HELLO! IT'S THAT TIME OF THE SEMESTER AGAIN (I'M IN THE MIDST OF FINALS BUT NOT STUDYING WOOHOO) So I really want to just blog about my UROPS experience (in case i forget about it) since i feel that it is a really really really important topic for those who may be interested in taking on UROPS but are unable to find out much about it. So I was in that lost sheep position earlier this year and DO NOT WISH for others to be like me.
About UROPS: Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme in Science (UROPS)
There are two types of UROPS project offered, either 4MCs (1 semester) or 8MCs (2 semesters). The module code for the UROPS is determined by the project you are undertaking, which you can access the list from NUS page (above).
TIP1: Choose your PI wisely (ask around for opinions e.g. your TAs in the lab, seniors that have gone through UROPS)
I would not advice you to choose a project based on its description because it is entirely up to the prof to change the project assigned to you. Instead, choose the field you want to work in and most importantly, WHO YOU WANT TO WORK WITH. The dynamics between you and your supervisor will determine everything:
1. It will determine how comfortable you will be (love or hate or neutral with the module). This is very important since you'll be spending everyday in the laboratory / on your project, so its best you enjoy it.
2. It will determine how much you can experience and learn. Whether the supervisor will provide sufficient constructive feedback or leave you to do this alone (very little guidance). Ultimately, NO ONE (even the nicest ones) will be there to spoon feed you. You're on a trip to discover what working in a real lab is like. When the experiments fail, it is on you to find out what went wrong and to take the initiative to discuss with your Prof to troubleshoot.
3. It will determine the laboratory culture you will be exposed to. Different labs have different styles, while most have lab meetings or 1-on-1 consultation with the PI (principal investigator), some may not do that since PIs are very busy people. The co-workers will be the people you will spend the most time with and if you're awkward with them.. it may not be an enjoyable experience overall.
4. It will determine your GRADE. YES. the most important part of any UROPS for students is the grading. Your supervisor is only involved with 1/3 of the grading, the other 2 profs who will be marking your report and grading your oral examination will hold 70% of your grade. However, YOUR SUPERVISOR will be the one giving your feedback on how to do a good job for the report and oral exam, so if you get a really strict supervisor who is super good as criticising your work (like mine), most of the faults in your report will probably be resolved and the tips given on how to deliver a good presentation for the oral exam will also be super helpful.
TIP2: Know your project inside out. I died real bad towards the end of my UROPS since i had to cram the report and prepare for the oral examination amidst all my other bunch of reports due and tests and presentations, so i wasnt able to read up enough to fully grasp what my project was about. I wrote the report in a rush and it was totally rejected by my prof and his words killed me so bad. i was literally thinking "im so dead. im going to get a B- and it'll screw up my CAP again and im not going to be able to leave a good impression on my prof and all my effort and time spent on getting the results throughout the entire semester and holiday will go down the drain" but thank God for my prof, really. despite how savage he is and all, he really was the saving grace i needed for this module. I dont know my grade yet but whatever the case, it wouldve been a lot lower without him.
1. Read up, like READ UP not skim through. Really understand and appreciate what you are doing
2. Speak up, CLARIFY all your doubts with the people in your lab if you're scared of your prof (but the prof will be the best person cause the others in the lab may not be clear either since they have their own projects to run). understand the point of your research project (purpose), know what actions to take next (future stuff), know HOW to interpret your results and WHAT they mean. This is especially important since the point of your UROPS is to show the importance / purpose of your project through your results. Your results will show the profs what you've been up to these few months and why they should even listen to you. It's ok even if they are negative results because negative results show that there is no relation and others can focus on something else in the future.
TIP3: these tips are for the oral exam (given to me by my prof and some of my own observations). The purpose of the oral exam is really to find out how much you've learned from the UROPS module, how well you understand your project and what have you been up to those few months in the lab.
1. make sure the profs grading you can follow and understand your presentation. in other words, your organisation and flow of content must be smooth (doesnt have to follow the report style). Even though the profs grading you are from the same department, they may not know what your project is about nor its importance since a department is so big and there are many different fields within the department. Being clear will not only help them follow through with your presentation but will also show how well you understand and know your project and this gives you a lot of marks.
2. the oral exam may be the time where the profs finally takes a look at your report. so while you're speaking they may be looking at your report. CHANCE TO READ YOUR SCRIPT LOL. but seriously, it means that anything you say has to match what you've written in your report. because if there's a discrepancy, either you're saying the wrong thing or the report is wrong, which will ultimately affect your marks. ok that's not the point i wanted to address. when this is the first time they read your report, it may also be their last time, meaning all your 70% is going to come from how well you do this oral exam. They are capable of grading you before even reading your report based on how you do your presentation (i think), and the presentation will be their FIRST IMPRESSION of you which can also affect the attitude they will have when reading your report after the presentation. "wow, that person presented so well, im going to read the report to better understand the project since its interesting" VS "that student was a complete mess, I dont think reading the report will even be worth my time considering that level of understanding the student has of her own project." see? HUGE DIFFERENCE. so really, DO WELL.
3. QnA, the most feared section. Different profs have different styles, no, even the same prof have different styles depending on the presentation. They can choose to let you finish your entire 15min of presentation before the QnA or directly interrupt you with a question in the middle of your presentation, SO DO NOT BE ALARMED. How well you respond to the question is what they look out for rather than how many correct answers you give. Of course, giving a wrong answer = negative marks but if the question is so crazy hard, i guess these profs have a heart too and wont minus too many marks? idk. TAKE A BREATH, REGISTER THE QUESTION, CLARIFY THE QUESTION TO GAIN TIME, ANSWER CONFIDENTLY WITH A REASONABLE ANSWER. "while that area was not covered in the scope of my research project, I believe it is an interesting field that we can further explore" or "while i do not know much about that, based on what ive read XXXX" these answers are definitely better than faking something confidently that may be completely wrong. These profs arent profs for nothing, they definitely can tell the difference.
4. try to present naturally without too much reference to your script but im not asking you to memorise word for word either. just be spontaneous and show that you really understand YOUR project. the only way to do so is to REALLY understand your project though lol. i guess practicing the presentation as much as you can is the other best option if you dont know your project that well.
wow this became a super long essay. so much easier to write than my report though lol. oh there will be a report format document somewhere on the NUS site that you're expected to follow closely to, format wise. Pertaining the content, just write like it is going to be a published research paper and not like your usual lab report, because lab reports are too kiddy for them lol.
WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE UROPS:
1. despite all the horror stories and bad experiences, i would say ive learned a lot more from my urops than any other module ive taken at NUS. these skills (people and lab) will be with me for a very long time. time management and planning of experiments was also a learning point and being able to "think critically" whatever that means hahah
2. they reflect well on your portfolio if you're planning to stay in the science / research field. FYP profs will also prefer students with UROPS background because they know you'll not be a complete newbie and will be able to aid them in their research
3. they prepare you for FYP like no other module can. FYP will probably be the same thing but 16mcs instead of 4/8mcs. having been through it once lets you know what to expect and how much effort to dump in
4. you really learn if research is the thing for you or not. find out early rather than regretting it late in the game.
5. i think my prof is a great mentor but not everyone can handle him (scary, fierce, scary, stressful, scary), so find a prof that fits your working style
## this list can go on but i'll stop ##
if there's anything more you'd like to know then please comment so i can update this post. I did my project in the biochemistry lab. i dont really want to mention what i worked on cause paranoid that my prof may find this post while googling it. He's the only lab in NUS working on it after all.
