Abstract: NUS Modules Review Roundup including Business and Accounting, Computing, Economics, Physics, Astrology, Language, Biology, Maths, Communication & Social Science.
In NUS, you could pretty much take any module as an elective, except those that come with prerequisites. With so many choices available, it is hard to find one that suits you. There are many hidden gems that you would never have uncover without the advice and recommendations of seniors. Here, we have put together a list of reviews done by seniors all over the net.
Business and Accounting
- ACC1002X: Financial Accounting (Available for 2014/15)
Mid-terms, project, class participation and finals. Mid-terms were MCQ, Finals had MCQs and open-ended questions. Project involves regular weekly submissions and one presentations.The hard part on this module is finding a group. Class participation is just a mere 10% .
Read more.–From http://elitistjerk.blogspot.com/
- ACC1002X: Financial Accounting (Available for 2014/15)
3 hours per week, 1x2hr lecture, 1x1hour tutorial.
Assessment: 25% mid term, 16% online assignment (this one is free frag, unlimited try to do until fall, 10% tutorial attendence (1% per tutorial marks) 49% final exam bell curve is madness, for mid terms 13% get 24 and above out of 25 so make sure u know how to do it and do it well.
orc_exp
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
- MNO2302: Human Resource Management (Available for 2014/15)
The module is Human Resource Management, it is about how you manage people and how one should react when a situation at work calls for it. The module is interactive for it gives students a chance to re-create scenarios that would take place in a working environment.
Read more.
–From http://themysterycross.wordpress.com/
Computing
- CS1010: Programming Methodology (Available for 2014/15)
The module teach a lot of basics C programming which are easy to learn. However the challenging part is applying these basics programming techniques to write programs which can be quite complicated and not straight forward.
Assessment and workload
5 Lab Assignments – 5% : Discussion Attendance – 5%: Practical Exam 1. – 10%
Practical Exam 2 – 25%. Mid-Term – 15% Final – 40% . Read more.
–From InvestWizar, http://investwizar.blogspot.com/
- CS3236: Introduction to Information Theory (Available for 2014)
You will learn the basics of information theory, such as, transmission of information, error correcting techniques, entropies, a little bit of cryptography and etc.
Workload is ok (1 2-hour lecture per week, and 1 1-hour tutorial per week), although you would need to do an individual project (either theory or coding) which is worth 20% of the final grade. There is weekly assignment to be submitted to; although if you follow the lectures closely, it should not be hard to score well in the assignments.
The lecturer is awesome; I dare say that she is very patient in teaching and very passionate in delivering the lecture material and her knowledge to the class.
yoshi_fanboy
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
- ES2331: Communicating Engineering (Available for 2014/15)
There are two parts to this module. Communicating Engineering Project 1 (CEP1) is about a panel discussion. – And CEP2 is a presentation about a scientific controversial topic of one’s choice. It is a formal presentation and the purpose is to convince the audience to go for/against the topic depending on your presentation. It is graded based on your slides and your presentation .
tuitionczar
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com
Economics
- EC1301: Principles of Economics (Lecturer: Dr Cornie) (Available for 2014/15)
Similar to H2 Econs but more in depth and some new stuff. Not recommended for those without Economics background as the content is really heavy.
Online tutorial (10%). Mid-Term (30%) – MCQ. Easy. Everyone scored very high. If you are aiming for A+, u need to score full mark for this. Finals (60%) – MCQ. Read more.
–From InvestWizar, http://investwizar.blogspot.com/
- EC2101: Microeconomics Analysis I (Taught by Dr Zhang Yang ) (Available 2014/15)
Content is very light, and second half of the module is some-what an analog of the first half, so if you understand the first half of the module, it means you also understand most of the concepts from the second half.
Mid term was extremely easy, the Finals were much more challenging, and really test on your understanding of concepts. Read more.
–From InvestWizar, http://investwizar.blogspot.com
- EC2102: Macroeconomic Analysis I (Available for 2014/15)
This module focuses a lot on understanding and manipulating some economic framework graphically. Textbook is a MUST.
Assessment and workload includes: Tutorial Participation – 10%, Mid-Term – 30%, Finals – 60%. Read more.
–From InvestWizar, http://investwizar.blogspot.com/
Physics
- GEK1508: Einsteins Universe & Quantum Weirdness (Lecturer: Prof Phil Chan) (Available for 2014/15)
General/special relativity. Quantum Mechanics. Particle Physics. No difficult math involved at all as it is only an exposure module.
