BooKs for Ucdians (1st year)

Basically, these are some of the books that are popular according to the subjects ( anat,physio,biochem,histo,embryology ), for 1st and 2nd semester. Except for 2nd sem, there are some additional books which i don’t include here since you can borrow them from library. So hope this will help.

p/s: if u are confuse which one to choose, just choose the *recommended one.

ANATOMY

	Clinically Oriented Anatomy (5th Edition) by Keith L Moore (Author), Arthur F Dalley (Author) This book is absolutely THICK. You may consider of purchasing the BABY version of this book. *recommended
	Gray’s Atlas of Anatomyby Richard Drake, A. Wayne Vogl, Adam W.M Mitchell, and Richard Tibbitts. This book contains many images. Absolutely amazing images! For those who love pictures, then you may consider this book as your first choice. Obviously, it has less text than Moore
	Atlas of Human Anatomy, Professional Edition by Frank H. Netter or Atlas of Human Anatomy: With Netteranatomy.com (Netter Basic Science)by Frank H. Netter *recommended p/s but if you guys don’t want to buy it,doesn’t matter coz there is a digital atlas that look exactly like this book!! You can ask from your seniors.

PHYSIOLOGY

	Vander’s Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function, 10/e by Eric P. Widmaier, Boston University Hershel Raff, Medical College of Wisconsin Kevin T. Strang, University of Wisconsin – Madison *recommended
	Physiology Third Edition With Studentconsult.com Access by Linda Costanzo (Author)This book simplifies many complicated mechanisms into a simple one. Will be resourceful in your second semester.
	Berne and Levy Physiology: with STUDENT CONSULT Online Access (Physiology (Berne))by Bruce M. Koeppen (Author), Bruce A. Stanton (Author)If you are looking for a very detail explanation. Then this book is a must for you. Seriously..sangat detail! But quite useful.

BIOCHEMISTRY

Principles of Medical Biochemistry: With STUDENT CONSULT Online Accessby Gerhard Meisenberg (Author), William H. Simmons (Author)*recommended

HISTOLOGY

Wheater’s Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas (Book with CD-ROM)by Barbara Young (Editor), John W. Heath (Editor) *recommended p/s don’t forget to bring along your colour pencils coz you will be using it for this subject

EMBRYOLOGY

	Langman’s Medical Embryology by Thomas W Sadler This book is a must for you to have! This would be your main reference for embryology subject other than your lecture notes. This book explains almost all embryological concepts and easy to understand. *recommended
	The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology by Keith L. Moore, T.V.N Persaud This book has more pictures and of course it is heavier than langman’s. There is a lot to borrow in library, but it is quite a ‘hot’ book especially during exam weeks.

Assalamualaikum dan salam sejahtera kepada semua pembaca. Sedikit pengenalan ringkas tentang Mek CUN. Mek CUN ni pelajar UCD, amat berminat terhadap makanan. tidak kiralah samada bercakap tentang makanan, memasak dan segala-galanya yang berkaitan dengan makanan.

Jom Makan!

Khas utk junior yng baru nak sampai, mesti pening kepala kan nak fikir utk bawa apa ke dublin nanti? dah la 25-30kg je .. huhu.

Dont worry, Mek CUN ada tips. Barang2 yang kurang penting, beli awal2, shipping( murah banyak compared dgn pos laju ) dua bulan sampai la.  Tak Tahu barang apa kurang penting? Bagi Mek CUN mudah aje.. buku yang besaq kedabak tu Mek CUN istilahkan sebagai kurang penting, baju yang bertimbun2 sgt tu, kasut dan segala macam alat2 yang kalo takde tu still boley hidup kira kurang penting la tue . Jadi bolehlah beli awal2 dan shipping.

Macamana nak shipping?

pegi post office, cakap nak shipping. RM100++ je utk 10 kg.  Balut dalam kotak elok2, selotape banyak2, yang penting jangan tulis ada makanan dalam tu, kalo tak tak lepas. tu pun kalo nak ship makanan la

Takde Address??

Boley cari mana2 senior yang dikenali, takpun PM mek CUN.

Alamak!!!

alamak, termengarutlah plak mek CUN ni, actually mek CUN nak cakap ttg makanan je, ni dah termasuk bab lain plak. Bukannye apa, ini adalah tips mek CUN supaya adik2 leh bawak makanan yang banyak dalam beg nanti. Makanan penting ye utk survival.

Perkara penting berkaitan makanan yang perlu ada :

1. bawa bowl plastik dan sudu ( reason : barang plastik ringan, UCD accomodation tak sediakan pinggan/ mangkuk- so utk kegunaan hari2 permulaan. Kenapa bowl? senang, nak makan megi pun senang, nasi pun senang jgk )
2. kalo nak bole bawa pan/ periuk kecil-satu rumah satu cukup ( yang ringan ok! utk kegunaan sebelum korang bley shopping dan boleh beli barang keperluan rumah )

Actually semua benda pun boleh didapati kat dublin ni, kalo tak pecaya, visit website ni [ click here ]. Ni baru satu kedai, ada banyak lagi kedai2 yang menjual makanan Malaysia. So Dont worry.

