NUS AY 13/14 Semester 1 Results

BEEEEP!!! WOOO YAYYY BAAA.

No, that's not me cheering. That was what woke me up this morning at 7.30AM. There's a soccer field next to my flat, and for some godforsaken reason there were people playing soccer at 7 .30 in the morning and the audience or whoever were cheering super loudly suddenly.

I lay in my bed awake for a few moments, wondering what time it was (it was still rather dark), though I deduced it couldn't be THAT early if there were people playing soccer (i.e. 4AM) so I checked my phone for the time. And saw that the SMS of Doom (TM) was in.



This post just contains my grades and thoughts, for my predictions and reviews for these modules you can refer to this link.



PL4880G - Positive Psychology

Predicted Grade: B/B+

Actual Grade: A-

Ah well, a pleasant surprise. I didn't do well for my individual essays (At first), but I guess my group presentations were more well-received by my prof than I thought. Finals weren't that difficult, just smoke and you can't be that far off (See my review for more info)

PL4880F - Addictive Behaviors

Predicted Grade: A-/A

Actual Grade: A

Cheers! My CA did really well, so as long as I didn't screw up my finals (I didn't think so after the exam), I should have been on track for A-/A at least. And I did! Though one of my group mates (who shared the same CA as me) got an A+ lol she wrote a better finals essay I guess. It's ok! Be content and happy for what you got! Don't do upward social comparisons!

GEK1063 - The Singlish Controversy

Predicted Grade: B- / B

Actual Grade: B+

This was the only result I was disappointed in LOL. You may be wondering 'what's wrong with this idiot, he surpassed his prediction and he's still complaining?'. Well, the plan was always to S/U this module, unless it pulled my CAP. My CAP is between 4-4.5, which meant I need an A- or an A to do so. This means it is the least economically (CAP-wise) profitable to S/U if I got a B+ (as it makes the smallest change in my CAP) ... and I did get a B+ ugh!

If only I got a B- or so, would make it more satisfying and worth it to S/U. Or an A-/A, which would pull my CAP. But ok la, I have no more S/U-able modules left, so I have to use my last S/U anyway. Up goes my CAP! (by 0.01 I think)



Final Notes

Quite satisfactory this sem I suppose, As are always good, even with an ugly line by its side. What's more important is with these results, I can more or less coast in my final sem - it's mathematically impossible for me to get First Class, and to drop below Second Upper I need to get around a 2-2.5 SAP (C or below average) for my thesis + 2 level 4000 mods.. which is quite unlikely. Thus next sem doesn't really matter so I guess I'll use my time to apply for jobs and stuff.
Thank God for the good results!

NUS AY 13/14 Semester 1 Module Review

Once again, I’m going to review the modules that I took this semester. 
If you have any questions, please send it to my email  atqhteo@gmail.com, or leave a comment below. Don't worry, there are no stupid questions! I've received many emails asking me all sorts of questions. I reply all of them :)

The modules covered in this post:

PL4880G (Positive Psychology)
PL4880F (Addictive Behaviors)
GEK1063 (The Singlish Controversy)

(I only took 3 modules this semester as I'm working on my Honors Thesis, which is a year long project and worth 3 modules)

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

If you want to see previous reviews for

• PC1323/GEK1510, GEM2901, PL4207, LSM1303, PL3231, click this link


• PC1325/GEK1508, MKT1003X, PL3252, PL3234, PH2211, click this link.


• GEk1519, SE1101E, PL3236, PL3233, PL3240, click this link.


• PL1101E, NM1101E, PH1102E, LAF1201, PL2131, click this link.


• For PL2132, PL3232, SSB2216 , PL3235, PH2110, click this link.

Do note that modules do vary across semesters, depending on which professor is taking it, so I will include the name of the professor for your benefit.

NUS AY 12/13 Semester 2 Module Review

Once again, I’m going to review the modules that I took this semester. 
If you have any questions, please send it to my email  atqhteo@gmail.com, or leave a comment below.

The modules covered in this post:

PC1323/GEK1510 (Great Ideas in Contemporary Physics)

GEM2901 (Reporting Statistics in the Media)
PL4207 (Social Psychology: Theories and Methods)

LSM1303 (Animal Behavior)
PL3231 (Independent Research Project)

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?

If you want to see previous reviews for

• PC1325/GEK1508, MKT1003X, PL3252, PL3234, PH2211, click this link.
• GEK1519, SE1101E, PL3236, PL3233, PL3240, click this link.
• PL1101E, NM1101E, PH1102E, LAF1201, PL2131, click this link.
• For PL2132, PL3232, SSB2216 , PL3235, PH2110, click this link.

Do note that modules do vary across semesters, depending on which professor is taking it, so I will include the name of the professor for your benefit.

