Special Programme in Mathematics
Program Overview
Introduction to the Special Programme in Mathematics
The Special Programme in Mathematics (SPM) is designed for a select group of students with a strong passion and aptitude for the mathematical sciences. It consists of specially designed courses, known as "S-courses," which are taught in greater depth and sophistication than their regular versions.
Programme Overview
The SPM provides students with enhanced opportunities for undergraduate research programmes locally and overseas, as well as graduate programmes at the Department of Mathematics in NUS. Through the SPM, students will build a firm foundation to pursue graduate programmes and future careers in the mathematical sciences.
Enrolment Eligibility
To be eligible for the SPM, students must have obtained:
- a very good grade in MA1100T; or
- very good grades in MA1100/CS1231S and MA2001/MA1522 and MA2002/MA1521; or
- official exemption for the above courses. Students in the SPM should generally be majoring in Mathematics, though strong students majoring in Quantitative Finance, Statistics, Data Science, Physics, Computer Science, or Engineering are also welcome to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read S-courses without enrolling in SPM?
Yes, you may read S-courses without being admitted to SPM, but the same application and approval procedure applies.
I intend to read my first S-course next semester. Can I sign up for SPM this semester?
No, a student enrolls in SPM by signing up for their first S-course.
Do I attend the same classes as students reading non-S-courses?
No, students reading S-courses attend separate lectures, tutorials, and exams from students reading non-S-courses. The tutorials are 2-hour long (regular tutorials are 1-hour long).
I intend to participate in the Student Exchange Programme. Can I map overseas courses to S-courses?
Yes, but subject to approval. Students enrolled in SPM are allowed to map up to one overseas mathematics course to an S-course. The overseas course must be an honors course, and approval from the mathematics department must be obtained before embarking on the programme.
Sample Study Plan
It is a student's responsibility to ensure that the graduation requirements applicable to their cohort will be satisfied within the given candidature. As courses offered by the Department of Mathematics may vary from year to year, it would be in a student's interest to have several options for their study plan.
Programme Requirements (Cohorts AY2021/2022 Onwards)
To complete the SPM, a participant must pass the following courses:
- MA2101S: Linear Algebra II (S)
- MA2108S: Mathematical Analysis I (S)
- MA2202S: Algebra I (S)
- MA3211S: Complex Analysis I (S)
- Two courses coded MA42xx
- Two courses coded MA52xx, except MA5203 and MA5205
Programme Requirements (Cohorts AY2022/2023 Onwards)
To complete the SPM, a student must fulfill the following two conditions:
- Pass 4 of the 5 following courses:
- MA2101S: Linear Algebra II (S)
- MA2108S: Mathematical Analysis I (S)
- MA2202S: Algebra I (S)
- MA3211S: Complex Analysis I (S)
- MA3238S: Stochastic Processes I (S)
- Pass any 2 courses coded MA52xx
When an SPM student goes for the Student Exchange Programme, they may read an equivalent overseas course in place of one S-course. Each student is only allowed to replace one S-course this way.