Tapi satu je Mek Cun nak pesan,

surely, kebanyakan org akan teragak2 utk berbelanja pada time mula2 sampai coz perbezaan currency. Kepada yang berjimat cermat, bawaklah peralatan dari Malaysia. contohnya seperti :

1. Megi a.k.a mee segera

2.Kuih Raya! serunding dan makanan2 segera kering mcm sambal ikan bilis etc.. . kan korang dtg bulan puasa…

3. Perencah2 termasuklah kiub tomyam ke, perencah sup dan seumpamanya.

4. Rempah ratus mcm bunga lawang dan adik beradiknya

5. Siapa yang suka masak over2 tu tak rugi bawa daun limau purut, daun kesum, bunga kantan, daun pandan, serai dan sebagainya. pastu nanti simpan dalam fridge. ( kat sini pun ada tapi kadang2 wujud di kedai, kadang2 out of stock )

6. Beras jgn bawak, berat!

7. Cili kering ( ni penting, cili kering kat sini tersangatlah pedassssssssssssssssss )

8. Ikan bilis

Haii.. dah bawa semua2 barang ni kene la memasak, jangan buat stock plak kat belgrove/mervill nanti..

Apa?? Tak Tahu Nak Masak?

ok, for girls yang tak tahu nak masak, dont worry, mek CUN ada team yang boleh tolong korang utk belajar memasak. Mek CUN pun tak pandai Masak, tapi mek CUN dah recruit orang2 yang pandai memasak utk tolong ajarkan korang masak. ( this offer is for girls only )

So, dont worry ok?

ok, jumpa di episode seterusnya

from

Mek CUN

Cooking Untuk Nisa.

Aku ingin bercerita tentang seorang kawan  yang dulu dia tinggal di Merville,sebuah in-campus residence di UCD. Dia tidak mahu dikenali dengan nama sebenar dan hanya mahu dikenali dengan panggilan manja So.
Aku  dan dia ni adalah kawan sama batch. Kami datang ke UCD pada bulan September tahun 2007. Walaupun dia sebenarnya tidak layak pun untuk masuk ke UCD sebab math dapat 5 (aku lepas la semua subjek) namun jodoh telah menetapkan bahawa kami akan bersama di UCD selama 2 tahun setengah. Yang peliknya So dapat full course biasiswa dan aku pulak dapat twinning program dari mara.
Setelah mendaftarkan diri seminggu sebelum fly ke Ireland, aku  berjaya mendaftar masuk ke Belgrove manakala So masuk ke Merville. Ini la 2 buah penempatan dalam kampus yang ada di UCD, Belgrove & Merville. Kebiasaannya kalau dapat masuk Merville anda akan dapat tinggal bersama – sama dengan  Irish manakala di Belgrove kita akan tinggal bersama – sama dengan rakyat Malaysia sahaja. Mendapat tahu perkara ini aku merasa agak kecewa la(sikit la). Sebabnya aku nak sangat  sangat bergaul dengan mat saleh, namun setelah ditakdirkan untuk bersama dengan seorang budak Kelantan dan seorang lagi budak SP (Sungai Petani)  pasrah je la.
Mula – mula sampai dahulu So masuk ke M16.6.3 (Merville apartment 16, rumah no 6 bilik no 3) bersama dengan seorang lagi teman serumah malaysia serta 3 orang Irish. Macam – macam cerita dari So didengari, yang setiap hari ada saja pengalaman baru yang diperolehinya. Ada yang manis ada yang masam, kadang – kadang suram kadang – kadang  terang benderang.

ni la dia rumah So, tingkat paling atas sekali

pemandangan seluruh merville daripada tingkap bilik So

Mula – mula sampai dahulu, So ada cerita yang dia ada masak untuk seorang housemate Irishnya kari ayam. Baginya itulah kali pertama dia melihat orang putih makan nasi bersama  kari ayam. Sungguh kelakar melihat orang putih makan nasi katanya. Namun katanya, bermula dari situlah housematenya mula berjinak dengan nasi dan kurang makan makanan asasi mereka iaitu roti dan asyik bertanya kepadanya resipi untuk memasak kari ayam yang sedap itu. Tidak dia sangka, katanya, masakan Malaysia yang simple menjadi idam –idaman  orang putih.

sekadar gambar hiasan

Bermula dari situ la katanya bermula pengalaman hidupnya bersama dengan irish menempuhi rencah kehidupan sebagai bujang terantangtang di perantauan.
Sesampai di Ireland kata So, masih teringat yang ketika itu adalah bulan Ramadan. Budak – budak Merville adalah budak yang selalu tidak pergi solat terawih di masjid kerana kedudukannya yang paling hujung dalam UCD, berdekatan dengan pintu keluar ke Roebuack road.

