NUS Module Review Sem 1 10/11

Im going to be doing a review on all 5 modules that I took this sem, for the benefit of whoever else may want to take the module too. They are PL1101E(Intro to Psych), PL2131(Stats1), NM1101E(Comm and New Media), PH1102E(Intro to Philo), LAF1201(French1)

I'll answer 5 questions for each: What is it about? How's the workload? How difficult is it? Any miscellaneous tips? Should you take it?



PL1101E - Introduction to Psychology
What is it about?
The title says it all - the module goes through a large variety of topics such as memory, learning, intelligence, developmental psych, abnormal psych, etcetc. If you have interest in how the brain works and what human behaviour is like, this is a module for you.

How's the workload?
The textbook is a monster - it was 800++ pages in total. (excluding references + appendix) Readings every week are usually one chapter, though you may have to read more in some weeks. Each chapter is about 40-60 pages. Do note that the textbook may change every sem(or year?) so it may be different.

There is one mid term paper (which you know the topic from about week 3 or 4, and is due about week 8?), a 100 MCQ mid term test, and a 100 MCQ + 5 short essay finals. (both closed book)

One 2h lecture per week (should be 6-8pm on monday as always) and one 2h tutorial fortnightly

How difficult is it?
The readings sound like alot but they are really not that bad. Firstly, the information is generally interesting to read and are not dry readings like journal articles. Next, there are many experiments and examples to aid your understanding, so it is not as long as it seems. The textbook is pretty easy to understand so there shouldnt be any problems here.

The exams are almost entirely memory-based - if you are able to memorize the textbook from the first to last page, you will very likely get a close-to-perfect mark. That said, understanding the concepts is quite important (versus just memorizing definitions) as the MCQs like to rephrase certain terms and see if you can pick the correct definition. Do try to read every thing from the textbook and remember the gist of everything, because they will test everything.

Miscalleneous Tips
This is one module in which you cannot fall behind in your readings - everything snowballs really quickly. Also, it's all about remembering everything, so ideally try to read your textbook at least twice over. Making a summary sheet for every chapter REALLY helps in revision.

Also, get started on your mid term essay early since they release the topic so early. The topic was fairly straightforward for this semester, not sure about future sems.

Lectures are an absolute waste of time, I stopped going for lectures in the second half of the semester. All they do is regurgitate what is stated in the textbook, and do a rushed job (because realistically all the content cannot be covered within a short 2hr lecture)
Tutorials are boring as well, but I guess it depends on which TA you get. No tutorial participation, so go ahead and switch off during tutorials :p

Should you take it?
A content heavy mod and should be balanced accordingly with whatever else you are taking. Not difficult at all to score if you have the time to keep up with readings. Known to be one of the most interesting exposure mods, and psychology is always interesting to read about. Go ahead and try it!


PL2131 - Research and Statistical Methods 
*It is important to note that I heard this module varies GREATLY for Sem1 and Sem2 due to different lectureres. So, take these comments with a pinch of salt.*
What is it about?
Hypothesis testing, z tests, t tests, chisquare tests, correlation, regression, effect size, power.
I think I have just summed up all you need to study for your exams.
This module is an introduction to several tests used in psychology and how to obtain your results.

How's the workload?
Two textbooks, though you won't cover every chapter. Readings aren't very long, and are filled with examples to help you understand the concepts.
2 assignments (1 week deadline to complete for each), 1 closed book mid term mcq test, 1 open book finals (short answer questions)
one 2h lecture weekly, one 2hr tutorial fortnightly

How difficult is it?
This module is very concepts-based. Memorization is NOT the focus for this module - it is much more important to understand the concepts and when to use which formula.
Mid terms may require a little memory since it is closed book, but it's not very content heavy, just several key concepts which once you understand they won't be difficult to remember.
Finals are open book so it's all about knowing your content well and applying your concepts well.

Contrary to popular belief, good mathematics knowledge is NOT required. As long as you know how to multiply, add, subtract and square root (and square) on a calculator, you will be fine. It's also important to be able to recognize which formula to use for which situations.

Assignments are generally ok, though one of them may require an external program so will be a small hassle to download it and run it.

The most difficult thing of this module may be understanding the HK lecturer's accent HAHA. :(

Miscalleneous Tips
I will repeat this - understanding the concepts are very very important! It's not about memorizing, but about applying the appropriate formula to the question. You should make a summary formula sheet for your finals for easy reference.

Should you take it?
Yes, if it's Prof Mike teaching it. He sets really easy papers apparently (for my sem, the finals paper was almost identical to the paper 2 years ago -_- )
Not difficult at all, though the competition may be high as it has limited slots and it's a prerequisite for psych majors.


