The Science Department is one of the largest departments in the college in terms of its staff strength and physical facilities. It has twelve fully equipped laboratories: Biology (2), Chemistry (4), Physics (4), and Special Projects (2) which are located in a separate block linked to the main college building.

The department offers the subjects Biology, Chemistry and Physics from the Mathematics and Science Discipline of the new ‘A’ level curriculum. Students reading these subjects can choose from three levels of study: H2 (equivalent to current ‘A’ level subject), H1 (half of H2 in breadth but similar to H2 in depth) and H3 (provides a more in-depth study of the subject).

At the end of a two-year course, students will sit for the Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'A' Level Examination. Students offering Science subjects can apply to the National University of Singapore, the Nanyang Technological University and the Singapore Management University to pursue one of the following disciplines: Science, Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Information and Computer Technology, Accountancy, Social Science etc. Admission to a particular discipline depends on the students' ability to satisfy the admission requirements of the university.

BIOLOGY

Offered at: H1 & H2 levels

The Biology syllabus is developed as a continuum from the ‘O’ to ‘A’ levels. The H1 and ‘O’ Biology syllabuses are designed to be seamless without the need for topics to be revisited at the ‘A’ level. The ‘O’ level syllabus would be foundational and thus should provide the necessary background for the study at the ‘A’ level.

H1 BIOLOGY

H1 Biology syllabus is distilled from the H2 Biology syllabus. It is intended for foundational study to provide students with a sufficient understanding of the subject rather than just for appreciation.. It provides students with fundamental knowledge of how life works at the cellular and molecular level, and covers more fundamental aspects of topics like Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry, DNA Science and Genomics, and the Applications of Molecular and Cell Biology. With H1 Biology, students would be able to understand news reports of research and industry developments in the biological sciences, and identify some of the social, ethical and legal implications. Students would be able to form their own informed opinions in these areas and present their views coherently and convincingly.

Prerequisite: ‘O’ level Biology, as a single subject or as part of a science course, for example, Science (Biology/Chemistry).

Examination: Students sit for two written papers.
• One paper with multiple-choice questions
• One paper of structured and free response questions

H2 BIOLOGY

H2 Biology prepares students adequately for studying biology and biology-related subjects at the university. Students are provided with a good foundation in Cell and Molecular Biology and have the opportunity to study how life works at the cellular and molecular level. The topics covered include Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry, DNA Science and Genomics, Genetics (including the Genetics of Viruses and Bacteria), Diversity and Evolution, and the Applications of Molecular and Cell Biology. With H2 Biology, students should be able to put forward hypotheses and design experiments to test them. Students would also develop an appreciation of the wide variety of career possibilities in the emerging biological sciences.

Prerequisite: 'O’ level Biology and Chemistry, as a single subject or as part of a science course, for example, Science (Biology/ Chemistry).

Examination: Students undertake four components.
• One paper with multiple-choice questions
• One paper of structured and free-response questions, based on core topics
• One paper of structured and free response questions, based mainly on application topics
• School-based Science Practical Assessment (SPA)

CHEMISTRY

Offered at: H1, H2 & H3 levels

H1 CHEMISTRY

H1 Chemistry provides students with a foundation in chemistry and sufficient understanding of the subject. Students will obtain fundamental knowledge of physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. Topics covered include Stoichiometry, Redox Reactions, Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Chemical Energetics, Equilibria, Reaction Kinetics, Chemical Periodicity, and Organic Chemistry. Through this course, students will acquire an understanding of basic chemistry principles and use these principles in solving problems.

Prerequisite: ‘O’ level Chemistry, as a single subject or as part of a science course, for example, Science (Physics/ Chemistry).

Examination: Students sit for three written papers.
• One paper, comprising of multiple-choice questions
• One paper, comprising of structured and free response questions.

H2 CHEMISTRY

H2 Chemistry prepares students adequately for studying chemistry and chemistry-related subjects at the university level. Students are provided with a good foundation in physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. It covers an extension of those topics in H1 Chemistry, as well as a wider range of topics than H1 Chemistry. These include Stoichiometry, Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, the Gaseous State, Chemical Energetics, Electrochemistry, Equilibria, Reaction Kinetics, Chemical Periodicity, Group II, Group VII, Transition Elements, and Organic Chemistry. Students will develop a thorough understanding of important chemistry principles and practical skills and use them to solve problems.