UPDATE: SO I GOT MY RESULTS BACK AND I GOT AN A!!!!! REALLY SUPER THANKFUL FOR THE AWESOME RESULTS AND THE VERY VERY GOOD EXPERIENCE!! WEW!! HAPPINESS OVERLOAD HAHAHA
Thursday, 30 November 2017
Thursday, 1 June 2017
LSM Major AY16/17 Sem 2
So to whoever reading this, you're probably an NUS student cause i dont think anyone else would be interested in reading my blog. So as you all know, results were released the other day (29/05/17) and I am saddened by my grades but at the same time, know i dont deserve them (too good for me). This sem was surprisingly 'fun' and not as bad as i thought it would be. In other news, my CAP has dropped once again but whatever, not something i cant raise if i work for it. Let's get started (i know 99% of the people reading this post will skip the intro so i can talk nonsense here)
YEAR 2 SEM 2
Modules : LSM2103, PR3301, LSM3211, LSM3212, LSM3232 and GEH1049 (24MCs - Overloaded) red = pre-allocated
LSM 3211 - 1 point
LSM 3212 - 1 point
LSM 3232 - 1 point
GEH1049 - 700 points
LSM 2103 - Cell Biology (Webcasted)
WARNING: it is not the cell biology you'd expect if you want to talk about nucleus, cell wall, cytoplasm etc. it's more of signalling pathways, cell processes (apoptosis) and reading of many million research papers.
HOW TO STUDY:
1. Do the in-class quizzes in groups & try to get full marks for just 5/8 (i did)
2. Do all the participatory things they ask of you cause even 2% makes a difference
3. Score for video & poster if it's the last thing you do (Thilo gives rewards if you're lucky e.g. $20 Starbucks card)
4. Understand the research paper from Thilo's part and memorise the concepts for Yeong's part even if it's an open book paper - because there's not enough time with all the shading and drawing you will need to do.
Workload: 3.5/5 (a lot of reading and coursework)
Expected Grade: A
Overall Grade: A-
LSM 3211 - Fundamental Pharmacology (Webcasted)
This module was tough but necessary. A lot of other modules require them (for people aiming to get the BMS specialisation). Worst of all, you can't use your S/U since it's a core and it's not the only module you have in the entire semester. You'll learn about drugs classified based on their receptors, the in-depth mechanism, pharmaco-kinetics & -dynamics, pharmacological classes & more drugs. HAVE FUN CRAMMING THE INFORMATION DURING FINALS. CA - 25% 28 True/False questions with negative marking but the negative is not carried forward (have i confused you yet?) So each question has 4 true/false subparts, within a single qns, you can get a maximum score of 4 or a minimum of 0 (no negative score here) but lets say you get 2 correct and 2 wrong within the 4subparts, that will mean it is +2-2=0, a flat zero for that question. Likewise for 1 correct and 3 wrong since the minimum is 0. For finals, 28 True/False questions and short essay questions, there will be 3 sections of SEQ where you can choose 1 out of 2 or 3 questions per section, so 3 SEQs in total. ATB! I couldn't get myself to study until the night before #dead
HOW TO STUDY:
Workload: 3/5
Expected Grade: B+
Overall Grade: B+ (not bad)
LSM3212 - Human Physiology: Cardiopulmonary System (Webcasted)
HOW TO STUDY:
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: A- (i only studied 2/4 of the parts for finals hahaha winged it)
Overall Grade: B+ (Honestly disappointed with myself for not putting in the effort for finals)
LSM3232 - Microbiology
"FREE A" is what people would say about this module once again. It's actually easier than LSM2191 which i would like to bitterly say i should've gotten my A if not for my TA's biased marking. (it's over, bye bye, dont think about it). 3 main topics: General microbiology + a bit of water treatment, Food microbiology and Medical microbiology. MCQs for CA and written for finals. The thing for finals is that you can choose the questions you want to do! but of course you're forced to answer 1 general, 1 food and 1 medical microbiology question (3 parts). Search NUS library for past year papers (only 2 available) and try attempting them / read through to spot the type of questions that will appear. It's actually quite obvious. Prof Kevin Tan will drop hints for his part here and there during the lecture. 3 graded lab reports that are easy since there's a 3page limit and the TAs are usually nice to give everyone an A.
HOW TO STUDY :
1. Study everything in the notes (the history part too! Anthrax & Pasteur lol) for CA
2. Spot questions for finals and just focus on those to save memory space. (memorise sewage or cell anatomy for part 1, HACCP or food borne diseases for part 2, S. aureus or HIV for part 3) - for my finals, yours may be different.
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: A
Overall Grade: A
PR3301 - Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
The module is interesting but not my cup of tea. I only did it because of my minor which i have decided to drop since i lost interest and i dont need that many UEs. you'll learn about the formulations of the different dosage forms like suspensions, solutions, tablets, patches, etc. and how they are made. There's no finals but the CA2 is equivalent to a finals and i'd rather have my study break... it's a challenging module to score because it is hard to understand something you seldom see around (the machineries used to make the drugs and the manufacturing process). There are 2 CAs, an individual report (2.5 - 3k words on something you have no idea about since its not taught) and a group presentation based on the individual report. it was fun until the CA2. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're pursuing the minor or are crazy interested in this field of pharmaceutical science. It was a manageable module for me due to my background but not for others. and once again, i didnt study for CA2 which i regret but not so much after seeing my grade (Thank God really, i couldn't S/U this module).
HOW TO STUDY :
1. Memorise even if you don't understand
2. Put in effort for the group presentation or you'll be embarrassed (the standard was quite up there)
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: B
Overall Grade: B+
GEH1049 - Public Health In Action
This module is NOT a free A, i repeat, this module is NOT a free A. But it is a slacker's module minus the 8/9am lectures. The lesson goes like this - 3hours : lecture by some guest speaker, group project, discussion session. Everything other than the individual assignment is completed within the class slot of 3hours. Talk about low workload. There are readings to do before the class since there are graded quizzes that test about the reading content. But nothing you can't Control-F for. The group project is simply answering the lecturer's discussion question in 700words (exceeding it comes with penalty but they seldom catch unless it's way over - like 900? not sure but we didnt get caught for having 800words), time is your enemy here. The discussion period is for class participation which the lecturer will ensure that by the end of the module, everyone gets full marks for since they will call on your group if you're too quiet. The individual assignments have 1000-1500 word limits so they are quite short. Just think logically and cleverly (it's harder than it sounds - duh) to score for the project reports and individual assignments. They like interesting analyses that can fit into the word limit and is well organised.
Workload: 1/5
Expected Grade: A
Overall Grade: A-
OVERALL CAP FOR SEMESTER:
LSM2103: A-
LSM3211: B+
LSM3212: B+
LSM3232: A
GEH1049: A-
PR3301: B+
YEAR 2 SEM 2
Modules : LSM2103, PR3301, LSM3211, LSM3212, LSM3232 and GEH1049 (24MCs - Overloaded) red = pre-allocated
LSM 3211 - 1 point
LSM 3212 - 1 point
LSM 3232 - 1 point
GEH1049 - 700 points
LSM 2103 - Cell Biology (Webcasted)
WARNING: it is not the cell biology you'd expect if you want to talk about nucleus, cell wall, cytoplasm etc. it's more of signalling pathways, cell processes (apoptosis) and reading of many million research papers.
This module was taught by Thilo & FM Yeong for our cohort. Both teachers are fine Thilo is a good teacher is you listen carefully and his clicker questions in class really help with understanding the subject better despite being lost in the first few weeks. Yeong was honestly boring & can't really deliver an interesting lecture but her notes included almost everything you need to understand the concepts and content. The bulk weightage of this module comes from the individual coursework and finals is only 36%. Common rumours about this module include: "finals is a killer, you'll not be able to answer a thing despite it being openbook" & "Thilo's questions are impossible to answer" are false, really. In fact, Thilo's part for the finals was easier than Yeong's since you only need to understand the research paper he released a week or so before the finals whereas Yeong is free to test anything she taught. The assignments include a video project, on-line in-class discussion, self reflection form (THILO); poster project, research article discussion and MCQ making (YEONG). Thilo likes simplicity and creativity so if you can manage to make your video interesting, easy to follow and scientifically correct, you'll definitely score (I didn't sadly). For Yeong, she wants to see content and depth despite her instructions being "non-biologist should understand it" - tested and proven true. MY friend simply dumped all the lecture content into the poster without simplifying anything while i made mine simple to understand and guess who got a super high score? NOT ME. #bitter but it's the truth. There will be in-class quizzes (shown in module timetable) worth 15% of your total grade. they'll choose the best 5 out of 8 quizzes so there's hope! (Yeong's quizzes are easier to score so don't be depressed after Thilo's quizzes, there's HOPE!).
