Lessons:
3-hr lecture per week
Assessment:
Discussion Forum - 10%
Mid-terms - 30%
Finals - 60%
Exam Format:
Mid-terms - MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks and short essays
Finals - MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, T/F qns, essays
Description:
This is a GER Core for HSS students, and the content covered includes environmental principles, and various aspects of how psychology affects how we treat the environment, e.g. motivation, personality and social factors
There is only one lecture per week, no recorded lecture. The notes are almost useless so you will definitely need the textbook, and the readings will come from there. Lectures will cover content in the textbook, but the lecturer will summarise what is in the textbook. It's up to you to decide how useful the lecture is. As for readings, you just need to read the textbook..
For the mid-terms, the MCQs and essays are pretty straightforward, some are also quite intuitive given the nature of the module. Reading the textbook and understanding it will be enough. The textbook might be a bit lengthy with alot of examples so it will be helpful to write the main points on your own and read from there.
For the finals, the format and question styles are very similar to mid-terms, just that there is the addition of T/F questions. The essays is 2 questions with many parts, ranging from 3 marks to 8 marks. More emphasis will be placed on the later half of the course which was not covered in the mid-terms.
The discussion forum will be easy to score. Guiding questions will be given, and you just have to post/comment twice on each of the 5 forums.
In conclusion, I find this module quite manageable and straightforward. Memory work is needed but not that tedious. Examples given in the textbook will help in reinforcing the theories and you can try to relate it to your daily experiences. It's probably one of the better Environmental mods to take.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
HP8003 Are you ok? Mental Health in Singapore
Lessons:
3-hr lecture per week
Assessment:
Mid-terms 40%
Finals 60%
Exam Format:
Mid-terms - MCQs
Finals - Essays
Description:
This is a AHSS/LA GER-PE, and the content covered includes various aspects of Psychology such as development, sexuality, learning, psychosis, substance abuse, etc.
There is only one lecture per week, no recorded lecture. Even though the notes is easily understandable, some of the sections are very simplified. Thus, it is advisable to attend the lecture as the lecturer provides extra information which will be beneficial for your essays. The lecturer always end the lecture way before time, sometimes even 1.5 hours ahead, so no need to worry about lessons ending too late.
Readings are relatively light as you just have to read the lecture notes.
For the mid-terms, it's purely True/False MCQs (I think there are 40 of them). It's open-book, so as expected, understanding is more important, although it is beneficial if you know where to find information from the notes. Some of the questions may require information that the lecture verbally provide during lecture, so do attend lectures. However, in general, I feel that the quiz is quite tricky.
For the finals, it's purely essay questions and they are application-based. It's open-book as well, and you need to elaborate your answers beyond what is given in the lecture notes. There are a bit of regurgitation (or rather, "copy-and-paste") here and there but understanding of the content is more important. Time management is important as you have to complete quite a number of essays within 2 hours. Reading through the notes beforehand will be beneficial because despite it being open-book, many people do not have the time to flip through.
I would find this module quite enjoyable and easy to understand. But since it's open-book, the bell-curve may be steep.
3-hr lecture per week
Assessment:
Mid-terms 40%
Finals 60%
Exam Format:
Mid-terms - MCQs
Finals - Essays
Description:
This is a AHSS/LA GER-PE, and the content covered includes various aspects of Psychology such as development, sexuality, learning, psychosis, substance abuse, etc.
There is only one lecture per week, no recorded lecture. Even though the notes is easily understandable, some of the sections are very simplified. Thus, it is advisable to attend the lecture as the lecturer provides extra information which will be beneficial for your essays. The lecturer always end the lecture way before time, sometimes even 1.5 hours ahead, so no need to worry about lessons ending too late.
Readings are relatively light as you just have to read the lecture notes.
For the mid-terms, it's purely True/False MCQs (I think there are 40 of them). It's open-book, so as expected, understanding is more important, although it is beneficial if you know where to find information from the notes. Some of the questions may require information that the lecture verbally provide during lecture, so do attend lectures. However, in general, I feel that the quiz is quite tricky.
For the finals, it's purely essay questions and they are application-based. It's open-book as well, and you need to elaborate your answers beyond what is given in the lecture notes. There are a bit of regurgitation (or rather, "copy-and-paste") here and there but understanding of the content is more important. Time management is important as you have to complete quite a number of essays within 2 hours. Reading through the notes beforehand will be beneficial because despite it being open-book, many people do not have the time to flip through.
