 Must complete OQE within 24 months (if interested to upgrade
to PhD)

30
Semester Requirement Details
th
4 semester Research  Submit draft thesis to supervisor for corrections at the
(end of 2 nd
yr) beginning of the 4th semester
 Check and re-run cases
 Write paper
 Polish up thesis
 Submit thesis for examination before end of semester
Main Supervisor to nominate examiners for student’s thesis examination for HoD to consider

Notes:
* Do check with your Department/Division for more department/division specific requirements

Jf/GSE Central Depository/Timeline – fulfilling M.Eng. requirements.doc


Date: 21 June 2012

31
Annex 3
Timeline for taking Qualifying Examination

Research Students who register in August (Semester I)


Scenarios QE Outcome
Notes:
( ) - figure
Written Oral within
parenthesis
A1 Pass (10) Pass (17) Fulfil QE reqt denotes the
month of
doctoral
A2 Fail (10) Pass (20) Fulfil QE reqt candidature

Pass (17) -

A3 Fail (10) Fail (20) Fulfil QE reqt

Pass (17) Pass (23)

A4 Fail (10) Fail (20) Ph.D.


candidature
Pass (17) Fail (23) terminated

A5 Fail (10) - Ph.D.


candidature
Fail (17) - terminated

32
Research Students who register in August (Semester I)
1st Semester 2nd Semester Special Term

QE
st
1 yr 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Written Oral
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Pass Pass
(10) (17)

Start
√ coursework & research √ Complete ≥ 4 modules
√ Take written QE
33

3rd Semester 4th Semester Special Term

2nd yr 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul

√ If pass written QE, take Oral QE


√ If pass Oral QE, fulfilled PhD QE
Notes:
( ) - figure within parenthesis denotes the month of doctoral candidature
Research Students who register in August (Semester I)
1st Semester 2nd Semester Special Term

QE
1st yr 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Written Oral
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Fail Pass
(10) (20)
Pass -
Start (17)
√ coursework & research √ Complete ≥ 4 modules
√ Take written QE
34

3rd Semester 4th Semester Special Term

2nd yr 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul

√ Take 2nd written QE & pass √ Pass Oral QE, fulfilled PhD QE

Notes: ( ) - figure within parenthesis denotes the month of doctoral candidature


Research Students who register in August (Semester I)
1st Semester 2nd Semester Special Term

QE
1st yr 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Written Oral
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
Fail Fail
(10) (20)
Pass Pass
Start (17) (23)
√ coursework & research √ Complete ≥ 4 modules
√ Take written QE
35

3rd Semester 4th Semester Special Term

2nd yr 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul

√ Take 2nd written QE & pass √ Fail Oral √ Pass Oral QE 2nd attempt,
fulfilled PhD QE
Notes: ( ) - figure within parenthesis denotes the month of doctoral candidature
Research Students who register in August (Semester I)

1st Semester 2nd Semester Special Term

QE
st
1 yr 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Written Oral
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Fail Fail
(10) (20)
Start Pass Fail
√ coursework & research √ Complete ≥ 4 modules (17) (23)
√ Take written QE
36

3rd Semester 4th Semester Special Term

2nd yr 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul

√ Take 2nd written QE & pass √ Fail Oral √ Fail Oral QE 2nd attempt,
candidature terminated
Notes: ( ) - figure within parenthesis denotes the month of doctoral candidature
Research Students who register in August (Semester I)

1st Semester 2nd Semester Special Term

QE
st
1 yr 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Written Oral
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Fail -
(10)
Fail -
Start (17)
√ coursework & research √ Complete ≥ 4 modules
√ Take written QE
37

3rd Semester 4th Semester Special Term

2nd yr 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul

√ Fail written 2nd attempt, PhD


candidature terminated Notes: ( ) - figure within parenthesis denotes
the month of doctoral candidature
Research Students who register in January (Semester II)
Scenarios QE Outcome

Written Oral

B1 Pass (12) Pass (17) Fulfil QE reqt

B2 Fail (12) Pass (20) Fulfil QE reqt

Pass (17) -

B3 Fail (12) Fail (20) Fulfil QE reqt

Pass (17) Pass (23)