1. Do the in-class quizzes in groups & try to get full marks for just 5/8 (i did)
2. Do all the participatory things they ask of you cause even 2% makes a difference
3. Score for video & poster if it's the last thing you do (Thilo gives rewards if you're lucky e.g. $20 Starbucks card)
4. Understand the research paper from Thilo's part and memorise the concepts for Yeong's part even if it's an open book paper - because there's not enough time with all the shading and drawing you will need to do.
Workload: 3.5/5 (a lot of reading and coursework)
Expected Grade: A
Overall Grade: A-
LSM 3211 - Fundamental Pharmacology (Webcasted)
This module was tough but necessary. A lot of other modules require them (for people aiming to get the BMS specialisation). Worst of all, you can't use your S/U since it's a core and it's not the only module you have in the entire semester. You'll learn about drugs classified based on their receptors, the in-depth mechanism, pharmaco-kinetics & -dynamics, pharmacological classes & more drugs. HAVE FUN CRAMMING THE INFORMATION DURING FINALS. CA - 25% 28 True/False questions with negative marking but the negative is not carried forward (have i confused you yet?) So each question has 4 true/false subparts, within a single qns, you can get a maximum score of 4 or a minimum of 0 (no negative score here) but lets say you get 2 correct and 2 wrong within the 4subparts, that will mean it is +2-2=0, a flat zero for that question. Likewise for 1 correct and 3 wrong since the minimum is 0. For finals, 28 True/False questions and short essay questions, there will be 3 sections of SEQ where you can choose 1 out of 2 or 3 questions per section, so 3 SEQs in total. ATB! I couldn't get myself to study until the night before #dead
HOW TO STUDY:
I have nothing to say - just memorise everything thrown at you. The content is so heavy that you'd forget stuff unless 1. you study it on a daily basis or 2. you have perfect memorising capacities.
Ohh and its all webcasted so no point going for lectures since you will have to re-watch EVERYTHING again anyway when studying for the papers.
Ohh and its all webcasted so no point going for lectures since you will have to re-watch EVERYTHING again anyway when studying for the papers.
Workload: 3/5
Expected Grade: B+
Overall Grade: B+ (not bad)
LSM3212 - Human Physiology: Cardiopulmonary System (Webcasted)
This module was fun and something i personally enjoy studying. It's anatomy with some application and pathology involved. The content is straightforward and not hard to understand. Anyone with biology background would find it easy to follow - even it you dont it's pretty much common sense. There are 4 main parts - Blood, Heart, Respiratory system & Exercise/Sports. All four parts will connect into a nice big story. CA was structured questions which were easy if you studied & manageable if you didnt. Finals were 80MCQs testing equally from each of the 4 parts. Chen Zhi Xiong is a good teacher #randomshoutoutthatnoonecaresabout The labs were engaging with a 5% quiz at the end of each of the 3 lab sessions (total 15%) - no need lab coat. Tutorials are not tested (skip if you want) but they were interesting. Just take this module if you're interested, want to score & will work hard for the A. There is a group project (which i kinda soloed since i was paired with strangers that didnt do much and i just wanted to get it over and done with) 15% on respiratory part.
HOW TO STUDY:
1. Understand the concepts & memorise the rest
2. Read question carefully i guess, though they're not that tricky
3. Don't be complacent just cause it's easy (like me) since the bell curve will kill you.
2. Read question carefully i guess, though they're not that tricky
3. Don't be complacent just cause it's easy (like me) since the bell curve will kill you.
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: A- (i only studied 2/4 of the parts for finals hahaha winged it)
Overall Grade: B+ (Honestly disappointed with myself for not putting in the effort for finals)
LSM3232 - Microbiology
"FREE A" is what people would say about this module once again. It's actually easier than LSM2191 which i would like to bitterly say i should've gotten my A if not for my TA's biased marking. (it's over, bye bye, dont think about it). 3 main topics: General microbiology + a bit of water treatment, Food microbiology and Medical microbiology. MCQs for CA and written for finals. The thing for finals is that you can choose the questions you want to do! but of course you're forced to answer 1 general, 1 food and 1 medical microbiology question (3 parts). Search NUS library for past year papers (only 2 available) and try attempting them / read through to spot the type of questions that will appear. It's actually quite obvious. Prof Kevin Tan will drop hints for his part here and there during the lecture. 3 graded lab reports that are easy since there's a 3page limit and the TAs are usually nice to give everyone an A.
HOW TO STUDY :
1. Study everything in the notes (the history part too! Anthrax & Pasteur lol) for CA
2. Spot questions for finals and just focus on those to save memory space. (memorise sewage or cell anatomy for part 1, HACCP or food borne diseases for part 2, S. aureus or HIV for part 3) - for my finals, yours may be different.
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: A
Overall Grade: A
PR3301 - Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
The module is interesting but not my cup of tea. I only did it because of my minor which i have decided to drop since i lost interest and i dont need that many UEs. you'll learn about the formulations of the different dosage forms like suspensions, solutions, tablets, patches, etc. and how they are made. There's no finals but the CA2 is equivalent to a finals and i'd rather have my study break... it's a challenging module to score because it is hard to understand something you seldom see around (the machineries used to make the drugs and the manufacturing process). There are 2 CAs, an individual report (2.5 - 3k words on something you have no idea about since its not taught) and a group presentation based on the individual report. it was fun until the CA2. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're pursuing the minor or are crazy interested in this field of pharmaceutical science. It was a manageable module for me due to my background but not for others. and once again, i didnt study for CA2 which i regret but not so much after seeing my grade (Thank God really, i couldn't S/U this module).
1. Memorise even if you don't understand
2. Put in effort for the group presentation or you'll be embarrassed (the standard was quite up there)
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: B
Overall Grade: B+
GEH1049 - Public Health In Action
This module is NOT a free A, i repeat, this module is NOT a free A. But it is a slacker's module minus the 8/9am lectures. The lesson goes like this - 3hours : lecture by some guest speaker, group project, discussion session. Everything other than the individual assignment is completed within the class slot of 3hours. Talk about low workload. There are readings to do before the class since there are graded quizzes that test about the reading content. But nothing you can't Control-F for. The group project is simply answering the lecturer's discussion question in 700words (exceeding it comes with penalty but they seldom catch unless it's way over - like 900? not sure but we didnt get caught for having 800words), time is your enemy here. The discussion period is for class participation which the lecturer will ensure that by the end of the module, everyone gets full marks for since they will call on your group if you're too quiet. The individual assignments have 1000-1500 word limits so they are quite short. Just think logically and cleverly (it's harder than it sounds - duh) to score for the project reports and individual assignments. They like interesting analyses that can fit into the word limit and is well organised.
Workload: 1/5
Expected Grade: A
Overall Grade: A-
OVERALL CAP FOR SEMESTER:
LSM2103: A-
LSM3211: B+
LSM3212: B+
LSM3232: A
GEH1049: A-
PR3301: B+
CAP: 4.39 (drop drop drop drop drop drop drop drop)
Monday, 16 January 2017
i'm so disgusting
EW SICKKKKK SO AFTER LAST SEM OF OVERLOADING (ACADEMICS) I TOLD MYSELF TO NEVER OVERLOAD AGAIN BUT GUESS WHO'S OVERLOADING THIS SEM AGAIN?!!!! AGAIN?!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KEEP OVERLOADING FOR WHAT? I ALSO DON'T KNOW - JUST BECAUSE MY TIMETABLE LOOKS A BIT TOO EMPTY. DISGUSTING HAHAHAHAH AND IT'S NOT LIKE I DID VERY WELL LAST SEM... CAN SOMEBODY SLAP SOME SENSE INTO ME?!!!
anyway, welcome to the first post of 2017!!!! Last year was awesome! i did so many things over the 1 month holiday (at the end of the year) that i feel so accomplished! i went on a mission trip, took care of a lot of kids, met up with many people, planned and ran my church youth camp, celebrated christmas with more church events, celebrated new year's eve with MORE CHURCH EVENTS and the greatest thing was that I bonded with many of the younger ones in my church YOUTH!!!!! :) i'm not one who's normally actively trying to get to know the younger youths, in fact, i avoid them! But things just turned out the way it is and i'm glad i spent my holiday meaningfully! :) also because i'm now a cell leader and it's probably my duty but it just flowed naturally wheeee~ ok if i dont make sense, ignore me hahaha (lazy correct myself)
RESOLUTIONS FOR 2K!7 <- trying to be cool
1. study harder and not give up during finals
2. be a better CGL
3. be a better christian
4. live healthy
ALL OF THE ABOVE ARE AMBITIOUS GOALS THAT WILL PROBABLY TAKE ME MORE THAN A YEAR TO ACHIEVE BUT I'LL TRY!
