Diploma in Gerontological Management Studies
Semester 1.1
GEM1008 Introduction to Gerontology (Level 1, 4 Credit Units)
This subject introduces students to the theoretical perspectives and approaches to the study of ageing from various disciplines. It will examine the causes and consequences of ageing at the level of individuals and populations. This involves investigating the social, physical and mental changes humans undergo as they age, as well as the impact of the elderly population on social, economic and political institutions.
GEM1009 Introduction to Sociology (Level 1, 4 Credit Units)
This subject introduces you to the key theoretical perspectives in Sociology. Through these theories, you will examine current and emerging social phenomena. From the systematic study of different social structures e.g. family, work, social control, gender and ethnicity, you will be able to apply sociological concepts to help you explain social life in societies.
BBS1001 Principles of Management (Level 1, 4 Credit Units)
This subject provides you with an insight into the key functions of management and the practical issues which managers of today face. Aspects of management such as planning, organising, leading, controlling, international management, business ethics and social responsibility will be covered.
BRM1005 Marketing Fundamentals (Level 1, 4 Credit Units)
This subject provides you with an understanding of the basic concepts and practices of modern marketing. It focuses on the role and the tools utilised by marketers in developing the appropriate marketing mix and in the identification of target segments.
GCS1001 Fundamentals of Public Speaking (Level 1, 3 Credit Units)
This subject aims to help you become confident speakers. It will equip you with the techniques to develop, deliver and evaluate speeches appropriate to a variety of contexts, including both impromptu and prepared situations.
GCS1002 Academic Writing (Level 1, 2 Credit Units)
This subject aims to help develop your skills and confidence in writing for academic contexts. It takes you through the stages of the writing process i.e., from the planning through the development and production of academic papers.
GCD1001 Applied Principles for Effective Living 1 (Level 1, 1 Credit Unit)
Applied Principles for Effective Living 1 (APEL 1) is a part of the TP’s Core Programme consisting of three subjects, namely APEL 1 (Personal Effectiveness), APEL 2 (Interpersonal Effectiveness) and APEL 3 (Extropersonal Effectiveness). APEL was specially developed for TP students, with the aim to help nurture in them the dispositions (i.e. attitudes, skills, knowledge) towards the Principles for Effective Living, hence laying the vital foundation for their life-long success. The principles introduced in this programme are largely derived from applied psychological studies.
Semester 1.2
GPS1010 General Psychology (Level 1, 4 Credit Units)
This subject provides you with an introductory perspective and understanding of psychology as a scientific study of mental processes and human behaviour. Fundamental concepts and theories in the study of general psychology will be explored to enhance your understanding of the internal and external bases of human behaviour.
GEM1010 Lifestyle, Ageing & Well-Being (Level 1, 4 Credit Units)
This subject addresses issues relating to ageing and well-being. The concept of the quality of life is also examined. You will also examine the significance of social support networks amongst older persons, and its impact on their well being. The relationship between leisure and healthy ageing, the implications of continuous employment and retirement are also covered in this subject.
ANT1002 Basic Nutrition & Food (Level 1, 4 Credit Units)
This subject provides you with a basic understanding of the human nutrition and dietary practices. Topics include an introduction to nutrition and food, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, energy balance, vitamins, minerals, water, food and its nutritive value and recent advances in nutrition.
GEM1011 Applied Social Research (Level 1, 4 Credit Units)
This subject provides a general understanding of the theory and practice of social science research and presents science as a powerful method of human thinking. The focus is to provide you with the necessary information to understand the importance of research in the field of social science and its applications to various settings. You will learn a systematic way of thinking and knowledge known as scientific inquiry.
GST1001 Principles of Statistics (Level 1, 4 Credit Units)
The use of empirical evidence and statistical analysis is crucial in the field of social sciences (e.g. psychology, sociology and education). This subject provides you with a basic understanding and use of statistical concepts in data analysis. Concepts such as descriptive and inferential statistics will be introduced.