Module requirement 30%-Group Project (in groups of 2-3) Write a few thousand word reports (either a story you made up or a book review). There is also 20%x2 -2 tests one held during midterms (40 mcqs,1hr) and the other (45mcqs,1hr) before reading week. A 5%- star gazing (just go for 2 sessions. It’s on certain Fri 7-10pm) Just need to go and sign attendance if you are not interested.
Other requirements involves:
- 5% – forum discussions
- 10%- E-learning. Does not always apply. Not every semester will have e-learning.
- 5%- In class assignment. Free frag, TA essentially gives you the answers.
- 5%- Tutorial Attendance. Read
–From InvestWizar, http://investwizar.blogspot.com/
- Einsteins Universe & Quantum Weirdness (Available for 2014/15)
personally took 1508. it is cheaper if u bid as the physics module.
very interesting mod with passionate prof. a little bit mathematical but generally ok. can score if you put in effort. concepts takes quite some effort to understand (maybe is i physics behkan) and follow.
2 CA test + proj (write science fiction story using concept taught in class) + class part. both test MCQ
mihawk
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
- PC1325/GEK1508: Einstein’s Universe and Quantum Weirdness (Available for 2014/15)
The module focuses a bit on the history/philosophy of science and makes very difficult concepts palatable to normal human beings like me. I have never seen science and mathematics in the “correct” way until I took this module.
Assessment is 2 MCQs test(open book), participation (class and star gazing), and a group story writing project. For the project, the prof looks for creative ideas. Read more
–From Mihawk, http://beatingthesyst3m.blogspot.sg/
- GEK1520: Understanding the Universe (Available for 2014/15)
UTU is easier in terms of the concepts. Some memorization required. Mainly teaches u about stars and other celestial objects. 2 McQ test + 1 project. Cindy is not a bad lecturer but pales in comparison to prof Phil.
I find Einstein more interesting also cos I like those relativity and quantum stuff… And the lecturer is very passionate. However u might need to spend some effort reading extra materials online to get a better picture.
mihawk
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
- PC1322: Understanding the Universe (Available for 2014/15)
Astronomical objects and events. An interesting module if you like astronomy that is. Textbook not required.
Assessment workload consists of: Tutorial Attendance + Assignments – 20%, Term test 1 – 20%, Term Test 2 – 20%, Group project + individual Report (20% + 20%). Read more.
–From InvestWizar, http://investwizar.blogspot.com/
Astrology
It’s basically introducing the various planets and stuff. It’s cool and interesting. Assessment wise, final mcq open book with grp and individual report.
Rusty89
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
- GEK1524: Living with Fluids (Available for 2014/15)
This module is divided into 3 parts with focus in fluid mechanics concepts. Second part focuses on fluids in the human body(blood) and the various issues with blood viscosity. Third part teaches fluid mechanics in flight. Examples are how birds make use of air(fluid) mechanics to fly, save energy etc.
The assessment follows the end of each part, so the timing of tests will be off your mid term/finals schedule, which may or may not be good. Do practice how to draw the various diagrams as speed will be key in the tests. 1st test is open ended like geog paper, 2nd is MCQ and the 3rd is also semi-open ended. Read more.
–From Mihawk, http://beatingthesyst3m.blogspot.sg/
- GEK1524: Living with Fluids (Available for 2014/15)
Living with fluid. It’s a really interesting modules which are split into 3 different topics with a test at the end of each. So there isnt really any finals except for that 3 papers. Physics wise not that much. the papers some are mcq some are short answer.
Rusty89
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
- PC1325/GEK1508: Einstein’s Universe and Quantum Weirdness (Available for 2014/15)
The module focuses a bit on the history/philosophy of science and makes very difficult concepts palatable to normal human beings like me. I have never seen science and mathematics in the “correct” way until I took this module.
Assessment is 2 MCQs test(open book), participation (class and star gazing), and a group story writing project. For the project, the prof looks for creative ideas. Read more
–From Mihawk, http://beatingthesyst3m.blogspot.sg/
- GEK2503: Remote Sensing for Earth Observation (NA for 2014/15)
People with geography background should have some advantage as it is required to look at images and identify some landscapes and their features most of the time. Read more.
