Reflections on AY2013-2014 Semester 1

The workload for this semester was very light having taken only EC modules. In fact, I didn't do much practice but I was pretty consistent in my revision. So yes, that's all you have to do to score for higher-level modules and this leaves you with an additional 3-5 hours of free time everyday.

I think taking a break from my second major and focusing on EC3101 and EC3102 for this semester was the right decision. In fact, before the start of the semester, I kept pondering over whether I should clear both EC3101 and EC3102 together or just EC3102 first. Apparently, the lecturer for EC3101 will be a different one in Semester 2 and that might have increased my chances of getting a higher grade should he decide to focus less on Asymmetric Information. However, I am glad to have cleared both the core modules all at once as my level of interest in micro makes clearing EC3101 a burden.

Meanwhile, I have taken a look at the content for EC4101 and it's good to know that it will be a lot more rigorous in mathematics as compared to EC3101. Fortunately for me (and unfortunately for some), the core electives which are solely micro-based are usually the ones that are more theoretical in nature and less useful in reality (probably with the exception of Labour Economics). Also, since mathematics and statistics are indispensable tools to economic analysis, it is best to avoid qualitative modules as much as possible.

Having said that, my choice of electives for this semester is apparently quite challenging to most people. But really, EC3341 isn't hard as what many people have claimed. However, I was honestly pretty put off by the wordy textbook this module uses which made me regret a little to have taken this module. Even so, I think this module lays a good foundation to higher-level modules in the field of international economics. For those interested in this field, EC3341 is a must-take. On the other hand, I do not advise those who aren't mathematically-inclined AND wish to avoid the risk of screwing up their CAP as much as possible to take EC3314. But knowledge-wise, this module is truly one of the better ones to take.