NM1101E - Communications and New Media
What is it about?
A wide variety of topics from online communities, video games, copyright, development of the internet, etc. It is so broad that it is hard to describe it aptly in a paragraph.

How's the workload?
2 group projects, 1 individual project. 1 mid terms, 1 finals.
Readings are usually some sort of (outdated) journal articles, the length and how interesting it is varies greatly.
 1 2hr lecture per week, 1 1hr tutorial every week.
Mid terms consists of MCQ and short answer and essay. Finals are all MCQ.

How difficult is it?
The projects are generally fun and interesting to do. For instance, my individual project was about blogging! So fun haha.
Readings can be VERY VERY dry and complicated, and what I disliked most about them was that some were waaay oudated. (e.g. 10 years ago?) It was quite ridiculous to read about 'what the Internet is going to be' when it has already surpassed what was predicted.
Of course, there are several more interesting ones. But the readings are generally tough, I wouldd say.

Mid terms was REALLY easy, the MCQs were a total joke. I think a student who did not take the module would easily get half the questions correct as the way the options were written made the correct answer really obvious
E.g.
Which of these is a fruit?
a) chicken, b) apple, c) red, d) pajamas

The short answers and essay are slightly tougher but still manageable.
I think many people did well, so the bell curve naturally shifted higher.

Finals were the killer for my sem - the 60 odd MCQs were REALLY challenging. All the  options were very close and the 'application MCQs' (4 marks each mcq!) were quite difficult.

Miscallenous Tips
Read the LECTURE SLIDES. Seriously, it is a definite B at least if you read the lecture slides and study them religiously. To get an A of course you need to do well in your projects and do read the readings abit as some questions do test from readings.
However, I would say lecture slides are waaay important. They nicely capture all the important concepts you need to know so make sure you study them.

Should you take it?
Yes! Pretty interesting topics and generally slack module. The readings are not too heavy and not alot of studying is required (since revising lecture slides seems sufficient)


PH1102E - Introduction to Philosophy
What is it about?
A wide range of philosophical debates - is killing the same as letting die? Does every event have a prior cause? Is pleasure all that matters? Why is there something rather than nothing?

What is the workload?
One philo article per week which you have to do a summary writeup on. The summary is not necessarily of the entire article. Usually it is about a portion of the text, and it depends on the summary question the prof sets. In a sense, this 'forces' you to do your readings every week. They generally aren't very long.

No mid terms, just a final exam which was 10 'MCQ's and 2 essays (choose 2 out of 3)
I put 'MCQs' in inverted commas because it's not exactly a 'pick a b c d e ' thing all the way. For instance, one question required you to match a particular statement to the philosopher who agrees with it. (5 statements, 7 philosophers) There were about 2-3 of these sort of 'short answer' questions.

How difficult is it?
I found all the readings really interesting, so it is not really a chore to do the readings. Even if you can't understand the reading, because the articles are usually very popular articles, you can google for a 'summary' or an explanation of the main arguments of the author :) This really helps for your summary assignments.

Miscallenous Tips
It is important to understand what each philosopher argues for. I find the main idea to be to know how to argue for each side, and the lectures and notes cover this really well. Study Prof Pelchzar's notes for your exams and you will do well :)

Should you take it?
I think Philo is as such - you either like it or you hate it. I know of plenty of people who really dread it and dislike it to bits, though I personally enjoy it and love the readings.
If you are a naturally inquisitive person or can construct arguments and understand both sides of the picture very well, this is the module for you.

LAF1201 - French 1
What is it about?
Basic french, such as introducing yourself, basic grammar and vocab, colours, numbers, time, etc.

What is the workload?
TWO 2 hour lectures every week with one 1 hour tutorial.
2 sets of grammar + listening + oral tests, one close to mid terms, one close to finals. No finals.

How difficult is it?
I heard there are 1-2 bad lecturers who are very confusing. Mine (Mr Yannick) was very good and nice so it was relatively easy enough to understand. Not EASY though, I would say it is fairly challenging for newbies like me. I had the benefit of having a friend who knew French to be my 'second lecturer' during lectures so it was easier for me.

Miscallenous Tips
Requires constant revision of work, as with all language modules I guess.
Highly recommended to take with friends, so that you all can practise speaking French together. It really really helps to just keep talking in (your limited) French as it helps you remember the grammar and vocab better.

Should you take it?
It is a competitive module, since there are many people who know abit of French and still take the module and may unbalance the bell curve. Take it if you have several friends who are interested as well!


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Ok that's all I have, I will post up my results on 21st Dec so you can judge whether to trust my advice or not xD