AY2015-2016 Semester 1 Modules

Now that MPE is coming up, many people should have finalized their choice of modules. I have as well and this semester will be without doubt the most gruelling one of all. 

1. EC4103 Singapore Economy: Practice and Policy

This is a compulsory module so there's nothing much to comment on it. Now that I think, as much as I don't like microeconomics, I think that EC4301 will be more interesting than EC4103. So I don't know if I actually welcome the change that no longer requires me to take EC4301. 

2. EC4303 Econometrics III

There's a new module this semester, EC4305 Applied Econometrics. I believe the department set EC4305 such that it'll avoid overlap with EC4303. So if you look at the content covered for EC4305, you might think "Hey, that's really kinda applied and that means it's gonna be useful." But you're not gonna see EC4305 in the list of my modules below. The reason being I am not into empirical research or anything along that line. If you're doing theoretical research,  EC4303 will definitely be more useful. But if you're looking to learn more, meaning breadth instead of depth, without any particular specialization in mind like whether you wanna go into the empirical or theoretical line, then I do think EC4305 is better cos EC4303 will mostly just be building onto the same topics that were covered in EC3303 and EC3304.

3. EC4341 International Economics II

I have mixed feelings towards this module before I decided on it. The part causing a lot of difficulties when I took EC3341 was HO-theory. So it made me concluded: ok, I am bad at anything to do with micro. And if you look at the syllabus for EC4341, it's just mostly micro stuff; not even anything on exchange rates. I think anyone who took EC3341 or even EC4341 knows what I mean. As much as International Econs sounds like a huge macro field, the concepts covered are actually pretty micro in nature. When I took EC3341 under Dr. Lu Yi, he made the same comment as well. In fact, and I forgot to mention this in my module review for that semester, I had to read this book that was recommended to me by Dr. Lu, Advanced International Trade: Theory and Evidence by Feenstra before I could fully understand theorems like the Stolper-Samuelson theorem before leading up to HO-theory. So why did I choose this module in the end? I think this field is a hot topic no matter where you go. That just means that it's good to know bout International Econs even if you're not specializing on it cos chances are you'll have to deal with it in one way or another at some point in time. And I mentioned before that if I were to take EC4341, I would take it under Davin Chor and not Gentile. Just compare their syllabus and you'll see what I mean. But anyway, Gentile's no longer taking EC4341, at least not for this AY.

4. EC4401 Honours Thesis

It seems a little weird that I'm taking HT despite having only a 2nd Upper. Why go through all that trouble since I'm not even anywhere near 1st Class? The usual practice is that those people with a CAP of 4.0 to 4.49 will simply take some more modules to clear their Honours requirements. Well, I have a few reasons for it. 

First, I wanna experience how doing research is like and there's no other avenue better than HT to get that experience. Second, there seems to be no end in reading up and knowing more. There's so much knowledge out there that you can learn and it's not possible to know every single thing. But there is one skill that is important and that is, applying what you've learnt and HT allows me to do that. There's one more little reason and it could be more of being practical. Although it seems like the Econs department has really expanded the list of level-4000 electives, many of them still don't appeal to my interests. So HT is a good choice if I wanna clear my requirements yet have nothing else to take. Then again, the very big drawback of HT is that it's all or nothing simply because of the amount of MCs attached to it (though I strongly believe it is over-weighted). 

Then why not take it in Semester 2? I would have loved to. Simply put, circumstances didn't permit me to. When I approached my supervisor, he told me he'll be available for the whole of this coming AY. But he told me at the end of last semester that he'll be away for the most part of Semester 2 of AY15/16. So that just means I have to do it in Semester 1. I actually think that taking HT in the last semester has its perks because you get the chance to broaden your knowledge base even more and also, for those who still haven't got an idea of what to do for your HT, Semester 1 of your fourth year is a very good buffer period to begin exploring your options cos it is highly likely that you'll be taking the most number of level-4000 modules in this semester as compared to the two semesters of your third year.

Modules that I had considered

1. EC4307 Issues in Macroeconomics

Can't deny that I wanted to take this module mainly because it was Aamir teaching it. I had such a good impression of him after 4102. But after looking at the syllabus covered, I decided against it. In fact, it was a big NO. Not only is it not interesting for me at all, it's a very content-based module without much quantitative stuff. I mean, my goodness, he's using the 3102 textbook; IS-LM when you're in Year 4?!