BU Module / Course Review Fall Semester AY 12/13

I'm on exchange at Boston University this semester, and keeping to the tradition of doing module reviews every semester, I shall do one for BU as well!

If you have any questions, email them to atqhteo@gmail.com, or leave a comment below (email preferred).

The courses covered in this post (people in US call it 'course' instead of 'module'):

PS234/NE234 - Psychology of Learning
PS251 - Psychology of Personality
PS354 - Psychology and Criminal Justice
PH221 - Philosophy of Sport

NUS AY 11/12 Semester 2 Results

So... this morning I received the SMS of Doom ™ , and that was after I had woken up at 6AM for god knows why (stupid insomnia) and couldn't sleep for the next hour... and bestie whatsapps me at 6.54AM which jarred me out of my semi-consciousness... and the SMS finally came at 7.10 AM.

This post contains my grades and stuff so if you want to see it read on.

NUS Module Review Semester 2 AY 11/12

Once again, I’m going to review the modules that I took this semester. 
If you have any questions, please send it to my email  atqhteo@gmail.com, or leave a comment below.

The modules covered in this post:

PC1325/GEK1508 (Einstein's Universe and Quantum Weirdness)

MKT1003X (Introduction to Marketing)
PL3252 (Social-Cognitive Perspectives of Emotion)
PL3234 (Developmental Psychology)
PH2211 (Philosophy of Religion)

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?

If you want to see previous reviews for

• GEk1519, SE1101E, PL3236, PL3233, PL3240, click this link.


• PL1101E, NM1101E, PH1102E, LAF1201, PL2131, click this link.


• For PL2132, PL3232, SSB2216 , PL3235, PH2110, click this link.

 Do note that modules do vary across semesters, depending on which professor is taking it, so I will include the name of the professor for your benefit.

NUS Module Review Semester 1 AY 11/12

Once again, I'm going to review the modules that I took this semester. 
If you have any questions, please send it to my email  atqhteo@gmail.com instead of posting in the comments, it's easier for me to reply.

The modules covered in this post:

GEK1519 (Science of Music)

SE1101E (South East Asia: A Changing Region)
PL3236 (Abnormal Psychology)
PL3233 (Cognitive Psychology)
PL3240 (Group Dynamics)

I'll answer 5+1 questions for each: What is it about? How's the workload? How difficult is it? Any miscellaneous tips? Should you take it? and a new question : "How did I do for it?"

If you want to see previous reviews for PL1101E, NM1101E, PH1102E, LAF1201, PL2131, click this link. For PL2132, PL3232, SSB2216 , PL3235, PH2110, click this link.

Do note that modules do vary across semesters, depending on which professor is taking it, so I will include the name of the professor for your benefit.

NUS Module Review Semester 2 AY 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

PL2132 (Research and Statistical Methods 2),

PL3232 (Biological Psychology),

SSB2216 (Employee Management in Singapore)

PL3235 (Social Psychology)

PH2110 (Logic) (Philosophy mod)

I'll answer 5+1 questions for each: What is it about? How's the workload? How difficult is it? Any miscellaneous tips? Should you take it? and a new question : "How did I do for it?"

If you want to see previous reviews for PL1101E, NM1101E, PH1102E, LAF1201, PL2131, click this link.

Do note that modules do vary across semesters, depending on which professor is taking it, so I will include the name of the professor for your benefit.

PL2132 - Research and Statistical Methods 2

Prof: Sim Teck Ngee

What is it about?

A continuation from PL2131, this teaches you that everything you have learn in PL2131 is useless and you should use what you learn in PL2132.

Ok fine, it teaches you more advanced statistical techniques besides the t-tests that you've been learning in PL2131.

How's the workload?

There is a whopping THREE textbooks for this module - however, I daresay you can clear this module without even touching any of them, IF you are taking it under Prof Sim.

In fact, this module was probably the one with one of the lowest workloads this semester, apart from PH2110. Read the next section for an elaboration.

There is one mid term exam (short answer), 2 small quizzes (MCQ), 1 final exam, and 1 experimental study (plan and design a simple experiment as a group, carry it out, and write an individual report).

It's not as much as it sounds, because the mid terms and finals are both open book, and the quizzes are short.

One 2h lecture per week and one 2h lab every week

How difficult is it?

After scaring you with the fact that there are 3 textbooks, I have to clarify something.

Firstly, one of the textbooks is written in a very readable, casual, humorous way (but is also the thickest) (andy fields), one of them has information that you should already know from PL2131 (black book), and the last one is probably the most important and small one, but also the most complicated one. (ANOVA)

Textbooks aside, the way Prof Sim conducts this module is that he focuses on UNDERSTANDING why we you are doing what you're doing, rather than becoming proficient at using all the complicated formula in ANOVA (there are alot which he didn't even touch).

Also, for him, the textbooks are supplementary, meaning he just tests whatever he teaches during lectures (and is in the lecture notes). Thus lectures are VERY important.