Prerequisite: ‘O’ level Chemistry, as a single subject or as part of a science course, for example, Science (Physics/ Chemistry).

Examination: Students undertake four components.
• One paper, comprising of multiple-choice questions
• One paper, comprising of structured questions
• One paper, comprising of free response questions
• School-based Science Practical Assessment (SPA)

H3 CHEMISTRY (Pharmaceutical Chemistry)

H3 Chemistry (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) offers students with exceptional ability and passion in chemistry an opportunity to delve into an exciting area of application in chemistry. H3 Chemistry includes topics, such as Effects and Development of Drugs, Properties of Functional Groups and Drug-Receptor Interactions, Stereochemistry, Reaction Mechanisms, Separation and Analytical Techniques, and Classes of Drugs. Students will be able to apply the principles of chemistry to understand drug action and design, and be exposed to research techniques, such as organic synthesis techniques and the use of modern analytical instruments.

Prerequisite: H2 Chemistry

Examination: Students sit for one written paper.

PHYSICS

Offered at: H1, H2 and H3 levels

H1 PHYSICS

H1 Physics provides students with basic knowledge of physics and the application of physics in the real world. Topics covered include Measurement, Kinematics, Dynamics, Forces, Work, Energy and Power, Wave Motion, Superposition, Current of Electricity, DC Circuits, Electromagnetism, and Quantum Physics. Through this course, students will acquire an understanding of basic physics principles and use these principles to solve problems.

Prerequisite:‘O’ level Physics, as a single subject or as part of a science course, for example, Science (Physics/ Chemistry). And Additional Mathematics.

Examination: Students sit for two written papers.
• One multiple-choice question paper
• One paper of structured questions

H2 PHYSICS

H2 Physics provides a sound basis for students planning to specialise in physics or engineering. It will develop their understanding of scientific concepts and their investigative scientific skills. The course covers more topics in the areas of Mechanics, Waves, Electricity and Magnetism, and Modern Physics. New areas of knowledge and basic fundamental concepts that form the basis for some of today’s technological developments are also included, for example, Quantum Physics. Additional topics include Motion in a Circle, Gravitational Field, Oscillations, Thermal Physics, Electric Fields, Electromagnetic Induction, Alternating Currents, Laser and Semiconductors, and Nuclear Physics. Students will develop a thorough understanding of important physics principles and practical skills and use them to solve a wide range of problems.

Prerequisite: ‘O’ level Physics, as a single subject or as part of a science course e.g. Science (Physics/ Chemistry). And Additional Mathematics.

Examination: Students undertake four components.
• One paper, comprising multiple-choice questions
• One paper, comprising structured questions
• One paper, comprising free response questions
• School-based Science Practical Assessment (SPA)

H3 PHYSICS

H3 Physics provides students who have exceptional ability and passion in physics the opportunity to pursue topics in Modern Physics in greater depth. The topics covered include Relativity, Quantum Theory of Light, Matter Waves, Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics and Photonics. Through this course, students will be exposed to the more recent developments in the subject and apply this knowledge in solving challenging problems.

Prerequisite: H2 Physics

Examination: Students sit for one written paper.

All Science students should preferably have obtained at least a B3 in Biology/ Chemistry/ Physics or an A1 in Combined Science.

Summary of Science Course Requirements:

H1	Students reading H1 Biology/Chemistry/Physics must have the corresponding ‘O’ level subject (Pure Sc/Combined Sc). In addition, students reading H1 Physics must have read ‘O’ level Additional Maths.
H2	Students reading H2 Biology/Chemistry/Physics must have the corresponding ‘O’ level subject (Pure Sc/Combined Sc) with the following grade requirement: Pure Sc grade < 4 OR Combined Sc grade = A1
	H2 Physics must be read together with H2 Maths. In addition, students reading H2 Physics must have passed ‘O’ level Additional Maths.
	Students reading 4 H2 subjects must have at least one Pure ‘O’ level Sc subject. In addition, the following must apply: (1st lang + 4 Best Maths/Sci Subjects) <= 12