2. EC4334 Financial Market Microstructure

This is actually quite a good module. It's literally about the workings of the financial market, like what happens after bidding, valuation etc. It's quite interesting. You don't really need EC3333 to do this module. In fact, EC4334 is more of EC3304 from what I see. But the problem is that the models seem very out of nowhere and I don't like it when models are like that cos they usually seem very arbitrary. So I decided no, this module isn't suitable for me.

So yup, 3 level-4000s and HT, that's 30MCs for me. I've already sent in an appeal to overload and it has been approved. All I gotta do is to send in another email after CORS ends. I hope there won't be any hiccups during that period. I sent in an email so early cos I was actually in a situation when I appealed during CORS and my appeal wasn't processed even until the time when I had to do the bidding.

So now you can see why it's gonna be my most gruelling sem. And coupled with work as an RA, this sem will inevitably be very tiring. Uh well, I've got my reason for doing so once again and unless my plans are confirmed, I'll not talk about it as of now.

Semester 5 is over!

Yesterday marks the end of my fifth semester as I had my last finals and yes, 6 finals in a timespan of exactly one week. By far, this is the most gruelling semester for me as I had 6 core modules on top of work. Thankfully, not all the modules are too demanding. However, I am not very confident of doing well this time round (again) mainly because of the steep bell curve for several modules like EC3332, EC4102, ST1131 and ST2137; the finals for EC3332, EC4102 and ST2137 were disappointingly too easy and suprisingly, ST1131 finals was a bit more challenging than I thought. I feel a bit bad talking about this module though because I can literally count the number of hours I spend on it for the whole semester. Moreover, there are some modules which I did not do up to expectations for midterms and that may cause me my grade. Well, I shall leave the details to my module review after results are out. 

I'll be starting my internship tomorrow which leaves me only a day in between as my break. But I think it's good to be occupied rather than having too little on hand. Now I think it feels weird to have finished finals in the first week of exams as my finals have been stretching to two weeks since Year 1 Semester 2. Nevertheless, I'm quite drained this semester so it's good to have finished all the finals within a week. Somehow though, it feels like this semester has passed too quickly such that it seems that I haven't settled down very well to study my modules very thoroughly and everything's over.

And MPE is coming up and I guess I should have decided on my modules for Sem 2. Finally, I can take just 4 core modules from now on (if you don't count the last semester) which is good because I am beginning to understand how time-consuming level-4000 EC modules can get. By the way, the Economics department has requested for students to complete a MPE exercise for the next academic year. It seems like they are asking for EC4101 and EC4102 to be taken away as core requirements for honours and also to open more electives for students. I've seen the new electives and they are pretty interesting like the Economic and Financial Forecasting, Income Distribution Analysis and Mathematical Economic Analysis.

Anyway, here are my choices:

EC4332 Money and Banking II

Apparently, this module is many times harder if you take it under Bodenstein instead of Jungjae. He even recommends that students take EC3314 and EC4102 before taking this module. So I guess a fair amount of maths will be involved. I saw things like multivariate, eigenvectors and eigenvalues in the syllabus so it should be one of the more challenging electives. 

EC4880 Topics in Economics: Special Topics in Economic Growth and Macroeconomics

This took me quite some time to decide on it. I was contemplating a few modules mainly EC4333, EC4394 and this. And I decided that maybe it's time I prioritize my interests and grades a bit instead of usefulness. Despite this module being quite theoretical, I think it will suit me better than the rest. I really wanted to take EC4341 in place of this in view of the wider range of electives that's going to be offered in 15/16 and that EC4341 is a must-take for me but then Gentile is really not going to give me as good a learning experience than Davin Chor can. So I will leave this module to Year 4 Semester 1.

ST3239 Survey Methodology

This is one of the more fundamental modules that I think if you are looking into research fields in the future, you should take it. It teaches different types of sampling methods; how to construct surveys taking into cost considerations etc. Conducting surveys is probably one of the more layman-understood areas whereby it's "just like that" so I'm hoping this module will provide me with some new insights. One drawback is that I heard the bell curve is extremely steep and that it is highly popular so it isn't that ideal if you're suffering from the problem of lack of bid points.

