And so I just ended finals not too long ago, and this post seeks to review the modules I have taken in this semester. This was a terrible semester of grinding, and managing 7 modules with programming was challenging.
1. ACC2002 - Managerial accounting
Content: This was a very boring module. I totally hated the content, as opposed to financial accounting. Lessons were conducted once every week, as a 3 hours sectionals style. Apparently, all the classes were as boring, and I had a hard time keeping awake in class. There are 4 quizzes, each taking up 5% of the total grade, a presentation on tutorial (15%), 10% class participation and 55% finals. The good thing is that there was little pressure to class part, as the 10% did not really appeal to most. Quizzes are important, and many scored close to full marks at each round. Apparently, there was a test bank, which I only knew after all the quizzes were done. A generally boring module, but the concepts learnt could be useful to understand how a firm makes decisions internally.
Grade expected: B+/A-
Difficulty: Medium
Grade obtained: A
2. GEH1036 - Living with Mathematics
Content: This module provides introductory lessons on how math is applied in everyday life. There were some good concepts about enciphering, coding, clocking, and some probability. It is rather easy to grasp, and the lectures were done in a way which was not to bad considering a math module. The bell curve is pretty steep though, with the median score for mid terms at 26/30. Lectures were webcasted, and with my classes at 6pm-8pm, twice every week, I gave up lectures and settled for webcast. I did not manage to study consistently for this, but the content was rather short, and there were some overlaps with statistics which made it easier to deal with. This module assessment is based on midterms (30%) and finals (70%). Overall, this would be a module with low time commitment.
Grade expected: B+/A-
Difficulty: Easy
Grade Obtained: A-
3. CS1020E - Data Structures and Algorithms I
Content: And you thought CS1010E was hard. This module is done in C++ programming, and introduces the concepts of several data structure and algorithms. The first 3-4 weeks was crazy, and I struggled to learn about classes, objects, etc. The later half of the module was not as tough, but still challenging. If you put in a lot of effort at the start and decent effort after that, it would be relatively survivable. Programming is however, one of the more fun modules for me, and a very good skill to pick up for the future. For this semester, it was taught by Prof Steven Halim, who really try his best to help students pick up the understanding for this module. Lectures were webcasted, and tutorials are very important to review concepts taught. There was 2 practical exam (10% and 20%), a mid-term test (20%) and finals (40%). Weekly lab exercises took up 7%, and tutorial class participation took up 3%. Overall, I would say this module is very exciting, but not easy and definitely requires commitment.
Grade expected: A-
Difficulty: Hard
Grade Obtained: A
4. FIN2004 - Finance
Content: Quite a fair bit of overlap with IE2140 and the concepts of time value of money. It also includes additional insights into corporate valuation, financial ratios and cash flow management of a firm. Lessons are conducted as 3hrs slots, once every week, sectional style. Class participation consisted of 30%, but competition was not that bad. Midterms took up 20%, term paper(10%), and finals (40%). Term paper was basically solving a preassigned question, and having senior's excel document would go a long way to helping you solve the assignment. The concepts taught introduces one to the idea of finance, and is a good module to take for ISE students, seeing the multiple overlap available. Overall, it is a satisfying module.
Grade expected: A-
Difficulty: Medium
Grade Obtained: A
5. IE2101 - Introduction to systems thinking
Content: The whole module drives the idea of systems thinking across, that you have to consider how a system works to find out the mechanisms of problems. It is a refreshing insight, and a relatively fun module to do. There are 4 graded assignments (basically lab), which takes up 7.5% each, adding up to a total weightage of 30%. There was a final quiz (25%), and the rest is pretty much project based. 5% for interim report, and 40% for project report and presentation combined. The bell curve for this module is expected to be really steep, and the project takes up a massive amount of time and effort. I was so relieved when I finally finished the report for this module. My group did a topic on HIV, and it was rather interesting to analyse and research on. Doing something interesting really helps when the tough times come. Starting early might help, and presentation and report is extremely important. CELC make up part of the team who will assess the presentation, and it is important to make the whole presentation smooth and interesting as well. Really good to have good presentation skills, and picking up public speaking during the same semester seems to help me with that.
