I have been slacking much this sem, much to the extent that I won't be able to give proper reviews like the past two semester. Lazy to churn out reviews now too.
Will keep this post reserved for future updates, if one day I am able to feel strongly about the modules to give reviews. :D
Update: 24 Dec 15 >>>>Added module reviews
Update: 16 Apr 16 >>Deleted Grades attained
Modules for this semester...
IE2101 Introduction to Systems Thinking
First thoughts on this module, lost and still lost. There are no tutorials but tutorial sessions are conducted once in a fortnight. There are long lab sessions in SMAL Lab and another computing lab, once in a fortnight. You will use software iThink to complete the lab assignments in groups of 3. These assignments are graded and returned+discussed during the tutorial sessions. Before you start cursing and swearing, I actually got a decent B+ for this.
I guess I am lost because IE2101 is not a typical module I would 'choose' to take. The concepts on systems thinking are abstract (i.e. no textbook approach to solving a problem using systems thinking.) No mathematical formulas, no scientific theory. Basically, you are taught how to use iThink and that you need to identify factors leading to the main 'stock'. Quote//Stock – entities that accumulate e.g. money. //Unquote. Then, you are left to complete a project in your group of 5. Project comprises of an interim report 1, detailed report 2 and oral presentation 3. 1 is the least important, just introduce your project to the prof. 2&3 are co-graded with CELC. My advice is to force yourselves to complete the project progressively.
Lastly, there is an end of term quiz which is easy if you have been following the labs (or at least bother to read through what your group mates did).
IE2110 Operations Research I
Topics covered:
Part 1 by Prof. Adam Ng
- Intro to Linear Programming (LP),
- Solving LP by graphical methods and excel,
- Simplex Algorithm- Simplex tableau, Artificial variable, Big M method, Two-phase method,
- Sensitivity Analysis and Duality.
Part 2 by Prof. Ng Kien Ming
- Transportation problems- NW corner method, Minimum cost method, Vogel's method, Transportation Simplex,
- Assignment problem,
- Network models- Shortest Path using Dijkstra's Algorithm, Max-flow using Ford-Fulkerson method, Project scheduling using Critical Path, Minimum Spanning Tree Algorithm,
- Non-linear Programming (NLP)- Convex/Concave functions, Matrices.
Mid-terms test for Part 1 but will still be tested in finals. CA consists of regular assignments to be completed by groups of one to three members (have to be the same group throughout semester), and a term paper by groups of six. I enjoyed this module. The course is well-structured and Prof. Ng K.M. teaches very well. I attended all lectures since there were no webcasts. Taking notes is important! The ppt slides does not clearly explain the algorithms, you got to write down step by step for your reference.
My only regret is doing a last minute revision. I only started finals revision for this the day before IE2110 exam. Managed to to complete revision but no time to try past year papers... This C+ is a thorn in my heart because I seek average grades. Anything lower than B is a heartbreaker.
CS1020E Data Structures and Algorithms
Teaches Object-oriented programming (OOP) using C++ by Prof. Tan Sun Teck. He is the best Prof. I have seens so far. He spent endless hours out of class to conduct voluntary help sessions. I attended most and found them very useful as revision for finals. The chief TA, Ivan, also spent many unofficial hours to conduct help sessions.
Progressive learning is needed. At the bare minimum, you should complete the graded take home lab assignments. For me, I attempted ALL take home lab questions, though some incomplete. The tutorials are quite difficult, I did not do most, not even review them for finals. I did well for almost all labs including the final Practical Exam.
I did badly for mid-terms but kind of scored average. For finals, I did all the qns I could do but still left many blanks. Feeling salty of my grade... if the module is solely based on practical assessments, I would have gotten an A. Least did I expect to get a grade below B+!
ES2331 Communicating Engineering
This is a CELC module exclusively offered to Engineering undergraduates. It is compulsory. Very light workload, just attend classes to talk. No need to take notes (or just pretend to be taking). You learn the importance of communication. CA all the way and class participation marks are quite useful when you need to pull grade.
Major assessment is on CEP 1 and CEP 2 tasks.
CEP 1. In groups of three, interview an engineer with voice recording. Nope, this is not graded, just a prelude to CEP 1. However, please do not be a sucker to feed on your teammates because there is peer review for it to affect your class participation marks. The information gathered from the interview will be used to prepared for a panel discussion (the CEP 1). All interview transcripts will be made available on IVLE. You will be required to cite your sources during the discussion.
CEP 2. Prepare a presentation consisting of persuasive speech on a topic related to engineering. It was fun preparing the slides. Imagined myself as a communication master who would use all possible tactics to achieve my objective of manipulating the minds of my audience. Please dress formally (blazer is optional), although smart casual is 'said' to be accepted.
Feel free to leave a comment if you are seeking something which I have not addressed.