Also, i hope my reviews about NUS are interesting/helpful cause I really think half the time i'm saying "but i didn't really study" "but i didn't go for lecture" - i'm sorry, i'll be a better student this year too!
anyway, welcome to the first post of 2017!!!! Last year was awesome! i did so many things over the 1 month holiday (at the end of the year) that i feel so accomplished! i went on a mission trip, took care of a lot of kids, met up with many people, planned and ran my church youth camp, celebrated christmas with more church events, celebrated new year's eve with MORE CHURCH EVENTS and the greatest thing was that I bonded with many of the younger ones in my church YOUTH!!!!! :) i'm not one who's normally actively trying to get to know the younger youths, in fact, i avoid them! But things just turned out the way it is and i'm glad i spent my holiday meaningfully! :) also because i'm now a cell leader and it's probably my duty but it just flowed naturally wheeee~ ok if i dont make sense, ignore me hahaha (lazy correct myself)
RESOLUTIONS FOR 2K!7 <- trying to be cool
1. study harder and not give up during finals
2. be a better CGL
3. be a better christian
4. live healthy
ALL OF THE ABOVE ARE AMBITIOUS GOALS THAT WILL PROBABLY TAKE ME MORE THAN A YEAR TO ACHIEVE BUT I'LL TRY!
Also, i hope my reviews about NUS are interesting/helpful cause I really think half the time i'm saying "but i didn't really study" "but i didn't go for lecture" - i'm sorry, i'll be a better student this year too!
Tuesday, 6 December 2016
LSM Major AY16/17 Sem 1
hello i am back hahahaha I would say this sem has been fun, tiring, eventful, stressful. I kind of gave up studying for finals... i hope i don't regret too much about it when i see my CAP.... 20 DECEMBER 2016 D-DAY!
YEAR 2 SEM 1
Modules : LSM2101, LSM2102, LSM2191, LSM2291, PR1301 and GES1029 (24MCs - Overloaded) red = pre-allocated
LSM 2291 - 100 points
GES1029 - 1 point
PR1301 - 1 point
LSM 2101 - Metabolism and Regulation
1. you don't have to attend lecture but instead, study your notes diligently and by skipping lectures, you give yourself more time to handle other modules (not webcasted but the content is found all over the internet!!)
2. draw the pathways over and over and over again and it will naturally stay in your head
3. score for CAs if it's the last thing you do! (I got 80% for CA1 and idk the results for CA2)
Workload: 4/5 (if you make your own notes & constantly study)
Expected Grade: B
Overall Grade: B
LSM 2102 - Molecular Biology
HOW TO STUDY:
1. Understand the concepts by reading the notes (couldn't find helpful youtube videos)
2. Pay attention in class
Workload: 3/5
Expected Grade: B
Overall Grade: A-
LSM2191 - Laboratory Technique in Life Science
LAB REPORTS + APPENDICE HERE
HOW TO STUDY:
Workload: 3/5 (lab reports are tough)
Expected Grade: A- (cause of CA2)
Overall Grade: A
LSM2291 - Fundamental Techniques in Microbiology
"FREE A" is what people would say about this module. There's only 5 lecture at the start of the term and you'll be free from lectures. Labs are also on alternate weeks only so there's only 5 sessions! This module is slack and so you should definitely take it if you're planning to overload your semester (and if it's cheap). People rush to take anatomy (LSM2212) when it's hard to score, expensive and heavy when you can always just take microbiology and still be able to get into biomed specialisation. Lab sessions are LONG but worth it if you have a really good TA that explains everything in detail and makes you think at times. If your TA is quite useless (meaning: not around when you need help, no explanation or theory whatsoever, not doing anything and leaving labs early) join another TA's briefing for it WILL help you. Do the "homework" the TAs give (read up on agar, principle etc.) because those stuff will CONFIRM + CHOP be tested in both CA1 & CA2. The lab reports are only 4 pages long but the deadline might be tight (complete 2 reports within a week). I scored quite well for CA1, idk my grade for CA2 and my reports because my TA was the only one who refused to disclose our grades.... anyway, everything in the lecture and lab are tested because the content is not very heavy overall.
HOW TO STUDY :
1. Study everything in the notes (the history part too! Antoni van Leeuwenhoek!!!!)
2. Do your homework, know your AGARs, MICROBEs & PRINCIPLEs
3. Put in effort for your lab reports (Pictures of your results get you more marks apparently)
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: A
Overall Grade: A-
PR1301 - Complementary Medicine & Health
The module is interesting. There's a lot of read through stuff that you will immediately understand for Lin Haishu's part (yoga, taichi, cancer, aromatherapy etc.) and Chan Cheng Leng's part (legislation). So i practically skipped all their lectures and studied the lecture notes (sufficient). For Koh Hwee Ling's part (TCM, integrative medicine, herbal medicines, mindfulness) i encourage you to go for her lectures because she has a lot of additional information that helps you memorise and some concepts/philosophy of yin-yang theory may take awhile to understand on your own. While the herbal medicine part is quite heavy, you really should focus on ginger, garlic, panax ginseng, gingko biloba, hypericum perforatum as these are the commonly tested ones if you really don't have the time to study that is. Otherwise, study EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING is tested! There's a short/simple/easy assignment that you need to do. To score, simply show how you apply the KNOWLEDGE of the class to your everyday life (i think that's how it works cause i got A-). CA will be structured true or false questions (KHL will give examples during her first tutorial session). Finals is just MCQs... 125 qns..... jiayou! I didn't finish study but i think i didn't die too badly...
1. CA (study the herbal medicine well and you can already pass! LHS's part may be a bit harder to score cause he made it tricky)
2. Finals - like i said, study everything, it's all tested! mainly from LHS & KHL
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: B+ (i hope i won't do too badly, no more S/U)
Overall Grade: B+
GES1029 - SINGAPORE FILM: PERFORMANCE OF IDENTITY
A lot of films to watch = fun.... not really. some films are traumatising and some are boring but a handful are funny and interesting. I usually stay back and watch them during the screening session instead of going home to watch them because i probably won't watch it.. There are R21 films and strange films, funny films and interesting one. It's a pleasant mod to take and the exam (CA1 and CA2) only have 1 essay question each! The question can be anything regarding one of the films you've watch in the TERM + SINGAPORE! Singapore will definitely be part of the question because this is a geSSSSSSSSS!!!!! The film project may or may not be fun depending on how efficient your group is. My group was not bad i think, we won the best narrative award HAHAHAH. Try to make your movie suit Edna's taste and you'll probably score (she'll say what shows she like and don't like during her lectures). Include the stuff taught during lecture and tutorial into your film report (can score!) Report : Film = 50:50 ratio in terms of weightage, equally important!!! I didn't really pay attention during tutorial cause i had no idea what the TA was saying 99% of the time; too technical...
CLICK THE LINK TO FIND OUT MORE~
https://ivle.nus.edu.sg/lms/public/view_moduleoutline.aspx?CourseID=E656C3C5-17E9-456F-ABB5-F61ED76B0EAF&ClickFrom=StuViewBtn
HOW TO STUDY for CA:
1. Study the lecture notes (obviously) by going for lecture! She gives a lot of info during lectures and the trailer of certain films showed WILL help
2. Memorise your show names (even those you don't need to watch like They Call Her Cleopatra Wong) & character names because you MUST give examples
3. do not write out of point - always go back to SINGAPORE!!!!
