NANYANG POLYTECHNIC
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
GENERAL STUDIES MODULES – SYNOPSIS 2015
YEAR 1
BMS101
PROFESSIONAL IMAGE FOR BUSINESS
[15 HOURS]
This module provides students with a practical approach on how to be successful in their
professional and personal image. It enables students to develop their true potential and move
forward with your professional goals. Students will learn the art of personal grooming,
business manners and social graces to prepare them for the business world.
BMS102
INTERNATIONAL CROSS CULTURAL MANAGEMENT
[15 HOURS]
This module aims to provide students with an awareness of similarities and differences
between regional and global cultures, as well as to recognise the major sources of intra- and
inter-cultural conflict among cultures. It also aims to provide students with an awareness and
understanding of the techniques in managing people of diverse cultures with cultural
sensitivity in the business environment.
BMS103
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS FOR BETTER RELATIONSHIPS
[15 HOURS]
The module aims to generate greater awareness about the importance of relationships in life
and imparts practical understanding and skills to achieve mental, emotional and social
wellness through relational engagement and communications. This module provides students
with an understanding of the fundamentals of human relationships, and how the quality of our
relationships impact daily living. In addition, it addresses the nature of relationships, work-life
concerns, family life as well as effective communication in relationships.
BMS106
INNOVATION BOOT CAMP
[15 HOURS]
Module aims to inculcate an innovative and enterprising mindset in all SBM students. The
programme incorporates various training methodologies including group brainstorming, problembased learning, reflective journaling, and videos sharing, enabling it to be a highly interactive and
hands-on learning experience.
(Compulsory – auto-registered for students)
BMS107
INNOVATION PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT
[15 HOURS]
Module aims to inculcate an innovative and enterprising mindset in all SBM students. This GSM
is an extension of BMS106 Innovation Boot Camp, to enhance and extend the students
Innovation learning journey, from their Innovation Challenge ideation stage to completion of their
concept prototype development. The programme offers students an understanding of prototype
development process and hands-on prototype development experience of their very own
innovation.
BMS121
PEOPLE SKILLS
[15 HOURS]
The objective of this module is to develop students’ soft skills, in order to complement the
technical skills they acquire through formal education. Communications form an integral part
of how we deal with others. Whether it is building new ones or maintaining existing ones,
relationship mastery is vital. Different people like to be treated or spoken to differently.
Students will learn how to assess a person and how to influence people using basic rapportbuilding techniques and simple negotiation strategies.
BMS141
PILLARS OF LIFE
[15 HOURS]
Pillars of Life is a character development module designed to engage and inspire students to
make a difference to positively impact themselves, their families, their community, the nation,
the world and the future. Students find themselves on a learning adventure as they discover
their own character traits, inclinations and blind spots set against the varying environments
they undoubtedly find themselves in. This module explored six core values: Respect,
Responsibility, Integrity, Care, Resilience and Harmony. It aims to cultivate a generation of
students that is a confident person, a self-directed learner, concerned citizen and an active
contributor to their family, community, nation, world and to the future.
(Compulsory – auto-registered for students)
EGS120
APPRECIATION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
[15 HOURS]
This module introduces students to the biotechnology development and how it impacts on our
daily living. The module covers the major developments in biotechnology such as gene-todrug, transgenics, agricultural revolution, and emerging technologies due to gene revolution.
Students will track through the journey in drug discovery, genetic and therapeutic cloning,
transgenic organisms, genetically-modified foods and forensic technology. Ethical and
controversial issues arising from genetic revolution will also be discussed and debated among
students in class.
EGS552
INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY
[15 HOURS]
This module covers an introduction to astronomy. Topics covered include history of astronomy,
solar system, deep space celestial objects and stars constellations. Students will be
introduced to the operating principle of the binoculars and the various types of telescopes.
They will have hands-on experiences of using these instruments to observe the moon, planets
and stars. The module will also give an understanding of the various astronomical phenomena
such as lunar and solar eclipses.
ITS503
EXPLORING PHOTOGRAPHY
[15 HOURS]
This module aims to introduce students to the art and science of photography. Students will
explore the idea of compose and expose. In addition, the technical aspects and functions of
the camera will be covered. Students will also learn techniques to provide greater control,
precision and flexibility in digital imaging.
CLS108
FOOD CULTURE
[15 HOURS]
Food has always been in the history of any civilization in the world. This module will explore
the sensory, emotional, cultural and geo-political aspects of food and food culture. These will
be covered through the socio-cultural study of food and its consumption. Students will be
discovering how the human diet has evolved over the times and its major landmarks and
factors that have changed in history affecting how food is consumed. Students will look into
food integration with the social organization, religion influences, and technology in relation to
food consumption. Students will also be introduced to the current world trends that affect food
consumption.
ITS510
PROBLEM SOLVING USING COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
[15 HOURS]
Computational Thinking involves a set of problem-solving skills and techniques that draws on
concepts fundamental to computer science. In this module, students will learn the key
concepts of Computational Thinking through games and activities. Students will also learn
how to apply the Computational Thinking skills, with other useful techniques and tools, to
solve a domain-specific problem.