Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Earth Systems Science with 2nd Major in Data Analytics (ESDA)

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Earth Systems Science with 2^nd Major in Data Analytics programme accepts ‘A’ Level, IB, NUSHS Diploma, Polytechnic Diploma and other equivalent international qualifications on a selective basis. All candidates with strong academic potential who satisfy minimum subject requirements as well as the general admission requirements set by NTU will be considered.

A-Level Students:

• H2 Level Pass in Mathematics AND
• H2 Level Pass in Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Computing

IB Diploma Students:

• Mathematics at Higher Level AND
• Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Computer Science at Higher Level

International and Other Qualifications:

• Mathematics at Senior High School Level AND
• Physics/Chemistry/Biology at Senior High School

NUS High School Diploma:

• Major CAP of 2.0 in Mathematics AND
• Major CAP of 2.0 in Physics/Chemistry/Biology

Polytechnic Diploma:

• Please visit us on the web to learn which polytechnic diplomas are eligible for our programme

Please find the curriculum here.

What's this ESDA programme about?

Environmental Earth Systems Science with a second major in Data Analytics programme (ESDA) is a joint effort between the College of Engineering and the College of Science. 

Students admitted to this course will build a strong background in quantitative environmental earth systems science (EESS) and statistics, algorithms, and data analytics. This course allows students to gain actionable insights that complement the research aspect of EESS. Additionally, this ensures that our students stay competitive, with the ability to tackle real-world problems and challenges with innovative techniques in multidisciplinary settings.

The curriculum is curated to ensure that students receive critical knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Foundation in Mathematics, Statistics and Algorithms: The core courses in this group are focused on probability and statistics, linear algebra, and algorithms/programming.
• Essentials in Data Analytics: The core courses in this group are focused on database, data mining and data visualization/management.
• Advanced Electives in Data Analytics: Students can choose from a variety of elective courses across different schools in the College of Science and the College of Engineering.

The Asian School of the Environment (ASE) admits up to 50-60 students per year, as we offer a field course after the first year, where all students will spend 2 weeks working on environmental problems in Bali.

There are other opportunities for field courses. We also encourage students to conduct a semester of study at another university. In their final year, students can choose to do a final year research project in close collaboration with a faculty member.

What are the job prospects like?

In designing this programme, we have worked closely with Stanford University in the United States, which has a programme in Earth Systems Science that has been in place for over 20 years. Upon graduation, their graduates pursue a wide array of careers, depending on their interests and goals.

Therefore, if you graduate from this programme, you will be able to venture your career into the following sectors:

• Environment and Conservation (NGOs, VWOs, Environmental media and journalism, etc)
• Entrepreneurship & Finance (Reinsurance companies, etc)
• Business & Sustainability (Sustainability Reporting, etc)
• Postgraduate Studies
• Private Sector (Environmental Consulting, Geotechnical Consulting, Geological Surveying, etc)
• Public Sector (Foreign and domestic policy, Government roles in Environmental Planning, Policy and Management, Teaching, etc)

Apart from the above, with the second major in data analytics, you will be exposed to an even broader and more diverse range of job prospects such as:

• Data Scientist
• Research Scientist
• R&D Engineer
• Business Intelligence Developer
• Data Analyst
• Data Architect

As ASE has a small cohort, our faculty works closely with our students on career counselling such as developing career goals, refining resumes, and making connections with potential employers.

How is this programme different from Engineering?

Instead of focusing on engineering solutions, environmental earth systems scientists view problems more holistically as a scientist and coupled with a second major in data analytics, students will be able to leverage the data collected, analyse, and manage the problems innovatively.

For instance, flooding on Orchard Road is more than an engineering problem. Environmental Earth system scientists look at the subsurface and the urban landscape to understand the root causes of problems. They can collaborate with engineers and city planners to generate solutions that work. With their skills in data analytics, they could gain actionable insights on the issue and resolve the problem effectively.

How do I get accepted?

We admit 50-60 students or less each year into ASE, depending on the number of applicants. Admission is based on A-Levels/Poly/IB results and an in-person interview (refer to the Admissions page for details). We occasionally admit students with exceptional alternative backgrounds that are relevant to the programme.

I really like this programme, but I am worried about the admission process. Should I apply?

If you feel strongly that this is the right programme for you, we encourage you to apply. We have included the interview in the student selection process because we want to ensure that the students in the programme are passionate about the Earth and the environment and data analytics. If you are concerned about your academic background, we encourage you to prepare for the interview. With this, you will be able to convey to the panel your passion for the programme and other qualities that you possess that make you a strong candidate.

Do I need to have a science background to get accepted to the major?

Ideally, students who apply would have a solid background in maths and sciences as these are part of the programme. However, if you are a strong student and are interested in the programme, we encourage you to apply.

We want you to be prepared – the course will be challenging if you do not have a background in maths and sciences. Officially, some of the core courses require A level or H2 level maths or equivalent as prerequisites. Although students do enrol in these courses who do not meet these requirements, this does mean that these courses would likely be challenging for you and would require significant effort. Nevertheless, NTU offers resources for students who require help, and it will be important to line up a study group and these types of resources before you begin the courses. Hopefully, other students in the EESS major programme could also be a good resource for you. Through our major advising programme, we will help you to structure your studies, so your maths and sciences are spread out, and you will not be too overwhelmed.

If you want to take on these challenges, you will have to be ready in the interview to convince us that you have thought through these challenges and are prepared to meet them.

Do I need to have a geography background to get accepted?

Apart from data analytics related courses, the programme covers similar topics to geography, but to us, the maths and sciences background is more important than a background in geography. However, your geography studies are a great way to demonstrate an interest in our type of programme, and your enthusiasm for geography may help you express why you are interested in the programme in your interview.

What will the interview be like?

We encourage you to look forward to your interview experience. It is a chance for you to understand our programme better and for you to highlight the qualities that make you competitive for admission. Before your interview, you will be placed in a group with other students and will have a chance to learn more about the programme, take a quick tour of our facilities, and ask any questions you’d like before your interview. For the interview, you will meet with a panel of our faculty. The purpose of the interview is for us to get to know you better, so most questions will probably centre on your interests, goals, and strengths. Before the interview, we suggest that you think about what you’d like to highlight to us in your interview, but don’t worry about preparing too much.

I am interested in transferring to this programme from another. Is it possible?

Yes! We welcome students from other disciplines who think they are more suited to the Environmental Earth Systems Science with a second major in Data Analytics programme. Depending on the courses you have already taken at university, it may be possible to finish your studies in three years. However, we suggest that you plan to take four years to complete the programme to take full advantage of opportunities in the field, study abroad, and conduct an internship or senior research project. Please note that the programme remains selective for transfer students. Our advice is to keep your grades up as much as possible in your current major programme. If you demonstrate that you can succeed at university, you will have a better chance of being admitted to our programme.

Once you are ready to transfer programmes, please visit the Change of Programme website to learn more. Please work with Academic Services and the Undergraduate Academic Officer to coordinate the timing of your application. For us, it is often best if the Change of Programme applications come during the application period for Poly and A-level students.