Get Acquainted with NUS Muslim Society and Malay Language Society  Salam - July1998 Issue - [Content Page] NUS...A Blessing... Journey... Reality...

 

Faculty Info...

 

Architecture

People in architecture really get much, much more than they bargained for. Architecture is totally out of what is expected of an academic course. It is unique in such a way that projects creep into your personality, daily routine (although "routine" would be the last word applicable to aki life) or vice versa. In the duration of projects, we eat project, sleep project (albeit sleep is either a rare commodity or a complete myth during this period) and drink tonnes of coffee. While we�re here, it all boils down to knowing what you want and doing your damnedest (lectures, projects, workshops, etc) to get it. At the end of it all, it is about enjoying what you do, loving what you make and feeling the process grind into you with gratification while letting the grades seep through. Most importantly, having mutual support of aki folks who are altogether in this with you is in itself a comfort.

 

Arts and Social Sciences

If you want to get a good grade, CONSISTENCY is the keyword here. Don�t PROCRASTINATE! Well, it�s tough to avoid revision at the eleventh hour but don�t try it or it could land you in hot soup! Subjects offered in this faculty requires heavy reading so it could get really horrendous looking at a thick pile of unread notes when preparing for exams. Most importantly, tutors look for answers that have a certain level of critical analysis and not mere regurgitation from textbooks or notes. Competence in the English Language is an added advantage. Don�t be brainwashed by lecturers� and tutors� ideas. Keep an open mind and an open heart towards concepts and principles. This faculty is definitely a good place to socialize and make good friends by joining the various societies, especially those related to your subjects.

 

Building and Estate Management

This faculty is located near Masjid Tentera and Faculty of Architecture. We, too, need more representatives in BEM. The most conducive place to study in BEM is the Information Resource Centre (IRC) which is like a small library and the nearest canteen would be the Engineering canteen.

 

Business Administration

To those of you who are IN, welcome to the BIZAD family! For those of you who were not from the Commerce stream initially, be prepared to work hard in subjects like Economics and Accounting. Being a Bizader would require that you focus your time on both your academic modules as well as assignments and projects, which are due almost anytime during the semester. Being able to socialize and speak up will put you in good stand among your peers as well as your tutors. Also, it is important to choose your modules carefully so as to have a balance between quantitative and qualitative subjects. Knowledge in Excel will do you good too.

 

Chemical Engineering and Engineering 

Welcome to Engineering folks! Be prepared to work real hard and don�t be discouraged if you happen to sangkut a few subjects during your first semester examinations. However, do try to clear your modules in your first sitting because most of them are prerequisites for higher level modules. A useful tip is to study in a group where you will be able to accomplish more. Despite the busy schedule you�re going to have, try to get to know your fellow campus mates from other faculties�otherwise you will feel VERY LONELY. A good way to start is to participate in the activities MS & PBM offers, hang around the Arts or Bizad canteens�or just lepak at the Forum!

P.S: We need more representatives in the Civil Engineering department.

 

Computer Science

Discs is definitely not a place to relax. A lot of hard work and consistency is expected. Smart studying is the essential element because memory work will NOT get you far. Be prepared to slog in a nine-to-five daily campus hours and don�t be surprised if you have to go for lessons on Saturdays. If you�re not a computer whiz, the best way to study would be in groups. Good Luck!

 

Dentistry

This is an extremely small faculty where a counsellor-counsellor system is applied effectively. Seniors will hand down their books to you and give advice on how to handle lab work. As our faculty is a bit isolated (located far away from the rest of the other faculties) it is important for you to have an active ECA life or you will find your life here monotonous and meaningless.

 

Law

  The first thing we do, let�s kill all the lawyers." - William Shakespeare,Henry VI (IV,ii)

For most people in NUS, Law School is a mysterious place. For us, the only mystery is the law. Our 10-hour week seems amazing but in fact, far more time is taken up to prepare for classes. Tutorial groups are super-small and as such conducive for clearing doubts, but more importantly, they are a platform for forming critical opinions on points of law and judgements of the court. Expect heavy reading, hence the central character of the law library. A main source of headaches is the load of cases. The bold student is a distinctive feature of Law School, or at least the expectation of one, that is. Indeed as we learn, unless such attitude is adopted, the study of law is dreary. That would be a shame because the law is dynamic and the course challenging. There is no fun unless the student is ready to keep an open mind and take a stand, even one that is contrary to orthodox views. Yet admittedly, it is also less glamorous and more complicated than as portrayed in the media. In short, in a place where the pressure is daunting, the main motivational factor for the average confused law student is a keen interest. That, and preferably a sense of humour. Counsel rests her case.

 

Medicine

Being in Medicine means a lot of patience and pressure. Learn to love what you are doing or the 36-hour per week lessons would seem unbearable! Cliques are common and do try to form yours early because life seems more meaningful and manageable with friends around. It will save you the pains of having to search for a suitable group when forming your clinical group during the third year. Seniors are invaluable so do get to know them well. Be prepared to treat the Medical Library as your second home too!

 

Pharmacy

You need to learn to love what you�re doing otherwise you will find the workload unbearable. Pharmacy is not all about Chemistry and Biology so be prepared for a combination of other fields such as marketing, law and psychology. You will feel lost as you will have to find jobs related to this field on your own before you go on to your third year. So don�t be shocked!

 

Science

Always ask the seniors for advice if you�re not sure of the modules you�re taking. They will be able to give you an in-depth account of the requirements of the modular system. What you will be learning here will be more theoretical than what you�ve learnt at "A" levels. So be forewarned that you have to put those brain cells to work extra hours. In the meantime, do enjoy yourselves by participating in various ECAs. All the best!

 

Get Acquainted with NUS Muslim Society and Malay Language Society  Salam - July1998 Issue - [Content Page] NUS...A Blessing... Journey... Reality...