Higher Engineering Mathematics (EMA3001) Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Higher Engineering Mathematics (HEM) an Elective subject?
A: No. Higher Engineering Mathematics is a Special Elective subject. Unlike Elective subjects, it is not a requirement for graduation.
Q: Can I replace one Elective subject with HEM?
A: No
Q: Can I replace any Cross Disciplinary Subject (CDS) with HEM?
A: No
Q: How many Credit Units (CU) does HEM have?
A: Four. This translates to 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of tutorials each week. However, students are advised put in about 8 or more hours per week of study outside class, whether in groups or individually.
Q: What is the content of HEM?
A: Intermediate Calculus. The content is adapted from Year One Engineering Mathematics taught in local universities. HEM is a bridging module for university mathematics that prepares graduates from TemasekEngineeringSchool for university education.
Q: Which group of students is HEM targeted to?
A: Students who are strong in Mathematics and intend to pursue a university degree in the field of engineering or science (this includes the Mathematical Sciences).
Q: Who will be invited to enroll for HEM?
A: Students who obtained an A grade for all engineering mathematics modules AND obtained clear pass for all other subjects (including CDS subjects) during semester 1.1 to 2.1.
Q: How can I choose HEM?
A: Eligible students will receive invitation letters from Temasek Engineering School. Students who wish to take up the subject will need to submit the reply slip to the General Office (GO) of Engineering School by the stipulated deadline.
Q: When will I receive invitation letter?
A: The invitation letters will be sent out to your mailing addresses that you have registered with TP soon after the semester 2.1 results are released.
Q: When will HEM subject be offered to the students?
A: HEM will be offered to qualified students in year 2.2.
Q: Is it possible for students to study HEM at year 3.2 instead of at year 2.2?
A: Generally HEM will NOT be offered to students at year 3.2 from year 2009 onwards, unless the Diploma in which you are pursuing has MP/SIP at semester 2.2. In such cases, you will be invited to study HEM at year 3.1
Q: How will HEM subject be graded?
A: HEM is assessed in similar ways as other engineering mathematics subjects.
Q: Will the result of Higher Engineering Mathematics affect my GPA or my chances in obtaining Diploma with Merit?
A: No
Q: Will the result of Higher Engineering Mathematics be reflected in my transcript?
A: Yes. However, since this is a Special Elective subject, it will be reflected on a separate page from other subjects.
Q: Is it easier for me to be admitted into local universities with HEM result on my transcript?
A: Currently HEM result is not part of admission requirement set by local universities. However, having done well in HEM gives you some advantage when you apply for exemption from certain mathematics foundation modules.
Q: Do I need to repeat the subject if I fail?
A: No
Q: What should I do if the CDS that I have chosen clashes with the HEM timeslot?
A: In this case you could choose another CDS so that you can take HEM; if this is not possible then you should continue with your CDS and drop HEM. Please bear in mind that CDS count towards your graduation requirement while HEM does not.
Q: How should I decide whether to take up HEM? How do I know if I can cope?
A: If you intend to pursue a university degree in engineering or science, this module will prepare you for university mathematics, which is often a challenge for polytechnic graduates. Students who are allowed to take up the module are deemed to have the aptitude to handle HEM, despite its deep content. You can excel in HEM when you are able to allot sufficient time for study; this usually means that you:
- are able to commit yourself to a minimum of 8 hours per week for self-study,
- are not working part-time.
Q: If I change my mind, how can I drop the subject?
A: You have the first three weeks of the semester to decide whether you want to continue with the subject. If you decide to drop the subject, write an email to either Mr. Fu LingChen (flingche@tp.edu.sg) or Dr. Rudy Sabarudin (rudysab@tp.edu.sg) before the end of week three. Please use “Drop Higher Engineering Mathematics” in your email subject and provide your full name and matriculation number.
Students will NOT be allowed to drop the subject after the third week else an F grade will be awarded in the transcript
Updated: November 2008
