2009 A-LEVEL EXAM; 25 November 2009:
08.00 - 11.00 --> H2 Literature in English (Paper 3: Modern Writing)
14.00 - 16.30 --> H3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Heyyyy, that reminds me of something...

2008 A-LEVEL EXAM; 19 November 2008:
08.00 - 11.00 --> H2 Literature in English (Paper 3: Modern Writing)
14.00 - 16.30 --> H3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Wow, I can vividly recall that crazy day... It has been one year since the start of the 2008 A-level exams! XD

Digging some old photos:



One of my hobbies in JC: drawing on the white board! XD



My A-level timetable...



Gramicidin S that appeared in the H3 paper...



The three books I had to study for Literature (Paper 3)...

Alright, I guess I shall now study for Japanese exam tomorrow...

You plague me everyday with your evil rope
But you soothe me in most of my dreams
Such demonic lull carries a beacon of hope
I know not where will my thought streams

Is this fate?

Anyway, exam starts tomorrow. Let's see if you can focus.

Yours truly,
Cliffy

I studied about 2 hours a day.

I spent most of my time playing computer games and accessing facebook.

I have done 4 past year papers for CM1101 (Principles of Modern Chemistry), and I only took 1 hour to do each paper since I could not bring myself to be serious enough.

I have done 3 past year papers for CM1131 (Basic Physical Chemistry), and I took less than 1 hour to do each paper. Again, you know the reason.

I have done 1 past year paper for PC1328 (Life as a Complex System), and I was stunned by these two questions: "Describe why is it unlikely that eubacteria, archaea and eukaryotes branched off from a single common ancestor" and "Why is it unlikely that a complex autocatalytic set can be maintained in a subcritical random catalytic network?"

I have done 0 past year paper for LAJ1201 (Japanese 1), CS1101 (Programming Methodology) and MA1421 (Basic Applied Mathematics for Science).

I have not prepared cheat sheets for MA1421.

I just checked my NUS e-mail and found out that I got 96% for my CS1101 Practical Exam.

I wanted to make a summary for CS1101, but in the end I have not done any.

In light of the above points, I am wondering if I can meet my target of getting at least 5 As out of the 6 modules I am reading this semester. -.-"

Whew, I haven't updated my blog for ages! I guess I should start writing more entries after my final exam! :)

I wish upon a star... I wish I could love physical chemistry hahaha XP

Cliffy, study leh! XD

I checked IVLE today and found out that I got 29/30 for my CS1101 (Programming Methodology) mid-semester exam!!! XD 

Uhhh, I hate Facebook... Haven't been able to access it for the past 3 days... It keeps saying "Your account is temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance. It should be available again within a few hours. We apologize for the inconvenience." A few hours, huh?

Ahhh, I have nothing to do (actually I have a lot of homework to do but... oh well) so I guess I shall summarise the modules that I am taking this semester.


---

[CM1101] Principles of Modern Chemistry
Lecturer: A/P Ryan Phillip Anthony Bettens (my academic mentor as well...)
Tutor: Mdm. Thyagarajan Saradha
Assessment: 70% Final Exam, 5% Mid-term Exam, 20% Laboratory Work, 5% Assignment

This is an interesting module that debunks many things that we have learnt in the A-level syllabus, yet it assumes a background knowledge in Physics. Well, I did not take Physics in JC, but apparently the concepts are not too difficult to grasp. The part on periodicity is boring, just like in JC. Dr. Bettens is a nice guy. :)

[CM1131] Basic Physical Chemistry
Lecturer: A/P Chuah Gaik Chuan & A/P Stephan Jaenicke (they are husband and wife, right?)
Tutor: Dr. Tang Haihua
Assessment: 70% Final Exam, 10% Mid-term Exam, 20% Laboratory Work

To be honest, this module further defeats (not fuel!) my interest in Physical Chemistry. There are simply too many mathematical concepts; I find them very dull. It is not difficult to understand the concepts, but the formulae are simply too daunting. Hopefully the coming chapters, such as Chemical Equilibrium and Kinetics, are more interesting.