B4 Fail (12) Fail (20) PhD


candidature
Pass (17) Fail (23) terminated

B5 Fail (10) - PhD


candidature
Fail (17) - terminated

Notes:
( ) - figure within parenthesis denotes the month of doctoral candidature

38
Research Students who register in January (Semester II)
1st Semester Special Term 2nd Semester

1st yr 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 QE

Written Oral
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Pass Pass
(12) (17)
Start
√ coursework & research √ Complete ≥ 4 modules
√ Take written QE
39

3rd Semester Special Term 4th Semester

2nd yr 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

√ If pass written QE, take Oral QE


√ If pass Oral QE, fulfilled PhD QE

Notes: ( ) - figure within parenthesis denotes the month of doctoral candidature


Research Students who register in January (Semester II)

1st Semester Special Term 2nd Semester


QE
Written Oral
st
1 yr 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Fail Pass
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec (12) (20)
Pass -
Start (17)
√ coursework & research √ Complete ≥ 4 modules
√ Take written QE
40

3rd Semester Special Term 4th Semester

2nd yr 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

√ Take 2nd written QE & pass √ Pass Oral QE, fulfilled PhD QE

Notes: ( ) - figure within parenthesis denotes the month of doctoral candidature


Research Students who register in January (Semester II)

1st Semester Special Term 2nd Semester


QE
Written Oral
st
1 yr 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Fail Fail
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec (12) (20)
Pass Pass
(17) (23)
Start
√ coursework & research √ Complete ≥ 4 modules
√ Take written QE
41

3rd Semester Special Term 4th Semester

2nd yr 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

√ Take 2nd written QE & pass √ Fail Oral √ Pass Oral QE 2nd attempt,
fulfilled PhD QE
Notes: ( ) - figure within parenthesis denotes the month of doctoral candidature
Research Students who register in January (Semester II)

1st Semester Special Term 2nd Semester

QE

1st yr 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Written Oral


Fail Fail
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
(12) (20)
Pass Fail
(17) (23)
Start
√ coursework & research √ Complete ≥ 4 modules
√ Take written QE
42

3rd Semester Special Term 4th Semester

2nd yr 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

√ Take 2nd written QE & pass √ Fail Oral √ Fail Oral QE 2nd attempt,
candidature terminated
Notes: ( ) - figure within parenthesis denotes the month of doctoral candidature
Research Students who register in January (Semester II)

1st Semester Special Term 2nd Semester


QE
Written Oral
st
1 yr 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Fail -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec (12)
Fail -
(17)
Start
√ coursework & research √ Complete ≥ 4 modules
√ Take written QE

3rd Semester 4th Semester


43

Special Term

2nd yr 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

√ Fail written 2nd attempt, PhD


candidature terminated
Notes: ( ) - figure within parenthesis denotes
the month of doctoral candidature
Annex 4

THESIS SUBMISSION AND EXAMINATION

1. Deadline for Submission

Candidates have to submit their theses for examination (after being approved by the supervisors and Heads of
Departments) by the maximum period of candidature or such date as stipulated by the supervisors or the University,
whichever date is earlier. A grace period of up to two weeks can be given by the Registrar’s Office (request must be
supported by the main supervisor) without the need for candidate to apply for extension of his/her candidature.
However, the request must be submitted before the expiry of the candidature, as candidature will be considered as
lapsed once maximum candidature has reached. Late requests would be considered as reinstatement of candidature
requests with an administrative fee of S$250 payable for successful reinstatements.

Candidates who are unable to submit their theses even within the two weeks grace period should consult their
supervisors first before applying for extension of their candidature by completing the Application for Extension of
Candidature for Graduate Research Students Form. The application must be submitted through the supervisor(s),
Head of Department and the Faculty’s Vice Dean (Graduate Programmes), preferably three months before the expiry
of the candidature.

Candidates who wish to submit their theses before the minimum residency period must submit a written request to
the Registrar, through the supervisor(s), Head of Department and the Vice Dean (Graduate Programmes) for
approval before submission.

Tuition and miscellaneous fees are payable until the thesis is submitted for examination. However, the insurance
premium will continue to be payable for full-time students unless the candidate converts his/her candidature to part-
time. A candidate who converts his/her candidature to part-time after Instructional Week 2 is liable to pay the
insurance premium for that semester.

