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[NP-DEBF1] Diploma in Engineering (Building Services & Fire Safety) (DEBF1)

Offered by School of Design & Environment

Part-time Diploma

About Course
Course Schedule
Course Structure
Entry Requirements
Financial Matters
Register Interest
Area of interest
Built Environment, Engineering

About Course

Course Objectives

The objective of the course is to provide working adults with broad based knowledge and skills in building services and fire safety so as to prepare them to work in the construction, building maintenance and fire safety management industries.

The course was revised for the April 2019 semester, so as to be in-line with the construction ITM, to include smart technologies, sustainable construction and building information modelling.

Classes are jointly conducted by Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Four of the 15 modules in the course are taught by the staff from SCDF. This is the only Diploma in Singapore which entitles the graduates to be certified as Senior Fire Safety Manager after 3 years of experience as a Fire Safety Manager.

Course Description

The Diploma in Engineering (Building Services & Fire Safety) (DEBF1) is a part time CET course, consist of the following modules:
1.   Principles of Electrical Engineering (60 hrs)
2.   Building Electrical Systems & Design (60 hrs)
3.   Intelligent Buildings (60 hrs)
4.   Basic Air-conditioning (60 hrs)
5.   Air-conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation (60 hrs)
6.   Water, Sanitary & Gas Services (60 hrs)
7.   BIM (MEP) (60 hrs)
8.   Project Management (60 hrs)
9.   Sustainable Building Construction (60 hrs)
10.   Fire Safety Management (60 hrs)
11.   Fire Operations & Investigation (60 hrs)
12.   Fire Safety Legislation & Regulations (60 hrs)
13.   Fire Science (60 hrs)
14.   Fire Engineering (60 hrs)
15.   Performance Based Design (60 hrs)

Trainer's Profile

Alagu Sundaram

Sundaram graduated with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Annamalai University, India, in 1992, achieving First Class with Distinction. In 2020, he furthered his education by completing a Master of Education through a partnership programme between the University of Melbourne and Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Before joining Ngee Ann Polytechnic in 2009, Sundaram held various roles as a Facilities Engineer and Operations Manager at TECH Semiconductor, Singapore. In 2017, he became part of the first batch of Educational Specialists (ES) at the polytechnic.

Throughout his career, Sundaram has received several accolades, including:
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic Teaching Award (Excellence) –   2022
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic Teaching Award (Commendation) –   2015, 2018
- Membership in the International Facilities Management Association (Singapore chapter)

At Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Sundaram teaches modules such as Electrical Facilities, Computer-Aided Design, and Principles of Electrical Engineering to both pre-employment (PET) and continuing education (CET) students. He is passionate about engaging learners in both online and in-person settings, constantly experimenting with innovative methods to maintain student engagement.

In addition, Sundaram was part of a five-polytechnic workgroup that delivered the "Course Leadership Move-in Program (CLMP)" in Academic Year 2023, a comprehensive eight-day programme designed to develop 30 aspiring Course Chairs across Singapore’s 5 polytechnics.

Raja Mohammad Fairuz

Raja Mohammad Fairuz is a dedicated educator and trained as an architect with a Masters in Architecture from the National University of Singapore. His career began at DP Architects, where he honed his architectural skills before transitioning into academia.

For the past 12 years, he has been a Senior Lecturer at the School of Design & Environment, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, where he teaches full-time students in the Diploma in Design (Architecture) programme. His expertise is reflected in the modules he teaches, including Design Studio and Architecture Materials & Technology. Additionally, he instructs CET students in Sustainable Building Construction within the Diploma in Engineering (Building Services and Fire Safety) programme.

Raja Mohammad Fairuz is also a certified LUMA Human-Centered Design (HCD) Instructor. He has successfully conducted LUMA HCD Practitioner courses for both internal and external audiences, including notable organisations such as UOB, RSN Navy, and AXS. His training repertoire extends to corporate settings, where he has led Participatory Design Short Courses for companies like OCBC and HDB.

A passionate advocate for community design, Raja Mohammad Fairuz is deeply committed to using design to address real-world challenges and achieve meaningful social impact. His dedication to this cause is evident in his involvement in local and overseas community service projects, as well as consultancy work aimed at fostering positive change. His contributions were recognised when he won the Public Service Transformation Award 2019: Citizen Engagement Excellence Award, a testament to his excellence in engaging citizens through design.

