GEK1521 review (NUS)

DISCLAIMER: firstly, i am not a professional writer, so if there are mistakes in my language, move on. secondly, the review is mostly based on opinions, so i would advise you to google for more reviews to get a diverse take on the modules you are interested in. thirdly, module details change every semester, so do not expect every assessment will stick. last but not the least, i will not talk about grades. hope this is useful for you, cheers.

GEK1521: Physics In The Life Sciences

what do you learn?

from the title of this module, it sounds like you learn biology and physics but in fact, taking this module is as good as taking triple sciences. yes.. biology, physics, chemistry. through this module, you get to learn in depth on the governing concepts of the three sciences, though there is a greater emphasis on physics.. duh, it is also a physics-coded module. naturally, there will be numerous calculations and many concepts to remember. this module cannot be taken by those majoring in physics.

how are you being graded?

you are graded just through continual assessments (CAs). MCQ class tests replace midterms and finals. these CAs include two class tests, tutorial attendance and term paper the class test occurs just after recess week and in the last week of the semester before reading week. for term paper, you are just expected to write something about physics that relates to everyday life.

my take on this module?

i never take physics since secondary two, so personally i find this module rather challenging. thank goodness i love math so the calculation parts are less painful. even so, i asked my friend who take physics during upper secondary and in JC and the response i get was the similar to mine. the content is scary. for a level 1000 general education module, the content is really very heavy, though the workload is alright. the term paper might take quite some time but you got almost the entire semester to do anyway.

advices?

for those who don’t love science or calculations, this module is never a good idea for you. triple science students might serve as a great advantage for this module. like i mentioned earlier, the term paper takes time to be done well. the weightage is rather as well. as for preparation for the MCQ class tests, know your lecture notes well.. very well. they don’t just test simple and straightforward stuff. of course, practise your tutorial questions might help as well.

click here to see the modules i have read and their respective reviews. do feel free to contact me via Telegram @alvinngjh for any questions or what not.