It also helps that he is a VERY good lecturer, in that he is very clear and deliberate in his explanations. If you can't understand when he lectures, you won't understand when anyone else does.

He also seems to pick out only what he deems important from the textbook and teaches them, so you don't have to read the entire textbook(s). When I compare with other years' exam papers, his are definitely the easiest ones. (which may or may not be a good thing)

As for the experiment, it's just designing a simple experiment that you will carry out on your own as a group. Of course, your design needs to be free of confounds, etc. The report is an individual assignment though - and I suggest you work on it properly.

Miscalleneous Tips

Study the lecture notes. Go for lectures. Study the lecture notes again. He only tests from his notes! (you need to understand the concepts well to answer the questions, so PERHAPS reading the textbook MAY help. -shrugs-.)

Should you take it?

If you have taken PL2131, I suppose you will have to do this module too. If you haven't, you can't do this module. So ... it's either you end up taking or you don't. It's not a choice. Haha. But yea it's pretty easy overall, assuming you're under Prof Sim. I don't know about other lecturers.

How did I do for it?

I screwed up the report for the experiment, probably because I didn't invest as much time in it as I should. I started on it early and ended early and never made continual improvements. Only got a C+ for it which was devastating, given my performance in the other areas have been stellar - I'm pretty sure I got A/A+ level marks for my quizzes + mid terms. (way above median score)

Finals was relatively easy, will post up all my grades in a separate post to be linked later.

Predicted score: B+

PL3232 - Biological Psychology

Prof: Travellia Tjokro

What is it about?

The main part of it is all about the brain - how different functions such as memory and emotions link to the brain. If you like learning biological stuff like how suprachiasmatic nuclei controls the circadian rhythms of the body, this is for you.

How's the workload?

One Biological Psych textbook, which to me is the same as two normal textbooks. Haha ok maybe i'm biased, I don't like bio much. But it's basically pure memory work.

1 mid terms, 1 finals, 2 presentations to do on 2 different journal articles (pair work).

one 2h lecture weekly, one 2hr tutorial fortnightly.
Tutorials are basically useless besides for you to do your presentations. You do nothing in weeks that you don't present besides sit there and listen to the other groups.
Lectures are.. more or less useless too. She just teaches stuff from the textbook so, and if i'm not wrong there's nothing from the notes that isn't in the textbook, apart from the occasional term here and there. You may want to have a look at her notes just to be safe. Totally ponnable imo.

How difficult is it?

I don't know, how good is your  memory?
I didn't feel like it tested my application much, just memorize and memorize. I mean, it's bio!

Miscalleneous Tips

Do read your textbook thoroughly - the finals' essay questions were EACH more or less asking you regurgitate 3 studies outlined in the textbook. So if you memorized the textbook you'll ace it.

Should you take it?

It's a core mod for Psych majors/minors so you have no choice. If you like Biology, why not. There's not alot on genes though, so if you want that, go try Genes and Society (Some GEK)How did I do for it?
Did only average for mid terms, I didn't memorize enough. I do selective memorizing so ... you need to memorize everything. :S And don't think my presentations were good. :( Finals was so-so. I could remember the 3 'empirical evidence' for the essay portion though so I guess it's good.
Predicted Grade - B

SSB2216 - Employee Management in Singapore
Lecturer - Hanoi Lok

What is it about?

A very theory-based module on the key aspects of employee management - such as training and development, performance appraisal/management, etc.
Don't expect to learn anything factual such as how Singapore companies do this this this etc, that's not what this mod is about.
It is very general and theoretical which I thought was quite dumb, since alot of it is common sense. For example, 'what is an employee like today as compared to in the past?'. You can probably smoke out something like 'oh more demanding, want flexi-hours, want work-life balance, etc'.

How's the workload?

1 group project which involves conducting an interview with an organization, a presentation, and a report.
No midterms, 1 open book final exam, which is basically GP style. 3 choose 2 essays.There is one textbook which is virtually useless.. I didn't touch it after the first 2 weeks because its contents are quite useless. Lectures are very important - the module only has one weekly 3hour lecture which is a small-group seminar style. There is class participation, so try to speak up.The project is manageable, provided your group doesn't suck. There is virtually no readings to be done, just ... listen in class and think.

How difficult is it?

What I really dislike about the module is that what you learn in lectures is not really assessed in the finals! Or rather, the format of the final exams doesn't adequately and accurately assess what you were taught.
The issues we were asked to think about during class are not really helpful to writing the essays in the finals.
The essays are really GP style, and you need to have alot of examples so that you can support it well. Of course, knowing the basic theory is necessary, so read your lecture notes.The lectures were quite interesting because Hanoi is a funny lecturer and shares alot of her personal experiences. However, as I said, it doesn't map onto the final exams, so I found this module more or less useless.