Course 
Schedule

Class Day(s): Mon, Tue, Wed and Thur
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Delivery mode: Face-to-face & Home-based Learning (Async & Sync)

Course Structure

TPG course reference No.

TGS-2023019751

Fire Safety Manager Accredited Training Institution (ATI) Certificate

Fire Safety Manager Accredited Training Institution (ATI) Certificate
Air-Conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation Systems (NP-012406)
This module covers the theories, design, equipment selection, installation, operation and maintenance of Air-conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation systems in buildings. It also covers the provisions in the relevant regulations, Singapore Standards and Codes of Practice.
BIM (MEP) (NP-012410)
This module aims to use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) software to design and develop Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems from established architectural models. Students will be taught how to coordinate MEP, architecture and structural designs by clash detection techniques provided by BIM software. The use of the as-built models and the information contained therein for BIM Facility Management (BIMFM) and other simulation tools such as energy modelling will also be discussed.
Basic Air-Conditioning (NP-012405)
This module provides students with knowledge on the basic principles of refrigeration cycles and air distribution systems. Topics include fans, pumps and distribution system, psychometric process and refrigeration system. This module prepares the students for the module, Air-conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation Systems.
Building Electrical Systems & Design (NP-012403)
This module is designed to provide students with a good understanding of the theories behind the design, construction, operation and maintenance of electrical services installation in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Topics include the design of lighting, power and electrical distribution systems, sizing of cables and circuit protective systems with compliance to the statutory requirements.
Fire Engineering (NP-012415)
This module provides students with the knowledge of active fire protection systems such as fire alarm, fire extinguisher, fire hose reel, wet & dry riser, automatic fire sprinkler and smoke control system. This module equips students with the skill and knowledge to design, install and maintain fire protection systems in buildings.
Fire Operations & Investigation (NP-012411)
This module provides students with the basic understanding of the fire fighting strategy, techniques & capabilities of SCDF. It also covers fire incident management, emergency response planning and the methodologies for conducting fire investigation.
Fire Safety Legislation & Regulations (NP-012412)
This module aims to familiarise students with the provisions in the Singapore Fire Safety Act & Regulations, Fire Code and the relevant Singapore Standards and Codes of Practices. It allows students to understand the principles and fire safety requirements of behind the passive and active fire safety measures required in Singapore buildings.
Fire Safety Management (NP-012413)
This module provides students with the knowledge on roles of Fire Safety Managers. Topics include Fire Safety Managers, management of evacuation procedures for the different occupancies in building, casualty management and case studies
Fire Science (NP-012414)
This module provides the students with the fundamentals of fire science and fire behaviour of building materials and products. It also covers the factors affecting the development of fire in compartments and fire hazards of smoke in enclosed buildings.
Intelligent Buildings (NP-012404)
This module aims to provide the students with knowledge in the design, applications, installation and operation of smart building systems, such building automation, security and access, and structural cabling systems. Emerging technologies such as the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and engineering data analytics will also be taught.
Performance Based Design (NP-012416)
In this module, students are introduced to the regulations and principles of performance-based fire safety design. It also equips students with the knowledge and skills to use the various types of computational tools for evaluation, fire/evacuation simulation and prediction of fire situations.
Principles of Electrical Engineering (NP-012402)
This module aims to provide basic knowledge in electricity technology. It deals with the concepts and theory in direct and alternating current circuits, which is essential to the understanding of how electricity is being generated, transmitted and consumed.
Project Management (NP-012409)
This module seeks to teach the students the rudiments of building and engineering project management. Topics include contract administration, construction and engineering economics and finance, project planning techniques, co-ordination procedure and interfacing of building services into the building fabric.
Sustainable Building Construction (NP-012408)
This module provides students with the basic knowledge on the building construction with green building design features. Topics will include building design basics, green building design features, building materials, design of building elements and building construction process. Relevant codes pertaining to the building construction and green buildings will be covered. Simulation of solar and lighting analysis using BIM Models were also be taught.
Water, Sanitary & Gas Services (NP-012407)
This module provides students with the sound working knowledge in the design, installation and operational and maintenance of pipe services such as the water, sanitary and gas supply systems in buildings. Topics include theories of fluid properties, fluid dynamics, Bernoulli’s equation, piping systems, pipe sizing, pumps, pipe friction, hot and cold water supply, swimming pool, sanitary plumbing and drainage systems and gas supply services. Relevant Acts and regulations of the Local Authorities will be covered.