Berbanding dengan pelajar yang tinggal di Belgrove yang bukan saja dekat dengan health science building malah juga dengan sport center dan pintu keluar ke masjid tapi kata So, Merville paling best sebab dekat dekat dengan central, the one and only kedai runcit di UCD, dan padang  yang besar. Tiap – tiap petang dapatlah dia main bola bersama kawan – kawannya dan membeli makanan di central sebagai juadah berbuka.
Selain itu kata So, apa yang menjadi kenangan seumur hidupnya  adalah kemudahan yang terdapat di Merville (yang mana sebenarnya ada di Belgrove juga). Internet yang disediakan  sangat – sangat terbaik kelajuannya. Kalau download cerita beberapa minit dah siap, streaming tu tak perlu tunggu lama – lama.  Kalau setakat nak buat panggilan internet menggunakan skype memang tiada masalah langsung. Pernah juga aku ngan So terfikir nak buat salam aidilfitri secara langsung dalam TV3. Namun macam biasa, susah nak menembusi  rancangan sampaikan salam tu. Tapi poinnya di sini, anda tidak akan terasa terasing dengan dunia luar, namun merasakan lebih dekat kerana dunia berada di hujung jari anda. (gambar jari klik mouse)
Selain itu, penjaga apartment Merville pun baik hati sangat. Biasanya kalau kerosakan atau apa – apa saja yang

technician merville yg dedikasi - gambar hiasan je

dilaporkan akan terus ada tindakan susulan pada hari yang sama. Pernah So cerita, mentol dalam rumah dia asyik terbakar je, mungkin housemate mabuknya suka main suis lampu kot,akhirnya dia report masalah itu terus je dia dapat mentol baru. Tak payah susah – susah beli mentol baru. Kawan So pun ada yang minta peti sejuk baru dan mereka dapat sebuah peti sejuk besar. Memang best.
Lagi satu, perubahan mendadak yang dapat diperolehi  jika anda berada di Merville adalah kefasihan berbahasa inggeris akan meningkat. Bukan la maksud nak kutuk si So ni xreti berspeaking, namun So sebelum datang ke UCD memang tak berbakat langsung berbahasa inggeris. Speaking pulak memang pekat dengan loghat negerinya. Entah macamana dia dapat lepas interview IUMC aku pun tak tahu. Setelah  beberapa ketika, dapat dilihat ada sedikit perubahan pada keupayaan So untuk menggunakan bahasa inggeris dengan betul. Tapi kebiasaan bagi orang yang tidak pernah keluar dari negerinya selama 18 tahun,  ada la sikit bau – bau negeri asalnya itu. So pernah berteka – teki apakah itu black pudding. ingatkan ianya pudding gula hangus tapi sangkaan daku itu meleset..(jika anda tidak tahu apakah itu black pudding dan ingin mengetahuinya, tinggal la di Merville.)  Selain itu juga anda juga dapat belajar bahasa – bahasa harian yang digunakan oleh muda – mudi irish sekarang  seperti “How sa going” bagi menggantikan hello atau pun “whats the craigh” jika ingin mendapatkan cerita terbaru mereka. Bagi mereka yang suka bergaul dan memerhatikan orang  Merville memang sesuai untuk anda kerana anda bukan hanya berpeluang untuk tinggal bersama – sama irish tapi juga bersama – sama dengan orang eropah yang lain macam Swedish, Polish, Russian, France dan lain – lain. Inilah peluang anda untuk mendapatkan kenalan dari seluruh pelusuk dunia.
Lepas tu mudah la kalau anda travel ke mana – mana Negara eropah kerana anda tidak lagi perlu untuk mencari rumah atau tempat tinggal kerana anda sudah mempunyai kawan yang oleh menumpangkan anda di rumah mereka. Silap – silap haribulan mereka turut membawa anda berjalan – jalan di tempat mereka.

john - salah seorang housemate So

Tapi orang kata hidup ni ibarat naik kereta kat jalan raya. Bukannya semua jalan raya tu lurus bendul je. Kadang – kadang ada juga ranjau dan cubaan yang terpaksa dihadapi oleh So.  Beberapa bulan selepas raya, rumah tangga So mula bergolak. Perkara pertama yang menjadi konflik So dan housemates nya ialah kad topup eletrik. Di Merville masalah yang selalu menimpa para pelajar adalah giliran menambah nilai eletrik. Merville menggunakan sistem penjualan kad bernilai 5 euro dan 10 euro bagi menggunakan eletrik. Kad ini akan di masukkan ke dalam meter bacaan dan nilainya akan bertambah mengikut nilai kad yang dibeli. Pernah terjadi So terpaksa membelanjakan 30 euro (RM150 tu lebih kurang) sebab housemates irishnya tidak mengikut giliran. Pernah juga housematenya menipu yang dia telah menambah nilai eletrik tapi dengan menggunakan kad yang telah digunakan.  Bagi membuatkan penipuannya itu Nampak real dia panggil technician untuk melihat meter  yang dikatakannya rosak (sebab dia topup tapi kredit tak naik – naik juga). Tapi selepas diperiksa tiada masalah pada meter. Akhirnya setelah berbincang dengan housemate Malaysianya, So memungut sebanyak 20 euro seorang setiap awal bulan bagi menambah nilai kredit eletrik. Cara itu amat berjaya dan So dapat menikmati hidup dengan lebih tenang.