Workload: 4/5 (filming project burden, watching movies burden)
Expected Grade: B+
Overall Grade: B
OVERALL CAP FOR SEMESTER:
LSM2101: B
LSM2102: A-
LSM2191: A
LSM2291: A-
GES1029: B (S/U)
PR1301: B+
CAP: 4.42
YEAR 2 SEM 1
Modules : LSM2101, LSM2102, LSM2191, LSM2291, PR1301 and GES1029 (24MCs - Overloaded) red = pre-allocated
LSM 2291 - 100 points
GES1029 - 1 point
PR1301 - 1 point
LSM 2101 - Metabolism and Regulation
well, if you read several blogs, you'll probably notice the trending statement of "THE CONTENT IN THIS MODULE IS NO JOKE". While there is a lot to memorise, I believe that if you constantly revise this module throughout the semester, you won't have a problem scoring (cause it's a factual module - there's nothing but facts so you don't really need to understand much). Also, the questions are all rather straightforward, if you studied, it's definitely possible to get full marks even for finals. That being said, most of us will probably say "I don't have enough time to juggle this with all my other modules". Suggestion: DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR SEMESTER IF YOU'RE TAKING THIS!
There are 2 CAs and both are rather easy to score (20 MCQs - 10 for each lecturer's part). Topics: carbohydrate (metabolism & regulation), proteins, nucleotides & nucleosides, fats and other general information [HOW I CLASSIFIED THEM AT LEAST]. Honestly, i don't think i'll do well for this module cause i suck at memorising content and i didn't put in a lot of effort preparing for CA2 and finals.
CLICK THE LINK TO FIND OUT MORE~
HOW TO STUDY:There are 2 CAs and both are rather easy to score (20 MCQs - 10 for each lecturer's part). Topics: carbohydrate (metabolism & regulation), proteins, nucleotides & nucleosides, fats and other general information [HOW I CLASSIFIED THEM AT LEAST]. Honestly, i don't think i'll do well for this module cause i suck at memorising content and i didn't put in a lot of effort preparing for CA2 and finals.
CLICK THE LINK TO FIND OUT MORE~
1. you don't have to attend lecture but instead, study your notes diligently and by skipping lectures, you give yourself more time to handle other modules (not webcasted but the content is found all over the internet!!)
2. draw the pathways over and over and over again and it will naturally stay in your head
3. score for CAs if it's the last thing you do! (I got 80% for CA1 and idk the results for CA2)
Workload: 4/5 (if you make your own notes & constantly study)
Expected Grade: B
Overall Grade: B
LSM 2102 - Molecular Biology
Understanding the contents in this module is crucial. They love to test understanding rather than content. It is another heavy content module that you must juggle with LSM2101. The content of this module is similar to LSM2191 but its the deeper version. One way to do well is to pay attention in class. Even if you feel that you're not getting ANYTHING, try to write notes here and there - it will help with your revision. I estimated 2 days to finish studying for finals but i soon realised it was not enough because i didn't finish studying despite staying up and studying overnight... D: ONCE AGAIN I MAY DO BADLY (cause i got A for my CA1 but finals weigh 70%). I didn't finish studying for the CA too, i completed Dr Too's part (since he only had 2 sets of notes) and i went through half of Nobert's part (skipped operon which weighed 40marks in the exam!, phage lambda and some DNA repair chapter). Although I couldn't do nobert's 40mark question, i kinda wrote a logical answer so i guess i didn't get 0/40 for the question. Prof Ding's notes are full of words but they are useful to help you understand the whole story of how proteins are made~ Anyway, this module requires patience to slowly go through the notes until you understand the theory and can visualise the mechanisms.
CLICK THE LINK TO FIND OUT MORE~
HOW TO STUDY:
1. Understand the concepts by reading the notes (couldn't find helpful youtube videos)
2. Pay attention in class
Workload: 3/5
Expected Grade: B
Overall Grade: A-
LSM2191 - Laboratory Technique in Life Science
I didn't attend lecture cause it was webcasted (but i didn't watch the webcast oops). The labs were tiring... 6hours long!!! but they were more useful (IMHO) compared to the lectures for term1. CA1 covers the lecture and practical content (which are the same thing). The questions for both CAs are rather tricky and you really have to know the content well to be able to identify the right answer. For term 2, the lecturer didn't prepare any notes and I regretted not going for lecture. Because some questions in the CA2 were completely alien to me and i think the lecturer covered it during the lecture (cause they weren't from lab). Lab reports are heavily graded (25%) and they require a lot of time and effort - you need to do research to write your discussion section well despite your TA giving you clues. Try to explain EVERYTHING that you observe so that you can score and you need to be able to reference a source for your explanation.
CLICK THE LINK TO FIND OUT MORE~
LAB REPORTS + APPENDICE HERE
HOW TO STUDY:
1. Write everything in lab
2. Start your lab report early (THE SEQUENCING PART IF ARGHHHH)
Workload: 3/5 (lab reports are tough)
Expected Grade: A- (cause of CA2)
Overall Grade: A
LSM2291 - Fundamental Techniques in Microbiology
"FREE A" is what people would say about this module. There's only 5 lecture at the start of the term and you'll be free from lectures. Labs are also on alternate weeks only so there's only 5 sessions! This module is slack and so you should definitely take it if you're planning to overload your semester (and if it's cheap). People rush to take anatomy (LSM2212) when it's hard to score, expensive and heavy when you can always just take microbiology and still be able to get into biomed specialisation. Lab sessions are LONG but worth it if you have a really good TA that explains everything in detail and makes you think at times. If your TA is quite useless (meaning: not around when you need help, no explanation or theory whatsoever, not doing anything and leaving labs early) join another TA's briefing for it WILL help you. Do the "homework" the TAs give (read up on agar, principle etc.) because those stuff will CONFIRM + CHOP be tested in both CA1 & CA2. The lab reports are only 4 pages long but the deadline might be tight (complete 2 reports within a week). I scored quite well for CA1, idk my grade for CA2 and my reports because my TA was the only one who refused to disclose our grades.... anyway, everything in the lecture and lab are tested because the content is not very heavy overall.
HOW TO STUDY :
1. Study everything in the notes (the history part too! Antoni van Leeuwenhoek!!!!)
2. Do your homework, know your AGARs, MICROBEs & PRINCIPLEs
3. Put in effort for your lab reports (Pictures of your results get you more marks apparently)
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: A
Overall Grade: A-
PR1301 - Complementary Medicine & Health
The module is interesting. There's a lot of read through stuff that you will immediately understand for Lin Haishu's part (yoga, taichi, cancer, aromatherapy etc.) and Chan Cheng Leng's part (legislation). So i practically skipped all their lectures and studied the lecture notes (sufficient). For Koh Hwee Ling's part (TCM, integrative medicine, herbal medicines, mindfulness) i encourage you to go for her lectures because she has a lot of additional information that helps you memorise and some concepts/philosophy of yin-yang theory may take awhile to understand on your own. While the herbal medicine part is quite heavy, you really should focus on ginger, garlic, panax ginseng, gingko biloba, hypericum perforatum as these are the commonly tested ones if you really don't have the time to study that is. Otherwise, study EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING is tested! There's a short/simple/easy assignment that you need to do. To score, simply show how you apply the KNOWLEDGE of the class to your everyday life (i think that's how it works cause i got A-). CA will be structured true or false questions (KHL will give examples during her first tutorial session). Finals is just MCQs... 125 qns..... jiayou! I didn't finish study but i think i didn't die too badly...
CLICK THE LINK TO FIND OUT MORE~
https://ivle.nus.edu.sg/lms/public/view_moduleoutline.aspx?CourseID=C3B4D5E2-FB2E-4B0A-ABCF-EF4C7F7FA43B&ClickFrom=StuViewBtn
HOW TO STUDY :https://ivle.nus.edu.sg/lms/public/view_moduleoutline.aspx?CourseID=C3B4D5E2-FB2E-4B0A-ABCF-EF4C7F7FA43B&ClickFrom=StuViewBtn
1. CA (study the herbal medicine well and you can already pass! LHS's part may be a bit harder to score cause he made it tricky)
2. Finals - like i said, study everything, it's all tested! mainly from LHS & KHL
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: B+ (i hope i won't do too badly, no more S/U)
Overall Grade: B+
GES1029 - SINGAPORE FILM: PERFORMANCE OF IDENTITY
A lot of films to watch = fun.... not really. some films are traumatising and some are boring but a handful are funny and interesting. I usually stay back and watch them during the screening session instead of going home to watch them because i probably won't watch it.. There are R21 films and strange films, funny films and interesting one. It's a pleasant mod to take and the exam (CA1 and CA2) only have 1 essay question each! The question can be anything regarding one of the films you've watch in the TERM + SINGAPORE! Singapore will definitely be part of the question because this is a geSSSSSSSSS!!!!! The film project may or may not be fun depending on how efficient your group is. My group was not bad i think, we won the best narrative award HAHAHAH. Try to make your movie suit Edna's taste and you'll probably score (she'll say what shows she like and don't like during her lectures). Include the stuff taught during lecture and tutorial into your film report (can score!) Report : Film = 50:50 ratio in terms of weightage, equally important!!! I didn't really pay attention during tutorial cause i had no idea what the TA was saying 99% of the time; too technical...