[MA1421] Basic Applied Mathematics for Sciences
Lecturer: A/P Chew Tuan Seng & Dr. David Chew
Tutor: A/P Chew Tuan Seng
Assessment: 70% Final Exam, 30% Mid-term Exam

This is a relatively easy module (A-level Maths stuff with a few new concepts). But as usual, I have never gained maximum enjoyment from studying Maths.

[CS1101] Programming Methodology
Lecturer: Prof. Tan Chew Lim
Tutor: Mr. Le Viet Bach
Assessment: 40% Final Exam, 10% Mid-term Exam, 45% Practical Work, 5% Tutorial Attendance

This is a fun module which teaches the basics of object-oriented programming with Java. Though it is very different from the usual game programming that I do, its concepts are easily comprehensible. As it is a 5 MC module, there are many things that have to be prepared for this module. This is the only module I take this semester that has open-book examination.

[PC1328] Life as a Complex System
Lecturer: A/P Johan R. C. Van Der Maarel
Tutor: Dr. Massimiliano Colla
Assessment: 60% Final Exam. 40% Lecture Quiz

As mentioned in the synopsis of this module: "To discuss modern concepts in Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in order to relate to life", this module is very intriguing. It is, in a way, philosophical as it attempts to convey the differences between what is simple, what is complicated and what is complex. One thing I do not understand: this module has the code PC (which stands for Physics) although it is actually like... ~50% Biology, ~30% Chemistry and ~20% Physics + Mathematics.

[LAJ1201] Japanese 1
Lecturer: Ms. Yukiko Saito
Tutor: Dr. Wang Guan Ming, Ms. Hiroko Takiguchi, Ms. Yukiko Saito
Assessment: 30% Final Exam, 70% Continuous Assessment (homework, quizzes, etc.)

Seven hours of Japanese lessons (2 hours of lecture + 5 hours of tutorials) per week is indeed tiring. Yet, until this very day, I have always come out of the class with a big smile pencilled on my face. The teachers are amusing! :D

---

Taking 6 modules in the first semester is not easy (lots and lots of work to do!), but I have no regrets! It is fascinating to be able to explore various opportunities in university (which is the reason why I choose not to go to the UK at this point of time), learning many different things other than what are required for my major. Plus, I join the NUS Rotaract Club, becoming a mentor in Geylang Methodist Primary School under the BP (British Petroleum) Mentoring project. And thanks to Sharleen, I am going to be an editor, so to speak, for the Chemical Science Society.

OHHH... One more thing... I am going to have two exams on 23 Nov. 2009 (CS1101 and CM1101) AND another two on 24 Nov. 2009 (PC1328 and CM1131). I have weathered the deadly combo of A-level H2 Literature in English and H3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry on the same day last year, so I should be able to manage those two deadly days as well, right? XD No, I don't know...

Alright, enough said... Time to do work! XD

$75 is the weekly room rate in Prince George's Park Residence @ NUS...

$75+++ gone in two days... Thanks to Fish n Co and River Quay Seafood Restaurant hahaha...

A few pictures...

Some people said I was so stupid in rejecting the offer from Oxford University; others said I was wasting an opportunity to study in one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

I have always aspired to pursue a degree in the UK. Oxford is indeed my choice; it has an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, as well as a fascinating history of its own.

However, I realise that undergraduate study in Oxford may not suit my preference. Firstly, it believes in a rigid curriculum structure (well, most, if not all, UK universities are like that), albeit for good reasons, that leaves no room for students to take up cross-faculty modules. I am majoring in Chemistry in NUS, and the good thing is, I can take various modules outside my major under the Faculty Requirement and the Unrestricted Elective schemes: Nutrition modules from the Faculty of Science, English Language and/or Literature modules from the Faculty of Arts and Social Science, third language modules from the Centre for Language Studies and many more. I need the flexibility to explore various options available. Thus, I feel that it would be better for me to go to Oxford for post-graduate study (hopefully!) when I have finalised what I am going to specialise in.