Grade expected: A
Difficulty: Slightly hard
Grade Obtained: A
6. IE2110 - Operations Research 1
Content: A very confusing module, and understanding the concepts was a real challenge for me. A very interesting module that introduces the concepts of maximizing efficiency through linear programming. A useful module to understand how to maximize an objective. Assessment includes weekly assignments (10%), midterms (15%), term paper (15%), and finals (60%). As expected, the bell curve is very steep, and everyone gets close to full marks if not full marks for weekly assignments. Midterms are likewise, and practice would help. Term paper allows you and your group to find a problem and apply OR concepts to solve them. My group and I rushed to solve this, and we did not do as well. I could not keep up with the webcasted lectures, and had a tough time understanding concepts. Finals was a disaster, and exceptionally difficult. It was the toughest paper I had in NUS thus far. Overall, this module and its concepts are useful to solving problems with linear programming, and simplex.
Grade expected: B-/B
Difficulty: Hard.
Grade Obtained: B+
7. GET1008 - Public speaking and critical reasoning
Content: This module introduces good elements to public speaking, and gives a good platform to practice preparing and delivering speeches. It helps build confidence for speaking in front of an audience, and is a very good module for personal development. The first half of the semester is relatively easy, and speeches are not graded to allow students to warm up to the module. The second half was relatively harder, and requires more effort and time weto finish speeches, as well as the project. It is a good module to take if you are either really good at speaking in public, or you really want to develop this skill. The assessment consists of 3 speeches with weightage of 50% in total, a final quiz (20%), class participation of 15%, and a group project of 15%. Altogether there will be 6 speeches in total though. Dress well, speak well, and prepare well, and you will probably do well for it.
Grade expected: B+
Difficulty: Slightly Hard
Grade Obtained: A+
Friday, December 2, 2016
WEW let's begin
Hello friends,
I've decided to do up some reviews for nus modules after completing my 3rd semester in NUS, and though its a little late, I just hope that some of my retrospective review would be useful as well!
I am currently pursuing a double degree in ISE and Business admin, with ISE as my home faculty. Currently a year 2 student!
Reasons why I choose to do DDP: I did not want to do just purely engineering because I felt that it was going to be very boring and dry, and that engineering faculty generally lacks dynamism. As such, adding a little spice by taking up business modules seemed appealing! If you are looking at the job prospects, it would definitely open up more options since you have two degrees. More importantly, you must choose to do what you like, and for me, this dual perspective on learning was certainly refreshing for me :)
Thoughts on DDP: DDP has been really time consuming and challenging, but it really depends how you plan out your schedule to fit the 4~5 years that determines the pace you need to learn. I have been doing 6 modules for the first two semester and 7 modules for the third semester. 7 modules is a whole new level of crazy, and I'm pretty sure I would not attempt such a feat again. But if you are up for it, I would recommend overloading in the first year to see if you can handle the pressure, before adjusting to how you want your pace to be. After all, there is the grade free year for freshies after my batch!
Simple recap of past modules taken. It would be better to also check out other reviews done right after the semester itself as that would be more "fresh".
Past modules
AY 2015/2016 Semester 1
1. CS1010E
Content: I enjoyed this module, and learning to solve problems by doing up your own codes and algorithm was new and exciting. Overall, you will learn the syntax (language) to write codes and a few handy tools and ways to solve problems. This module provides a good idea to the language of programming, and is recommended if you have free SUs left.
Grade obtained: A-
Difficulty: Not easy
2. EG1108
Content: This was a module on electrical engineering, and a rather interesting application of physics concepts. It is a 3MCs module, and the module was pretty manageable. I don't think they offer this anymore though, but it was used to fulfill the basket of science requirement for ISE.
Grade obtained: A
Difficulty: Relatively do-able
3. ES1501C
Content: I went into this module thinking that it would clear ES2331 and the GET1021 (the critical writing module), but apparently, because of the 5 pillar requirements, I have to take another GET module in replacement. So at the end of the day, I essentially clear only 1 module with this. This module was made available only to students with A levels GP who obtained A, or DDP/GEP students with at least A levels GP grade of B. I had a grade of B and attempted this module, with many students proficient in their language. It teaches about crime and disaster writing, and provides good lessons on how to structure and write essays and reports. I was not very good in my English, and suffered badly for this. Looking back, taking ES2331 and GET1021 might have been better for CAP.
Grade obtained: S (SU-ing this)
Difficulty: Hard
4. MA1505
Content: Teaches fundamental math for future engineering applications and concepts, and was generally a problem solving type of module. It builds up on concepts learnt in JC, and was generally okay. The bell curve is not as bad as ISE bell curve, so scoring might be slightly easier. That being said, it requires effort to understand the material and much practice before fully grasping the subject.