Diploma in Engineering (Building Services & Fire Safety)

Certificate in Building Design & Management
BIM (MEP) (NP-012410)
This module aims to use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) software to design and develop Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems from established architectural models. Students will be taught how to coordinate MEP, architecture and structural designs by clash detection techniques provided by BIM software. The use of the as-built models and the information contained therein for BIM Facility Management (BIMFM) and other simulation tools such as energy modelling will also be discussed.
Project Management (NP-012409)
This module seeks to teach the students the rudiments of building and engineering project management. Topics include contract administration, construction and engineering economics and finance, project planning techniques, co-ordination procedure and interfacing of building services into the building fabric.
Sustainable Building Construction (NP-012408)
This module provides students with the basic knowledge on the building construction with green building design features. Topics will include building design basics, green building design features, building materials, design of building elements and building construction process. Relevant codes pertaining to the building construction and green buildings will be covered. Simulation of solar and lighting analysis using BIM Models were also be taught.
Certificate in Building Services (Electrical)
Building Electrical Systems & Design (NP-012403)
This module is designed to provide students with a good understanding of the theories behind the design, construction, operation and maintenance of electrical services installation in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Topics include the design of lighting, power and electrical distribution systems, sizing of cables and circuit protective systems with compliance to the statutory requirements.
Intelligent Buildings (NP-012404)
This module aims to provide the students with knowledge in the design, applications, installation and operation of smart building systems, such building automation, security and access, and structural cabling systems. Emerging technologies such as the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and engineering data analytics will also be taught.
Principles of Electrical Engineering (NP-012402)
This module aims to provide basic knowledge in electricity technology. It deals with the concepts and theory in direct and alternating current circuits, which is essential to the understanding of how electricity is being generated, transmitted and consumed.
Certificate in Building Services (Mechanical)
Air-Conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation Systems (NP-012406)
This module covers the theories, design, equipment selection, installation, operation and maintenance of Air-conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation systems in buildings. It also covers the provisions in the relevant regulations, Singapore Standards and Codes of Practice.
Basic Air-Conditioning (NP-012405)
This module provides students with knowledge on the basic principles of refrigeration cycles and air distribution systems. Topics include fans, pumps and distribution system, psychometric process and refrigeration system. This module prepares the students for the module, Air-conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation Systems.
Water, Sanitary & Gas Services (NP-012407)
This module provides students with the sound working knowledge in the design, installation and operational and maintenance of pipe services such as the water, sanitary and gas supply systems in buildings. Topics include theories of fluid properties, fluid dynamics, Bernoulli’s equation, piping systems, pipe sizing, pumps, pipe friction, hot and cold water supply, swimming pool, sanitary plumbing and drainage systems and gas supply services. Relevant Acts and regulations of the Local Authorities will be covered.
Certificate in Fire Protection Systems
Fire Engineering (NP-012415)
This module provides students with the knowledge of active fire protection systems such as fire alarm, fire extinguisher, fire hose reel, wet & dry riser, automatic fire sprinkler and smoke control system. This module equips students with the skill and knowledge to design, install and maintain fire protection systems in buildings.
Fire Science (NP-012414)
This module provides the students with the fundamentals of fire science and fire behaviour of building materials and products. It also covers the factors affecting the development of fire in compartments and fire hazards of smoke in enclosed buildings.
Performance Based Design (NP-012416)
In this module, students are introduced to the regulations and principles of performance-based fire safety design. It also equips students with the knowledge and skills to use the various types of computational tools for evaluation, fire/evacuation simulation and prediction of fire situations.
Certificate in Fire Safety
Fire Operations & Investigation (NP-012411)
This module provides students with the basic understanding of the fire fighting strategy, techniques & capabilities of SCDF. It also covers fire incident management, emergency response planning and the methodologies for conducting fire investigation.
Fire Safety Legislation & Regulations (NP-012412)
This module aims to familiarise students with the provisions in the Singapore Fire Safety Act & Regulations, Fire Code and the relevant Singapore Standards and Codes of Practices. It allows students to understand the principles and fire safety requirements of behind the passive and active fire safety measures required in Singapore buildings.
Fire Safety Management (NP-012413)
This module provides students with the knowledge on roles of Fire Safety Managers. Topics include Fire Safety Managers, management of evacuation procedures for the different occupancies in building, casualty management and case studies