Semester 2.1
GEM2000 Sociology of Ageing (Level 2, 4 Credit Units)
This subject provides a sociological perspective on the process and experience of human ageing in modern society, while adopting a context-based approach that employs case studies. Topics include the demographic and political impact of ageing societies, historical and cultural perspectives on ageing, and the major theoretical approaches to the study of ageing. Various social policies and institutions that affect ageing will also be examined. These include social policies on health care, housing, retirement, death, living environments and social support for the aged.
GEM2002 Sociology of Work (Level 2, 4 Credit Units)
The social dynamics of workplace organizations and the practice of salaried employment in modern industrial societies will be analyzed in this subject. In addition, the historical and technological developments that have contributed to contemporary working environments will also be examined, along with the application of major theoretical perspectives on work. Finally, key social policy issues and controversies surrounding the workplace will also be contextualized through the use of local and international case studies.
BMK3012 Sales Management (Level 3, 4 Credit Units)
Selling forms an integral part of the “promotion” component of the marketing mix. This subject provides you with a comprehensive coverage of consultative selling, partnering, value-added selling, sales force automation, contextualised selling in both consumer and non-consumer industries, and time-proven fundamentals in sales management.
BAF1007 Basic Business Finance (Level 1, 4 Credit Units)
This subject provides you with a general overview of the balance sheet and profit and loss statement of the company. It also provides an understanding of the sources and allocations of funds within a business enterprise, and an appreciation of the financial tools and techniques used by the financial manager in the management of funds and other financial resources.
Elective 1*
GCD1002 Applied Principles for Effective Living 2 (Level 1, 1 Credit Unit)
APEL 2 focuses on Interpersonal Effectiveness and is designed to help nurture in you the dispositions (i.e. attitudes, skills, knowledge) towards the Principles for Effective Living, hence laying the vital foundation for their life-long success.
Semester 2.2
GEM2003 Aged-Friendly Design (Level 2, 3 Credit Units)
This subject will expose you to the design process of creating aged-friendly products and services. As the world population ages, it is vital that you be aware of the issues that confront ageing, and at the same time, demonstrate problem solving skills and foresight in tackling social and lifestyle issues. Through field trips and via observation and behavioral studies, you are facilitated to come out with innovative and creative solutions for the ageing generation. Innovative and original ideas can be considered for commercialisation under the Design Centre for Ageing.
GEM2004 Ageing & Illness (Level 2, 4 Credit Units)
This subject provides perspectives and issues relating to illness and growing old. Topics include avoidable illness, health concerns, ageing organ systems, principles of drug therapy, unique aspects of illness presentation, medical ethics, legal issues, community networking, and active maturing.
GEM1012 Programme Planning (Level 1, 4 Credit Units)
This subject provides a foundation in programmes conceptualisation, development and production, covering topics such as programme design, programme management, programme evaluation and budgeting as well as staging of programmes
GEM2005 Contemporary Issues in Ageing Societies (Level 2, 4 Credit Units)
This subject will examine current issues that are evident in ageing societies around the world. You will gain an understanding of the transformations and challenges faced by ageing individuals and the state. The subject will also examine the ongoing debates on individual and societal responses to ageing issues. You will also learn about the ageing trends in both developed and developing countries.
GEM2004 Ageing & Illness (Level 2, 4 Credit Units)
This subject provides perspectives and issues relating to illness and growing old. Topics include avoidable illness, health concerns, ageing organ systems, principles of drug therapy, unique aspects of illness presentation, medical ethics, legal issues, community networking, and active maturing.
Elective 2*
GCS2001 Interpersonal Communication Skills (Level 2, 2 Credit Units)
You will learn to understand and apply the skills of effective communication in a wide variety of contexts and situations. The curriculum covers self-awareness, personal and interpersonal power, attitudes, values and perceptions in communication, verbal and non-verbal strategies, the integration of emotional and intellectual intelligence, dealing with differences and the skill of working together. This subject provides a solid foundation for counselling, together with relevant skills to establish strong interpersonal relationships.
