Year 1 Sem 1 Modules

For the sake of completeness, I will give brief reviews of the Year 1 Modules I have taken and the grades obtained eventually.

Year 1: Engineering modules are usually common modules to all engin cows. There are some exceptions according to the streams though.

Semester 1:
Did below expectations on my first semester. Mainly because I was overconfident at the (relatively simple) content and not used to the bell curve at NUS. I had a lot of committments (hall etc. ) but I cannot say that they caused me to do badly because I would have just slacked if i did not have those committments.
Sem 1 modules generally require a lot of practise and thats all.

EG1471: English for Academic Purposes (Engineering): B-
This is essentially a useless module with regards to CAP. It does not contribute at all to CAP as it is a 0 MC module. All you need is to get something above an F (which is insanely easy to get)... Basically, you have to take this shitty module if you got a 3/4 for the english test...
For this module, just be relaxed and try not to waste too much time on it. I, however, did get to know some people from EAP. Since it follows a class room system, its great for socialising.

SSA2211: Evolution of a Global City State: S
This is the Singapore Studies (SS) module I took. Its an easy module for those who are from malaysia and taken history during SPM (unfortunately I did not take the SPM). However, for those who studied in Singapore (like me) would find it familiar also. Essentially an essay-based module. There are two mid-term essays that you have to hand in. I admit that I like writing essays but I hated the 2nd 'essay' which is not an essay after all. Its some sort of Interview thinge. I got an A for my first essay and a C+ for my 2nd essay. Thank god I S/Ued the module!!!! I know a lot of people who got A for the module though (due to the majority of people S/Uing). I suggest taking this module if you want to know more about the history of Asia.

MA1505: Engineering Mathematics I: A-
Engineering Mathematics I is a comparatively easy module with regards to content. Basically on calculus, limits, power series etc. Most of the content is already covered in pre-university courses.. however, like all engineering modules, the questions are very difficult to generate a good bell-curve. Admittedly, I managed to complete all questions and can still not figure out how did I get the A-. In order to score for this module, you need to be familiar with all the content. The tutorials should be simple. Practice past papers. Practice. Practice. Practice and you'll score. I didn't really practice much for this module (just attempted some past papers) but please do that!

PS. This module trains your basic foundations. If you are an EE student, you need to be good in maths.


PC1431: Physics 1E: A
Physics 1E is a great module. It is a module on Mechanics and Thermodynamics. The mechanics part is relatively easy for F Maths students (I am not). For A level physics students, Mechanics would be slightly harder due to the lack of exposure to calculus-type mechanics problem. However, eventually you'll get used to it. Physics 1E, unlike Mathematics I, has killer tutorials that you are not expected to complete. However, do try to do them as it will give you confidence for the final exams. Thermodynamics is relatively new but it is essentially just formula memorising, route-learning kind of stuff. To be able to score for this module, you need to understand and grasp Physics concepts very well. Practice is necessary but you need to practice and train your thinking skills.

PS. If you are an EE student and don't do well for this module, don't despair as it is essentially useless for upper year modules.

CS1101C: Programming Methodology in C: A-
Engineering students seem to be afraid of programming. From all that I have heard, I also became afraid of programming as it was my first time doing programming. However, as time progresses, I found it to be easier and easier. (While doing it it's really hard but now when you see it, its actually really easy). To score for this module, you need to do well for the PE (otherwise its hard to get an A)... I did almost perfectly for my finals (which many could not complete) but my PE pulled me down to an A-. This module is important for EE students due to CS1102C. To do well for this module, I cannot emphasize on the importance of practise.

EG1108: Electrical Engineering: A
This module is probably the easiest module you will ever encounter in EE. However, the lecturers suck. No one understands him and its better for you to view the webcasts so that you can repeat over and over again until you can understand his slang. Actually, self-studying is sufficient. Be SURE to try out the additional problems as they are often repeated. Get someone who truly understands the module to teach you tips and tricks if you are stuck. You need to score because it is an easy module.

Mooty Cow!!!

This blog is a separate one from the general blog mootycow.blogspot.com . Essentially, this blog focuses on my experience in academics in the electrical engineering department in the National University of Singapore (NUS). It might also go into things like sec school and JC systems.

I also plan to give mini-reviews on the modules I have taken and tips with regards to the modules.
Note that there have been some changes to modules (especially some year 1 modules). My comments are based on the modules I have taken it when I took it. I'm currently in year 2 going on to sem 2.