ST3244 Demographic Methods

I was deciding between this module and ST3243 but I think ST3243 may be a bit over-specialized. So I'd rather take more general modules to gain the necessary skills to increase marketability. I guess the module title makes it quite obvious that students are going to learn about demographics such as population rates, fertility rates etc. I am looking forward to the part on making projections though.

SSA1201 Singapore Society

This is definitely one of the most irritating component that all undergraduates must clear. I chose this because (1) it fits my timetable (duh) and (2) it doesn't seem like it requires much studying to be able to crap during exams to get away with any grade that's B- and above so that I can s/u it with zero problems. And I am not looking forward to the 25% class participation component at all because I've seen how this department works and most of the time, the arguments are full of fluff.

And so that's all for the updates. It doesn't seem very easy to be able to secure two level-4000 modules when you are not in the SOC4 batch yet. EC4102 was easy to get because no one wanted to take it under Aamir Hashmi due to the rumoured difficulty compared to Semester 2. I hope the same goes for EC4332 since I'm not too sure how EC4880 will turn out exactly. Past experiences tells me 4880 isn't easy to get so it's like you should be prepared to waste over 1k bid points on it. But that's not the main issue for me. The thing is non-honours students are not allowed to bid in Round 1 and I probably have to wait until Round 2A or 2B to bid for it and by then, all the slots may have been filled up and it'll no longer be offered for bidding. So that means I have to go through all that hassle to appeal for it and it doesn't help that I have no other possible choices besides this. Hopefully, MPE will work its magic.

AY2014-2015 Semester 1 Modules (Updated)

After careful consideration, I have changed my module selection slightly and will be taking the following modules next semester instead:

EC3304 Econometrics II

EC3332 Money and Banking I

EC4102 Macroeconomic Analysis III

MA2311 Techniques in Advanced Calculus

ST1131 Introduction to Statistics

ST2137 Computer Aided Data Analysis

And yes, so I decided to overload this semester instead of the next. But indeed, I find myself quite foolish not to have included EC3332 when I did the MPE (though the points in my P-acct should be more than enough for the remaining 4 modules that I need to bid). And this is the first semester that I actually hesitated so much about which modules to take. Usually, I just MPE what I need and I don't remember any one time that I didn't get any of the modules that I MPE-ed. So this is probably an exception though I foresee more of such coming since it seems that most level-4000 electives aren't very easy to get.

Anyway, there are a few reasons why I chose to take these modules:

(1) Well, apparently ST1131 should be taken in the first semester under Prof Gan Fah Fatt. And in terms of the bell curve, a cohort size made up from two lecture slots as compared to one in Semester 2 is going to make a bit of a difference I guess. Nevertheless, I wish to clear my core modules asap and thus I'm taking EC3304, MA2311, ST1131 and ST2137 all at one go.

(2) Then why didn't I stick to EC4341 and overload? I think given my results and standard, it's a little too adventurous for me to overload to 26 MCs. But more importantly, EC4341 is pretty heavy in terms of both content and workload. Initially, I was pretty bent on taking EC4341 this semester despite it being the module causing all my timetable problems due to some reasons which I'm not too keen on explaining. So EC4102 was the module I would rather give up to overload. However, after careful consideration, I personally think that EC4341 will be more demanding than EC4102 and the fact that I didn't get allocated EC4341 just reaffirmed this decision. 

(3) I wish to take EC4332 Money and Banking II under Prof Martin Bodenstein in Semester 2 so it's a good idea to clear EC3332 this semester.

(4) I've planned my timetable such that I'll be taking only 4 core modules in Semesters 6 and 7 with the fifth module either as SS/GEM (yes, I haven't cleared these modules). So it shouldn't be as bad with 2/3 level-4000 EC modules plus 2/3 ST electives.

Although I'm not confident I'll definitely do fairly well with the above selection, I think this is probably the most optimized arrangement to spread out my workload for the remaining four semesters even though there'll be two exams each day in a span of three days which means I'll finish 4 exams in three days with only one Sunday in between as a break (I experienced worse before: 4 exams in two consecutive days) but well, preparation for finals should really be ready by then.

AY2014-2015 Semester 1 Modules

As usual, I am posting the list of modules that I'll be taking this semester.

