Overview of Modules
AY14/15 SEM 1
MA1505 Mathematics I
ST1131 Introduction to Statistics
CS1010E Programming Methodology
GEK1549 Critical Thinking and Writing
EG1108 Electrical Engineering
AY14/15 SEM 2
MA1506 Mathematics II
ST2131 Probability
IE2140 Engineering Economy
**Disclaimer:
Any tips or personal opinions presented are based only and only on my personal experience. **
Introduction
This review is for the first year in the ISE course. This module review was done after Year 1.
MA1505 Mathematics I - 4MC
MA1506 Mathematics II - 4MC
Two Semesters of engineering mathematics modules where important mathematical tools for solving engineering problems are covered. The modules will equip you with the necessary understanding of how to use the various tools to solve problems. Strong focus on problem solving. Understanding and appreciation of the mathematical concepts is barely covered.
Ok, honestly these MA modules aren't very useful for ISE. Consider it training to improve your math skills rather. You can consider these engineering math modules more of a breadth, but do pay a little more attention to these topics:
- Linear Algebra
- Multivariate Calculus
- Lagrange Multipliers
Content is rather heavy. Rather difficult to score. For both semesters, couldn't solve some of the questions in finals. Others were done wrongly due to neglect. I didn't perform too well under timed constraints as I practiced at a more leisure pace, but still manage to get the job done decently.
ST1131 Introduction to Statistics - 4MC
Topics covered are mostly covered under statistics syllabus of H2 mathematics. There is more focus on understanding than calculations. Content is moderate but the module itself is not intensive at all, especially for JC students. Somehow one of my favorite module of the first semester. I went for almost all lectures as there is no webcast. Most important is to grasp the concepts and understand the "why" behind the calculations. Pay some attention to this module despite its "lightness", it is good to have a strong foundation. You also get to learn about Minitab software, which is probably the easiest to use statistical software.
Takeaways:
- Inferences on up to Two Samples
- Intro to Sampling Distributions
Rather light and easy module. The bell curve can be quite skewed so it is really important to have correct intuition and understanding of the materials. There is ample time during the exam, to come up with the correct interpretation and demonstrate understanding of the materials, so make sure you are prepared to do it. This should not be a too difficult module as long as you are careful during the exams.
CS1010E Programming Methodology - 4MC
A fun module if you have not done programming before, and rather slow if you have. Basic introduction to programming in C. Most important is the logic of your code and developing good programming practices. When practicing develop good debugging practices to save time.
2 kinds of labs, one per week, alternating between graded and practice. During labs time constraint is really a problem as it can be insufficient hard to implement code even if you know how to do it.
What I learnt:
- C Language
- Arrays and Pointers
Weekly Workload: Can take 8-15+ hrs if you plan to complete all the exercises and haven't done much programming previously.
GEK1549 Critical Thinking and Writing - 4MC
This is a writing module where you have to write a paper and report before an exam. Topics are generally restricted to engineering ideas/solutions. The paper was on critic-ting an article. Report is on presenting solutions to a problem. Exam format somewhat similar to GP.
This module is quite difficult to score. I had spent quite a bit of time and thought I was writing quite decently, until the results got back to me. Maybe I wasn't writing what they were looking out for, so I can't offer any useful tips. What I got: B+
Review:
Was a good chance to learn to speak up in class but did not utilize it
Spend more time reading my individual paper, get more feedback
Start reading more stuff!
EG1108 Electrical Engineering - 3MC
Really a light module with little content although it takes some time to familiarize with the content and problem solving. Works like an introduction to electrical components simple circuit diagrams.
I took this to clear the requirements for ISE and also because it fits into th 23MC limit of the first semester. The module focuses on problem solving, so as long as you know how to do the questions, it should be fine. My style for the module is consistency, it should get you there will minimal effort:
- Recommend to go for lectures
- Go for tutorials if necessary
- Revise your mathematics if necessary
- Work consistently as it takes time to familiarize
- Work through some past year questions
The module can be seen more as a breadth module, it good to have the relevant understanding, especially if you are going to work on projects involving electrical engineering in future/with peers from electrical engineering.
Content is light, but I took some time to grasp the intuition behind them. After that, it is mainly mathematics. Have fun during the labs, I haven't got the chance to do something hands-on for a long time in a real lab since.
ST2131 Probability - 4MC
Heard that this module was rather difficult . Very mathematical and theoretical, involving the study of distribution functions in some detail, along with study of expectation and variance in some detail as well. The module also extends all the materials to multivariate distribution functions and bringing in concepts of independence and correlation. Content for the module is rather heavy. Didn't have time to internalize much of the materials towards the end and ending up just plugging formulas for the later topics.
There were several lecturers and all the lectures were webcast-ed. Try to have a feel of how each lecturer teaches and then follow the one you prefer most.
Webcast lectures at your own pace/You can self study if you prefer the textbook to notes.
Do tutorial questions
Attend tutorials if necessary
Consistent studying and occasional revision during the semester is good as it takes time to absorb the content
Topics(topics gets harder and the pace tends to get faster as the lecturers probably had bad pacing at the start):
- Probability
- Random Variables
- Distribution Functions
- Multivariate Distribution Functions
- Expectation and Variance
- Moment Generating Functions is covered lightly but not tested
The final paper for the semester was as easy as it could have been, with just one difficult question while really blew my mind figuring out in vain how to solve. (for the A+ students probably).
IE2140 Engineering Economy - 4MC
This is the first ISE module that I have taken and I had high expectations for it. In fact it turned out to be a "mix" of 50% finance, 20% probability, 10% accounting and 20% economics but with focus on engineering applications. To sum up the module, it is based on decision making based on NPV and cash flows. Content of the module is very light compared to all the engineering mathematics and your probability module. Expect to see content from your probability module appearing.
There was a project component which involves analyzing a topic/situation using cash flow projection and recommending a decision. The topic is very broad and can be anything you deem doable. Personally I find that the project is very hypothetical and not realistic. There is insufficient information for the project to be meaningful. Recommendations could be to choose a really good topic/situation to analyse. There as a presentation at the end and the only feedback received was during the q&a.
Lecturers likes to give question examples on everything covered. Some are really unnecessary and can be skipped while on webcast. Homework involves some excel work and can be interesting. Use the build in functions to solve your tutorial questions if you do not want to work through the details.
Content is moderately heavy. Suprisingly hard to do well and score.
Review:
I had not done particularly well for the midterms, yet content of this module was mostly concepts I had knew before hand. As I did not see much learning value in something I had learnt, I did not take on the mid term result to prepare much for finals. I also had not put in too much effort for both the project and module. It is important to maintain a positive attitude for your projects at all times. There is also a need to get feedback more frequently during the project if you want to learn from it.
Key learning point from this module is positive attitude for learning and project and humility.
Overall Review of Academic Year
I offer a little personal experience and advice throughout this review as I think most readers of this review will be from pre-univeristy.
Studying time and effort: a manageable year with good time management and consistency.
Webcast is king: I converted to almost fully webcast during semester two, as I felt it was a more efficient way where you are in charge of the pace. Going to lectures also leaves you distracted easily, especially if you are there with friends.
Learning: Use semester one to experiment your learning style as semester two is likely similar. Both semesters have very technical foundation modules so your most effective learning habits from first semester could be applied directly over.
Mindset: Importance is to adapt quickly to the changing requirements, especially to the project environment and breadth modules during semester two.
Practical comments: Grade free semester is probably the easiest to score, since everyone around can S/U. Be sure to research thoroughly what modules you are likely to take so you can clear the appropriate prerequisites along the way (although things always change along the way)
