Pardon my belated post as Year 2 Semester 1 was an emotional wreckage and has taken a toll on my emotional health. I've spent the past month recovering with the help of my friends. :-)
First and foremost, I've lost my motivation to study. I wasn't interested in studying as I regret my decision to enter NUS to pursue a degree in Chemistry. Ironically, I had taken an interest in academia and am really interested in pursuing a teaching career in the future. I wasn't able to see "why" I was doing what I was doing as I had little interest in a research career.
I honestly didn't think I would have gotten these grades without the help of my fellow Chem major friends and my tutees. My tutees (3 A levels and 1 N level) have spurred me to put a spin to what I've learnt in school to apply in lessons with many "did you know".
Though they're mediocre and pale in comparison when compared with others, I must say I am satisfied. My grades took a slide from a first class to a very stable second uppers, requiring a number of Bs to fall below 4.00.
Current CAP: 4.17
Approx no. of As to pull up to 4.5: 7
Approx no. of Bs to pull down to 3.99: 7
1) CM2142 Analytical Chemistry 1
I've truly enjoyed this module. In fact, this is the only module I've done well for this semester. Prof Jason Yeo has taught this module such that has enabled me to see "why Chemistry" and the objective uses of Chemistry. Using what I've learnt from this module, I was able to clearly explain to my tutees different uses of Chemistry and to meet the objective of the 'A' level chemistry syllabus stating that
"Experimental work is an important component and should underpin the teaching and learning of Chemistry" - MOE & UCLES, 2014I must admit that I skipped almost every lecture as it was at 8am and I 1/8 into the semester I was sleeping at 4am almost everyday.
2) CM2101 Physical Chemistry 2
I expected better for this module but I've a decent grade (B+) considering that I literally broke down before the paper. I was under a lot of stress as my carelessness during my CA which has caused me be on top of the bell curve. My desire to get an A- has resulted in a breakdown. I was unable to distinguish "P" and "R" branch and was not able to recall any formula or definition I have memorised. For CT and Hongsy has pulled me through during that morning and afternoon that I did not blank out during my finals and I am certain I performed my very best during finals.
What this module taught me was to be careful, sleep earlier and do not study at the last minute. Finals was at 5pm and I was completely jittery throughout the day.
On a lighter note- this module has taught me how to "see" molecules. Using that I've learnt, I've spun it into simpler terms for my tutees who question "how I know sia."
3) CM2192 Experiments in Chemistry 3 (Analytical and Physical)
This is probably the most stressful module ever that I've taken in NUS. There were 10 lab reports (average 3%), 1 written test (2 components- Analytical and physical), 2 viva voce and 2 practical examinations. It was the module that required most of my attention other wise known as "Extremely Attention Seeking". I dreaded 6 hours every week (followed by 2 hours of tutorial) and usually ended my day by vegetating on my bed after lab.
I had immense difficulty with this module as I did not know what I was doing at times. I recall distinctly when my first lab session was on HPLC and I didn't understand what was going on as I did not learnt HPLC before. Moreover, I wrote a long report on gas chromatography without learning it under CM2142. I felt as if I was living in constant nightmare as I started with analytical basket first (earlier in the semester) as I was confused and was under immense pressure to perform. For the analytical component, I procrastinated my lab reports as I was unable to understand what was going on and left them to the last 5 days before the submission. That was 5 reports in 5 days. It was impossible and I cried on some nights as I was horrified as I had no one to ask (my friends did physical first).
Looking back, I've truly learnt a lot from this module as I managed to see how theory is being applied to practice. It was rather stupid of me to be under immense stress because I actually did pretty well. I scored a B+ for this module and my lab reports were rather well written (Average: b/w B+ & A-) & my written tests too. Regardless, I felt that I've learnt a lot under this module. In fact, (this sounds cliche) google has helped me a lot with "how to xxxx excel cell" etc and helped me understand certain concepts. I'm just glad I survived. :-)
Likewise, I've used what I've learnt in lab to explain SPA to my students :-)
Oh and I'm very confident of excel. #selftaught
4) UHB2207 Language, Cognition and Culture
My first arts inquiry just went by. I'm currently left with 3 arts inquiry modules. I'm extremely grateful for Prof Peter Vail as prior to this course, I've never imagined myself studying linguistics and the issues prevailing language. I've enjoyed my papers as the three papers were truly interesting and exciting :-) I've analysed my use of Singlish in lessons and how it affects the way I way I think when I deliver lessons, reasons for switching to Singlish and my gestures which follows my codeswitch to Singlish.
For an arts inquiry, I'm extremely happy with my B+ because I'm not good at writing. Not to mention, I actually enjoyed writing my papers.
A key take away from LCC is that Singlish has syntax and therefore it can be counted as a language and there is such thing as bad Singlish. While some may say,
"Through language I can learn culture"the Nicole now, disagrees. This module has raised my awareness regarding the choice of words central to this issue. It has taught me to raise questions critically and carefully which I would say it's one of my greatest take away for this module apart from being aware of how Singlish could be useful in teaching (though, largely frowned upon by the government).
5) UNL2206 Nature's Threads
A science inquiry which aims to weave the development of ideas from Faraday to Maxwell and finally, Einstein. It was a rather disappointing science module as it wasn't like a science module at all! Rather, it felt like a philosophy module with 60-70% of the module based on the history of ideas. There was very little problem solving even lesser emphasis on writing the report from our experiments on static electricity and the calculating of the speed of light.
However, I've truly enjoyed the hands on experiment and attempting to explain the observed phenomena first hand based on the theory learnt. I would not want to have a refresher on static electricity and magnetism another way. It was very different from the way I've learnt for 'O' levels (via pen and paper) and provided many insights. Yet, upon reaching special relativity, there was very little emphasis on problem solving (different from the way I learnt in PC1144) and it felt very glossy and unlike science.
Nonetheless, I've enjoyed learning how physicists in the past conceive the ideas we deem as arbitrary/lame/useless/simple today and I've learnt how to appreciate this development of ideas. :-)
I survived year 2 semester 1. My most grueling semester ever and will not be the only one. Upon changing my perspective midway through the semester, the modules in this semester has rather shaped my direction towards in academia and I'll do my very best to either maintain my CAP or improve my CAP.
Lessons learnt:
1) Time management
I was sleeping at 4am almost everyday and woke up at 10am/10.30am. It was terrible as I even missed breakfast on some days.
I chose to stay till 4am because I seldom study in the morning before class starts.
10 hours of tuition a week was enjoyable, albeit too much
2) Social interaction + Goal
When I've found a goal, studying was so much easier.
I chose to study with my friends during the finals period as it was much easier for my mental health. I'm sure I'll miss this in year 3 when everyone else goes on exchange- when you're bored and everyone else is bored and start chatting. It simply brightens up my mood. :-) Not to mention the emotional support.
For the next semester, I've signed up for less academic stuff which I hope will pull me through the semester.
And I need to exercise more frequently too.
On a final note, I'll like to thank Shao, Crazy Bijez, USCanSER and #15-100 for a wonderful semester. May the next semester be a more fulfilling one for everyone.