The tuition fees payable for the semester in which the thesis is submitted for examination depends on the thesis
submission date (i.e. the date of receipt of the Thesis Submission Form by the Student Service Centre).

Date of Submission of Thesis


(Receipt Date of Thesis Submission Form by the Student Fees Payable
Service Centre)
 By the end of Instructional Week 2 Exempted
 After Instructional Week 2 but by end September/March Half of fee for the semester
 Thereafter Full fee for the semester
Sem 1: 7 August 2017 – 25 August 2017 (Fri) Exempted
28 August 2017 – 29 September 2017 (Fri) Half of fee for the Sem 1, 2017/18
2 October 2017 – 12 January 2018 (Fri) Full fee for Sem 1, 2017/18
Sem 2: 15 January 2018 – 26 January 2018 (Fri) Exempted
29 January 2018 – 30 March 2018 (Fri) Half of fee for Sem 2, 2017/18
2 April 2018 – 3 August 2018 (Fri) Full fee for Sem 2, 2017/18
^ Please refer to http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/info/gd/GDFeesAnnex.pdf for revisions, if any, to the dates.

Notes:
A. To encourage research students to submit their thesis promptly, those who do so after Instructional Week 2, but
by end September in Semester 1, or end March in Semester 2, would receive a half semester tuition fee refund.

B. The fee refund is not applicable for miscellaneous fees.

C. Research students (non-scholars) who submit their thesis for examination during the semester when they are on
leave of absence or during the semester immediately after the period of leave, will have to pay fees (tuition and
miscellaneous) for one semester, even if the thesis is submitted within Instructional Week 2 or the first half of the
latter semester.

D. Research scholars whose research scholarship have expired and have not submitted their thesis are no longer
eligible for tuition fee allowance. They are required to pay their own fees with effect from the current semester (if
the last day of scholarship is within the first two instructional weeks of the current semester) or with effect from
the subsequent semester (if the last day of scholarship is beyond the second instructional week of the current
semester). Fees are payable until the thesis is submitted for examination.

44
44
45
2. Format of Thesis

Candidates are required to refer to https://share.nus.edu.sg/registrar/student/info/General-Guidelines-and-


Instructions-on-Format-of-Research-Thesis-and-Electronic-Submission.pdf for General Guidelines and Instructions
on Format of Research Thesis and Electronic Submission. Eg. word limit, formatting, sequencing

Additional Information relevant to Faculty of Engineering

WRITTEN ENGLISH
In technical writing, clarity is of utmost importance. Every aspect of the thesis, e.g., background work, methods
used, discussion of results etc., should be described clearly, concisely and to the point. Thesis should be no longer
than necessary. As preparation of a thesis requires careful attention to grammar, spelling and punctuation, it may be
advisable to consult a grammar book/dictionary or seek the assistance of someone with writing skills. Use relevant
computer software for checking the spelling, wherever appropriate.

NOTATION
Symbols, special nomenclature and abbreviations used should be those generally recommended as standard in the
relevant field of engineering. All symbols and nomenclature (inclusive of those in Tables, Figures and Appendices)
should be separately listed in alphabetical/numerical order.

UNITS
All units should comply with International System of Units (SI).

EQUATIONS
Mathematical equations and formulae should not be indented. They should be placed either flush left or centred
(follow one system). They should be preceded and followed by two single line spaces.
Equations should make appropriate use of parentheses, brackets, exponents etc. Use a smaller typeface to produce
subscripts, superscripts etc., wherever appropriate.
Example: For even values of t, Eqs. (2.2) to (2.4) imply that

    

g  y (t ) y (t  1)
k (t  1)  1   1   k (t )
  
