Subject Streams
Introduction
In pre-university education, students have an option of choosing one of two streams which they want to study in, the science and mathematics stream or the arts and humanities stream.
The stream which they are in will decide the majority of the subjects they are studying. For example, a student in the science and mathematics stream will most probably study physics, chemistry, biology etc. instead of history, geography etc.
A student chooses his stream mainly based on his interests and future career choice. For example, a student who wants to be an engineer will most probably opt to be in the science and mathematics stream as it is in this stream where he can learn the subjects relevant to his future career choice (mathematics, physics etc).
Starting from 2006, the new H1, H2 and H3 system would require all students to have at least one subject from the contrasting stream. That is, a science and mathematics pupil must have a subject from the arts and humanities stream and vice versa. This is an attempt to make the students more multi-disciplinary and allows them to have a back up should they need to change career tracks in the future.
Science and Mathematics Stream
Subjects in the science and mathematics stream, as the name denotes, deal with sciences and mathematics. It is said to be the more logic and factual based stream. These subjects normally involve observing the world around us and pattern determining. Most students choose to go in this stream as many career options out there require the knowledge of the sciences and mathematics.
Biology
This subject involves the study of living organisms. It is available as a H1, H2 and H3 subject. As a H1 subject, the topics taught are Cellular functions, DNA and genomics, Organization and control of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, Genetic basis for variation, Cellular physiology and biochemistry, Diversity and evolution, Isolating, cloning and sequencing DNA and Applications of molecular and cell biology. As a H2 subject, the topics taught are all extensions of the H1 topics with the addition of Genetics of viruses and bacteria. The H3 programme for Biology is Proteomics, which combines the disciplines of biology and chemistry and thus, would require the student to take chemistry as a H2 subject as well in order to study it.
Chemistry
This subject involves the study of matter, dealing with their compositions, reactions and processes. It is available as a H1, H2 and H3 subject. As a H1 subject, the topics taught are Atoms, molecules and stoichiometry, Redox reactions, Atomic structures, Chemical bonding, Chemical energetics, Equilibria, Reaction kinetics, Inorganic chemistry and Organic chemistry. As a H2 subject, the topics taught are all extensions of the H1 topics with the addition of the Gaseous state and Electrochemistry. The H3 programme for Chemistry is Pharmaceutical chemistry.
Computing
This subject involves the study of creating and using computer systems to solve mathematical problems. It is only available as a H2 subject. As a H2 subject, the topics taught are Development of computer solutions, Programming concepts, Algorithms and design, Data management and Computer systems.
Mathematics
This subject involves the study of numbers, structures and patterns. It is available as a H1, H2 and H3 subject. As a H1 subject, the topics taught are Functions and graphs, Calculus, Probability, Binomial and normal distributions, Sampling and hypothesis testing and Correlation and regression. As a H2 subject, the topics taught are all extensions of the H1 topics with the addition of Sequences and series, Vectors, Complex numbers, Permutations and Combinations, Poisson distribution. Under the H3 programme, an addition of the topics Plane geometry, Graph theory, Combinatorics, and Differential equations are also taught.
Physics
This subject involves the study of the behaviour of matter and energy, dealing with their compositions, reactions and processes. It is available as a H1, H2 and H3 subject. As a H1 subject, the topics taught are Measurement, Newtonian mechanics, Waves, Electricity and magnetism and Modern physics. As a H2 subject, the topics taught are all extensions of the H1 topics with the addition of Thermal physics. The H3 programme for Physics is Essentials of modern physics.
Principles of Accounting (Only Available in CI)
This subject involves the study of concept, principles and practices of accounting ad applying in business situations. It is available as a H2 subject. As a H2 subject, the topics taught are Introduction to principles of accounting, The accounting system, Financial accounting, Financial reporting and interpretation and Managerial accounting.