I would find this module quite enjoyable and easy to understand. But since it's open-book, the bell-curve may be steep.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
HP0201 Employment Relations for Work and Careers in Singapore
Lessons:
3-hr lecture per week
Assessment:
Essay assignment 40%
Finals 60%
Exam Format:
Essays
Description:
This module is about the employment relations landscape in Singapore. Contents covered include Tripartism, trade unions, maintaining healthy employment relations, the work of MOM, SNEF, NTUC, WDA, etc, psychological contract, and the various laws in Singapore such as Employment Act, Workplace Safety and Health Act.
There is only one lecture per week, no recorded lecture. It is advisable to attend the lecture as the lecturer gives hints about assignment and finals during the lectures. In addition, the lecturer does not like to reply questions via emails and expects you to consult him during lecture breaks, so if you have questions, you need to attend the lecture.
Readings are relatively heavy for a 3AU module. Other than the prescribed textbook, you have to read lecture slides (which are really lengthy), articles which the lecturer will state in the course outline or lecture slides, and your own research (yes, you are expected to do research on top of everything). However, I did not really read the textbook as I find them quite outdated.
For the essay assignment, you have to do it either in groups of 2 or 3. It's a 4000-word essay (or 6000-word if you are in a group of 3). The essay question will be provided in the first lecture and you will have to utilise information from the lecture and your own research. The question can be quite vague and dubious, so in order to prevent yourself from misunderstanding the essay question and what the lecturer wants, I would advise you to consult him whether your essay is in the right direction.
For the finals, you have to complete 4 questions (each question has 2 parts) within 2 hours. In other words, you have to complete 8 essays in 2 hours, so time management is important. It's not purely regurgitation, you have to "discuss" for some of the questions. Questions may require you to use information from your own research, such as recent changes made, the work of NTUC, etc. The essay questions are quite straightforward, and it is good to look at PYP as reference.
Personally, this module is the least enjoyed modules I've taken, mostly because of my lack of interest and the heavy content. I will not recommend this module unless you have an interest in the employment landscape in Singapore, and have the time and capacity to cope with the readings and content load.
The positive thing about this module is probably that the lecturer provides hints about finals. However, from personal experience, simply following the hints for exam revision is not recommended. You still need to read the content that are not included in the hints.
3-hr lecture per week
Assessment:
Essay assignment 40%
Finals 60%
Exam Format:
Essays
Description:
This module is about the employment relations landscape in Singapore. Contents covered include Tripartism, trade unions, maintaining healthy employment relations, the work of MOM, SNEF, NTUC, WDA, etc, psychological contract, and the various laws in Singapore such as Employment Act, Workplace Safety and Health Act.
There is only one lecture per week, no recorded lecture. It is advisable to attend the lecture as the lecturer gives hints about assignment and finals during the lectures. In addition, the lecturer does not like to reply questions via emails and expects you to consult him during lecture breaks, so if you have questions, you need to attend the lecture.
Readings are relatively heavy for a 3AU module. Other than the prescribed textbook, you have to read lecture slides (which are really lengthy), articles which the lecturer will state in the course outline or lecture slides, and your own research (yes, you are expected to do research on top of everything). However, I did not really read the textbook as I find them quite outdated.
For the essay assignment, you have to do it either in groups of 2 or 3. It's a 4000-word essay (or 6000-word if you are in a group of 3). The essay question will be provided in the first lecture and you will have to utilise information from the lecture and your own research. The question can be quite vague and dubious, so in order to prevent yourself from misunderstanding the essay question and what the lecturer wants, I would advise you to consult him whether your essay is in the right direction.
For the finals, you have to complete 4 questions (each question has 2 parts) within 2 hours. In other words, you have to complete 8 essays in 2 hours, so time management is important. It's not purely regurgitation, you have to "discuss" for some of the questions. Questions may require you to use information from your own research, such as recent changes made, the work of NTUC, etc. The essay questions are quite straightforward, and it is good to look at PYP as reference.
Personally, this module is the least enjoyed modules I've taken, mostly because of my lack of interest and the heavy content. I will not recommend this module unless you have an interest in the employment landscape in Singapore, and have the time and capacity to cope with the readings and content load.
The positive thing about this module is probably that the lecturer provides hints about finals. However, from personal experience, simply following the hints for exam revision is not recommended. You still need to read the content that are not included in the hints.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
HP3201 Evolutionary Psychology
Lessons:
2 1-hr lectures per week
1 2-hr tutorial per week (only for certain weeks)
Assessment:
Mid-terms 30%
Quiz 15%
Debate and Discussion 25%
Finals 30%
Exam Format:
Mid-terms and finals - MCQs, Fill in the blanks, Short-answer questions, Matching, Short essays, Long essays
Description:
This module is about the evolutionary aspects of psychology. For instance, how did sexual selection arise, why females prefer certain traits in males and vice versa, why mental disorders still exist despite being disadvantageous, etc. To me, it is an interesting module and can be quite intuitive.