Ada juga kes lain yang menjadi masalah kepada mereka yang tinggal di Merville ni. Iaitu kes rumah bersepah. Al maklum la, Irish ni suka sangat berparty. Boleh dikatakan setiap malam mereka akan berparty. aku pun naik pening memikirkan bila masa sebenarnya mereka belajar. Tiap – tiap malam akan dianjurkan berbagai jenis party. Party sebelum exam, party selepas exam, party nak cuti, party lepas dapat result exam dan macam – macam jenis party lagi yang diadakan. Ada satu jenis party ni kalau dibuat maka ia akan menyusahkan hidup, party liar di rumah. Selalunya Irish akan pulang ke rumah masing – masing pada hujung minggu. Maka pada malam jumaat biasanya mereka akan mengadakan party minum – minum sampai mabuk. Kalau party ini dibuat di rumah maka akan berlaku la apa yang dipanggil sebagai ‘aftermath’. Pernah rumah kawan habis pecah dinding sebab mereka main baling – baling botol ke dinding.
Kadang – kadang time mereka balik berhujung minggu rumah masih tidak dikemaskan. Aku pernah melawat rumah So yang baru lepas kena party bukan setakat bersepah  tapi memang horror habis. Dengan sampah bergelimpangan, meja kerusi bersepah, makanan tumpah atas karpet, botol arak bersepah – sepah campur bau busuk lagi.
Tapi aku nak sangat ajak kawan – kawan nanti yang akan mendiami Merville, jika perkara sama berlaku kepada anda maka bersabarlah dan jangan membatu. Tapi sebaliknya kemaskanlah rumah anda walaupun ianya sedikit sebanyak menyusahkan anda. Ingatlah setiap perbuatan kita akan dikira oleh ALLAH sebagai satu ibadah. Dan jangan la kita membenci pula housemates yang buat party di rumah sebab yang patut dibenci bukan pembuat kesalahan itu tapi yang patut dibenci adalah perbuatan tersebut. Sebenarnya housemate irish yang masuk ke UCD adalah mereka yang berumur belasan tahun. Belum pun mencecah 20 tahun. Jadi perangai mereka sedikit kebudak – budakan. Sesungguhnya mereka memerlukan bimbingan dari anda semua untuk menghadapi dunia realiti.

semua adalah ketentuan Ilahi. semua benda yang berlaku pasti ada hikmahnya. perbanyakkan lah berdoa semoga apa yang berlaku dapat menjadi pengajaran kepada kita

gambar hiasan

Alhamdulillah…kebebasan bersuara dan beragama benar-benar dipraktikan di bumi Shamrock ni, lebih-lebih lagi di UCD. Untuk Muslim, pihak pentadbiran UCD telah menyediakan dua buah tempat untuk pelajar-pelajar yang beragama Islam untuk bersolat..satu kt Health Science Building kt tingkat 3 dan muslimat kt tingkat 2( tmpt budak medic la ne, Malaysians especially) dan satu lg kt Science Building ( more untuk accomodate international students yang lain informally)…

juga gambar hiasan

Surau atau prayer room ni special untuk muslim sahaja dan bukan pula sebuah multi religious prayer room yang korang semua akan tengok kt sini nanti..so be prepared..Prayer room ni biasanya penuh semasa solat zohor kerana kelas biasa tak de pada waktu tu ( Irish phm kot jadual solat kita)…jadi ramailah kt sana time zohor..

Size prayer room ni, x de la besar sangat, tp cukup untuk jemaah seramai 15 orang maksimum untuk solat pada satu-satu masa..syukur…Buku-buku agama pun ade kt sini…sambil-sambil tunggu solat, baca-baca la dulu..

Yang lebih menariknya, prayer room memang hidup…ramai yg buat bisness kt sini..pada hari2 tertentu ade la dijual mcm2 juadah untuk dimakan dengan harga berpatutan..nasik lemak, nasik goreng,bihun dan burger antara yg dijual kt surau ni…katanya ex peniaga “nk kumpul duit nk kawen”…berkatnya rezeki dijual…memang betul pun…maybe tatkala korang baca entry ni, dua2 ex penjual tu dah pon kawen…emm…mungkin tu petua nk kawen awal kot..who knows..
nanti boleh la beli ye..til then…

jumpa di sana ye time solat…

sekian

Allahu A’lam

Indahnya UCD

oleh: dzolatz

Berbahagialah anda semua menjadi pelajar UCD kerana anda kini dikaruniakan servis internet yang berkelajuan tinggi. Mengapa internet UCD laju? Sebabnya UCD  ialah tulang belakang kepada sambungan internet seluruh Ireland! Melalui UCDlah semua ISP(Internet Sevice Provider) di Ireland mendapatkan sambungan, dan melalui UCDlah, Ireland dihubungkan secara maya dengan seluruh dunia.  Dengan kelajuan muat turun (download) maksimum mencapai  25Mbps dan muat naik (upload) boleh mencecah 20Mbps, UCD menduduki  tempat ketiga untuk institusi dengan internet terpantas selepas TCD dan DIT.