–From InvestWizar, http://investwizar.blogspot.com/
Language
- EL1101E: The Nature of Language (Available for 2014/15)
Has nothing to do with English, but linguistics on its own. It studies the structure both in letter and voice of any language, pretty interesting, but can be technical at times. Read more.
–From Dave, http://www.davejunia.com/
- LAJ1201: Japanese 1 (Available for 2014/15)
The modules teach about the Japanese language which is in between Chinese and English. It has alphabets called Hiragana and Katakana like the English.
–From http://themysterycross.wordpress.com/
- LAJ1201 : Japanese 1 (Available for 2014/15)
jap is a killer, 7 hrs a wk, every tut got quiz, and hard to score. stay far far away unless u are an otaku (and leet at jap). if u really wanna learn then be prepared for the worst.
nefarie
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
Biology
- LSM1301: General Biology (Available for 2014/15)
as the module name suggest, gives a broad overview of biology… from microscopes to cell components to plant physiology and ecosystems.
Niccolo Machiavelli
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
- LSM1302: Genes and Society (Available for 2014/15)
Is quite specific and touches on DNA, genes, chromosomes and the biotechnology-related stuff. I would say it’s slightly more technical than LSM1301. Nevertheless, it’s cross-listed as a General Education Module and shouldn’t be too difficult if you have at least an O lvl biology.
Swaminathan taught me in LSM1101 and his lectures and exams are super easy, no kidding.
But then again, I never took LSM1301 and LSM1302. Only heard feedback from many friends.
Luminol
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
- LSM1302: Gene and Society (Available 2014/15)
An interesting module which provide foundational knowledge of genes and introduces some of the current research in the field and the controversies arising from it. Read more.
–From InvestWizar, http://investwizar.blogspot.com/
- LSM 1302/gek1527: Gene and Society (Available for 2014/15)
Content quite heavy. I ask my H2 bio frens is really things dey learn in H2 bio. Bad for ppl w/o bio background, as it does not preclude them…basically they will ruin the bell-curve
Precious sem my fren took dere is mid-term, my sem i took dun hv… Juz do medical brochure, write 1000 word essay , take-home quiz (quite hectic…)
Finals closed book. A lot of stuff to remember.
Rusty89
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
- SM1302: Gene and Society (Available for 2014/15)
but content wise, i dont think the lvl of difficulty differ much.. and i dun have any bio background at all also, so, u will probably struggle abit initially with all the nver-hear-before jargon… but if u put in some effort to go find out the definition whenever u meet with a new term, u sld be fine.. and for a start, u go look at the module info in ivle.. they have alot of weblinks which basically cover the entire module… i highly recommend u to go there and take a look at the first few links before the lecture starts.
Darkzi0n
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
- GEM1536: Darwin and Evolution (Available for 2014/15)
Workload is relatively light. I only turned up for the first lecture, mid terms and finals. Lectures are webcasted. Notes are pictures and most of the content that the tests are based on is lectured by the prof. There is quite a bit of copying to do, but you can do it in your free time and in comfort over webcast.
Midterms and finals are 50 MCQs, 50% each. Midterms are open book, so the scores are quite close. Finals are close book. Finals was relatively easy, but I did not expect him to have questions asking dates and time periods. Read more.
–From Mihawk, http://beatingthesyst3m.blogspot.sg/
Maths
- MA1101R: Linear Algebra I (Lecturer: Dr Ng Kah Loon) (Available for 2014/15)
A lot of theorems. 20% midterm. 10% lab quiz. 70% final. Mid-term is challenging, expect the mean to be around 22-24 out of 40. Finals on the other hand is much easier. Read more.
–From InvestWizar, http://investwizar.blogspot.com/
- MA1102R: Calculus ( Lecturer: Wang Fei ) (Available for 2014/15)
More in depth compared to A level calculus.
Assessment and workload: Homework – 15%, Lab assignment – 5%, Midterm – 20%, Finals – 60%.
Read more.
–From InvestWizar, http://investwizar.blogspot.com/
- MA2216/ST2131: Probability (Available for 2014/15)
Workload-wise, it’s just homework and exam, no projects. But those modules are all considered very hard at your stage, with Probability being the easiest followed by Multivariable Calculus.
