Module Review: MA1511 Engineering Calculus

This is a newly created module for engineering students where they yanked the A Level content out from the old MA1505 and repackaged it as a 2 MCs module: MA1511. The rough syllabus for this module includes multi variable calculus, partial differentiation, multi integrals, vectors and power/sequence and series. I must add, for freshies fresh out of orientation, this module will be a nasty shock. With the extreme pace and immense difficulty, you sometimes wish you were in FASS instead of here suffering. During the first lesson, the lecturer was already (jokingly??) taunting us by sharing that for math majors, they will only be learning this in year 2, but we're doing it early, compressed in just six weeks. Welcome to uni life. 😔😔😔

Materials and lesson format

I have no idea why, but like MA1512, this is conducted seminar style for ECE and CEG students, and the traditional lecture-tutorials style for others. The materials provided by the course coordinator, Dr Ng were excellent. It was systematic and progressive; just like what you expect in secondary school. You watch his 'math educational video' where everything is explained + an example to cement your understanding. All tutorial questions are indexed with a related video too. It's definitely helpful for us in the who loves to be spoon-fed with everything. During the first few tutorials, it is absolutely normal to get lost, but you will get the hang of it. 

In-class test and final exam

During tutorials, there are graded in-class assignments (total 35%) with two questions related to the week's content. You're supposed to attempt the assignments by yourself with no discussion. It was strictly enforced during the first tutorial, but the enforcement became lax overtime, and by the last tutorial, the class resembles a fish market. The reason why it weighs 35% is because it acts as a buffer for in case you flung finals.

For the finals, they were intentionally trying to screw us. Again, the lecturer was taunting us that the paper was set in a way that we will definitely have no time to complete it. 6 or 7 questions with 2 parts in 90 minutes and I left more than 4 questions blank and scribbled some random formulas for the others. But somehow managed to get a B+. Remember, be consistent and you should be fine. 

Additional remarks

This module is extremely fast paced. It feels like orientation just ended and next, you're sitting for finals. :( Given that it's six chapters in six weeks, it means no breathing space for catching up if you miss anything. If you are going to slacken slightly for just one week, the domino effect will kick-in and by the time you know it, it's too late. I have seen many peers struggle because of it and they didn't do too well for finals. 

Graded components:

35% In-class assignments

65% Final Examination

My rating:

Difficulty: 4/5

Workload: 3.5/5

Teaching staff: 4/5 

Overall: 3/5

Expected grade: B/B+ 

Final grade: B+