UCD IT Services

Memandangkan maklumat secara ekstensif boleh didapati daripada UCD IT Services, artikel ini akan cuba menerangkan dengan seringkas yang boleh tentang apa yang anda dapat daripada UCD IT Services.
Apabila anda berdaftar menjadi pelajar UCD anda akan secara automatik mendapat akses kepada “UCD Connect”.  Saya cuba senaraikan apa yang penting.

1. email anda sendiri dengan domain …@ucdconnect.ie (penting untuk anda berhubung dengan classmates, lecturers dan module coordinator)
2. Servis berkaitan rekod pelajar seperti rekod perpustakaan, keputusan peperiksaan.
3. Akses kepada “Blackboard”,  tempat anda mendapatkan maklumat dan nota untuk subjek-subjek anda.
4. dan banyak lagi servis lain seperti  online storage(500MB), file sharing,  antivirus(sophos) , softwares (termasuklah Adobe Photoshop)  dan akses kepada laman-laman web UCD yang lain.

Anda akan tahu lagi banyak lagi apabila anda mendaftar di sini nanti. Jangan ketinggalan sesi IT Induction kerana anda akan mendapat satu pendrive percuma.

Masalah dengan IT?
Jangan bimbang. UCD mempunyai ramai otai-otai IT yang sudi membantu anda. Mereka ini boleh dijumpai di IT Centres. Ada 4 IT Centres di UCD iaitu Daedalus Building, Health Science Building, Newman Builiding dan Newstead Building.

Sambungan ke Internet

Kemudahan komputer boleh didapati di mana-mana sahaja di dalam kampus dan anda hanya perlu login dengan student ID anda. Anda boleh meminjam laptop daripada IT Services  atau juga boleh online dengan laptop anda sendiri  di mana-mana sahaja di atas muka bumi UCD.  Malah tempias wireless UCD sampai juga ke kawasan di luar kampus. Syaratnya, ialah laptop atau browser (pelayar web anda) anda perlu dikonfigurasi ‘proxy’nya kerana UCD network dilengkapi dengan firewall.  Anda boleh baca cara untuk setting firefox dan Internet Explorer di sini. Untuk wireless printing, anda perlu setting(agak panjang untuk diterangkan di sini), tetapi tidak sukar untuk anda terokai sendiri.

Menembusi Firewall

“Internet laju, tapi software tak boleh pakai”

Sememangnya menjadi tanggungjawab UCD untuk menyediakan persekitaran belajar yang kondusif, jadi memang wajarlah pihak IT Services menetapkan regulasi kepada semua yang menggunakan khidmat mereka. “No torrents and no online gaming/MMORPG”, dan anda pun datang untuk belajar bukan untuk main-main.Tetapi, di sini ingin dikongsikan kunci utama untuk menembusi (bypass) firewall UCD ialah menggunakan servername dan port yang sesuai(disediakan oleh IT Services).

• Servername : proxy.ucd.ie
• Port : 8484

Antara software yang pernah dicuba berjaya menembusi firewall ialah Firefox, IE, Yahoo Messenger, Skype, Orbit Downloader.

Wah, lajunya! Tak sama macam Malaysia.
Betul, tapi ingat. Bagi pelajar baru yang akan sampai di UCD, janganlah internet yang laju ini melalaikan anda.  Tumpukaan kepada pelajaran dan jangan terperap di depan komputer 24 jam, keluarlah menghirup udara segar  dan bergaul dengan masyarakat.

Assalamualaikum dan salam sejahtera..

Emm..Rasanya banyak sangat dah info yang diberikan dalam artikel Merville vs Belgrove (1)..tp jujurnya, pengalaman-pengalaman yang dialami setiap student yang mungkin berbeza .manis atau pahit bergantung pada anda untuk menilai keadaan tersebut…jadi coretan pengalaman yang ditulis dalam blog ni, sekadar perkongsian pengalaman…

Satu benda yang belum dimuatkan dalam artikel tu adalah bayaran sewa untuk kedua2 kediaman yang selesa ni…kalau x salah, setiap student kena bayar lebih kurang 3600 euro untuk stay kt Merville atau Belgrove bermula dari September hingga hujung May..kira-kira 9 bulan…nampak macam banyak kan 3600 euro tu (kira2 RM18000)..area UCD ni memang mahal sewanya kecuali rumah saya…wowww…tp x rasa pun..sebab sponsor akan tolong bayarkan untuk student JPA yang stay kt sini..tp untuk student MARA, kena bayar sendiri..jadi terasa la sket kot duit tu habis..x pe..bulan depan kalau hidup dan ade rezeki, 27hb masuk lagi duit baru…

Sebelum summer aritu, saya sempat la bertemu bual dengan wakil-wakil ex penduduk Belgrove yang baru mendapat rumah baru selepas 2 semester tinggal kat Belgrove…Overall, testimonies yang diberikan mereka untuk Belgrove sangat positive… Saya sempat merekod temubual tersebut yang terpaksa dibuat 2X sebab ada masalah teknikal untuk recording yang pertama ( lupa tekan butang play..hahaha)..so terpaksa la buat balik temubual…ikutilah temubual tersebut ye sampai habis..maafla ye kalau nampak kaku sangat dalam video ni …

semoga bermanfaat

Assalamualaikum wbt and Salam Sejahtera!