 
    1  y 2 (t ) y 2 (t  1) 1 / 2 

(2.5)
TABLES
The layout of tables should be consistent throughout. Each table should have a caption which makes the general
meaning understandable without reference to the text. Only standard abbreviations should be used in the headings
of the columns and units should be indicated one line immediately below the headings. All numbers should be
aligned on the decimal point. A uniform degree of accuracy (i.e., the same number of decimal places) should be
maintained throughout each column.
The number and the caption of the table should be typed centrally above the table. Footnotes may be identified by
letters, numerals or marks. Horizontal lines are placed above and below table headings, above subheadings and
above footnotes. Vertical lines should be avoided, unless their exclusion leads to ambiguity or confusion.
Example :
Table 2.3 Sample table
Maximum Maximum Activity
Model Assay Net Weight Curie(s)* Curie(s)+
Number (wt %235U) (kg UF6)
1S 100.0 1.00000 0.04 0.03
2S 100.0 4.90000 0.18 0.17
5A 100.0 55.0000 2.02 1.90
8A 12.5 255.000 0.71 0.65
12A&B 5.0 460.000 0.50 0.45
30A 5.0# 4950.00 5.40 4.85
48A&X 4.5# 21030.0 20.80 18.70

*Activities shown are for irradiated uranium. 0.110 parts232U plus 500 parts233U per 106 parts235U are considered to
be present.
+Activities shown are for unirradiated uranium.
#Moderation control equivalent to 99.5% pure UF6 is required.

45
REFERENCES
Of the many reference systems in use, the name/year system or the sequential numeric system is recommended. In
either case, for the purpose of clarity, only standard abbreviations should be used.
Name/Year system
Citations are to be made using the last name of the author followed by the year of publication (both authors when
only two; first author plus et al. when more than two).
Example: as previously shown (Jones et al., 2011) or, as shown by Jones et al. (2011)
For two or more papers published by the same author(s) in the same year, letter a, b, c etc. should be added to the
year, e.g. (2011a), (2011b). The references should be arranged in alphabetical order by authors’ names, and
thereafter chronologically by the authors’ name combinations.

Sequential numbering system

In this system the references are numbered in the order in which they are cited in the text. The numbers are placed
between square brackets on the line, e.g. ....as shown by Jones et al., [4], and collected in numerical sequence in the
list of references. This system could lead to errors and should be used carefully if additions and deletions are
subsequently carried out.

Examples of complete references

(i) Journal articles:


Clarke, D.W. and P. Gawthrop. The Self-Tuning Controller, Proc. IEE, 199, pp.929-934. 1975.

(ii) Books:
Lee, E.S. Quasilinearization and Invariant Imbedding. pp. 274-304, New York: Academic Press.
1968.

(iii) Edited Books:


Miele, A. (ed). Theory of Optimum Aerodynamic Shapes. pp. 75-86, New York: Academic Press.
1965.

(iv) Articles in edited books:


Ralston, A. Numerical Integration Methods for the Solution of Ordinary Differential Equations. In
Mathematical Methods for Digital Computers, Vol.1, ed by A. Ralston and H.S. Wilf, pp. 100-105.
New York: John Wiley & Sons. 1965.

(v) Articles in Conference Proceedings:


Chenowerth, D.C. and M.J. Cassaro. Expert System for the Development of ATE Software. In
Proc. 20th Southeastern Symposium on System Theory, March 1988, Charlotte, USA, pp. 505-
508.

(vi) Reports:
Huang, H.Y. and A.V. Levy. Numerical Experiments on Quadratically Convergent Algorithms for
Function Minimization. Aero-Astronautics Report No. 66, Rice University. 1969.

(vii) MS/Ph.D Thesis:


Connell, J. Colony Architecture for an Artificial Creature. Ph.D Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology. 1989.

3. Submission Procedure

A. Student to submit to Department once the thesis is ready for submission –


a) Thesis Submission form (57/2000a), available online
b) Two soft-bound copies (Master's thesis); or four-soft bound copies (Doctoral thesis)
c) Softcopy (pdf format) of the thesis in CD-ROM

Note: Forms (a/b) are downloadable from https://myportal.nus.edu.sg/studentportal/eservices/gd/

B. Please print a copy of your latest Student Bill and complete the Thesis Examination Fee Payment Form
downloadable at https://myportal.nus.edu.sg/studentportal/eservices/gd/. Payment details are in the form. Thesis
Examination Fee is not applicable for students with Admit Term from Semester 1, AY2013/2014.