And somehow I am not interested in going to the States, even though US Universities offer the flexibility that would possibly suit me.

In addition, my cousin is coming to Singapore next year. He is going to study in Raffles Institution as a Secondary 1 student. I have to take care of him, helping him to adjust to the new surroundings. :)

I am not regretting anything.

Ok, the ABRSM Diploma exam is next year but... I have only practised playing ONE piece, which is Sonata in G, Op.78: 1st movt (Brahms). 

SHIT...

I love Brahms' pieces, btw... :D

"Fragmen" by Jaya Suprana... Love the middle part!


I managed to play this piece of music a few years ago... But now, it seems like I need to practice, practice and practice in order to play it without any mistakes. XD

I wanted to write this note earlier, but I was very busy and exhausted with two things: university application matters and my job as a relief tutor in Singapore International School.

I know it's a bit late, but I would like to congratulate all of you for completing your Junior High School education! I know all of you have worked really hard and am sure all of you have done well in the exams! Should you feel that you have not met your target, try not to look back. Move on and aim to soar to greater heights! Remember, "the sky is the limit"... Or if you want to be cheeky, you can change that adage to something like "the universe is the limit" or something if that can motivate you further. Ok, that's a joke which is not funny. XD

Although I have never directly interacted with some of you, I would also like to all of you as a batch for being a part of my life. In my opinion, your batch is very cheerful and is always full of bright ideas. The experience I had in school will certainly be etched forever in my mind.

Through this note, I also want to congratulate the 5 people who have successfully obtained the school-based scholarships to SJI and CHIJ. And to those of you who are going to try for the ASEAN scholarship, all the best! With sheer determination and hard work, I am sure you are going to earn that scholarship. I shall help you guys if you need help. Just contact me if you need anything: sample GCE 'O'-Level English essays, maths practice questions, etc.

I know not if I would be able to meet you again in the future, but I do hope so... I will return to Singapore on 19 July to pursue a tertiary education at the National University of Singapore. So yup, till then, take care! Enjoy your holiday! :)

Best regards,
Cliff Anderson

Saw this when I browsed random stuff online...

Source: http://tomorrow.sg/archives/2008/04/06/nus_hostel_problem.html

---
"There was a strong feeling of wanting to remove Singaporean students from the hostels, to accomodate all the IS. Yes, IS are poor things, far from the comfort of their families. However, we locals are already suffering so much to accomodate you guys!

2-year protection. Tuition grant for everyone. Fully-paid scholarship with no bond (funded by our income tax, GST and ERP), just work in Singapore for 3 years. Less hostel rooms for locals. NOT TO MENTION, THE NEGATIVE EXTERNALITIES WHEN U TALK AROUND LOUDLY AND DIRTY OUR HOSTELS' TOILETS WITH YOUR THIRD-WORLD HYGIENE HABITS.

Singapore is already becoming a place by the foreigners, of the foreigners, and for the foreigners. What else you want? First, chase us out of OUR hostel to let YOU stay. Second, speak in your accent so you can understand us? Third, clean our toilets so YOU can dirty them?"
---

Comments:
1. Negative externalities, huh? Feeling superior against those who have never done Econs before? Anyway, positive externalities do happen, right? Foreigners work together with the locals in school to, say, bring our schools to soar to greater heights? Or perhaps, contribute A LOT during A-level Project Work?
2. Third-world hygiene habits --> Elaborate and give evidence please... (reminds me of the comments teachers love to write when marking our Literature essays XD). Too generalised anyway.

Haha, I'm just feeling super bored right now... But too lazy to reply on the thread. XD

(1) Final Fantasy VII --- Now tell me, who doesn't want a remake of FF7???