Hope previous posts helped. I hope those who are into arts or computing were not feeling left behind because here are some selections for you! As usual, we will give overall review and some insight about the classes and exams. Again, the rating system is 1-5, for Difficulties [1 for easiest, 5 for hardest], for Coursework [1 for least demanding, 5 for most demanding] and Overall [1 for least recommended, 5 for most recommended].

1. Visualisation and Photographic Technique (ARCT10080) [School of Architecture]

You will learn basic and advance photographic techniques and the equipments that can make it possible. It will also nurture your ‘arts’ and interpreting skills.

Very exciting and laid back lectures where we usually learn about the technique and look at loads of wonderful pictures and some videos.Some tutorials to apply photoshop. Then do the field-trip for the final project which account for 100% of the final marks. So its all about your technique and presentation. (You don’t really have to “study” for this.) Don’t worry if you don’t have the finest of gears, the marks will be given according to ur camera’s capabilities.

A good learning curve for those who like to take or be in a photograph

Difficulties:2

Coursework:3

Overall:5

Reviewers’ result: C, C+ [learned a lot so i dont care about the result.]

2. Software Engineering Project (COMP 10050) [School of Computing]

Very interesting but need to have good knowledge of JAVA and C++ programming first. The class is mostly lecture based, they are ok, but not that helpful.

There is no Final exam, so 100% if from your project. The lecturer is very strict and stingy

Difficulties:5

Coursework:5

Overall:1

Reviewers’ result: [Haha, don't wanna talk abt it :p ]

3. Introduction to Programming 1 (COMP10010)

The subject sounds horrific and terrible. The word programming looks as if you are going to face an unlimited amount of unknown codes. Am I right? Haha. The truth is this subject will give you an A+ in your final exam. Seriously. It is an easy subject though you are a new user to the computer world. You will learn about Java. Well..if you are using sony ericsson then you should know this. After all, this subject will only give you a rough idea on java script. It would not make you an expert. It is an ‘introduction’!

You will have two lectures per week. Each lecture lasts for an hour. And you will also have a lab tutorial once a week where you would apply what you have learnt during the lectures.

Weekly lab tutorial would account for 40% of your final mark. And the written exam at the end of the semester would account for 60%.

Difficulties:3

Coursework:2.5

Overall:2.5

Reviewers’ result:A+

Sadly, this will be the last installment for this series for the time being. I’m running out of reviews but we definitely will have some coming later, so, keep coming to see if the reviews are updated.

Should you wish to contribute your reviews (yes please… (“,)), sent them to-> surveyor328@gmail.com

[These review were edited and merged. However where they conflict, I will post both or more reviews.]

Assalamualaikum wbt and Salam Sejahtera!

Last time we had testimonials for languages courses, now lets look at the testimonials of some science and maths courses. As the class structures for these courses are different, we will give overall review and some insight about the classes and exams. Again, the rating system is 1-5, for Difficulties [1 for easiest, 5 for hardest], for Coursework [1 for least demanding, 5 for most demanding] and Overall [1 for least recommended, 5 for most recommended]

1. Linear Algebra and Geometry Level 1(MATH 10050)

Easy if you like vectors. Suitable for Maths lovers out there as you’ll learn new things but still within the easy range. Frankly, I didn’t study until the last minute but thanks to the past year papers I passed!

Classes are usually in the morning and at lunch time, three hours a week. One advice, take down all the notes in the lecture even when you don’t understand in the first place because in the revision week, when you combine with the past year papers you can still master the topics. An hour long tutorial each week does help too.

Marks are taken 100% from the exit exam. So you can relax a bit during the semester till the revision week. Trying out the past year papers is a must! Questions are being set in the similar fashion only the numbers change. As all Mathematics branch, practices are essential.

[From another reviewer] Its an easy course initially because you are learning vector all over again. But its getting harder towards the end, so if you really into maths, then do it. For me, I regretted choosing it.

Difficulties: 2.25

Coursework:3

Overall: 3.5

Reviewer’s Result: C-,A+

2. Physical and Forensics Anthropology (ANAT 10030)

A very interesting elective and highly recommended to all medical student as it gives u the basic knowledge that can help u in many ways trough out medicine. Need to learn a bit about evolution and primates thou.

Most of the lectures were very interesting with good content and presentation. There were some boring lectures, but it really depends on the lecturer. We attend lectures and examine bones . The exams was quite easy.There is the internal assessment that is very fun (Card signing style, investigation style) and final MCQ.

Difficulties:2.5

Coursework:1.5

Overall:4.5

Reviewer’s Result:A+, A+

3. Biology for the Modern World (BIOL 10070)

Tutorial once in 2 weeks. Need to submit 2 pages essay everytime. Loads of discussions.