46
Payment can be made by NETs /cheque* at the Cashier Counter (Student Service Centre, Yusof Ishak
House, Level 1)

Monday - Thursday from 9am to 5.30pm,


Friday - 9am to 5pm An official receipt will be issued to student.
Close on weekends and Public Holidays
*Note:Cheque should be crossed and made payable to “National University of Singapore” with student’s
name, contact number and student card number written on the reverse side of the cheque.

Please refer to http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/education-at-nus/graduate-education/fees.html for


implications of outstanding fees.

For research scholars who have received excess Research Scholarship stipend and have yet to refund the
excess, the University reserves the right to withhold student status letters, results slips or transcripts, thesis
examination and the confirmation of the award of the degree.

C. Proceed to the Academic & Administrative Counter of the Student Service Centre to submit the following:

 Completed Thesis Submission Form


 Number of copies of soft-bound thesis received from Department
 Softcopy (pdf) of the thesis in CD-ROM
 Payment receipt of thesis examination fee and outstanding fees (if any)

D. Student will be issued an acknowledgement on the items submitted.

*Note : Students under the Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarship, and AUN/SEED-Net programmes are to submit
the thesis directly to Registrar’s Office (instead of the Student Service Centre) as the thesis examination fees are
prepaid by the scholarships.

4. Thesis Examination

Faculty/Department will also be monitoring that candidates by the end of the 46th month (Doctoral) and 22nd
(Master’s) month of their candidature respectively, should have examiners identified.

Candidates should maintain close contact with their supervisors, especially their main supervisors, so that their
progress can be monitored and the nomination of examiners process be initiated one month before the thesis is
expected to be submitted for examination. This is to allow sufficient time for the approval of the proposed examiners,
so that the thesis can be sent for examination upon submission.

A Master’s thesis will be examined by two examiners (one of whom may be an external examiner, as decided by the
Head of Department and the Vice Dean) while a doctoral thesis will be examined by three examiners (at least one
external examiner).

External examiners who have to examine a thesis with patentable/confidential materials will need to agree to the
Terms & Conditions on the Non-Disclosure Agreement before the thesis is sent to him/her. (Candidates and
supervisors are reminded that proprietary/confidential information which is not critical to the thesis for which consent
has not been granted should be excluded from the thesis.)

Important : Please note that you should not, under any circumstances, communicate with any examiner on matters
related to your thesis examination unless specifically allowed by the University..

The Department will send the thesis to internal examiners while Registrar’s Office will send the thesis to external
examiners.

Examiners are given eight weeks from the date thesis is sent to them, to complete the examination of the thesis and
submit an evaluation report. Reminders will be sent by the Registrar’s Office, including those who fail to submit their
evaluation reports by the deadline. Students are encouraged to track their Thesis Examination Status via SIS > Self
Service > Student Center > Academics Section > View My Milestone

Doctoral candidates are required to attend an oral examination after the theses have been examined. (Candidates
are to bring a copy of the thesis for the oral examination).

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5. Outcome of Thesis Examination

i. After all the examiners’ reports are received:

Master’s thesis - Candidate will be asked to collect thesis and to consult supervisor(s) on the
amendments, if any. Depending on the outcome of the examination, the revised thesis
may be sent for further examination.

PhD thesis - If there are no/minor amendments, candidate will be notified of the confirmed oral
examination date. A copy of the Faculty’s guideline on the oral presentation will also be
given to the candidate.
- However, if major revision is recommended by the examiner(s), the candidate may be
asked to revise and resubmit the thesis for further examination before the oral
examination is scheduled. After the oral examination, the candidate will be informed by
the Oral Panel of the outcome, on the amendments to the thesis and the person(s) to
advise the candidate on the amendments, if applicable.

Please note that if major revisions to the thesis are required, the candidate may have to pay fees for 1 semester,
even if the period granted to do the revision is less than six months. If the candidate is unable to complete the
revisions in six months, he/she will be required to pay another semester's fees. The total revision period cannot
exceed 12 months.

After examination/re-examination, if no or only minor amendments are required, the final approved thesis must be
uploaded electronically. You will be notified via email when the system is open for a week for you to upload the
thesis. Candidate is required to check and ensure that the uploaded thesis is the final, complete and correct
version. The uploaded electronic thesis will be accepted without any further verification from either the Department or
supervisor(s). Therefore, candidate must be responsible in ensuring that the correct version is uploaded onto the
system.

