ISTD Frequently Asked Questions Most recent update: February 24, 2016

What is the course schedule for ISTD?

ISTD at a glance Terms 3 and 4 : 5 Core classes: Algorithms, Hardware, Programming, Software Design, OS and Networks; Probability and Statistics; IoT devices (in projects) Terms 5, 6, 7 4 or 5 Track core and electives 1 or 2 Technical Application Electives Multidisciplinary capstone project

Is ISTD only about programming?

ISTD and Programming No, ISTD is NOT only about programming Programming is a tool, just as mathematics is. However, programming has become a VERY Important tool not only for ISTD majors but for ALL majors. ISTD is about the design and implementation of systems; these could be small such as a simple IoT device or a large systems such as an online airline reservation system. ISTD is about the design of products: software and software/hardware products; and systems.

What programming languages do ISTD students learn?

Programming Languages Formally: Python and Java Short courses: C, C++, Swift During internships: Many more such as Ruby

What do ISTD students learn?

Knowledge set Software design; software/hardware co-design; programming lnguages Networking and cyber security: structure, protocols, implementation, cryptography, etc. Databases, Machine learning, Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals of computer hardware User interface design Computer graphics, computational fabrication

Skill set Ability to design, develop, test, and deploy software applications; e.g., games, financial, transportation, educational, web, and many more. Ability to design, develop, test, and deploy software/hardware products such as IoT devices, network devices, and more. Ability to work in multidisciplinary engineering product development teams Ability learn on-your-own new computing technologies that keep cropping up nearly everyday. This ncludes new programming languages, new operating systems, new software tools, etc.

How I can apply what I learn in the future? In terms of skills, ability to solve problems. Which areas of work can I do in the future.

What will ISTD graduates do? ISTD graduates develop PRODUCTS. ISTD products have earned billions for Microsoft, Facebook, Apple, Google, and thousands of other companies ISTD graduates develop SYSTEMS. ISTD graduates have the knowledge and skill set needed NOW and in the FUTURE for Singapore!

What tracks are available in ISTD?

Tracks Artificial Intelligence Computer Engineering [with EPD] Security and Communication Business Analytics [with ESD] Custom Track expansion? Yes, as ISTD student and faculty grow.

Custom Track You design your own track (a) Create a theme for your track (b) Select any four courses (core ISTD courses cannot be used) from ISTD or other pillars; (c) submit your proposal to the ISTD undergraduate committee. It could be in a single discipline (ISTD) or multidisciplinary. Sample themes: Computational Finance; Secure Control; Modeling and Simulation

What is the difficulty level of ISTD?

Difficulty Level You will enjoy ISTD if you like “hands-on” work. Thus, for those who like to do things on their own, develop products- software or hardware; excel in taking on challenges and overcoming them despite the difficulty, will love ISTD. Those who love to be at the forefront of technology will enjoy ISTD. The difficulty level in ISTD courses will be high if you do not enjoy your classes, and low if you do. If you are more of a “desk” person who loves to solve abstract problems, perhaps ISTD is not for you.

How would ISTD modules be related to other pillars in SUTD?

ISTD and Other Pillars Knowledge and skill set acquired in ISTD is applicable to ALL pillars. EPD: Innovative, flexible, and intelligent products: ALL require software, networking, and some even require Artificial Intelligence. ESD: Modeling and simulation, system implementation: ALL require knowledge and skill set acquired in ISTD. ASD: Today’s architect with a sound knowledge of computing fundamentals has a significant edge over others who lack such knowledge and skill set.

Will the journey (in ISTD) for a student with no background (in computing) be very tough?

ISTD: Who should enter? Digital world is intended to provide computing background needed to enter ISTD. You should consider ISTD if you enjoyed Digital World and secured an A, B, or C. Those with a C in Digital World should consider ISTD if they are willing to work hard and enhance their programming skills.

How difficult it will be for new programmers?

New programmer? Most students in ISTD are “new” programmers. If you have enjoyed Digital World, then you will be able to pick up more advanced programming in subsequent courses.

What are the job opportunities for ISTD graduates ?

Response: From Recent News Articles Google looks to hire engineers in Singapore Google has decided to build a new engineering team in Singapore to get closer to the next billion users going online -Published on Feb 22, humanresourcesonline.net Singapore Future Economy Discussion “The Committee also felt that while the economy and jobs will change, there are still plenty of opportunities, in IT, eCommerce, aviation, healthcare, etc. There are also great potential for our people to venture into entrepreneurship and tap into the markets around us.” -Published on Feb 15, Acting Minister for Education, Ong Ye Kung’s Facebook IT talent in short supply amid Smart Nation push S'pore may lack 30,000 professionals by 2017; not enough local grads, says industry -Published on Feb 8, straitstimes.com A BOOMING IT SECTOR -Published on Jan 4, tnp.sg (the new paper)

ISTD: Career Computers have entered nearly ALL aspects of human endeavour Thus, you will be able to apply most of the knowledge acquired in ISTD. You could develop applications for nearly any kind of company (including defence, banks and game companies). You could start your own app development company If you like to play with hardware products, then you could very well use your programming and hardware skill set to design new IoT devices.

What is the difference between “front end” and “back end?”

Front-end vs Back-end There are several definitions. One possible way of looking at this: That which a user directly sees can be considered as “front” and that which is hidden can be considered “back.” Hence, “front end” applications are those that are used directly by a user. Web apps and games fall into this category. Operating systems, networks, language compilers fall into “back-end” category. The knowledge and skill set you will develop enables you to work at both ends.

What is the potential of management positions in ISTD?

ISTD and Management A large number of graduates in Computer Science go into management after a few years of engineering work on the ground. You ought to consider an MBA a few years after graduating with an ISTD degree. You probably know that many of the billionaires in the world have been “computing” lovers who went into management and created giants like Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, etc.

What is the difference between ISTD and Computer Science at other universities?

ISTD and Computer Science ISTD core is the same as that in most Computer Science programs. ISTD electives are the same as those in traditional Computer Science programs. It is the integration of ISTD in the engineering environment of SUTD that makes ISTD different from most Computer Science programs. Thus, ISTD graduates have an appreciation for traditional engineering and design; they are truly multidisciplinary.

How does ISTD compare with other pillars?

ISTD and Other PIllars ISTD focuses on the design of software and software/hardware products and systems; not only hardware products. ISTD offers knowledge and skill set that is relevent to ALL industries in a modern society. Most ISTD coursesare vetry hands on and have less mathematical content than most ESD courses.

Any other questions? Visit istd.sutd.edu.sg