So this was the semester that I went for an student exchange program (SEP) to USA. Perhaps one of the most chill semester ever, and I got the chance to travel without being so worried about exams or my grades! Being on exchange with many bright minds from ISE as well as NUS and NTU, there were many motivated students who wanted to seize the opportunity to learn more from their US education system. They took on 6-7 modules and overloaded in an attempt to clear more classes and map these back to NUS. As a result of peer pressure and also because I wanted to learn more as well, I took on 6 modules (The normal student takes 4 modules in the US). As a result, most of us were constrained by our timetable and could not travel as flexibly as we wanted to. So, please know your priorities when going on exchange!
This post will simply run through the classes I did briefly, as it is not as applicable to NUS.
PUBP4140 Leadership --> MNO2007 (NUS)
This was a module on leadership and taught by a very enthusiastic teacher. Assessment was done three ways: Reading a book on leadership and coming up with a poster as a team (33%), Reading another book on leadership and applying it to a particular organization that we are involved in (33%), Doing up journal entries based on the lessons in class and how it relates to our leadership journey (33%).
This module introduces some of the concepts relating to productivity, leadership types and traits, and some of the framework and leading ideas regarding leadership. It was a very different module that promoted learning and self development, and gave opportunities for improvement in whatever organization we were in. Unfortunately, as I wasn't actively involved in many organizations while in US, I couldn't apply most of what I learnt. However, the lessons learnt here and the tools I take back were helpful and contributed to the reflective and prioritizing process when I got back. It was truly refreshing.
MGT4450 Project Management --> IE4240 (NUS)
This module introduces concepts related to managing a project, as well as some tools used in managing projects (Gantt Chart, critical path, etc). Generally boring class, but the tools can be applicable if you are taking on project manager roles. The class was conducted such that grades were determined mostly from quizzes and a group project. If you can memorize, this class will be a walk in the park for you. I only starting chugging down materials the day before the quiz and manage to do well!
CS4400 Database Management --> IE4604 (NUS)
This module introduces the language of SQL, and designing the database of a typical relational database model. A really refreshing module for me after learning the operational languages of programming (C, C++, Java) and coding up functions. This module introduces how data is stored and how it would be retrieved, etc. There are a multitude of database designs today, and this class of relational database is slightly outdated, but it provides a good introduction to database designs which can be applicable to newer ideas of databases. I used this for my internship when I got back too, so that was useful!
MGT3084 Financial Derivatives --> FIN3116 (NUS)
This module introduces concepts used to value derivative securities such as your put/call options. Concepts such as Black-Scholes model, binomial option pricing as well as application to valuing options (option to sell off project if it fails, or option to expand, etc) was introduced. We used Matlab to run simulation models and derive a fair share value for derivatives. We also learned the idea of replicating portfolio to hedge risks as well. Altogether, it was a demanding module that introduces new ways of valuation as compared to the typical CAPM model. Very refreshing, although the professor that taught this class was slightly poor at communicating his ideas.
ISYE3103 Supply Chain Modelling --> IE4220 (NUS)
This module introduces many algorithms and tools related to optimizing supply chain processes. This included EOQ models for multiple facilities and assembly systems, shortest path problems in transportation, minimum cost network flow model as well as travelling salesman problems. This class introduces in-depth modelling and some of the leading algorithms that used to optimize network problems. A very applicable module that can add value to an organization. Rigorous and applicable class.
ISYE4031 Regression Forecasting --> IE4505 (NUS)
This module focuses on the idea of advanced regression models that is built to predict outcomes. A very industrial model based on statistics that can be applied to many of the world's problems. Although statistics has some severe drawbacks (confounding, causation vs correlation, etc), this module is pretty useful in the realm of statistics and develops on basic statistics that I've learn in ISE.
You will be able to build multiple regression models and even non-linear models to predict the outcome of a particular phenomenon. This class includes concepts such as residual analysis, time series regression, exponential smoothing and box-jenkins models. I will be using most of this concepts for my mini-thesis this upcoming semester so it was really helpful for me!
Advice: Please do something else besides studying!
Apart from studying, I also did quite a bit of travelling around US and Canada. Places include: Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Florida, New York and Toronto. It made my whole exchange program experience very rich and enjoyable. So please take time off studies and expand your perspective on life if it is something you want. You probably won't regret it.
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