Lectures are recorded. According to the professor, lectures are split into 1-hr sessions to allow better absorption of content. But it also means you have to come back for more days so it may not help in getting a "nice" timetable.
For tutorials. we only had around 6 tutorials in the semester. 3 of them are for debate discussions and lectures (because there are times when the lectures cannot be completed on time). The other 3 tutorials are for debates. In addition, quizzes take place during tutorials so you have to come for it.
Readings consist of textbooks and lecture slides. Alot of content in the lecture slides are not found in the textbook. The professor actually emphasises more on the lecture slides in his exams, except for long essays, in which I feel that the textbook helps more.
Mid-terms consist of alot of components as shown above. Even though its a 1-hr paper, but it is manageable if you manage your time well. Just do not overwrite for your essays and follow the guidelines from the prof.
2 1-hr lectures per week
1 2-hr tutorial per week (only for certain weeks)
Assessment:
Mid-terms 30%
Quiz 15%
Debate and Discussion 25%
Finals 30%
Exam Format:
Mid-terms and finals - MCQs, Fill in the blanks, Short-answer questions, Matching, Short essays, Long essays
Description:
This module is about the evolutionary aspects of psychology. For instance, how did sexual selection arise, why females prefer certain traits in males and vice versa, why mental disorders still exist despite being disadvantageous, etc. To me, it is an interesting module and can be quite intuitive.
Lectures are recorded. According to the professor, lectures are split into 1-hr sessions to allow better absorption of content. But it also means you have to come back for more days so it may not help in getting a "nice" timetable.
For tutorials. we only had around 6 tutorials in the semester. 3 of them are for debate discussions and lectures (because there are times when the lectures cannot be completed on time). The other 3 tutorials are for debates. In addition, quizzes take place during tutorials so you have to come for it.
Readings consist of textbooks and lecture slides. Alot of content in the lecture slides are not found in the textbook. The professor actually emphasises more on the lecture slides in his exams, except for long essays, in which I feel that the textbook helps more.
Mid-terms consist of alot of components as shown above. Even though its a 1-hr paper, but it is manageable if you manage your time well. Just do not overwrite for your essays and follow the guidelines from the prof.
For the 4 quizzes, each of them comprise of 20 MCQs, and they are based on evolution-related documentaries. Each quiz comprise of 2 episodes of documentaries, except the last quiz which comprise of 3 episodes. Each episode is 1-hr. The quiz test mostly on the concepts covered in the documentaries, even though there are some questions that are quite specific. Some content in the videos are related to what is given in your textbook, so it makes things easier in a way. Also, do take note of the scientific names, year mentioned (e.g. how many million years ago)
For the debate, in a team of 3 or 4, you will have to do a research by the 2nd tutorial, and come up with a few topics. The final topic will be discussed between your team and your opponent team, and also decide on your stands. The format of the debate will be explained in the 1st tutorial (it's quite complicated so I shall not elaborate). Your debate will take place in one of the last 3 tutorials and the winner is decided via voting among your peers and the profs (but the profs have higher influence, of course). Individual marks will also be given based on presentation skills.
For the debate, in a team of 3 or 4, you will have to do a research by the 2nd tutorial, and come up with a few topics. The final topic will be discussed between your team and your opponent team, and also decide on your stands. The format of the debate will be explained in the 1st tutorial (it's quite complicated so I shall not elaborate). Your debate will take place in one of the last 3 tutorials and the winner is decided via voting among your peers and the profs (but the profs have higher influence, of course). Individual marks will also be given based on presentation skills.
For the finals, it's the same format as your mid-terms, but just more lengthy (e.g. more essays) and cover more topics. Emphasis is on the later half of the syllabus. In addition, you get to choose 3 out of 5 short essays and 2 out of 5 long essays. Seems alot but its manageable if you manage your time properly. Same thing, do take note of the guidelines for the essays and do not overwrite.
HP2700 Abnormal Psychology
Lessons:
3-hr lecture per week
Assessment:
Mid-term 1 16%
Mid-term 2 16%
Course Participation 18%
Finals 50%
Exam Format:
Mid-terms - MCQs
Finals - MCQs, Short-answer questions, Short essays
Description:
This module is about mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, dissociative identity disorder, depression, etc. You will be learning about the causes, symptoms and treatment aspects of every illness. A content-heavy module, but interesting if you like to know more about mental illnesses!
Lectures are recorded. Content taught in the lecture can help you to estimate what will be tested for exams. There are content in the lecture slides that are not covered in textbook, so you do have to read both for your exams. Videos will also be shown during lectures to enhance understanding.