Grade obtained: S (SU-ing this)
Difficulty: Medium
5. MNO1001
Content: This was my only business module for the semester, and I had a really enjoyable time with this module. It has two projects, and having a good project group was really the best. The concepts were as many would call it "fluff", but gives new insights to concepts taught about management. Class participation was 30%, and very intense, but if you know how to "fluff", this might be for you.
Grade obtained: A-
Difficulty: Medium
6. ST1131
Content: The most basic statistics module you could ask for. It is basically a review of JC statistics concepts, and lectures were very dry. Bell curve would be rather steep, but still manageable. I did average for midterms, and studied a little harder for this in finals which was 70%.
Grade obtained: A+
Difficulty: Easy
AY 2015/2016 Semester 2
1. ACC1002
Content: The best module I took for semester 2. Winston Kwok was the lecturer for this module, and his lectures are the best. It includes many elements of entertainment that fortunately brought some dynamism to the rather dry concepts in accounting. Overall, I enjoyed this module and tutorial classes were interesting as well. It gives the background to understanding how financial accounting works, and requires consistent efforts throughout the semester.
Grade obtained: A+
Difficulty: Medium
2. GER1000
Content: Also another statistics module, that many students had to take. The bell curve on this was okay as you will be competing with many other faculty students as well. Many people has the SU mentality on this module so it is good to score if you put in effort. I had a great team for my project, who put in alot of effort, and we managed to do fairly well for this.
Grade obtained: A
Difficulty: Easy
3. IE2140
Content: There was alot of emphasis on time value of money, and exams were open book. The bell curve for this was rather steep, and presentation marks are critical to the final grades obtained. I enjoyed this module, and it provides good insights to the value of money and some ideas on its applications to how a firm makes financial decision.
Grade obtained: A
Difficulty: Medium
4. MA1506
Content: More fundamental math, and generally similar in style to MA1505. The cohort is the same as well, and content and lectures were webcasted. Bell curve is reasonable as well! Do your PYP, and practise time management. This are the key to doing well
Grade obtained: A+
Difficulty: Medium
5. MKT1003
Content: I dreaded this module the most, and the class participation competition was very intense for my class. The best thing about this module for me was my project members, who really spare no effort in doing up a good presentation. They made this module enjoyable for me! The presentations by everyone was another level, and very very entertaining and well prepared. Although I hated the content, which I could not fully grasp, it was a enriching module
Grade obtained: B+
Difficulty: Hard
6. ST2131
Content: The most crazy statistics module I had taken. Compared to ST1131, it is like comparing a grain of sand to a whole beach. A whole new level of confusion. The lectures and contents gives alot of proof for certain concepts like the central limit theorem, etc. And overall, it was really difficult to understand the concepts, much less alone apply them. I had a hard time studying for this module, and really have to thank the friends who helped me along the way, and helped me understand this module. This is a prerequisite to many other modules for ISE, so it is unavoidable. The bell curve will be to your favor since everyone will be struggling.
Grade obtained: A
Difficulty: Very Hard
I've decided to do up some reviews for nus modules after completing my 3rd semester in NUS, and though its a little late, I just hope that some of my retrospective review would be useful as well!
I am currently pursuing a double degree in ISE and Business admin, with ISE as my home faculty. Currently a year 2 student!
Reasons why I choose to do DDP: I did not want to do just purely engineering because I felt that it was going to be very boring and dry, and that engineering faculty generally lacks dynamism. As such, adding a little spice by taking up business modules seemed appealing! If you are looking at the job prospects, it would definitely open up more options since you have two degrees. More importantly, you must choose to do what you like, and for me, this dual perspective on learning was certainly refreshing for me :)
Thoughts on DDP: DDP has been really time consuming and challenging, but it really depends how you plan out your schedule to fit the 4~5 years that determines the pace you need to learn. I have been doing 6 modules for the first two semester and 7 modules for the third semester. 7 modules is a whole new level of crazy, and I'm pretty sure I would not attempt such a feat again. But if you are up for it, I would recommend overloading in the first year to see if you can handle the pressure, before adjusting to how you want your pace to be. After all, there is the grade free year for freshies after my batch!
Simple recap of past modules taken. It would be better to also check out other reviews done right after the semester itself as that would be more "fresh".
Past modules
AY 2015/2016 Semester 1
1. CS1010E
Content: I enjoyed this module, and learning to solve problems by doing up your own codes and algorithm was new and exciting. Overall, you will learn the syntax (language) to write codes and a few handy tools and ways to solve problems. This module provides a good idea to the language of programming, and is recommended if you have free SUs left.
