MS800M Beauty, Form and Function: An Exploration of Symmetry

Lessons:
Weekly lectures

Assessment:
Graded MCQs 35%
Field Exercises 27%
Writing Exercise 22%
Learning Logs 16%

Description:

A MOOC online module which teaches you about symmetrical elements, qualitatively and quantitatively. To me, it is quite hard and does not interest me alot, maybe because I'm just not cut out for engineering and math stuff.

The lectures can be watched at your own pace. Some of the lectures can be a bit long and content-filled so it is good to watch it consistently. In addition, because there are 4 sets of MCQs spread across the 8 weeks, you will have to watch the lectures in pace.

You have to complete 4 sets of MCQs, each varies in weightage. There are a total of 3 tries given for each MCQs, so it is very likely to get full marks for all of them. Each set of MCQs cover the topics in the previous weeks, for example, MCQ Set A cover content from Lecture 1 to 3, Set B covers Lecture 4 and 5, etc.

For the field exercises, you are required to look for symmetrical elements in your daily life, such as floor tiles, logos, etc, take a selfie with the item, and describe it. The assignment will have to be uploaded on Coursera. Examples will be given and you just have to follow. The field exercises are not hard to do, as the explanation are quite easy, the only difficulty I faced is finding an example for symmetry around.

For the writing exercise, you will have to complete a 1500-word essay, based on a journal article that will be given. Specific guidelines and examples of essay will be given to you. However, you must be careful not to plagiarize the examples, as you may unintentionally "copy" parts of them if you read it as reference. In addition, you have to use a software for a part of the essay, which can be quite a hassle. Another problem I faced was understanding the article.

For the learning log, it is basically a reflection of what you have learnt in the lessons. Questions given can be something like, state and explain to which symmetry group does this structure belong to, and your opinions on a certain aspect (I can't exactly remember). 

This module is rather heavy because it is a 3AU module! However, good news is that it is a pass/fail module. Remember is that you MUST sign up for signature track if you want the credit transfer. More instructions will be given on how to sign up for signature track.