CLICK THE LINK TO FIND OUT MORE~
https://ivle.nus.edu.sg/lms/public/view_moduleoutline.aspx?CourseID=E656C3C5-17E9-456F-ABB5-F61ED76B0EAF&ClickFrom=StuViewBtn
HOW TO STUDY for CA:
1. Study the lecture notes (obviously) by going for lecture! She gives a lot of info during lectures and the trailer of certain films showed WILL help
2. Memorise your show names (even those you don't need to watch like They Call Her Cleopatra Wong) & character names because you MUST give examples
3. do not write out of point - always go back to SINGAPORE!!!!
Workload: 4/5 (filming project burden, watching movies burden)
Expected Grade: B+
Overall Grade: B
OVERALL CAP FOR SEMESTER:
LSM2101: B
LSM2102: A-
LSM2191: A
LSM2291: A-
GES1029: B (S/U)
PR1301: B+
CAP: 4.42
Saturday, 5 November 2016
LSM Major AY15/16 Sem 2
YEAR 1 SEM 2
Modules : LSM1103, LSM1104, ST1232, GER1000 & SP1541 (20MCs - normal workload) red = pre-allocated
GOT THEM ALL AT 1 POINT
LSM 1103 - Biodiversity
THIS MODULE IS DISCONTINUED APPARENTLY - but i heard it's a year 2 mod now
HOW TO STUDY:
1. read through your lecture notes & study your practical content too
2. make your own notes for quick reference during finals since things get messy (i made my own which came handy)
3. study whatever brochure they give (e.g. know the number of crustaceans)
Workload: 3/5 (if you make your own notes & cheat sheet)
Expected Grade: A-
Overall Grade: B+
LSM 1104 - General Physiology
HOW TO STUDY (i did pretty well for the CAs):
1. Understand the concepts - search and watch videos on youtube, it really helped me
2. I made my own set of notes just cause OCD
3. study the practicals (e.g. the heart sounds thingy, how to read scientific data)
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: B+ (wasn't expecting much after sem 1)
Overall Grade: A-(WHEEEE~~~~)
ST1232 - Statistics for Life Sciences (H1 Math or equivalent)
HOW TO STUDY:
1. Try the tutorial questions before the finals to make sure you're doing it right!
2. Go for consultation sessions (during reading week)
3. A good cheat sheet
Workload: 1.5/5
Expected Grade: C (i just need to S/U this)
Overall Grade: B+ (God is good)
GER 1000 - Quantitative Reasoning
HOW TO STUDY :
1. really, just understand the module's logic and don't insist on your own logic
2. know how to calculate the probability one and the fertility rate one (always tested)
3. help out with the project work - there's peer evaluation (either the report or design the poster) cause its free marks if you do well - apply your concepts CORRECTLY (don't try to apply everything then all wrong, doesn't work that way)
Workload: 3/5
Expected Grade: A-
Overall Grade: A
SP 1541 - Exploring Science Communication through Popular Science (a certain GP grade - not sure, POLY need to take QUT & get the best class)
This mod is COMPULSORY (unless SPS) and you have to BID for it. It has no lectures and is completely tutorial style. There are 2 tutorials a week and you are required to do your readings before coming to EACH tutorial. There are a couple of graded presentations as a group and an individual one. You're also required to write quite a lot (synthesis/essays). You need to dedicate a lot of time to this modules so it's better to take it with 03/04 not 01/02 and in year 1 where they have more spaces allocated. My tutor was awesome, she made the lessons fun and engaging, and the people in my class were very enthusiastic! After the entire sem, you naturally bond with one another so I enjoyed the mod!
I HEARD THEY CHANGED THE FORMAT....to something worse? ):
HOW TO STUDY:
1. presentations - do it without your script, don't just memorise but say it naturally. HOW? keep rehearsing your presentation over and over and over until you can do it while playing a game or smth...
2. essays - get people who are better than you to constantly check your work for grammatical errors. get your other friends who are not science students to read your essay to get feedback - see if they understand what you are trying to say (YOUR TUTOR HAS LITTLE SCIENCE KNOWLEDGE - THEY ARE ENGLISH TUTORS!!)
Workload: 4/5
Expected Grade: B+
Overall Grade: A-
OVERALL CAP FOR SEMESTER:
LSM1103: B+ (S/U)
LSM1104: A-
ST1232: B+
GER1000: A
SP1541: A-
CAP: 4.50
Modules : LSM1103, LSM1104, ST1232, GER1000 & SP1541 (20MCs - normal workload) red = pre-allocated
GOT THEM ALL AT 1 POINT
LSM 1103 - Biodiversity
This module was fun! Made many friends cause of the weekly field trips and practical sessions. The intensive station to station part was ... intensive - bad for my poor brain. The lectures can be missed because all the information you need are in the slides so study them in your own time. It's a factual module so nothing to "understand"; no calculations, no theories. EVERYTHING IS OPENED BOOK. The lab reports AKA CAs are graded by your TA without moderation so good luck to you if your TA hates you and marks you down for GRAMMAR (NO ONE DOES THAT FOR LAB REPORT?!!!) Follow your TA's style and not get advice from your friends cause to each his own style of marking. My TA gave bonus marks for including images with the correct referencing and you have to use different sources (at least 3) to get citation marks. Paragraphing apparently gives you marks too so leave spaces (2 page limit though - max out the margin lower the font). The practical test was fun. If your cheat sheet is good, it's easy and it'll be useful in the finals so spend some time making it perfect. NO STICKING stuff or PRINTING on the cheat sheet, they coldly rip it off.
HOW TO STUDY:
1. read through your lecture notes & study your practical content too
2. make your own notes for quick reference during finals since things get messy (i made my own which came handy)
3. study whatever brochure they give (e.g. know the number of crustaceans)
Workload: 3/5 (if you make your own notes & cheat sheet)
Expected Grade: A-
Overall Grade: B+
LSM 1104 - General Physiology
I just to say that Prof Yip says the same thing EVERY SINGLE LECTURE. You can choose to skip the lecture cause I think it's webcasted (forgot, sorry) but I attended them all because I was already in school... The whole module is quite easy to understand. DO NOT PRINT PROF YIP'S NOTES - nothing but pictures and videos (on paper will just be pictures) - STOP KILLING TREES. The practicals were rather amusing from term 2 onward, term 1 was.. uh.. what?
CLICK THE LINK TO FIND OUT MORE~
http://www.lifesciences.nus.edu.sg/modules/lsm/LSM1104.pdf
HOW TO STUDY (i did pretty well for the CAs):
1. Understand the concepts - search and watch videos on youtube, it really helped me
2. I made my own set of notes just cause OCD
3. study the practicals (e.g. the heart sounds thingy, how to read scientific data)
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: B+ (wasn't expecting much after sem 1)
Overall Grade: A-(WHEEEE~~~~)
ST1232 - Statistics for Life Sciences (H1 Math or equivalent)
I didn't understand this module after term 1 when I stopped listening cause I had no time to print my notes before lecture. If you loves statistics, good for you, if you like math, you may not get your A unless your stats is stronk! The CA was easy before the first half of the semester was like going through a basic basic basic stats mod and was easy to cope. When all the other stuff comes in... GG.COM. But sit yourself down, watch the webcast and try to see the dots connect in your head! understanding is the first step to applying.
