LSM1301FC - General Biology

Type: Breadth Module

Difficulty: Normal

Workload: Normal
Lecturer(s): Prof Seow Teck Keong

Assessment: Labs, Midterms and Finals

You cannot take this module if you have taken H2 Biology back in JC. This module covered a wide range of basic biology, like biological materials (carbohydrates, proteins, etc), basic functions in cells and plants. I took biology back in secondary school up to sec 4, so there were many familiar topics. The lecturer was Professor Seow. He was very passionate when teaching, and he's very friendly and approachable. However, his voice is a little monotonous which can get a little boring after a while. My class size for this RNS Term was 12, which was amazingly small.

Labs were actually very enjoyable as we got to brew beer and make kimchi. It was very hands-on. However, the lab worksheets were graded and can be a little difficult (especially for the application questions). I suggest that you try to Google as many answers as you can. It is very possible to score for this component.

Midterms and Finals were all MCQ and conducted in a computer lab. I forgot whether midterms was open or closed book, but finals was definitely open book. In fact for the iBLOC term, we were allowed to even use Google and the internet to search for our answers (whereas those who took this module during normal term did not have the luxury of internet access during finals). Because of the small class size, there wasn't a bell curve which was good if you studied.

* A Hint: Purchase a textbook, and highlight important points. Bookmark all the chapters using the stickers which stick out of the edge (i dunno what it's called). Practice a lot, and be especially clear with the following concepts.

• Directions (5' to 3' / 3' to 5') of transcription, translation and DNA replication (watch videos)
• Names and functions of all organelles within a cell, and what processes occur within each organelle (a mindmap would help)

Expected Grade: A

Achieved Grade: A+

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)