Very interesting but have a lot of sensitive issues discussed, like religions and evolution. But its a good chance to voice out your opinions.
MCQ.Easy.

Difficulties:3

Coursework:3

Overall:4

Reviewer’s Result:A+

4. Food Diet and Health (FDSC10010)

A useful elective for medical students (and those who wants to know what n how they are eating We will learn basic info (i.e. food pyramid, food nutrients, about food products e.g Milk, cheese, meat)

Internal assessment (MCQ and very short answers), Same for Final

Difficulties:1

Coursework:1

Overall:5

Reviewer’s Result:A+

5. Basic Principle of Trauma (MDSA 20050)

One of my most favorite elective yet.Very interesting as we will learn so basic principle of a trauma injury and how to manage it.Very useful for pre-clinical and clinical years.It is a bit hard for some but I would recommend it anytime to anyone, all u need is an interests.

Internal assessment (EMQ), Final (EMQ and short answers.)

Difficulties:4

Coursework:2

Overall:5

Reviewer’s Result:A-

6. Differential & Integral Calculus (MATH 10060)

I regret opting for this course. It was harder than I thought and you not only have to know how to solve the problems, but also how to define and derive formulas. And for me, that was the hardest part as there were too many to remember and with the restricted time that I could allocate for electives, it made things more difficult.

There will be 3 hours of lecture every week and an hour long tutorial. You can’t afford missing a single lecture as it will jeopardise your understanding on the topic taught. Attendance to tutorials is compulsory and marks of the worksheets are included in the final marks.

There’s a mid-term exam consisting of 10 or so questions. The end of term exam was very difficult and I wished I never took this elective.

Difficulties:5

Coursework:5

Overall:1 (Definitely not recommended unless you are a Mathematics genius!)

Reviewer’s Result:C+

7. Introductory Statistics (STAT 10010)

Very easy. IB or A level standard.The exams questions are subjective but very easy because they tend to use past years with minor changes to the figures.

Difficulties:2

Coursework:2

Overall:4

Reviewer’s Result:A+

8. Introduction of Mechanics

If you like physics subjects, you can consider to choose this module as your elective. Some of the syllabus you might have learned in your previous institution.

The teacher is only posting incomplete notes in the Blackboard,so that you may attend the classes to get the answers. Only during the week before the study leave, the teacher might kindly post you the complete notes. It takes you 3 periods per week,1 hour per periods,which may consists of usual lectures and simple test.( 5 tests).

20% of the final mark comes from the simple tests, and 80% final exams, which consists of MCQs and written answers. I advise you to find and try past years papers since you may get the similar type of questions, or even “sebijik”!

Difficulties:2

Coursework:2

Overall:4

Reviewer’s Result:A+

9. Calculus and Statistics

It’s easy to score since it covers only basic things about Calculus & Statistics, even you might have learned most of the syllabus in your previous instituitions. The teacher is very helpful and not “boring” at all.

It takes you 3 periods per week,1 hour per periods,which may consists of usual lectures and tutorials followed by simple test.( 5 tutorials & tests, every even weeks). Usually there is a revision class during the week before study leave and it’s very important. So please attend especially if you always missed the previous classes.
20% of final marks is from the simple tests, and 80% final exams, which consists of MCQs and written answers. I advise you to find and try past years papers since you may get the similar type of questions, or even “sebijik”.

Difficulties:2

Coursework:2

Overall:4

Reviewer’s Result:A+

All right, thats all I have for now.ll return with more reviews , Insya-Allah. Should you wish to contribute your reviews , please sent to-> surveyor328@gmail.com

[These review were edited and merged. However where they conflict, I will post both or more reviews.]

Assalamualaikum and Salam Sejahtera!

In the beginning of every semesters, some UCDians will go haywire over their choice of electives. So, how to balance between your interest and prospect of getting good result (finding the easiest and less demanding elective)? Well, usually we ask for advices from our seniors…But now, we are bringing you some testimonials, just like in friendster, hehe.

So this series will work like this, we will give overall review, talk a bit about the classes and exams, then we rate them. Ratings for Difficulties are (1 easiest, 5 hardest), for Coursework (1 least demanding, 5 most demanding) and Overall rating.

In this post we will cater the language courses (not all courses now but this post will be updated), from Applied Language Centre. In overview, it will be an interactive 2 hours class of 15-25 people . Exams will be oral, aural and written.Most Ab Initio (No Prior Knowledge) courses are easy and fun, but they are favorites, so expect competitions. Classes usually start by learning characters, vocabularies, and pronunciations and end with activities like role-playing. we’ll be given workbook and access to Moodle (for audios and exercises). It gets harder in later stages. Also, you need to do a simple portfolio (5%) and participate actively in class (10%).

1. Japanese Ab Initio (LANG 10021)

The teacher made the class fun and interactive with creative activities. (She’s cute!) We even watched some Japanese videos, ete japanese snacks and sang karaoke in class! We were given small dictionary also. Homework is minimal. You need to memorise all hiragana, but some katakana and kanji. Oral and aural exams were easy. Written test need some work but do-able. If you’re an anime junkie, this is perfect for you.