Semester 3.1
Elective 3*
Elective 4*
Elective 5*
Elective 6*
GCS3001 Professional Communication Skills (Level 3, 3 Credit Units)
This subject aims to hone your communication skills. Topics covered will include handling interviews, meeting skills and formal writing skills required in various forms of professional and career writing such as project proposals, application letters, resumes and more.
GCD1003 Applied Principles for Effective Living 3 (Level 1, 1 Credit Unit)
Applied Principles for Effective Living 3 deals with Extropersonal Effectiveness. The principles introduced in this programme are largely derived from applied psychological studies.
Semester 3.2
GIP3001 Student Internship Programme (Level 3, 8 Credit Units)
This internship programme is a 10-week attachment to relevant organisations that will help you link and practise your learning with the real world. You will have opportunities to handle real problems and issues. This internship will give you practical training to apply the concepts and skills that you have acquired in the course of your study.
GEM3006 Major Project (Level 3, 6 Credit Units)
Major Project is intended to complete your training by providing real-world experiences to integrate and apply your knowledge in a practical learning situation. Besides research, design and project management skills, the emphasis will also be on innovation, creativity, teamwork and enterprise.
Diploma Subjects – Elective Subjects (DipE)*
I. Synopses of subjects to be offered as electives 1 and 2
GEM2006 Death, Grief & Bereavement (Level 2, 3 Credit Units)
This subject will seek to understand the impact of death from a sociological point of view, particularly how it affects the people closely linked to a person who is either dying or has died. Such significant people include friends, parents, spouses and children, and even professional caregivers. In addition, this course will discuss the different cultural and religious meanings of death and bereavement in both Singapore and abroad. Finally, social policies and the organizations that play a part in coping with death, such as hospitals, nursing homes and hospices will be discussed.
GEM2007 Gender Issues in Later Life (Level 2, 3 Credit Units)
The various gender-based issues surrounding elderly men and women will be explored. This subject will examine the impact of ageing on the gender identity and roles of an ageing person. Special attention will be directed to the gender gap in longevity, emerging psychological and physiological issues, the impact of social change on gender relations in families, socio-economic issues among ageing men and women, and the influence of social policy.
GEM2008 Images of Ageing (Level 2, 3 Credit Units)
This subject will examine the ways in which the aged have been portrayed at different times in history, leading up to the impact of contemporary mass media, literature and films. A key aspect of this course emphasizes the growing power of images in modern society. At the same time, views on the aged are seen to possess strong social and historical factors. Variables such as cultural beliefs, religion, social class, ethnicity, politics, industrialization and even social policy are argued to play a part in images of ageing.
GEM2009 Sociology of Emotions (Level 2, 3 Credit Units)
This subject will provide a sociological perspective on the construction of human emotions. It will analyze the relationship between various social forces and our experience and interpretations of them. Concepts such as ‘emotional intelligence’, ‘face’ and ‘guilt’, for example, will be examined closely with regard to their broader cultural and political settings. You will also learn how emotions are managed and negotiated in key social settings like the workplace and the family.
GEM2010 Sociology of the Family (Level 2, 3 Credit Units)
The family has remained as a key social unit in societies, and has taken on various forms and meanings over time. You will learn about the dynamic interactions of the family unit with other societal institutions such as the state, religion, education and the media. You will also examine the issues facing the contemporary family. Topics will include childcare, employment, marriage, housing and various social policies involving the family.
GEM2011 Social Memory (Level 2, 3 Credit Units)
Memories are a crucial part of a person’s identity and how he or she finds meaning in life. The act of remembering is always selective, as key events in a person’s life often influence the significance of what is remembered. This subject will give you an understanding of how various factors such as social class, education, religion and ethnicity influence this aspect of life, and the impact it has in shaping the worldviews of groups and communities. This subject will also include a special focus on the elderly within modern societies and their experience in constructing social memory.
