Firstly, let me just say that an ‘easy’ elective is a very subjective issue. Some might find mathematical related modules easy because that is where their strength lies, whereas others find essay-based modules easier because they are stronger in their writing. At the end of the day, pick electives that align with your strengths or interests or both. The 2 week add/drop period gives you some time to sit in for the class and see if you like the content. This list comes from the perspective of an Engineering student.
1. CM8003 From Alchemy to Chemistry
This is a new module, the first time this module opened was in AY13-14 Semester 2. It will also be available in the upcoming AY14-15 Semester 2. Going by this trend, it seems to only be available in Semester 2.
The module itself is interesting, it recounts how modern chemistry developed from Ancient Greece to the Middle Ages and towards the modern era. It does not require a very fantastic knowledge of chemistry. However, having some basic knowledge of chemistry would be helpful. What makes this module easy is the fact that both the finals and the mid-terms are MCQ. It is also a Pass/Fail module. Meaning that it won’t drag your GPA down. However, this also means it will not boost up your GPA. It is not difficult to pass either. The content is pretty light and all the lectures are recorded in case you miss anything.
2. EE8086 Astronomy
Every single NTU student would have heard about Astronomy at least once or twice in his time in NTU. Despite what naysayers say, Astronomy is actually a very easy module. The content may be a little heavy for those who have little to no knowledge of the cosmos. But it’s very doable and it’s a great GPA booster. It doesn’t take much to get a score of B+ and above. If you are unsure if this might be the module for you, you can try watching the series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey hosted by Dr Tyson. Especially episodes 4, 5 and 6. If you find the content in that show interesting, then Astro would be an easy A for you. Even if you don’t find the content interesting, with some effort, you could still score a good grade. Finals and mid-terms are MCQ.
3. HY3010, previously HY9310 Philosophy of Science
Do not be afraid of Philosophy. Don’t be afraid of big words that might perplex you. In fact, philosophy professors in NTU would tell you that they prefer it when you are as direct as possible when it comes to your work. The best part of this module? No finals. This module is examined by 2 short MCQ quizzes. Less than 20 questions each. There are also 2 essays to write. The professor that teaches this module was also kind enough to teach us how to write a philosophy essay for those who are unfamiliar.
The content is not heavy at all. I would say it is even lighter than Astro. However, don’t be misled by the title. If you come from a science or engineering faculty, this module would not be any easier for you just because the word “Science” is in the title. It has little or nothing to do with chemistry or physics, rather, it focuses on why we perform science in the first place and how the practice of science changes through time.
4. HY1002 Logic and Paradoxes
This is another philosophy module and like all philosophy modules, they do not have finals! The lack of a final will free up your revision and finals week to give you more time to revise for your core modules. It feels great to be over and done with a module by week 13 so this is a great module to take if your semester feels heavy. Unlike the other philosophy modules, this one has no essays, hence, this module is great for those who are not good at writing. This module has 2 assessments, one mid-term quiz and another final quiz in week 13. It also has 5 homework assignments within the semester. Not to worry though, the homework is not too taxing. Think of it as tutorials. Professor Miyake, the prof that teaches this module is also very helpful. So whenever you are stuck with your homework, you can ask him for help. The readings might be a little heavy for the weeks before recess week, around 2 chapters each week. However, after recess week, the content slows down and you only have 1 chapter to read each week.
5. HY2002 Moral Philosophy
This module is probably the easiest out of the philosophy modules listed here. Once again, no finals. However, the tests are not MCQ but short answers. Roughly around 1 paragraph per question.
The good part is that the content is very very light. 1 essay at the end of the module as well. Class discussions on morality and ethics are actually very fun. Classes don’t usually run the entire 3 hours allocated for it as well. Your grades are determined by 2 quizzes and 1 essay and some class participation.
