National University of Singapore

Synopsis of Programme

The programme examines how transportation systems technology is deployed to tackle the changing transportation problem. Using Singapore and Japan as case studies, it examines the use and limitations of different technologies in addressing the transport needs in different cultural and development settings.

Students will learn how transportation systems technologies are designed to meet the challenges of mobility and accessibility in modern society. The unique transportation schemes adopted in Singapore will be examined along with futuristic intelligent transportation systems pursued in Japan. Students will trace the changes in technologies including bridge designs of different eras, infrastructural designs in traffic calming applications, signals and communication technologies for traffic monitoring and controls as well as information systems in passenger and vehicle systems. They will be challenged to consider critically the promise and limitations of technologies in tackling current transportation needs.

Topics covered are: Development of systems technology in Singapore; technical and infrastructure transportation schemes and growth in Singapore; intelligent transportation systems in Japan, impact of transportation technologies on society.

Programme Structure

Lessons will be facilitated by Assoc Prof Chin Hoong Chor.

As part of the study programme, students will attend local and overseas field trips in Singapore and Japan to acquire a deeper insight on the topic. Some lessons will also be facilitated by the hosts of the organisations participating in these field trips.

The local and overseas field trips may include destinations as follows:

Singapore

• Emerald Hill/Joo Chiat traffic calming schemes
• LTA Transport Museum
• Orchard Turn traffic control scheme
• LTA ITS/ERP Control Centre
• KPE Traffic Control centre

Japan (16-27 July 2008)

• SmartWay Public Road Scheme: state-of-the-art congestion control and intelligent highway demonstration system
• MLIT Intelligent Transport Systems Centre: vehicle-information and communication infrastructure system
• Japan Railway/Shinkansen System: train information and operating systems
• Japan Disaster Prevention Museum: transportation safety and disaster management
• Toyota City and Plant: world-renowned car production methods and futuristic vehicle technology
• Nagoya Port Terminal and Fujitrans Ferry: integrated logistics operations for Toyota vehicles in Asia Pacific
• Kyoto City Planning: sustainable city transportation infrastructural systems
• Kyoto Prefecture Public Transport Systems: intelligent public transport information, location and priority systems
• Panasonic Centre: futuristic in-vehicle and transportation communication systems

Students will also get a chance to interact with Japanese students at two of our partner institutions while on the overseas field trip.

Duration

The entire study programme will be conducted in the month of July 2008 to early August.

Deliverables

Students will undertake case analysis and report writing as well as group presentations to demonstrate what they have learnt from the study programme. In addition, students are expected to consolidate, document and showcase their works as a class on the exhibition panels, which will be subsequently displayed at level 5 Blk ADM.

Fees

Students will pay S$1,000 upon confirmation. The fees include airfare, accomodation, insurance and coverage of some meals. Students are advised to prepare for an additional sum of S$300 on miscellaneous expenses for the Japan trip. (NB : the sum does not cover visa application charges for international students).

Academic Credits

This study programme is NOT credit-bearing, until further notice.

Quota

This study programme will enroll a maximum of 28 students. Only USP students are eligible for this programme.

Application

Please submit your personal particulars and an essay (max. 2 page) at

https://usp3.nus.edu.sg/ems_isis/event_reg.jsp?eventtpctrl_seq_n=1141&event_c=100505

In your application, please indicate under `remarks' whether you have :

1. completed all your first tier modules
2. participated in SEP, NOC and Global Programmes in the past

Essay topics :

How does the design of the transportation systems in Singapore meet the challenges in our modern society? How does it differ from those of Japan.

Applications will close on Thursday, 15 May 2008 at 12.00 nn. Successful applicants will be notified by end of the following week.

For further enquiries, please contact Yvonne at (65164611/ )