For a Math major, definitely consider GEM2900 and GEM2901. If you have done or plan to do any other GEM modules, the excess GEM modules can count as your Elective modules. Otherwise, consider
PL2131 as well. It’s basically a stats module for psychology students, with no prerequisites – very advantageous to you. Finally, do consider Finance, Accounting, or Econs modules (eg EC1301) if you plan to go into those sectors after you graduate.
cRi5ti@n0
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
- MA1421: Basic Applied Mathematics for Sciences (Available for 2014/15)
Mid-terms, assignments and finals are the requirement for this module to pass. Read more.
–From http://elitistjerk.blogspot.com/
- ST1131: Introduction to Statistics (Lecturer: Wong Yean Ling ) (Available for 2014/15)
Identical to JC stats with a bit new stuff towards the end. Mid-term – 35%, Finals – 60%, Assignment – 5%. Assignment is a free 5%, anyone could do it easily. Midterm is easy. Finals is tricky. Read more.
–From InvestWizar, http://investwizar.blogspot.com/
- PL2131: Research and Statistical Methods I (Available for 2014/15)
The module is all about statistics. The things covered are very basic if you are taken some higher level statistics module. After taking EC3303 and GEM2901, 3/4 of the things taught in this module was already covered somewhere. Read more.
–From Mihawk, http://beatingthesyst3m.blogspot.sg/
- ST2132: Mathematical Statistics (This module is taught by Dr Lim Chingway ) (Available for 2014/15)
Mid terms was easy (Very similar to tutorial questions) and the Finals was very do-able. Be diligent in doing his tutorials plus some additional practices from the textbook and you will be fine. Read more.
–From InvestWizar, http://investwizar.blogspot.com/
Communication
- NM1101E: Communications, New Media and Society (Available for 2014/15)
Assessment consists of mid terms (memorise the readings) + some assignments on user design + finals (memorise readings). Read more.
–From Mihawk, http://beatingthesyst3m.blogspot.sg/
- NM1101E: Communications, New Media and Society (Available for 2014/15)
NM2102 (NA for 2014/15)
I have taken 4 NM modules (including NM1101E and NM2102), and for each of them I have found that to score well in the exams, you just have to write stuff the lecturer wants, in other words, you cannot have your own style. Because you are inclined in writing and have a couple of years of freelance writer experience for publications, you probably have your own style of writing, which in NM, counts AGAINST you. They do not want you to use your own style, which is highly difficult and insulting if you have developed one. It sounds counterintuitive, but it is true.
abc1987
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com
Social Science
- SE1101E: Southeast Asia: A Changing Region. (Available for 2014/15)
The module has wide-ranging topics from religion to food and fashion.
- SE1101E : Southeast Asia: A Changing Region (Available for 2014/15)
took SE1101E two years ago when i was a freshie. interesting mod, but i find the stuffs covered rather trival. plus it has two written assignments (one field-trip report + one research paper) and its slightly more taxing than the average arts exposure mod.
HY1101E > PH1101E imo. took both, and got mindfugged by ph1101E. but i think they changed the syllabus liao so it might be better now.
enjoyed HY1101E alot. probably thats why i took history as a minor.
– Niccolo Machiavell
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
- SE3216: Migration and Diaspora in Southeast Asia (NA for 2014/15)
The class mentioned above gives readings and assignments that involves interacting with the community and really observing Singaporean migrant cultural patterns, flows, and spaces.
Read more.
–Taylor from https://taylorinsingapore.wordpress.com
- SSB1204: Labour Law in Singapore (Available for 2014/15)
Very interesting, very relevant to anybody because it talks about the rights of employees and employers. Just be prepared to write essays and join in class discussions, which are not the norm for Science students.
cRi5ti@n0
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
- SSS1207: Natural Heritage of Singapore (Available 2014/15)
Extremely popular module as it is one of the few SS mod that have an open book MCQ midterm and finals. Bell curve is extremely steep with half the cohort scoring above 25 out of 30 for the midterm.Read more.
–From InvestWizar, http://investwizar.blogspot.com/
- SSS1207: Natural Heritage of Singapore (Available for 2014/15)
damn easy to pass, damn hard get A
i wasted my time putting in effort only to get a half-assed grade
if you dont mind using s/u and you have points and need a filler mod to balance out harder mods, id recommend it
Xapheron
(Read more on http://hardwarezone.com)
Taking electives is a mean for you to explore your interest and to meet some weird people outside of your course. With SU options available, the risk of having your CAP being pulled down is mitigated. Make use of it wisely and you will be ensured a meaningful university life.
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