EC3304 Econometrics II

EC4102 Macroeconomic Analysis III

EC4341 International Economics II

MA2311 Techniques in Advanced Calculus

ST2137 Computer Aided Data Analysis

I don't think there's much to talk about for my Stats modules since they are core modules which I am taking only now in Semester 5. And there's actually still one more, ST1131 Introduction to Statistics. Ironic? Yes, because I took MA1100 in my very first semester and cross-faculty double majors actually do not have to take UEMs or breadth modules. In other words, MA1100 is an extra module that does not fulfill any university graduation requirements. 

But anyway, I have a choice between MA2108 Mathematical Analysis I and MA2311. Those who have taken MA1505 or MA1104 are precluded from MA2311 but I think MA2311 should be a simpler version of multivariate calculus. I myself am not too sure what the scope of this module will be. I chose MA2311 over MA2108 cos' (1) I suck at convergence series, sequences etc., let alone writing proofs on them and (2) I think multivariate calculus is something very important to Economics majors or even to anyone else so it's good to build a strong foundation and to be able to understand from its fundamentals, vector calculus, and not just know how to perform a double or triple integral. 

As for EC3304, I think it's good to clear it asap. From what I hear, it is not as hard to get as EC3303 for MPE. But I am also not too sure how popular it is exactly. EC4102, on the other hand, is probably a lot more challenging in the first semester. However, the bell curve is really steep in the second semester as the questions simply involve memorising of derivations and I heard the papers are relatively easy (do remember, only honours students are left now). So there are pros and cons in both semesters. Although I can't say for sure that I'll be able to do better in this semester or should I say I am not confident of even securing a good grade, the style of this semester's paper better suits me. So for those who are going to take EC4102 anytime soon, I think it's good to take a look at the papers for both semesters as they really differ drastically. 

I have to clear EC4341 this semester as well as I think taking EC4341 with those who are going to take EC3342 International Trade and EC3343 International Finance (these are new modules for this semester) isn't gonna put me on a level playing field. And at the same time, I do not wish to take EC4341 in Semester 2 as Prof Gentile tends to place more focus on qualitative than quantitative aspects. All this while, I've been very keen on learning how Econometrics can be incorporated into Economics and I believe taking under Prof Davin Chor in Semester 1 will be able to expose me to that sort of knowledge. Of course, there are some of you out there who would prefer a more qualitative course in which I would recommend you then to take under Prof Gentile.

To end off, this semester is pretty crucial for me; it can make-or-break my CAP.

Oh and on a lighter note, for those who wish to take honours modules, MPE gives priority to honours students (and currently, I am still on the ARS3 track).

Into Week 2 of Sem 2

I'm quite glad I got almost all my desired tutorial slots as I actually thought I wouldn't be able to get most of them. Unfortunately though, I've been allocated a CS1010E tutorial which happens to be at ungodly hours. Hopefully I can get the 1-2pm slot tomorrow during Add/Drop/Swap.

So far, EC3312 and EC3333 are still fairly easy. However, I sort of dislike EC3333's style of teaching in the sense that the lecture notes takes snippets of contents from all over the textbook so I tend to miss the big picture in mind when I study for it. I mean I can't blame Prof Lu cos' the textbook we use is apparently for MBA students so if we were to study entire chapters, it might be a little advanced. But this also means that if the lecture notes are not uploaded early, I wouldn't be able to self-study to get ahead for this module. It seems for now that there is close to zero derivation in this module. Mostly are understanding and applying the formulas though I must say in order to appreciate whatever that's going to be taught in this module, it will be beneficial to have a solid foundation of mathematics and statistics. Otherwise, if you're really left with no choice, you can attempt to memorize those formulas by hard (but that just defeats the whole purpose of learning). On the other hand, EC3312 seems pretty interesting. Prof Sun's lectures are a tad lively and yes, that's probably the first time I ever said that a lecture is lively. But as I'm not very good with formal mathematical representations, I tend to take some time understanding the proofs.

ST2132 is also pretty doable for now. However, I'm lagging behind for ST3131. Now that's the problem with skipping lectures; you have to be disciplined and always be ahead of others. And it doesn't help that I need the earlier chapters of ST2132 to start on ST3131 because fortunately or unfortunately, it seems that ever since Prof Kuk has taken over, ST3131 has lost its reputation of being the easiest level-3000 module. As far as I know, many people were either not listening or trying their best to understand the material covered in the notes during lecture last Friday. I guess most people are still in the festive mood like me. But I constantly remind myself not to repeat the same mistake of excessive procrastination like what happened for MA1506 and ST2131.

