The Talent Development Programme of the School of Computing -- TDP (Computing) – is a new programme that started in 1998/99. TDP (Computing) is targeted at top students in the School of Computing who show leadership potential. The TDP (Computing) nurtures leadership talent by providing our TDP students with (a) a stimulating learning environment that is challenging and inspiring, (b) avenues to develop technical excellence, and (c) opportunities for leadership roles within the student body, broader exposure and networking.
Leadership talent can come in many forms -- apart from the general leadership, there is also technical leadership. The TDP (Computing) aims to nurture both forms of leadership, as both are deemed important for TDP students in the School of Computing.
The broad aims of the TDP (Computing) are
To meet these aims, this proposed framework for the Talent Development Programme for the School of Computing will take a two-prong approach. Firstly, to train general leadership, TDP (Computing) will implement and take advantage of the various excellent programmes provided for under the broad umbrella of the TDP-NUS, including the TDP Global Programme.
Secondly, to nurture technical leadership in the broad domain of Information Technology (IT) under the School of Computing, our proposal also provides opportunities for a broad-based, challenging and stimulating university experience. Very briefly, this will incorporate greater flexibility in course planning and module selection, independent study and self-learning style of teaching for selected core modules, directed undergraduate research and attachment to research groups, with strong encouragement to join the Accelerated Masters Programme.
The concrete programmes in the TDP (Computing) are shown below. Note that these include general programmes already in place under the general TDP-NUS as well as domain specific ones proposed by the School of Computing.
All TDP (Computing) students will take the new and exciting Core Curriculum, a Harvard-styled programme that aims at broadening students' education beyond just the subject major. The modules in the Core Curriculum are designed to empower students to think and write clearly and effectively. Students will be challenged to rise to the demands of an all round education. Participation in the Core Curriculum NUS will provide many opportunities for interaction with similarly talented students in different faculties. For TDP (Computing) students, Core Curriculum modules will be taken in place of the required Cross Faculty Modules (CFM).
To give TDP students a more challenging and stimulating educational experience, some of the core modules of the School of Computing will be taught differently to them. Specifically, TDP students will take the following special modules:
TDP students will take CS1101S instead of CS1101. CS1101S is a more challenging and thought-provoking version of the Programming Methodology course. The course is modelled after a similar course (6.001 SICP) at MIT.
(Note: This also gives students chance for initial interaction and bonding)
This TDP module covers similar material as CS1102 Data Structures and Algorithms. However, it will be taught differently, emphasizing a more independent and interactive self-learning style on the part of the student. (Note: This is similar to the Concourse style teaching of MIT.)
This TDP module covers similar material as CS2103 Software Design Methodology. However, it will be taught differently, emphasizing a more independent and student project-based learning style on the part of the student. TDP students will learn more on their own and will apply these in a group project.
In addition, TDP (Computing) students can also choose to take some of the following TDCS modules, offered specially for them. In general, TDCS modules can be taught in a variety of ways and this can be designed to match the instructor and the students involved, subject to approval by the TDP (Computing) Coordinating Committee.
(Done in place of CS3103 Networking & Client-Server Computing)
(Done in place of CS3230 Design and Analysis of Algorithms)
(Done in place of CS3243 Artificial Intelligence)
(Done in place of CS3251 Technology Strategy and Management)
(Done in place of CS3261 IT Marketing)
Other modules can also be offered as Independent Study modules if there is demand from TDP students. These shall be considered on a case-by-case basis.
To expose TDP (Computing) students to the challenges and stimulation of research work, they will take the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Programme (UROP (Computing)) for two years -- taking modules CS2288 and CS3288 -- before they do their Honours Year research projects.
While doing CS2288 and CS3288, TDP students are expected to be on attachment to the research laboratories of their UROP project supervisors.TDP (Computing) students will also be strongly encouraged to pursue the Accelerated Masters Programme in the School of Computing.
TDP students will plan and carry out their annual work plan of activities. SoC will provide appropriate support to the students.