Entry Requirements

Condition 1

Highest qualification

GCE ‘O’ Level grade:
  • English Language (Grade 1-7)
and

Highest qualification

GCE ‘O’ Level grade:
  • Mathematics (Grade 1-6)
and

Highest qualification

GCE ‘O’ Level grade:
  • One Science subject (Grade 1-6)
And Working experience:At least 1 year of relevant work experience.
or

Condition 2

Highest qualification

NITEC with GPA >= 3.5
or

Condition 3

Highest qualification

NITEC with GPA >= 3.0 And Working experience:At least 1 year of relevant work experience.
or

Condition 4

Highest qualification

Higher NITEC with GPA >= 2.0
or

Condition 5

Highest qualification

Higher NITEC with GPA >= 1.5 And Working experience:At least 1 year of relevant work experience.
or

Condition 6

Highest qualification

NITEC in Technology with GPA >= 3.5 And Working experience:At least 1 year of relevant work experience.
or

Condition 7

Highest qualification

NITEC in Services with GPA >= 3.5 And Working experience:At least 1 year of relevant work experience.
or

Condition 8

Highest qualification

Higher NITEC in Technology with GPA >=2.0 And Working experience:At least 1 year of relevant work experience.
or

Condition 9

Highest qualification

Higher NITEC in Services with GPA >=2.0 And Working experience:At least 1 year of relevant work experience.
or

Condition 10

Highest qualification

Relevant Advanced WSQ Certificate (or higher) and Level 6 WSQ Workplace Literacy SOA and Workplace Numeracy SOA
and

Highest qualification

- And Working experience:At least 1 year of relevant work experience.
or

Condition 11

Working experience

Applicants with at least 2 years of relevant working experience may apply for the course

Financial matters

Course fees payable (incl. GST & excl. supplementary fee)

Description Certificate in Building Design & Management Certificate in Building Services (Electrical) Certificate in Building Services (Mechanical) Certificate in Fire Protection Systems Certificate in Fire Safety Total course fee
Full Course fee $3,767.04 $3,440.88 $3,767.04 $5,552.46 $5,552.46 $22,079.88
PR Sponsored by SME $392.26 $356.83 $392.26 $578.17 $578.17 $2,297.69
Singapore Citizen Sponsored by SME $392.26 $346.08 $392.26 $578.17 $578.17 $2,286.94
Singapore Citizen Aged 40 & Above $376.70 $335.13 $376.70 $555.25 $555.25 $2,199.03
Singapore Citizen Aged Below 40 $565.06 $502.68 $565.06 $832.87 $832.87 $3,298.54
Singapore PR $1,506.82 $1,376.35 $1,506.82 $2,220.98 $2,220.98 $8,831.95
Long-Term Visit Pass Plus $3,767.04 $3,440.88 $3,767.04 $5,552.46 $5,552.46 $22,079.88

GST rate

The course fees payable above are inclusive of 8% GST rate.

Payment option

The first payment needs to be made after accepting the offer.

Allowed payment by

The course fee allows to be paid by:
Post-Secondary Education Account (Adhoc withdrawal form);
Post-Secondary Education Account (Standing order form);
SkillsFuture Credits (SFC);
Credit card (e-payment);
Debit card (e-payment);
PayNow (e-payment).

Important note: All course fees are determined based on prevailing funding policies and subject to review and revision annually.

Nett Supplementary Fees Payable

  • GPA Insurance Fee S$2.13,subject to GST,fees payable S$2.30 Allow payment by Post-Secondary Education Account (Adhoc withdrawal form); Allow payment by Post-Secondary Education Account (Standing order form)
  • Other Fees S$7.50,subject to GST,fees payable S$8.10 Allow payment by Post-Secondary Education Account (Adhoc withdrawal form); Allow payment by Post-Secondary Education Account (Standing order form)

Refund and withdrawal policy

  • Please note that a 100% refund will be available if the withdrawal request is submitted more than or equal to 14 days before the course start date.
  • Please note that a 50% refund will be available if the withdrawal request is submitted less than 14 days before the course start date.
  • Please note that no refund will be available if the withdrawal request is submitted on or after the course start date.