Sadly, I haven't started on CS1010E. Well, the thing is probably only 1% of the industries in Singapore uses C so I got pretty much no idea as to why we are still learning this obsolete language. Even C++ or C# would have a relatively higher degree of relevance.

And yeah, I guess that's all for now. For the whole of last week, I've been busy trying to adapt myself back to school and of course, in all honesty, to recover (as I was sick and did not manage to make it to school until last Wednesday). So that means I've quite a lot of catching up to do and will be very busy this week, hopefully.

AY2013-2014 Semester 2 Modules

In the coming semester, I'll be taking the following modules:

CS1010E Programming Methodology

EC3312 Game Theory and Applications to Economics

EC3333 Financial Economics I

ST2132 Mathematical Statistics

ST3131 Regression Analysis

I had wanted to take EC4341 International Economics II this semester while the content for EC3341 is still fresh in my head. However, I think FASS is quite rigid in terms of the fulfillment of prerequisites; level-4000 modules require the completion of 80 MCs. But as I did not overload in any semester, I have completed only 60 MCs.

Apparently, ST2132 used to be a killer module for Stats majors but ever since Dr Lim Chinghway had taken over this module, the content and exams have become much easier.

Also, ST3131 will be the last module I am using to preclude myself from an EC module. As compared to EC3303, ST3131 is much harder (obviously) but more importantly, it is going to be a lot more useful. EC3303 focuses very little on the understanding of the formulas involved and students are required only to apply the formulas. Of course, there will be some derivation involved but it really isn't as difficult as many made it out to be. Moreover, taking ST3131 will allow me to have an advantage over others (except those from FOS) for EC3304. However, there is one drawback from taking ST3131 instead of EC3303. The software used for EC3303 is STATA while that used for ST3131 is R so I'll have to learn STATA by myself.

On a lighter note, I have finally cleared all my exposure modules which means I can start taking only my core modules from now on. This is great news for me as there is nothing else in FASS that interests me apart from econs.

I have checked my preallocated modules; both EC modules have been allocated to me which means I do not have to bid in Round 1 for this semester. However, the enrollment for these two modules does not seem to be very high which means competition will be more stiff (though I don't think the enrollment and competition can beat that of EC3314).

I am looking forward to doing my modules for this semester especially EC3312, CS1010E and ST3131.

AY2013-2014 Semester 1 Modules

It has been a good long summer break though I'm afraid that this will be the first and last idle summer vacation.

In the coming semester, I'll be taking the following modules:

EC3101 Microeconomic Analysis II

EC3102 Macroeconomic Analysis II

EC3314 Mathematical Economics

EC3341 International Economics I

PH1102E Introduction to Philosophy

I shall be risk-adverse this time round and take only EC modules since I'm clearing both the core modules together at one go and I have to obtain a GPA of 4.0 for both of them in order to do Honours.

As for the electives, it seems that EC3314 is a very unpopular module among EC majors probably because it is quite challenging for a Level-3000 elective. But I have browsed through the content and it doesn't seem to be that difficult. In fact, the content that will be taught in the first half of the semester are mostly familiar topics that have been partially covered in MA1102R and MA1506.

On a side note, PH1102E will also be the last exposure module I have to clear. I look forward to doing so.

AY2012-2013 Semester 2 Modules

In the coming semester, I'll be taking the following modules:

EC2101 Microeconomic Analysis I

EC2102 Macroeconomic Analysis I

MA1506 Mathematics II

MA2216/ST2131 Probability

SE1101E Southeast Asia: A Changing Region

EC2101 and EC2102 are core modules that I have to clear by this semester in order to satisfy the prerequisites for most Level-3000 modules by the end of Year 1.

I am taking MA1506 in place of MA1101R as I think I won't be able to survive with the abstract concepts and proofs in MA1101R.

MA2216/ST2131 has been maintaining its notorious reputation for being a killer module for maths and stats majors. This module will preclude me from EC2303.

I am absolutely not looking forward to taking SE1101E. In fact, exposure modules from the Asian Studies Division are mostly pretty dry. However, it has already been planned that I should clear one exposure module each semester to rid myself of this heavy burden by Year 2 Semester 1. Hence, I should procrastinate no further.