Program Overview

The Professional Certificate in Computational Reasoning

Overview

The Professional Certificate in Computational Reasoning is designed to empower individuals with foundational skills in data analysis and coding. Through a series of hands-on activities, learners will gain the ability to carry out basic data analysis on Microsoft Excel, create simple algorithms to solve complex problems, and develop critical reasoning skills to effectively use these tools.

Program Description

This Professional Certificate aims to equip learners with two key skills:

1. Foundational concepts and skills to carry out basic data analysis on Microsoft Excel and create simple but powerful algorithms.
2. Critical reasoning skills essential to using these computational tools effectively, enabling learners to critically self-evaluate their application and reason effectively in various contexts.

Target Audience

This course is best suited for professionals, executives, managers, and fresh graduates from non-technical backgrounds wishing to pick up foundational skills in coding and data analysis to further their careers.

Instructor

Jonathan Y. H. Sim, Associate Fellow with the NUS Teaching Academy and Lecturer with the Department of Philosophy at the National University of Singapore, teaches the Philosophy of Computing and Data Analytics and Chinese philosophy. He is a recipient of the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (FTEA) in 2019, 2021, and 2022.

Program Structure

The Professional Certificate in Computational Reasoning comprises three short modules:

• Module 1: How to Critically Reason with Data on Microsoft Excel - Equips learners with technical skills for basic data preparation and analysis using Microsoft Excel, and reasoning skills to critically evaluate assumptions used in interpreting data.
• Module 2: The Fundamentals of Algorithm Design and the Politics of Algorithms - Covers fundamental concepts of algorithm design and computational thinking, and imparts critical reasoning skills to evaluate algorithms and identify embedded politics that can discriminate against specific groups.
• Module 3: Computational Reasoning Applied (An Introduction to Coding with VBA) - Introduces the basics of coding using VBA on Excel to enhance data analysis capabilities, providing insights into the politics of algorithms and algorithmic discrimination.

Workload

Each module includes a variety of learning activities:

• Online Lecture Videos and Interactive Lecture Activities: 3 hours/module
• Individual Assignments: 4 hours/module
• Facilitated Learning on Zoom: 3 hours/module
• Group Project: 4 hours/module Total workload per module: 14 hours Total workload for the Professional Certificate: 42 hours

Schedule

The course is offered in a blended-learning format, with lectures done online through interactive pre-recorded videos and face-to-face Zoom classes for each module. All online course resources are released two weeks before the first face-to-face Zoom class, and preparatory assignments for each module are due the day before the Zoom class.

Fees

• Full Course Fees: $1836.00 per module (incl. GST), totaling $5508.00 for the Professional Certificate
• Price after SSG Funding (for SC and under 40 years old, or PR): $545.70 per module, totaling $1637.10 for the Professional Certificate
• Price after SSG Funding (for SC and 40 years old or above): $205.70 per module, totaling $617.10 for the Professional Certificate Skillsfuture credits can also be used to offset the payable amount.

Funding and Eligibility

• Eligible for Claim Period: 1 Jul 2021 to 30 June 2024
• Learners must record at least 75% attendance and pass all assessment components to be eligible for SSG funding.
• Applicants are required to enroll in all 3 modules for this Professional Certificate.