(2) Tomb Raider 2 --- Tomb Raider Anniversary (Tomb Raider I remake) is damn cool... Will they make the remake of the 2nd one, please...

(3) Star Ocean 2 --- Yes, there is a remake of it for PSP, but I want a PS2-quality remake!!! XD

(4) Tales of Destiny --- Well, it's unlikely that this game will get remade... Hoping against hope, eh?

This is a totally random stuff... XD

I tried to clear my documents this morning and I found my PAE (Provisional Admission Exercise) and JAE (Joint Admission Exercise) copies. For those who have no idea what PAE and JAE : PAE is an exercise where Secondary School students choose their preferred schools based on their Secondary 4 Preliminary Exam (school) results, whereas JAE is an exercise where these students choose their preferred schools based on their GCE 'O'-Level Examination. Well, actually there is no more PAE nowadays.

 

Which is which??? :D
        

Entered the staff room yesterday before going for extra lesson... Sat on my desk... Found a piece of paper:

"Hi, Cliff! The Chemistry exam report you made last week has been stolen. Find clues to spot its location."

Ahhhh... Must be my stupid uncle!!! But then, it was not my uncle's handwriting.

I asked Dr. Parker...

Cliff: "Hi, Dr. Parker... Do you know where Dr. Anderson is?"
Dr. Parker: "Uhm, I saw him in the canteen just now... Is your uncle bothering you again?"
Cliff: "As always... Look at this piece of paper."
Dr. Parker: "Haha... Let me help you find the report. Some teachers must be really stressed out during this IGCSE period."

Well, I haven't found the report till this very moment. Somehow, I think Dr. Parker worked together with my uncle to hide the report!!! Ah, whatever... XD

Alright, no more confusion... The past months have been horrible time for me as I was torn between several majors. But it's settled now. Chemistry will be my major. :)

NUS offers interesting modules (or seemingly interesting modules haha)... I've looked through the university website to look for modules I can use to fulfil University Level Requirement, especially for General Education and Singapore Studies. Hopefully I'll be able to successfully bid for the modules I want to do! Ok, I have no idea how stressful CORS (Centralised Online Registration System) Bidding is.

General Education requirement: 1 Science & Technology (group A) module and 1 Arts/Humanities module (group B). My choices are:
- GEK1054 Music in the Global Context (group B)
- GEK1542 Forensic Science (group A)
- GEM1501 Problem Solving for Computing (group A)
- GEM2900 Understanding Uncertainty & Statistics Thinking (group B)

As for the Singapore Studies requirement, my choices are:
- SSS1207 Natural Heritage of Singapore
- SSA2215 The Biophysical Environment of Singapore

Level 1000 modules that are compulsory for Chemistry majors:
- CM1101 Principles of Modern Chemistry
- CM1111 Basic Inorganic Chemistry
- CM1121 Basic Organic Chemistry
- CM1131 Basic Physical Chemistry
- MA1421 Basic Applied Mathematics for Science
- LSM1401 Fundamentals of Biochemistry (going to replace this with LSM1101 Biochemistry of Biomolecules as I'm going to take Life Science as a minor or 2nd major)

I guess MA1421, CM1101 and CM1121 should be fine. CM1111 should be ok, even though I hate Inorganic Chemistry. I just need to be a bit careful with CM1131 because I'm quite careless when it comes to Physical Chemistry! XD

I'm going to take up Nutrition and Pharmacology modules later on... :D

I wonder if there are any other Indonesians taking Chemistry in NUS this year...

Alright, two more extra lessons to go and my job as a relief tutor is done!

I have. . . (point for each one)

1. smoked.
2. consumed alcohol.
3. slept in the same bed with someone of the opposite sex.
4. slept in the same bed with someone of the same sex.
5. kissed someone of the same sex.
6. had sex.
7. had someone in your room other than family.
8. watched porn.
9. bought porn.
10. tried drugs.