Find out the 3 ways to choose an elective
6. CS8060 Introduction to Advertising (Special Semester)
I took this module during the special semester and it was the easiest A I have ever obtained in NTU. The module is quite light. Readings are not necessary, I only got hold of the textbook after more than half the course was over. The lecturer’s own explanation in class is more than sufficient. Classes were quite interesting as well, consisted of funny advertisement videos, and a movie as well. Assessment is based on one group presentation, one individual essay and a final paper. This module is only available as a Business & Management GERPE.
7. HP8002 Working in the 21st Century
Working in the 21st Century does require quite a bit of memory work. However, the content is easy to understand because it is both logical and it makes simple sense. The lecturer is also kind enough to reveal some hints for the finals in the last lecture. So do remember to attend. The textbook is pretty thin. It is sufficient enough to simply study the textbook without going for the lectures in order to score a decent grade.
8. Any other Massive Open Online Course(MOOC)
These courses are done purely online. At the moment, only 2 modules are offered. Introduction to Forensic Science and Beauty, Form and Function. Both modules are very interesting. Content and assessments are very light and very easy.
You don’t have to put in too much effort since they are all Pass/Fail modules. Hence, these modules would not bring your GPA down. However, this also means that they would not be able to boost your GPA.
9. Level 1 Language Courses
Some students have warned each other of the difficulty of language modules. They are not entirely wrong, it is not easy to pick up a brand new language in 13 weeks. However, if you frequently watch Japanese anime or Korean dramas in their native languages, you may want to consider taking these modules as they may not be as difficult as you think they are.
10. HP1000 Intro to Psychology
Intro to Psych is one of the more hidden gems. It’s a module that is popular amongst HSS students but relatively unknown to the rest of NTU. It’s not a very difficult module, although the content can be quite heavy. However, the very interesting content makes up for it.
Intro to Psych regularly attracts quite a number of students so do make sure you have it on your waitlist. The assessment is not too taxing either. Midterms include MCQ and fill-in-the-blanks. Finals also have MCQ but this time with short essay questions. An easy module to score if you read your assigned readings regularly.
NTU houses a number of different schools and faculties and because of this, the school provides a large number of different modules. There is bound to be some other electives out there that may be easier or more interesting than the ones I’ve listed. There are modules like tennis, badminton, or photo imaging(DP2000) that would be easy for those who already have the required skills and experience to score. Make use of the Add/Drop period wisely. Use that period to have a taste of your electives. If it’s not your cup of tea, don’t be afraid to drop it and take something else. Try picking up something new, electives should be about fun and exploration, unlike those mundane cores.
check out : NTU electives review roundup from the net
Find out the 3 ways to choose an elective
DO NOT TAKE ASTRO, content is crazy tbh. I ended up using my s/u for it. I have friends who scored A but those are very hardworking. The content for this course is so heavy, heavier than my cores lol, siao!
Thanks for this post, help me alot on choosing an Electives. I found out also that NIE also offered easy Arts related electives. I found some of them at thier website http://www.nie.edu.sg/VPAElectives
Hey,
CS8060
1) What is the format for finals?
2) Content Heavy?
3) Prior knowledge on stuff like video editing, Photoshop skills needed?
Hi i am quite interested in Sim’s question as well regarding the lecture recordings! could you help by giving a reply:) that would be very much appreciated, thank you so much!
Hey, for HY1002 Logic and Paradoxes, it is not a pass/fail module right? Also, can you tell me more about the assessments, ie. what are they like if they are not essay type of question? Same for the homework assignments. Is the module lecture-style?
Sorry for asking so many questions, and thank you! :D
1. Nope. Its not a pass/fail.
2. Questions are based on first-order logic. There is a format to it. But its not an essay. The course teaches the format as well so its all guided. Its quite hard for me to explain, if you are interested, you should attend during add/drop and see what its like. Homework format is the same.
3. The module is seminar based. Its basically like a lecture but in a small classroom.
Hi!
I find this post really really helpful and THANK YOU for that! :)
Was just wondering for 6. CS8060 Introduction to Advertising (Special Semester), is there lecture recordings? I am planning to take it this coming special sem, but also thinking if I can take up a part-time job full time at the same time too.