Uni modules FAQ

CaiHongRainx SG

Hi, I’m not a uni student.
Just asking, in NUS, for example MA1101R, does the 1 in front indicates it’s a 1st year module?

How about NTU ?

Darkness_hacker99 SG

I think...... it's Level 1000 modules

SBS2601D SG

It means lvl 1

So if you are in year 4, and you feel like feeling young again, you can take lvl 1 then.

CaiHongRainx SG

I don’t think a year 4 student is that free to take a lvl 1 subject again? What does the classification of lvl means ?

SBS2601D SG

Uh...why not?

I am a year 4 and I am thinking of taking lvl 1 in year 5.

What's wrong with that?

The classification is supposed to indicate level of difficulty.

Darkness_hacker99 SG

Year 4 students take level 1000 modules as electives i guess~

SBS2601D SG

And its also possible and even common for students to take lvl 3 modules in year 2, and lvl 4 in year 3, and then do lvl 1 and 2 in year 4.

CaiHongRainx SG

Thanks everyone for the info, though I’m still confused! I guess I will understand more when I enter uni next time !

SBS2601D SG

NUS Science?

CaiHongRainx SG

Maybe. What’s the use of double degree?

SBS2601D SG

Better bargaining chip on the negotiation table at your future interview.

Better chance at networking with people in the uni who you think can help you in the future.

And learning more. Interest.

CaiHongRainx SG

If a single degree has a lot of work, won’t double degree be too much to handle?

SBS2601D SG

You can spread it over a longer period.

Typically 1 year more.

Jacky Woo SG

better study physics

CaiHongRainx SG

I see. Hmm why study physics?

Lee012lee SG

Deleted.

MUFC SG

Hi CaiHong,

I hope I can reply to most of your queries. Yes the first number of the module code sort of indicates what students should be taking the module. For example, MA1101R is catered primarily to year 1 students as it is fundamental (if you didn't learn the contents of this module, you won't be able to understand modules of higher levels) and possibly easier (probably the reason why NUS restricts students to take at most 15 level 1000 modules). It should be the same for NTU.

As for why some of the forumers mentioned that year 4 students can also take level 1000 modules, it is because NUS requires all students to take modules outside of their major (something like how Sci students in JC need to take an Arts subject, and vice versa). So for example, you may be a Life Sci student, but you need to take at least 2 Elective modules (defined to be modules outside of your home faculty, in this case modules outside of Faculty of Sci). So you may take level 1000 Psychology modules or Computing modules out of pure interest or belief that you may score well in them.

Yes, doing a double degree gives you a very heavy workload. Whereas students in general do 5 modules per semester, a double degree student may do 6 modules per semester, and still graduate 1 year later since they need to fulfil requirements in 2 degrees. But of course, this is not for nothing. You get more knowledge, you increase your chances of being employed, your pay may be higher. It all depends whether you have the ability and interest in doing a double degree.

If you don't want to do a double degree but yet, wish to attain enough knowledge in a field other than what you are majoring in, you can consider doing a minor. For example, it is common for Chemistry students to do a Minor in Life Sci, a Physics student doing a Minor in Math, or a Math student doing a Minor in Business or Econs. To achieve a minor, you just need to do 6 relevant modules. This could convince your future employers that you have some knowledge in that field, as compared to those who didn't do any Minor.

Since you mentioned about MA1101R, can I assume that you are interested in taking up Math or Computing? If you want, you can tell us a bit about your career aspirations and perhaps we can make some recommendations on what modules to take. I feel that university students are generally ill-informed about the choices they have and only learn about them when it is too late.

CaiHongRainx SG

Thanks for the info! It was very well-detailed. Yes you have answered a lot of queries alr Smile .

I mentioned MA1101R is because for a dumb reason, this is one of the H3 module given in the JC. So I’m wondering what year is this module going to be learnt in uni. So I research in the internet & this lvl 1000 thingy came out.

Do you mind intro a background of yourself? Roughly will do.

I’m going to be a jc2 student next year. Currently I still dont have any career aspirations, neither does I have alr decided to take what course. I won’t mind taking up Maths and Computer Science double degree in NUS, provided I can get it. The subject I am interested the most is Maths lol.

The thing is, is the prospect of this degree good? I heard that IT industry have quite a number of foreign ppl. And taking up the maths degree itself, doesn’t give much scope.

MUFC SG

Thanks for the info! It was very well-detailed. Yes you have answered a lot of queries alr Smile .

Do you mind intro a background of yourself? Roughly will do.

The thing is, is the prospect of this degree good? I heard that IT industry have quite a number of foreign ppl. And taking up the maths degree itself, doesn’t give much scope.

Hi,

It's not really a dumb reason. It's gd to find out more about what you are doing. If you are interested in Math and/or Computing, then MA1101R (Linear Algebra I) is a very appropriate module for you. If you pass this at H3 level, u don't need to take it in Uni, I believe. But it is a rather abstract subject and u need some time to be able to be comfortable with dealing with it. If u need help, u can always PM me or leave a msg in this forum =)

I am a Math student in NUS thinking of going into teaching. The truth is it's very hard for Faculty of Science students to find any job other than teaching. Perhaps it's not so bad for Chem and Life Sci students, who can work for labs in the private sector. For Math students, there are limited options unless you have relevant knowledge in another subject like Finance, Econs, or Business. For Physics students, it's worse.

If you can get into the Math and Computer Sci Double Degree programme, that would bode well for your prospects, provided you are able to pass (and do well) in the programme. But there's really no harm trying if you have the interest. If u realise u aren't coping well, u can always drop out of the programme and graduate in time (within 4 years for an honours degree) like the others.

If u take up only the Math degree, it's dangerous for your career prospects as not many employers look for Math degrees. If u do take this up, do remember to take up modules (preferably minor) in Finance, Econs, or Business.

I'm not very sure about the Computer Science course. Intuitively, I feel it's gd knowledge to pick up since the IT industry is so hot these days, but I'm not sure about the employment opportunities. In any case, things can change in a few years time.

If u like Math, u may also consider an Engineering course. There is huge demand for Engineering graduates, but that's because the course is very rigorous. U need to deal with Math, Physics, and a whole lot of other stuff. It's even been voted as the hardest course on the Guiness Book of World Records, if I've not been tricked, lol..

SBS2601D SG

1. Engineering has many different types.

2. There are courses in Sci like Quantitative Finance, if you like to be challenged. Here, you will find the best of the best, nothing less. Be prepared to fight with the best foreign and local talents as well. QF combines computing, finance, math and biz.

3. Getting only a math degree is not a dead-end. You need to use the holidays to find appropriate activities that would direct attention to where you want to go in the future. Be aggressive in searching out opportunities. One way is to network.