Grade obtained: A-
Difficulty: Not easy
2. EG1108
Content: This was a module on electrical engineering, and a rather interesting application of physics concepts. It is a 3MCs module, and the module was pretty manageable. I don't think they offer this anymore though, but it was used to fulfill the basket of science requirement for ISE.
Grade obtained: A
Difficulty: Relatively do-able
3. ES1501C
Content: I went into this module thinking that it would clear ES2331 and the GET1021 (the critical writing module), but apparently, because of the 5 pillar requirements, I have to take another GET module in replacement. So at the end of the day, I essentially clear only 1 module with this. This module was made available only to students with A levels GP who obtained A, or DDP/GEP students with at least A levels GP grade of B. I had a grade of B and attempted this module, with many students proficient in their language. It teaches about crime and disaster writing, and provides good lessons on how to structure and write essays and reports. I was not very good in my English, and suffered badly for this. Looking back, taking ES2331 and GET1021 might have been better for CAP.
Grade obtained: S (SU-ing this)
Difficulty: Hard
4. MA1505
Content: Teaches fundamental math for future engineering applications and concepts, and was generally a problem solving type of module. It builds up on concepts learnt in JC, and was generally okay. The bell curve is not as bad as ISE bell curve, so scoring might be slightly easier. That being said, it requires effort to understand the material and much practice before fully grasping the subject.
Grade obtained: S (SU-ing this)
Difficulty: Medium
5. MNO1001
Content: This was my only business module for the semester, and I had a really enjoyable time with this module. It has two projects, and having a good project group was really the best. The concepts were as many would call it "fluff", but gives new insights to concepts taught about management. Class participation was 30%, and very intense, but if you know how to "fluff", this might be for you.
Grade obtained: A-
Difficulty: Medium
6. ST1131
Content: The most basic statistics module you could ask for. It is basically a review of JC statistics concepts, and lectures were very dry. Bell curve would be rather steep, but still manageable. I did average for midterms, and studied a little harder for this in finals which was 70%.
Grade obtained: A+
Difficulty: Easy
AY 2015/2016 Semester 2
1. ACC1002
Content: The best module I took for semester 2. Winston Kwok was the lecturer for this module, and his lectures are the best. It includes many elements of entertainment that fortunately brought some dynamism to the rather dry concepts in accounting. Overall, I enjoyed this module and tutorial classes were interesting as well. It gives the background to understanding how financial accounting works, and requires consistent efforts throughout the semester.
Grade obtained: A+
Difficulty: Medium
2. GER1000
Content: Also another statistics module, that many students had to take. The bell curve on this was okay as you will be competing with many other faculty students as well. Many people has the SU mentality on this module so it is good to score if you put in effort. I had a great team for my project, who put in alot of effort, and we managed to do fairly well for this.
Grade obtained: A
Difficulty: Easy
3. IE2140
Content: There was alot of emphasis on time value of money, and exams were open book. The bell curve for this was rather steep, and presentation marks are critical to the final grades obtained. I enjoyed this module, and it provides good insights to the value of money and some ideas on its applications to how a firm makes financial decision.
Grade obtained: A
Difficulty: Medium
4. MA1506
Content: More fundamental math, and generally similar in style to MA1505. The cohort is the same as well, and content and lectures were webcasted. Bell curve is reasonable as well! Do your PYP, and practise time management. This are the key to doing well
Grade obtained: A+
Difficulty: Medium
5. MKT1003
Content: I dreaded this module the most, and the class participation competition was very intense for my class. The best thing about this module for me was my project members, who really spare no effort in doing up a good presentation. They made this module enjoyable for me! The presentations by everyone was another level, and very very entertaining and well prepared. Although I hated the content, which I could not fully grasp, it was a enriching module
Grade obtained: B+
Difficulty: Hard
6. ST2131
Content: The most crazy statistics module I had taken. Compared to ST1131, it is like comparing a grain of sand to a whole beach. A whole new level of confusion. The lectures and contents gives alot of proof for certain concepts like the central limit theorem, etc. And overall, it was really difficult to understand the concepts, much less alone apply them. I had a hard time studying for this module, and really have to thank the friends who helped me along the way, and helped me understand this module. This is a prerequisite to many other modules for ISE, so it is unavoidable. The bell curve will be to your favor since everyone will be struggling.
Grade obtained: A
Difficulty: Very Hard
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