FAQs on Enhancement Programmes (ME Dept)

Do also check the FAQs at the following web pages:
http://www.eng.nus.edu.sg/undergrad/ep/iap-faq.html (Matric Batches 2000/2001 and 2001/2002)
http://www.eng.nus.edu.sg/undergrad/epmc/iap-faq.html (Matric Batch 2002/2003 onwards) 

1.  Enhancement Programmes (EP)

Q1.1:

Where can I get information about Enhancement Programmes for ME students?

A:

An overview of Enhancement Programmes for ME Students is provided at:
http://serve.me.nus.edu.sg/sas/ME_EP00-02.ppt (Matric Batches 2000/2001 and 2001/2002)
http://serve.me.nus.edu.sg/sas/ME_EP02-03.ppt (Matric Batch 2002/2003 onwards) 

More complete information is available at the Faculty's EP website as follows:
http://www.eng.nus.edu.sg/undergrad/ep/ep-menu.html

Q1.2:

Whom may I consult with regard to activities of Enhancement Programmes for ME students? (updated on 28 Jul 05)

A:

You may consult the following faculty members as indicated:

Q2.1:

When is the best time for ME students to undertake the SIAP?

A:

The 6-month IA placements may be undertaken only by students who are at least of Stage 3. Semester 6 is the best period with the minimum adjustments for most ME students.

Q2.2:

When should students register for the SIAP?   (updated on 28 Jul 05)

A:

The registration will be in September of every year for students who wish to go for IA in the following year. For example, if a student would like to do his/her SIAP from January to June 2006, he/she would have to register in September 2005. The registration is online and the Dean's Office will broadcast the dates of registration via email. For planning purposes, in June or July of the year preceding the SIAP period, the ME Dept Office may also request (by email) ME students to indicate their intention to register for SIAP. Students should therefore keep their Exchange email boxes clear and check their email regularly in that period if this is possible.

Q2.3:

What exemptions do I have in undertaking the SIAP?

A:

For Matriculation Batches 2000/2001 and 2001/2002, approved 6-month semester IA placements will be granted exemptions of up to 3 unrestricted elective modules.  From Matriculation Batch 2002/2003, the SIAP will be considered a module with 12 MCs. 

Q2.4:

How do I reschedule my modules if I undertake the SIAP in Semester 6?

A:

The two essential modules (ME3101 and ME2122) and 2 technical electives will have to be spread over the available semesters (Semesters 5, 7 & 8).  Since the normal programme includes one unrestricted elective in each of Semesters 6, 7 and 8 (for which you have been exempted), most students who opt for the 6-month IAP will have only one extra module in each of two semesters.  For example, referring to Appendix B of the Info Booklet given to you, Technical elective 1 can be taken in Semester 5 (additional module), Technical elective 2 in Semester 7 (in place of the Unrestricted elective 2 being exempted), ME2122 can be taken in Semester 4 (additional module) and ME3101 in Semester 8 (in place of the Unrestricted elective 3 being exempted).  The Unrestricted elective 1 in Semester 6 is exempted. 

Q3.1:

How many students normally apply for the OSIAP and how many vacancies are there every semester?   (updated on 30 Jul 03)

A:

For the ME Dept, applications for OSIAP placements through the Faculty are by invitation only to selected ME2 students, usually towards the end of Semester 4 - many more students are interested than the limited number of placements offered each year (in recent years, 10 to 20). However, in addition to these limited number of OSIA placements arranged through the Faculty, we are always keen to support students who are able to find their own overseas SIA placements. In previous years, we have helped them to apply for financial assistance (for air-ticket and clothings allowance) from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) if the placements are related to engineering research and in a well recognised company or research institution. Unfortunately, the A*STAR funding is no longer available.

Q3.2:

What is the cut-off CAP for students applying OSIAP?

A:

There is no fixed cut-off - somewhat more students than the expected number of placements available are invited to apply on the basis of their latest CAP (so the cut-off depends on the cohort and number of placements available).

Q3.3:

Which companies countries are usually involved? ?

A:

Countries that have offered placements through the Faculty in recent years include Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, UK and USA.

Q3.4:

Is lodging provided by the companies or do we have to source it for ourselves? What costs are involved?

A:

The terms and conditions (including assistance and arrangements for accommodation, costs and allowances) vary widely.

Q3.5:

To whom and when do I submit my report for the OSIAP upon its successful completion?

A:

You should submit your report to the Dean's Office within 1 month of returning to Singapore.

Q4.1:

When is the best time for ME students to undertake the VIP?

A:

The VIP placements may be undertaken by ME students in any of the vacations after the streaming of students into the Departments (and after completing Stage 2 of their course).

Q4.2:

Can scholars or other students who have done company internships in the past have these credited as Enhancement Programme activities?

A:

No, all industrial attachments (semester and vacation) have to be pre-approved by the Faculty (IA Committee) i.e. completed attachments cannot be accepted for credit. 

Q4.3:

For students who matriculated in Academic Years 2000/2001 and 2001/2002, is it possible to add up the weeks over various vacations for the Enhancement points?   (updated on 28 Jul 03)

A:

No, each attachment period will gain points separately and only multiples of 4-week attachments will gain points e.g. 0 points for 3 weeks, 1 point for 4 weeks, 1 point for 7 weeks, 2 points for 8 weeks, 2 points for 10 weeks etc.  This means that four 3-week attachments wil not gain any points.  

Q4.4:

Can the weeks of IA be added together if interrupted by National Service (Reservist) Training?   (updated on 28 Jul 03)

A:

Yes, the weeks can be added together provided that the IA placement is in the same company (with the company's agreement) and the entire period is within the same vacation period e.g. for students who matriculated in Academic Years 2000/2001 and 2001/2002, 5 weeks of IA followed by 1 week of in-camp training, and then 3 weeks of IA placement in the same company (with its agreement), all within the same vacation, will count as 8 weeks, earning 2 EP points. This concession applies only to interruption by National Service (Reservist) training.

Q4.5:

To whom and when do I submit my progress reports for the VIP?
(updated on 28 Jul 05)

A:

Your progress and final reports are to be submitted online following the procedure described at the Faculty's VIP website.  For projects under the VIP (Technopreneurial Internship) scheme, your Department's TIP coordinator will evaluate the report(s).  For all other VIP projects, your Mentor will evaluate the report(s).  The reports should be submitted following the schedule specified in the Faculty's VIP website.