Year 1 Sem 2

This is to continue the reviews of the various modules.

Year 1 Sem 2 was also a semester with a slight deprovement from year 1 sem 1 (very slight). But this was an expected deprovement due to the expected deprovement from Critical Thinking and Writing. Surprisingly, however, it was not CTW that pulled me down but my SARTOR, Financial Accounting (FNA1002).

EG1413 Critical Thinking and Writing: A-
Critical Thinking and Writing is a module a lot of engineers fear due to its 'essay' based grading. Its essentially a writing module. A large percentage of the grading is on the group and individual efforts ( critique, summary and some proposal thinge)... I put in a lot of work into this and it paid off. Our grader (simone) is quite strick but i can say I truly enjoyed the classes. She is indeed a fun tutor. I thought I flunked the finals but it turned out OK. My other group-mates didn't do well so I guess its the project that pulled us down. To do well for this module, get a good ang-moh guy into the group and let him do all the work. Trust me. It works.

FNA1002 Financial Accounting: B+ (This is my first B+ in NUS).
This module took up the most of my time. Each assignment is time consuming in my attempt to grasp accounting concepts. Things can get confusing (especially for me with almost 0 accounting background). All the hardwork did pay off. I scored 39/40 for my mid terms and did all questions for my finals. I think that my project pulled me down to the B+ by a lot. Basically if you are taking this module, be passionate about it and put your best into the project.

PC1432 Physics IIE: A+ (This is my first A+ in NUS!) See!!! such a coincidence!!!
This module covers Electricity and Magnetism, Simple Harmonic Motion, Waves and Modern Physics. Essentially another 'content overload' module. Eventually, the beauty of the physics equations should get hold onto you and you should realise the simplicity of the electricity and magnetism part (Physics is about beauty in simplicity). Unfortunately, the SHM and Waves part is basically an equation memorising , route-learning kind of experience. Understanding the first half of the module would help a lot for this!.

MA1506 Engineering Mathematics II: A
Victor Tan is infamous in NUS for his student's scandal. However, many know him for another reason: his killer papers. He is a good lecturer, being able to bring his point accross well. The content of MA1506 is a lot, covering linear algebra, pde, surface and line integrals etc. (a lot a lot of content!) The content itself is difficult and so is the final paper. Lack of time and lack of conceptual understanding eventually led to the demise of many at the finals. Thank god for the bell curve.

CS1102C Data Structures and Algorithms in C++: A-
This module is a killer module. Basically, its supposed to be an 'introduction' to programming for engineering students. This is a great leap from CS1101C where only basic concepts are thought. The Object Oriented PRogramming part can be difficult for some. The data structures concepts are relatively simple but the lack of ability in programming can mean that implementation becomes a chore (especially with pointers and such). Unfortunately during my sem, the lecturers are really sucky and couldn't bring their point accross. This coupled with poorly set papers made this module a terrible one.

GEK1503 Chemistry in Space: A
A rather easy to score science gem due to its completely MCQ nature. However, there are marks deducted for writing wrong answers!!!!!! The finals is surprisingly more tricky. The content, however, is straight forward even for non-Chemistry ppl. (Note that chemistry in space, i feel, is equally divided into Chemistry and Physics). Both the Chemistry and Physics part are not really covered during A levels though. Overall, A fun and relatively relaxing module to take.