CLICK THE LINK TO FIND OUT MORE~
http://www.lifesciences.nus.edu.sg/modules/lsm/ST1232.pdf
HOW TO STUDY:
1. Try the tutorial questions before the finals to make sure you're doing it right!
2. Go for consultation sessions (during reading week)
3. A good cheat sheet
Workload: 1.5/5
Expected Grade: C (i just need to S/U this)
Overall Grade: B+ (God is good)
GER 1000 - Quantitative Reasoning
Entire module was self-based learning and it was manageable. I really thank God for a super good tutorial teacher. HE IS DA BEST! (sorry can't remember his name but he's from stats doing his masters or something). His summary slides were the bomb and he gave really good feedback during the project consultation. Then I need to thank my awesome group mates cause I felt like such a group burden (I think I didn't do much - WHICH IS RARE FOR A ME IN A PROJECT GROUP?!!). The module required a lot of warped common sense - if you have it you win it. But to those who don't, try to understand from friends who do or just keep bugging your tutor. They have graded weekly quizzes (unlimited attempts) which they don't tell you your grade and will take the latest submission, not the one with the highest score. Do it with friends - yes and ask around for answers - may be a double edged sword cause they may confuse you to change your correct answer to a wrong one; up to you to believe it or not.
HOW TO STUDY :
1. really, just understand the module's logic and don't insist on your own logic
2. know how to calculate the probability one and the fertility rate one (always tested)
3. help out with the project work - there's peer evaluation (either the report or design the poster) cause its free marks if you do well - apply your concepts CORRECTLY (don't try to apply everything then all wrong, doesn't work that way)
Workload: 3/5
Expected Grade: A-
Overall Grade: A
SP 1541 - Exploring Science Communication through Popular Science (a certain GP grade - not sure, POLY need to take QUT & get the best class)
This mod is COMPULSORY (unless SPS) and you have to BID for it. It has no lectures and is completely tutorial style. There are 2 tutorials a week and you are required to do your readings before coming to EACH tutorial. There are a couple of graded presentations as a group and an individual one. You're also required to write quite a lot (synthesis/essays). You need to dedicate a lot of time to this modules so it's better to take it with 03/04 not 01/02 and in year 1 where they have more spaces allocated. My tutor was awesome, she made the lessons fun and engaging, and the people in my class were very enthusiastic! After the entire sem, you naturally bond with one another so I enjoyed the mod!
I HEARD THEY CHANGED THE FORMAT....to something worse? ):
HOW TO STUDY:
1. presentations - do it without your script, don't just memorise but say it naturally. HOW? keep rehearsing your presentation over and over and over until you can do it while playing a game or smth...
2. essays - get people who are better than you to constantly check your work for grammatical errors. get your other friends who are not science students to read your essay to get feedback - see if they understand what you are trying to say (YOUR TUTOR HAS LITTLE SCIENCE KNOWLEDGE - THEY ARE ENGLISH TUTORS!!)
Workload: 4/5
Expected Grade: B+
Overall Grade: A-
OVERALL CAP FOR SEMESTER:
LSM1103: B+ (S/U)
LSM1104: A-
ST1232: B+
GER1000: A
SP1541: A-
CAP: 4.50
LSM Major AY15/16 SEM 1
OKKKK I'M GOING TO TRY THIS OUT - cause I've got a tonne of good advice reading senpai's blog posts on module reviews. Also cause I don't want to study for my papers on monday, tuesday, thursday and friday... HOPE IT HELPS Y'ALL FUTURE LIFE SCIENCE MAJORS!
Since I'm from the post- AY15/16 batch, I am forced to give up my 20MCs for GEM mods and fulfill the 5 pillars (but they only had 4 during my time so I can repeat any pillar to complete all 5 pillars)
YEAR 1 SEM 1
Modules : LSM1101, LSM1102, CM1401, GET1025 & GEH 1032 (20MCs - normal workload) red = pre-allocated
GOT THEM ALL AT 1 POINT except GET1025 - 40points
LSM 1101 - Biochemistry of Biomolecules (you need H2 bio or equivalent)
HOW TO STUDY (from me... joke, I failed the CA):
1. know all the calculations and memorise the formulas (even if they say a formula sheet is given cause some stuff are not part of the sheet apparently)
2. memorise your proteins well - the alphabets, the side groups and the nature and the short form naming (this is the most basic thing)
3. study - JUST DO IT even if the subject sucks... unless you want to fail
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: B-
Overall Grade: B
LSM 1102 - Molecular Genetics (you need H2 bio or equivalent)
HOW TO STUDY (i did pretty well the CAs):
1. precisely because it is opened book, READ your notes and understand your stuff well, they gonna test you ridiculous application qns
2. flag your chapters so you refer easily during the CA, the tables are tiny so not a lot of space to spread your notes (LT32)
3. finals - Dr Wu & Prof He's part (understand and memorise the different proteins used in the processes e.g. polymerase, gyrase), Prof Fook's part (UNDERSTAND IT, memorising won't really help)
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: A
Overall Grade: A- (finals killed me remember?)
CM1401 - Chemistry for Life Sciences (you need H2 chem or equivalent)
HOW TO STUDY (I failed the CA again.. 12/25):
1. Physical: understand.. if all else fails, memorise the formulas | Organic: memorise
2. revise the online quizzes, you're lucky if they test the same question!
3. do past year papers (if you can find them) & redo the quizzes to improve your understanding and helps with memorising
Workload: 3/5 (quizzes quite burden cause of closing time)
Expected Grade: B-
Overall Grade: A- (thank God really...)
GET 1025 - Science Fiction & Philosophy (RECOMMEND!)
HOW TO STUDY :
1. slacker's way - only read the readings with asterisks/* OR read online summaries of the readings before the test; tested on plot/story content/storyline/characters no nitty gritty details
2. take your time to write the essays, you have a 1000 word limit which may not be enough most of the time
3. attend all tutorials and try to talk (thick skin a bit)
Workload: 3/5 (essays are burden)
Expected Grade: B-
Overall Grade: A-
GEH 1032 - Modern Technology in Medicine and Health (Not Recommended with CM)
HOW TO STUDY:
1. memorise everything - spelling matters (fill in the blanks & MCQ for CA, structured for finals)
2. know your calculations and formulas MEMORISE
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: B+
Overall Grade: B-
OVERALL CAP FOR SEMESTER:
LSM1101: B (S/U)
LSM1102: A-
CM1401: A-
GET1025: A-
GEH1032: B- (S/U)
CAP: 4.50
Since I'm from the post- AY15/16 batch, I am forced to give up my 20MCs for GEM mods and fulfill the 5 pillars (but they only had 4 during my time so I can repeat any pillar to complete all 5 pillars)
Modules : LSM1101, LSM1102, CM1401, GET1025 & GEH 1032 (20MCs - normal workload) red = pre-allocated
GOT THEM ALL AT 1 POINT except GET1025 - 40points
LSM 1101 - Biochemistry of Biomolecules (you need H2 bio or equivalent)
This module was hated by me, not because it was hard but I overall dislike biomolecules and the beginning part of the lecture content was like a repeat of my polytechnic modules (A level bio if I'm not wrong). So lots of pKa pKb calculations and all about your protein and amino acid folding. The modules is pretty easy if you put in effort to study (which I didn't) and there are webcasts so it tempts you to NOT go for lectures - Don't do it though, you'll suffer during the exam period because of all the catching up to do. There are practicals that normally last for 2hours unless your TA is slow. The practical reports are not graded but the content (calculation and theories) ARE TESTED in your CAs and Finals so do make sure you know what's going on during the practical session even if you don't help your partner with the lab report (PAIR WORK).
CLICK THE LINK TO FIND OUT MORE~
http://www.lifesciences.nus.edu.sg/modules/lsm/LSM1101.pdf
HOW TO STUDY (from me... joke, I failed the CA):
1. know all the calculations and memorise the formulas (even if they say a formula sheet is given cause some stuff are not part of the sheet apparently)
2. memorise your proteins well - the alphabets, the side groups and the nature and the short form naming (this is the most basic thing)
3. study - JUST DO IT even if the subject sucks... unless you want to fail
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: B-
Overall Grade: B
LSM 1102 - Molecular Genetics (you need H2 bio or equivalent)
I actually enjoyed this module because ALL THREE CAs were open book!! WARNING: Dr Wu has a rather strong accent and you may not understand him - watch the webcast instead of attending lecture.