One copy (in any form agreed with your supervisors) of the final approved thesis should be submitted to the
supervisors.

You must also complete and submit the Feedback Form on Research Guidance (form available at the respective
Department/Division or you may download a copy from https://myportal.nus.edu.sg/studentportal/eng/gd/

Candidates are reminded to inform the Registrar's Office of any change in their mailing address by updating it via
SIS so that the outcome of the thesis examination can be communicated to them promptly.

6. Award of Degree
Candidate will be considered for award of degree by the Board of Graduate Studies:

 when all minor/major revisions are incorporated in the thesis to the satisfaction of the supervisor(s) and the
Oral Panel member (if applicable); and
 the thesis has been uploaded accordingly.

After the degree has been awarded by the Board of Graduate Studies, the Chancellor's approval will be sought for
the degree to be conferred in writing. The approximate timeframe for approval by Board of Graduate Studies and
Chancellor is about two months after the thesis has been uploaded onto the system.

7. Degree Scroll

Graduate research degrees may be awarded as and when the students complete all necessary requirements
pertaining to the degrees. Students will be informed in an official letter from the Registrar regarding their conferment
date. This official letter will be mailed electronically to a graduate’s NUS lifelong email account within 3 days from the
conferment date.
Note : No hard copy of the degree conferment letter will be issued to graduates who were conferred from 31 May
2015 onwards.
Information on the Commencement ceremonies will be available at the Commencement website
(http://www.nus.edu.sg/commencement) around March. All eligible students will be requested to register their
attendance online at the website by the first of June of the current calendar year.

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The degree scroll will be presented to graduands at the Commencement ceremony held once a year in July (All
students who have completed their studies and conferred their degrees between 1 July of the preceding calendar
year and 30 June of the current calendar year, both dates inclusive, are invited).
Degree scrolls are printed following the conclusion of each semester of study for students who have been conferred
their degrees. Upon conferment of a degree, you will be issued a degree scroll and a complimentary copy of the
academic transcript.

Students may collect their degree scrolls during their respective Commencement ceremonies or the designated
alternative periods, either personally, or by authorizing a friend to do so. Students may also request for the degree
scroll to be mailed to them. For further details on mode of collection, please visit
http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/administrative-policies/degree-scroll-and-academic-transcript.html

The University does not normally issue a replacement degree scroll if the original one is destroyed or misplaced.
Instead, the Registrar will issue a letter certifying that the student is a graduate of the University.

Additionally, if you need additional copies of the academic transcript, please apply online at the Transcript website:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/administrative-policies/transcripts-and-records.html

IMPORTANT NOTE

Do remember to inform the Registrar’s Office of any change in your mailing address by updating your address via
SIS so that information on the Commencement ceremony can be communicated to you promptly.

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Useful Contacts

Admin Office / Depts Website Telephone Fax


www.eng.nus.edu.sg/graduatestudies
Office of Graduate Programmes 6516 6299 6777 2264
Faculty of Engineering
Department of Biomedical www.bioeng.nus.edu.sg 6516 1611 6872 3069
Engineering

Department of Chemical & www.chbe.nus.edu.sg 6516 8824 6779 1936


Biomolecular Engineering

Department of Civil & www.eng.nus.edu.sg/cee/index.html 6516 4513 6779 1635


Environmental Engineering

www.ece.nus.edu.sg
Department of Electrical & 6516 2109 6779 1103
Computer Engineering

Department of Industrial Systems www.isem.nus.edu.sg 6516 2206 6777 1434


Engineering & Management

Department of Materials Science www.mse.nus.edu.sg 6516 1080 6776 3604


& Engineering

Department of Mechanical www.me.nus.edu.sg 6516 7608 6779 1459


Engineering

University Offices Website Telephone Email

Student Service Centre www.nus.edu.sg/ssc/ 6516 1177 Refer to website

Office of Student Affairs www.nus.edu.sg/osa/ 6516 2370 Refer to website

Student Housing / Private www.nus.edu.sg/osa/has 6516 1384 Refer to website


Housing

nus.edu.sg/osa
Sports & Recreation 6516 2384 Refer to website
Centre

Centre for Future-Ready http://nus.edu.sg/cfg/ 6516 1385 Refer to website


Graduates

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Libraries www.lib.nus.edu.sg/
- Central Library 6516 2028 askalib@nus.edu.sg
- Chinese Library 6516 6237 chlib@nus.edu.sg
- Hon Sui Sen 6516 3131 hssmlib@nus.edu.sg
 