MY TOTAL: 8

1. taken painkillers.
2. taken someone else's prescription medicine.
3. lied to your parents.
4. lied to a friend.
5. sneaked out of the house.
6. done something illegal.
7. felt hurt.
8. hurt someone.
9. wished someone to die.
10. seen someone die.

MY TOTAL: 9

1. missed curfew.
2. stayed out all night.
3. eaten a carton of ice cream by yourself.
4. been to a therapist.
5. received a ticket.
6. been to rehab.
7. dyed your hair.
8. been in an accident.
9. been to a club.
10. been to a bar.

MY TOTAL: 5

1. been to a wild party.
2. been to a Mardi Gras parade.
3. drank more than three alcoholic beverages in a night.
4. had a spring break in Florida.
5. sniffed anything
6. wore black nail polish
7. wore arm bands.
8. wore t-shirts with band names.
9. listened to rap.
10. owned a 50 Cent CD.

MY TOTAL: 3

1. dressed gothic.
2. dressed girly.
3. dressed punk.
4. dressed grunge.
5. stole something.
6. been too drunk to remember anything.
7. blacked out.
8. fainted.
9. had a crush on a neighbor.

MY TOTAL: 3

1. had a crush on a friend.
2. been to a concert.
3. dry-humped someone.
4. been called a slut.
5. called someone a slut.
6. installed speakers in your car.
7. broken a mirror.
8. showered at someone of the opposites sex's house
9. brushed your teeth with someone else's toothbrush.

MY TOTAL: 5

1. consider/considered Ludacris your favorite rapper.
2. seen an R-rated movie in theater.
3. cruised the mall.
4. skipped school.
5. had surgery.
6. had an injury.
7. gone to court.
8. walked out of a restaurant without paying/tipping.
9. caught something on fire.
10. lied about your age.

MY TOTAL: 6

1. owned/rented an apartment/house.
2. broke the law in the police's presence.
3. made out with someone who had a gf/bf
4. got in trouble with the police.
5. talked to a stranger.
6. hugged a stranger.
7. kissed a stranger.
8. rode in the car with a stranger.
9. been harassed.
10.been verbally harassed.

MY TOTAL: 3

1. met face-to-face with someone you met online.
2. stayed online for 5+ hours straight.
3. talked on the phone for more than 4 hours straight.
4. watched TV for 5 hours straight.
5. been to a fair.
6. been called a bad influence.
7. drink and drive.
8. prank-called someone.
9. laid on a couch with someone of the opposite sex.
10. cheated on a test.

MY TOTAL: 7

GRAND TOTAL: 49 (OMG, 1 MORE TO 50! XD)

If You Have Less Than 10.. write [im a Goody Goody]
If You Have More Than 10.. write [im still a goody goody]
If You Have more Than 20..write [im average]
If You Have More Than 30..write [im a bad kid]
If You have more than 40..write [im a very bad influence]
If You Have more than 50..write [im a horrible person]
If You Have more than 60..write [i should be in jail]
If You Have more than 70..Write [i should be dead]

It has been one week since my dearest uncle passed away...

Last Saturday, he was inhumed in San Diego Hills Memorial Park and Funeral Homes, Karawang, Indonesia.


Not sure if it is the most beautiful cemetery in Indonesia, but well, the place certainly looks pretty... Spacious park, lush garden, tranquil lake, melodious chirps by small birds, and many more...


My uncle was born in 1955. He passed away at the age of 54 due to heart attack when he attended a mass in the morning on 21 May 2009, the day of the ascension of Jesus.


I think I haven't done enough to make him happy. When I was in Primary School, he was the one who fetched me home on weekdays. I can still recall the days when I was angry with him because he was late as he needed to look after his automobile shop. I guess I had never appreciated his effort. I'm really sorry, uncle... I wish I could have done more to reciprocate your love.

May you rest in peace, and I'm sure we'll be able to see each other again, someday...