Difficulties: 1

Coursework: 1

Overall: 5

Reviewer’s result: A-

2. Chinese Ab Initio (LANG 10020)

Fun and interactive but i found Chinese pronunciations quite hard. It was funny how the whole class tried to sound right .However the teacher is very nice and helpful. We hardly get any homework but practicing and memorising words. We learned to write characters too (its cool!) but in the exams, we only need to write some. But learning about the history of how the character was created was a bonus. Really easy to grasp and don’t worry if you don’t know a single Chinese word because after the course you will be able to even introduce your family. It was quite fun practising Chinese with your partners especially when your partner is not a Malaysian. Classes are easygoing and no stress guaranteed.

Practice makes perfect! Especially in written and oral exam. One advantage is that, you’ll only be examined on what you have learnt in class.

Difficulties: 1.67

Coursework: 1.67

Overall: 5

Reviewers’ results: A, B, A

3. Chinese L & C 2 (LANG 10160)

If you were good in Ab Initio, you be good in this. We learned to use Chinese for shopping and eating.We also get more new vocabularies on sports, directions, locations and holidays. We even learned how to bargain or complain about bad services! I think we can speak Chinese after this. We learned a lot.

Difficulties:4

Coursework: 1

Overall:3

Reviewers’ result: c+

4. Italian Ab Initio (LANG 10010)

The teacher speaks Italian ALL the time, even for explaining and expect you to understand.Loads of homework. The teacher assess us a lot ( orals,essays). Not recommended at all.

Difficulties:4

Coursework:5

Overall:2

Reviewer’s result:D

5. Spanish Ab Initio (LANG 10230)

Very easy for those who have a basic in Spanish, even if it’s only a few words that you picked up from watching telenovelas! (Its actually must if you already like saying “mi amor” or “que” all the time). Excellent choice of language to learn because of its wide usage across so many countries. Saves you when you go traveling to Spain, with the help of a dictionary of course. Didn’t spend too much time studying it.

The class was like learning ABC again, filling up the blanks and do some matching up words. The teacher is fun and very helpful in making sure you get the pronunciations right.

The teacher really helps you through the oral exam and for preparation before the written and aural exam. All handouts given during this session should be taken seriously, may be a lifesaver during the exams!

Difficulties:2.33

Coursework:2.67

Overall:4.67

Reviewer’s result: B+, C+, A-

6. Spanish Level 2

I took the course solely based on the reason of enjoying the ab initio stage (beginners). But it wasn’t a bed of roses. Stage 2 became a bit more serious with more handouts to be done and less word games played. Take this class if you love spanish and wish to take it a third language.You learn spanish in more mature topics. More grammar is focused so you must have the ab initio grammar at your fingertips.

Difficulties:4

Coursework:3

Overall:2

Reviewer’s result:C

7. Arabic Ab Initio (LANG 10080)

Overall it’s OK. Quiet easy on early part (learning Alif, Ba, Ta), but must work a little more when its come to vocabulary and grammar..For exams, focus more on exams and finals.Like all other language, it is very interesting and can take you places.

Difficulties:2

Coursework:2

Overall:5

Reviewers’ result:B+, B

8. English for Academic Purposes 4 (LANG 10510)

It is a very useful course. It is designed for those who has IELTS of band lower than 6.5 (look website for more info) Whats better, only international student (aka non native speakers of English) are eligible to register this module. So in your class, there will be people from all over the world. And its great opportunity to know other countries! Just by speaking that common language : English

As said before, it is international class. Though most of the time, Malaysians make up the majority. I’ve had classmates from Africans, Iranian, Poland, Chinese and many more.The teachers are nice and share interesting stories about Ireland and Europe history once in a while during class. If you’re the inquisitive one, this is the class for you!

Difficulties:1

Coursework:1

Overall:5

Reviewers’ result:A

9. English For Academic Purposes 5 (LANG 10040)

Not much difference with Stage 4. Still has international students (with Malaysians making the majority) and we had the same teacher as in Stage 4. But we discussed more mature issues such as religion, politics, cultural traditionals and marriage! Very interesting! You are not just learning the language but so much more.

Difficulties:2

Coursework:1

Overall:5

Reviewers’ result:B+ (expected A, but probably due to high passing mark for A)

10. Francais Ab Initio (French Basic Level)

Interesting since I had learned the second most important language in the world. The teacher is very committed,very helpful and very interesting.
It’s a small class of 20 students. The teacher might give you challenging tasks in class and as homeworks since studying a new language is not that easy. A lot of revisions and memorizing is a must to score this module. Take the opportunity to communicate in French in class and with the teacher& friends as much as you can.

Difficulties:4

Coursework:4

Overall:4

Reviewers’ result:B+

Okay folks, thats all for now. Ill return with more reviews (its your reviews after all), Insya-Allah. Should you wish to contribute your reviews (they are gonna be anonymous), please sent to-> surveyor328@gmail.com