The content only became heavy when you had to memorise it all for the finals but the first two lecturer's parts were fine, only Prof Chew's epigenetic and blah blah killed me (it had 25 MCQs in the finals and I literally guessed 20 of it because I had no time to study his chapter). The very last chapter was super confusing cause he was rushing through it to complete it in time for the finals and I didn't really pay attention. OK, confession, I was too busy watching MAMA2015 (4hours) to study his notes hahaha I'm sorry.. The lab sessions are rather easy to follow through and the report holds VERY VERY LOW % of your final grade so just make sure to submit something at least. The mutagen for yeast can be food colouring/coke/coffee. I shouldn't be giveing answers... BUT you still need to find research papers to back up your claims HAHAHA
CLICK THE LINK TO FIND OUT MORE~
http://www.lifesciences.nus.edu.sg/modules/lsm/LSM1102.pdf
HOW TO STUDY (i did pretty well the CAs):
1. precisely because it is opened book, READ your notes and understand your stuff well, they gonna test you ridiculous application qns
2. flag your chapters so you refer easily during the CA, the tables are tiny so not a lot of space to spread your notes (LT32)
3. finals - Dr Wu & Prof He's part (understand and memorise the different proteins used in the processes e.g. polymerase, gyrase), Prof Fook's part (UNDERSTAND IT, memorising won't really help)
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: A
Overall Grade: A- (finals killed me remember?)
CM1401 - Chemistry for Life Sciences (you need H2 chem or equivalent)
This module was BADDDDDD in the beginning. Dr Sellou (French).. didn't understand her half the time, rewatched the webcast and still caught no ball. But when it got to organic chem (Fung Fun Man flipp classrooms!!! - I liked him) it was a walk in the park. OK but Sellou will confuse you during the Gibbs free energy part and when she tries to explain the atomic orbital with a dragon fruit but I don't blame her, it's really quite deep and takes time to understand. There are weekly (almost) quizzes posted online to make sure you're all caught up with lecture and THEY ARE GRADED. Try to get full marks, you only get to try it twice so do it in a group of many friends. They really are free marks for this horrid module. The first CA killed the cohort (but there was this spoiler that got full marks...what even?) The finals was easy so don't be disheartened by it and CA2 was manageable.
CLICK THE LINK TO FIND OUT MORE~
http://www.lifesciences.nus.edu.sg/modules/lsm/CM1401.pdf
HOW TO STUDY (I failed the CA again.. 12/25):
1. Physical: understand.. if all else fails, memorise the formulas | Organic: memorise
2. revise the online quizzes, you're lucky if they test the same question!
3. do past year papers (if you can find them) & redo the quizzes to improve your understanding and helps with memorising
Workload: 3/5 (quizzes quite burden cause of closing time)
Expected Grade: B-
Overall Grade: A- (thank God really...)
GET 1025 - Science Fiction & Philosophy (RECOMMEND!)
I loved this module ONLY after I finished the semester. Firstly, if you enjoy reading stories, TAKE THIS MOD! (not me but I took it cause no finals) Secondly, if you like a good insightful mind-blowing debate, TAKE THIS MID! Lastly, if you love philosophy... DON'T take this mod. Well, despite the module name, there's a lot more science fiction rather than philosophy. The philosophy part only comes once or twice during the tutorial sessions (5 total). I practically skipped all the lectures after the first quiz because although I enjoyed Prof Hobo's humour, I didn't understand half of what he was saying and there were NO NOTES (you'll soon realise why). The 2 quizzes were both easy 10/10 if you did your readings. The tutorials required you to speak up to get your participation marks but even if you don't, Hobo will call on you and you have NO CHOICE (but he'll give you marks after that, YAY) - I suggest you take this mod with a friend if you hate awkward group discussions with strangers. You have to complete a total of 6 essay (3 in term 1 and 3 in term 2, 10% each). If you're really witty and creative, GO FOR THE NARRATIVES! Otherwise please save yourself by attending his lecture then write a thematic summary (cause he does give some good pointers you can include in your summary to score).
HOW TO STUDY :
1. slacker's way - only read the readings with asterisks/* OR read online summaries of the readings before the test; tested on plot/story content/storyline/characters no nitty gritty details
2. take your time to write the essays, you have a 1000 word limit which may not be enough most of the time
3. attend all tutorials and try to talk (thick skin a bit)
Workload: 3/5 (essays are burden)
Expected Grade: B-
Overall Grade: A-
GEH 1032 - Modern Technology in Medicine and Health (Not Recommended with CM)
MY FINALS FOR THIS MODULE WAS ON THE SAME DAY AS CM1401. IT IS NOT OK! The module was fun and insightful and interesting. The bad side to it was the bell curve and NO WEBCAST - but the prof has a point for this. The lectures are very well delivered (best one from my semester) and it was interesting. Attempt the tutorial questions before classes so you can check if you're on the right track - attendance for tutorials is 10% so arrange for make ups if you're going to miss any (with reason of course). I didn't attend some of the lectures but had my friend fill me in on the details so it was not too bad - without her, I may have died. I didn't really study much for this module because I suck at memorising stuff and gave up half way because 2 finals in a day kills. I only started studying for this mod (finals) 4 hours before the paper, after my CM1401... hence my grade D:
HOW TO STUDY:
1. memorise everything - spelling matters (fill in the blanks & MCQ for CA, structured for finals)
2. know your calculations and formulas MEMORISE
Workload: 2/5
Expected Grade: B+
Overall Grade: B-
OVERALL CAP FOR SEMESTER:
LSM1101: B (S/U)
LSM1102: A-
CM1401: A-
GET1025: A-
GEH1032: B- (S/U)
CAP: 4.50
Heading back to the starting line
Hmm so its been 2 years since I've actually written something in this blog... Technically, I stopped because I felt that I was revealing too much of me online and I didn't quite like that but I think I'm someone who needs a platform to vomit my thoughts out and an online platform is more efficient and convenient. Reason being :
1. I can do it anytime a thought comes
2. I don't have to keep a physical book and waste my pen ink
3. I don't have to find a place to keep the book
4. I don't have to keep the book just to read my old entries when they're all online and happily chilling around the internet
Okay! So I'm starting school in a weeks time and there's a lot of stuff to do like planning my timetable and bidding for my modules (cause NUS). I find that I have so many commitments that it actually makes me feel that I've lived a more meaningful / satisfying life over my long holiday.
I am committed in church (just stepped up to be a CGL, in camp committee and started being more active in comms & media), found myself an awesome part time job as a lab tech in TP (though my last day is this Wednesday) and joining an external CO for an upcoming performance! Oh shucks I digressed! 2 years is a really long time and there's so much to share.
Well, I honestly never regretted my decision to study at TP instead of NYJC as it really allowed me to grow so much. From a very dependent kid to an independent, self motivated kid... Poly life was so much fun despite all the hardcore studying and assignments. I guess it's because we are given more opportunities and time to bond in poly and I took those opportunities which made my life waaaayyyyy more interesting and exciting. Its sad to say goodbye to my friends but I'm sure we'll still meet and do retarded stuff despite us taking different paths (NUS/ NTU/ AUSTRALIA/ NS/ WORKING).
SO. UNI IS STARTING AND IM SOOOOOO not EXCITED!!! The thought of having to make new friends all over again and getting used to a new environment is just so sian cause I'm just a lazy person.. I really hope I can cope well with the new school and environment.. And forging new friendships that will last long... Also because I didn't sign up for any orientation camps cause I missed the date procrastinating and the camp fees were... I can put the money to better use. So I guess I'm heading back to the starting line of my life track this August. All the best to those starting uni too! By the way...
ANYONE IN LIFE SCIENCES?!!! ANYONE?
ANYONE IN LIFE SCIENCES?!!! ANYONE?
Hahahha P.S. I'm super crazy over GD right now, sorry TOP, I still love you but GD is too cute! Especially with red hair #MADE #BIGBANG #VIP
EDIT - I realised this had been a draft for the past 1.5YEARS and I'm now a year 2 sem 1 LSM undergrad lol
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