Since it is content-heavy, do keep up with the lecture pace!
Mid-terms are just MCQs and it is manageable if you have studied your lecture slides well. DO TAKE NOTE of the statistics shown in the lecture slides, e.g. prevalence of bipolar disorders, because they will be tested. Even though there are 2 mid-terms, they are helpful in making you keep up with readings.
3-hr lecture per week
Assessment:
Mid-term 1 16%
Mid-term 2 16%
Course Participation 18%
Finals 50%
Exam Format:
Mid-terms - MCQs
Finals - MCQs, Short-answer questions, Short essays
Description:
This module is about mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, dissociative identity disorder, depression, etc. You will be learning about the causes, symptoms and treatment aspects of every illness. A content-heavy module, but interesting if you like to know more about mental illnesses!
Lectures are recorded. Content taught in the lecture can help you to estimate what will be tested for exams. There are content in the lecture slides that are not covered in textbook, so you do have to read both for your exams. Videos will also be shown during lectures to enhance understanding.
Since it is content-heavy, do keep up with the lecture pace!
Mid-terms are just MCQs and it is manageable if you have studied your lecture slides well. DO TAKE NOTE of the statistics shown in the lecture slides, e.g. prevalence of bipolar disorders, because they will be tested. Even though there are 2 mid-terms, they are helpful in making you keep up with readings.
For the course participation component, it mostly comprises of your participation in discussion board on NTULearn. There are a total of 3 discussion cycles, each worth 4 marks. Basically, for each round, you can choose to comment on your peers' or professor's thread, or create your own thread. Discussions should be of quality and comprise of some research about the topic and your opinions and experiences related to it. For me, I commented/created around 4 posts per cycle to get the full 4 marks.
For the finals, the whole syllabus will be covered. For the MCQs, emphasis is on the later half of the syllabus. However, the short answers and short essays, which formed the bulk of the grade, are quite evenly spread, so you should not neglect the front topics! Do take notes of statistics, and some specific details such as the neurotransmitters involved for each disease, etc.
No projects for this module!
Saturday, May 23, 2015
HP2200 Biological Psychology
Lessons:
3-hr lecture per week
Assessment:
Mid-terms 30%
In-class essay 15%
Finals 55%
Exam Format:
Mid-terms - MCQs
In-class essay - choose 1 topic
Finals - Short-answer questions
Description:
This module is about the biological aspects of psychology. A very content-heavy module! Slightly beneficial for people with biology background.
Lectures are recorded. Content taught in the lecture slides are very good for knowing what will be covered in exams. It is advised to use the lecture slides as framework to know what to study. Content in the lecture slides are actually adequate for the final exams, but reading the textbook will allow easier understanding of the content.
Readings consist of textbooks and lecture slides. Some content in the lecture slides are not found in textbook, and same applies vice versa, so do read both! In addition, since it is content-heavy, do keep up with the lecture pace.
Mid-terms are just MCQs and it is manageable if you have studied your lecture slides well. However, some options are rather similar so be careful to read properly.
3-hr lecture per week
Assessment:
Mid-terms 30%
In-class essay 15%
Finals 55%
Exam Format:
Mid-terms - MCQs
In-class essay - choose 1 topic
Finals - Short-answer questions
Description:
This module is about the biological aspects of psychology. A very content-heavy module! Slightly beneficial for people with biology background.
Lectures are recorded. Content taught in the lecture slides are very good for knowing what will be covered in exams. It is advised to use the lecture slides as framework to know what to study. Content in the lecture slides are actually adequate for the final exams, but reading the textbook will allow easier understanding of the content.
Readings consist of textbooks and lecture slides. Some content in the lecture slides are not found in textbook, and same applies vice versa, so do read both! In addition, since it is content-heavy, do keep up with the lecture pace.
Mid-terms are just MCQs and it is manageable if you have studied your lecture slides well. However, some options are rather similar so be careful to read properly.
For the in-class essay, it will take place a few weeks after recess week. It is based on a situation and you will have a list of questions to choose from. Each question corresponds to one chapter, so you only need to work on one chapter for the test. However, it is advised to study at least 2 or 3 chapters in case the questions are hard. Use this essay test as an opportunity to strengthen your memory for those chapters so you do not have to study as hard for them for finals.
For the finals, they consist of just short-answer questions. Each question (containing many sub-parts) corresponds to one chapter, except one or two questions that may combine 2 closely-related chapters together. We had to choose 10 questions out of 11. But the exam covers main concepts and not really the in-depth details, so it makes readings less tedious.
No projects for this module!
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