Science Without Borders

Science Without Borders is a short course joint venture with a university in another country. It is offered only to Advanced Science students and is an excellent opportunity to experience another culture while studying some fun and interesting subjects at a world-class university.

Travel to Singapore for study credits!
How would you like a scientific, social, and cultural learning experience in one of Asia's most dynamic cities, Singapore? Plus a field trip to a lush tropical island? Travel scholarship is awarded by the faculty to participants selected for this program. And all this credited towards your advanced science degree.

The Faculties of Science at UNSW and the National University of Singapore are continuing their joint short-course program that will see UNSW Faculty of Science undergraduate students spend up to six weeks in Singapore. Later in the year NUS students will come to UNSW

What will the short-course program offer me?
It's a unique opportunity to study and socialize with fellow science students in a fascinating and high-powered cultural setting within the Asia-Pacific region. The short course is multidisciplinary and will stretch and challenge you to adapt to the concept of science without borders. It offers module choices that range across:

  • languages (Chinese and Bahasa Indonesian)
  • business and economics (in the Asia-Pacific region)
  • history and politics (Southeast Asia)
  • creativity and critical thinking in science
  • conservation of natural heritage

The short course also features a one-week field trip to lush Tioman Island off West Malaysia, to focus on local biodiversity and enjoy a smorgasbord of cultural and social experiences.

When does the course start?
UNSW students will fly to Singapore in June 2009 and return about the start of Session 2.

What expenses are covered?
Your return airfare to Singapore will be covered by the Faculty of Science. Accommodation will be on the NUS campus and arranged by the faculty, but you will be responsible for accommodation costs (about 500 Singapore dollars) and living expenses.

What credit do I get for this course?
You will receive 6 units of academic credit for successful completion of the program.

How do I apply?
Please download the information on the 2009 SWoB programme and the application form from here: SWoB 2009 Info and application Form (PDF)

Closing date for application is on Monday 23 March 09.

Two informal information sessions has been scheduled to allow you to obtain firsthand information about the programme and help you make a decision:
Info Session 1: Tue 10 Mar 09, 5pm - 6pm, Old Main Building G31
Info Session 2: Wed 11 Mar 09, 5pm - 6pm Old Main building G31

You may wish to attend one of the sessions before submitting your application.

If you are keen to attend, contact Chong Eng Tay (Email: ce.tay@unsw.edu.au or edsquad@unsw.edu.au / Tel: 0293858551) to register your interest. The info sessions may be cancelled if we do not get sufficient number of respondents. 

 

 

"As a hub for Chinese, Malay and Indian culture, and an English speaking nation, Singapore is simultaneously accessible and exotic. We delighted ourselves with the vast palette of local flavours in Singapore's famous hawker centres; shopped around the clock in Singapore's myriad arcades and plazas; and indulged in national festivities showcasing the art and lifestyle of its population.

In 2007, I was one of 16 students from the UNSW Faculty of Science hosted by the National University of Singapore as part of the Science without Borders program. We lived and studied there, undertaking two short courses in a language (Mandarin Chinese or Bahasa Indonesian) and a biodiversity research project. The languages were taught in an interactive manner, complemented by visits to an authentic Chinese tea house and experiences of traditional Indonesian ballads, dances, and instruments, kindling within us a profound appreciation for these cultures.

The biodiversity research project was perhaps the most exciting part of the exchange program, culminating in a week long exploration of the lush, picturesque Tioman Island, just off the east coast of Malaysia. Our various tasks included netting aquatic life in riverbeds, and snorkelling to monitor clam clusters; each being an engaging, exhilarating experience. Our days often ended at the Paya Beach resort, filling our plates by the buffet table and sharing stories.

Science Without Borders was definitely a valuable, irreplaceable experience for me. Not only did it reinforce my awareness of science in the international arena, but it was also wonderful introduction to the South and Southeast Asian ethos."

Rathy Srikanthan, Science (Advanced Science) / Arts

 

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