Miscallenous Tips

I don't know. Read newspapers and cut out articles? Learn how to write a good essay? Keeping up with current affairs regarding employee management will definitely help you write a better essay.

Should you take it?

No. Take another SS. Unless you're good at essay writing, then go for it.How did I do for it?
My group more or less screwed up the presentation, and more or less got a sub-par report, and I more or less smoked my way through the finals. I'm PRAYING for a C so I can S/U this mod. plsplspls.
Predicted Grade : C

PL3235 - Social Psychology
Prof: Dr Cha Yeow Siah 

What is it about?

Psychology with regards to social relationships and social situations. A lot of common sense theories and some theories that defy common sense. To give you a tease: brainstorming has been shown to result in a LOWER quality and quantity of ideas!

What is the workload?
1 standard textbook with about 1 chapter per week, 1 mid terms, 1 finals, 1 essay. Pretty standard and manageable.
Mid terms is 60 MCQ and 15 Fill-in-the-blanks.
Finals is 60 MCQ, 15 FOTB, 3 choose 2 short essay questions.

1 2h weekly lecture, 1 2 hr fortnightly tutorial. Both are a waste of time, tutorials are worse though. Prof Cha tries to make the lectures interesting with videos and stuff and he is mildly humorous, so it's not that bad, even though the lecture is more or less useless and you can just study the textbook.
Tutorials seem to be an afterthought - It's like because they can't NOT have tutorials, so they have them. Absolutely useless.

How difficult is it?

How well can you memorize? It's another memory module, though it helps if you understand the theories and concepts because you will have to apply them. For example, you learn what 'social facilitation theory' is, and an MCQ may then describe 4 scenarios and they ask you which is social facilitation theory.
You need to memorize the terms though, for the fill-in-the-blanks. Not just the definitions, but the terms.

Miscallenous Tips

You need to study lecture notes as well, because he tests stuff from there which he randomly puts in and is not in the textbook. Just the occasional terms.. So you need a friend to help you copy notes if you plan on ponning lectures.And remember to learn the TERMS not just the definition. So if I provide you with the desciption: "the tendency to not put in your full effort when working in a group" you should be able to respond "social loafing!"
This is exactly what the fill in the blanks tests. If you can recall terms by reading the definition/scenario.

Should you take it?

It is fairly interesting, learning about all the social phenomena and learning some stuff which may contradict conventional thinking. I liked it, just that the textbook that Prof Cha chose SUCKS BALLS. It's the worst textbook in the world - authors Baumeister and Bushman
Very disorganized, very random examples, random pictures, etc.How did I do for it?
For midterms, I neglected to memorize the terms and  thus i couldn't recall what the definitions. Hence my memory couldn't recall what the terms were when shown the definitions. So don't make this mistake!
Did well for the essay, average for the mid terms.. hope I do well for the finals :SPredicted Grade: B+

PH2110 - Logic
Prof: Dr Ben Blumson
What is it about?

Reasoning with logic. That's really the most apt description I can give you. Well, you learn how to tell if an argument form is valid via truth tables, trees, etc.

What is the workload?

1 mini textbook which is like damn tiny and little.
Fortnightly online quizzes - all MCQ. Not as easy as it sounds, but you can discuss with friends la.
Mid term exam + final exam.
1 weekly 2h lecture and 1 fortnightly 2h tutorial.
Lectures and relatively important though I find he can be done usually in 1h+ and he talks alot of crap as fillers. Tutorials are very important because you'll truly learn and understand the techniques and you can ask questions if you don't know.

How difficult is it?

The key is to understand the steps and the, erm, logic behind everything you're done. You will learn a few proofs here and there which you must try to internalize so that you can apply in the same way for the exams.
There is relatively little to read and it's more chim than it is heavy.  Once you get it, you should be all good.

Miscallenous Tips

Do the practice questions in the textbook! They're probably the only way you can practice trees and predicate logic and etcetc.
Try your best to understand and take down whatever he teaches during tutorials, they're always important and useful. You really need to UNDERSTAND the reasoning behind certain stuff, because the exam tests your ability to apply the deductive reasoning process.

Should you take it?

If you have a need for cognition and want something relatively light in terms of workload/readings, this is for you. It seems to be a popular GEM too, so be prepared to pay abit more for it if you're bidding as a GEM.How did I do for it?
Mid terms was decent, I prepared well for it and got a decent score (I think). For the online quizzes.. they're difficult as hell lol. Even with discussion with friends, I got 1/10 for one and 3/10 for another. So.. all the best for the quizzes :p
Finals was ok.. didn't seem THAT difficult. But I think my bad quizzes will pull me down.Predicted Grade: B+

~~~

Ok that's all I have, I will post up my results on 31st May so you can judge whether to trust my advice or not xD

UPDATE: Results here

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