GEM2012 Sociology of Migration (Level 2, 3 Credit Units)
Migration is exerting an increasingly significant impact upon various communities due to a rapidly globalizing world. This has resulted in large demographic and structural changes within many societies. In this subject, you will learn about the factors contributing to the phenomenon of migration as we see it today, and the implications of such social patterns. Specific migration-related issues that will be analyzed in this subject include ageing societies, poverty, foreign labour, crime, multiculturalism and national identity.
GPS2010 Health Psychology (Level 2, 3 Credit Units)
Gain a deeper appreciation of how biology, human behaviour and social context impact an individual’s health and well-being. The subject will focus on how psychological principles are used to promote health and prevent illness. The subject will explore various theoretical perspectives and research on the interaction of human physiology with human behaviour. It will also examine various health promotion, management strategies as well as skills and behaviours in the prevention of illnesses.
II. Synopses of subjects to be offered as electives 3, 4, 5 and 6
BHT2012 Travel & Leisure Business (Level 2, 4 Credit Units)
The subject will provide you with an overview of the travel and leisure business in the 21st century. Specifically, topics encompassing the components and structure, key dynamics and the environment and issues facing the world’s largest business will be covered.
ANT2008 Understanding Nutritional Concerns in the Elderly (Level 2, 4 Credit Units)
This subject provides you with the basic knowledge of food and nutrients, nutritional requirements and issues in the elderly. It includes an overview of steps involved in the planning and delivery of nutrition programmes. An introduction to the management of some diet related diseases common in the elderly will also be covered.
BBS3005 Product Development & Innovation (Level 3, 4 Credit Units)
This subject equips you with the process skills for product development and innovation through a comprehensive approach for success. You will focus on the process of innovation – the process for entrepreneurs to exploit change, with the intention of practising the processes behind developing new products based on industry pressure to innovate. You will also learn how to best transform exciting ideas into successful new products, how to capture knowledge and creativity in the successful development of products, and the structures and systems appropriate for innovation and new product development.
BMK3007 Principles of Entrepreneurship (Level 3, 4 Credit Units)
This subject covers the key principles of entrepreneurship. The early part of the course examines the traits of successful entrepreneurs. You will learn how to identify business opportunities and be given the opportunity to conduct field research to identify, evaluate and select viable businesses. You will then prepare basic business plans.
GEM3001 Leadership in Leisure Management (Level 3, 4 Credit Units)
This subject will provide important theoretical and practical knowledge for use in leadership and management roles in the leisure and tourism industry. You will learn theories of leadership and the issues surrounding leisure management. You will have the opportunity to discover and reflect upon your own leadership style in various practical recreational settings.
GEM3002 Aesthetics and Wellness (Level 3, 4 Credit Units)
This subject provides an understanding of the products, services, issues, trends and behaviours of elderly consumers, with the aim to enhance their personal wellness in relation to their quality of life. You will also learn about the workings of the aesthetic and wellness industry, and how to tap into it effectively.
GEM3003 Physical Activities, Sports & Wellness (Level 3, 4 Credit Units)
This subject examines the impact of healthy lifestyles through sports and physical activities. It considers the relationship between physical activity and longer life. You will learn about the essential components of the concept of health and wellness. The subject also provides insights into the stages of human development and growth. Strategies to maintain one’s physical health and emotional well-being will be discussed in this subject.
GEM3004 Recreation Therapy (Level 3, 4 Credit Units)
This subject examines how recreation and leisure are used to help individuals with illnesses and disabilities, so that they may achieve better physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. You will be exposed to different recreational activities for the elderly through various site visits. Through these, you will gain an appreciation of how therapeutic recreation can be used to enhance the well-being of the elderly.
GEM3005 Fundamentals of Financial Planning (Level 3, 4 Credit Units)
This subject introduces you to personal financial planning. It covers the key aspects of financial planning, covering cash and credit management, investment planning, insurance planning, retirement planning and estate planning.