EG1109FC - Statics and Mechanics of Materials

Type: Core Module
Difficulty: Hard
Workload: Normal
Lecturer(s): Prof C. Quan & Dr Victor Shim
Assessment: Class Participation, Midterms and Finals

It seems like they are not offering this module as an iBLOC module any more. However, it is very very similar in content to the normal EG1109 module.

This module is split into 2 parts (1-Statics and 2-Mechanics). In my opinion, the concepts in part 1 were very easy to grasp. The entire part 1 only uses 3 simple concepts:

• Moments = Force * Perpendicular Distance
• At equilibrium, net force = 0
• At equilibrium, net moment = 0

See, it is that simple and it's taught in JC physics. However, the lecturers usually set very tricky diagrams to dissect during tests and examinations. Hence, it's important to practice a lot.

* A hint: Please be comfortable when dealing with 3-d diagrams (x, y, z components). Although all tutorials in part 1 seems to focus mainly on 2-d diagrams, it may not be the case for the test.

Part 2 was mechanics of materials. The difficulty of this part is rather subjective, with some saying it is hard. Personally, I found part 2 easy. You just have to make sure you memorise every formula you see in your notes, and know what each term in the formula stands for. You also have to be strong in your integration (especially for non-uniform variables like the shape)

Midterms was 1 statics and 1 mechanics question. I flunked the statics question because it was 3-d which I was not prepared for it. The mechanics question on the other hand was straight out of the tutorial question. Finals wasn't very easy.

Expected Grade: B

Achieved Grade: B+

Module review for my RNS Term modules

RNS Term (iBLOC)

This term is something like a "Special Term", just that we have more time (not as rushed as NUS Special Term period). However, this is only applicable to people who are serving national service and already have a reserved place in NUS. (Sorry girls) The price was about $700+ per module you take up, which can be quite pricy. However, you have an option to pay using your PSEA account, which SAF had topped up a generous amount. I highly recommend taking up this term, as it gives you a headstart, and it's a good transition opportunity to clear the rust in your brain.

On top of that, the modules which you take during this term are included in your free 20MC worth of S/U Grade-Free semester. So, if you didn't do so well, you can just simply S/U the module. (Note that you need a grade C and above to consider the module as "Satisfactory"). If you did very very very badly, there's also an option for NUS to drop the module. (You'll just have to retake the module again during the semester) With all these safety catches in place, the only factor left to consider is just whether you're willing to give up a small portion of your holiday for it.

EG1109FC (Statics and Mechanics of Materials)

LSM1301FC (General Biology)