Memorial Library
- CJ Koh Law Library 6516 2043 cjkohlib@nus.edu.sg

- Medical Library 6516 2046 mdlib@nus.edu.sg


- Science Library 6516 2454 sclib@nus.edu.sg
- Music Library 6516 8130 musiclib@nus.edu.sg

- Yale-NUS College 6601 1000 library@yale-nus.edu.sg

University Health Centre # www.nus.edu.sg/uhc/


- Health Service 677 61631 uhc_health@nus.edu.sg
- Counselling & Psychological 651 62376 cps@nus.edu.sg
Services
Refer to website
- Wellness Division

Computer Centre nusit.nus.edu.sg 6516 2080 itcare@nus.edu.sg

Maintenance/Breakdown www.nus.edu.sg/ofm/ 6516 1515 ofmhelp@nus.edu.sg

Campus Security www.nus.edu.sg/ocs/ 6874 1616 Refer to website

NUS Main Operator - 6775 6666 -

#For medical emergencies after operating hours, please proceed to the Accident and Emergency unit at the National University Hospital.
For urgent medically-related enquiries, please call 9651 6820.
For life-threatening psychological emergencies, please call 6516 7777.

Off-Campus Community Resources

Community Resources Website Telephone

Crisis
https://sos.org.sg/ 1800 221 4444 (24hrs)
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_ 1800 278 0022 (24hrs)
SAF Counselling Centre
websites/atozlistings/dmg/Business/Manpow
er_Management/SCC_services.html

Addiction
The National Addictions http://www.nams.sg 1800 6668-668 (Gambling)
Management Service (NAMS) 6732 6837 (Alcohol/drug)

Social Assistance (for low-


income individuals/family)
ComCare – Ministry of Social & www.msf.gov.sg/Comcare 1800 222 0000 (24hrs)
Family Development

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Violence
Centre for Promoting Alternatives 6555 0390
www.pave.org.sg/
to Violence (PAVe)

Women’s Issues
Association of Women for Action www.aware.org.sg/ 1800 774 5935 (3pm to 9.30pm)
& Research (AWARE) Monday - Friday

Sexual Assault Care Centre http://sacc.aware.org.sg/ 6779 0282 (10am to midnight)


Monday - Friday
Pregnancy Crisis Service http://pregnancycrisis.sg/
6339 9770 (24hrs)

Action for AIDS (Information & afa.org.sg/ 6254 0212


Counselling Hotline) (Mon – Fri, 10am to 5pm)

www.imh.com.sg 6389 2000


Institute of Mental Health
24 hour hotline

Non-Emergency Ambulance https://www.scdf.gov.sg/content/scdf_intern 1777


(please refer to et/en/general/information/information_on_sc
http://www.terra.systems/1777.ht dfand1777medicalservices.html
mll for private ambulance
operators & charges)

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Map of Faculty of Engineering

For the latest campus map, please check the NUS website at http://www.nus.edu.sg/campusmap/

For all internal shuttle bus services, please check the NUS website at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/oca/Transport/Getting-around-NUS.html

Departments Location Telephone No:


Biomedical Engineering E4 #04-08 6516 1611
Chemical & Biomolecular Engrg E5 #02-09 6516 8824
Civil & Environmental Engrg E1A #07-03 6516 4513
Electrical & Computer Engrg E4 #05-45 6516 6236
Engineering & Technology Mgmt EA #05-34 6516 8502
Industrial & Systems Engrg E1A #06-25 6516 2206
Materials Science & Engrg EA #03-09 6516 4672
Mechanical Engrg EA #07-08 6516 7608
** Due to building renovations, the following departments are located at Blk E6 Level 6 till 21 August 2017 :
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering
- Department of Mechanical Engineering

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