UNI: CBE Courses

School: NTU

Course: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

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Timetable Queries

Before we begin, you are highly encouraged to download the recommended study plan (from your course webpage, make sure it's according to your course (double major/double degree etc.) and year (AY 2023/2024 etc.).

The study plan will show you the recommended modules to take, along with the total recommended AUs that you are encouraged to clear for that particular semester.

You should go onto STARs to plan out your timetable and register the modules as recommended in the study plan. 

For the freshies, your Y1S1 core modules are already pre-registered. This means that the timeslot and modules are already registered for you, therefore you don't have to register this core modules.

1) Recommended AUs is 19, but my pre-registered AUs are 16. What do I do?

• This means that you'll have to register an additional module (that is worth 3 AU) to make up the 19 AUs in total.
  
  
• So in this case, you will only be registering for ONE module on the day of STAR Wars.

2) Can I overload/underload the AUs?

• Let's not get too ambitious and try to follow the recommended AUs for the first sem. Give yourself one semester to "test the water" and gauge your capabilities before going wild.
  
  
• But in the event that you need/want to overload AUs, you'll have to get approval from your respective school admin office prior.
  
  
• I don't think underloading AUs requires approval from the office, but you need to be aware that every one MUST clear a certain number of AUs in order to graduate. This info can be found in your Degree Audit (go to NTU Student Intranet, just google it)

3) Will I confirm get the modules that I register for?

• Not always. Your success in registering your desired modules really depends on how fast you click "submit" when your registration time slot opens. That's why NTU STAR Wars is a battle of the fastest clicker/finger/internet.
  
  
• After clicking submit, you will be directed to a page that will show you if the registration for your desired module (w/ the desired time slot) is successful.

 4) Oh snap, I couldn't get the modules I want... What do I do?

• During STAR Wars, if you didn't get the time slot for the module that you want, you should immediately apply for a different time slot. You can add/drop your module during the first 1-2 weeks so school (subject to the availability of time slots you're looking for).
  
  
• Apply for other modules. That's why it is important to prepare a few modules/time slots that you have in mind. In the STAR planner, you should have up to 3-4 timetables that you can plan. If the 1st timetable fails, you can immediately submit the 2nd/3rd/4th timetable.  
  
  

[CBE Year 1 (2021)]

*The courses might have changed so please be wary*

Year 1 Sem 1

Do your best to score as high as possible, because it will be harder to increase your GPA as you progress. I'm not going to dictate what's considered to be a "good" GPA since that should be done by you.

I'll be sharing my reflections on the modules I've taken and some tips. Do note that you might find it easier/harder to cope and that's fine! I am coming from the perspective of someone who needs a proper A-Math/Combined Sciences/Combined Humans background. 

CB1102 Introduction to Chemical and Biomedical Engineering 

- Exempted -

CB1131 Introduction to Biomolecular Engineering

It's a module that covers bio. Those who are lacking/weak in bio background, please consider doing a bit of studying before school starts. The contents for the first few weeks were simple. And then everything went downhill after the 1st mid-terms because you really need to understand the CONCEPTS. Otherwise, you will be doing hardcore memorising which will 100% destroy you for your finals. 

I find that those youtube videos tend to be the best when it comes to studying bio. Maybe because I am a visual learner.

CH1801 Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Laboratory 1A

I think the lab sessions are one of the ways to get to know your coursemates (other than tutorial groups). The experiments in year one are pretty straightforward. But do not have the habit of doing your reports the night before submission. Students (even me) tend to neglect the significance of completing the report ASAP just because it's a report. It's not funny rushing to complete your report when you have assignments/quizzes waiting for you. 

If you have not done a report before, check if your course has a specific way of writing. Usually, the TAs (Teaching Assistants) will indicate the deliverables clearly on the whiteboard for every lab session. Make it a habit to snap a photo of the whiteboard.

Don't be afraid to drop your TAs an email if you are unsure of anything regarding the experiment/report.

MH1810 Math 1

Ok this module is super tedious (in my opinion) and it really forces you to understand the basic and complex (no pun intended) concepts. Not only were there quizzes/exams/assignments, but you also have to complete an online quiz that exists for every topic. And it's graded. I remember being able to only solve 7 out of 10 questions during my exams due to lack of time. 

If possible, try to get hold of your senior notes and look through the covered topics. You might see topics like "Trigo", "Complex Numbers" and think it's easy but don't get fooled by it. I find it quite tough.

I'll recommend being extremely consistent for this module, especially when it comes to completing the online quizzes. You might want to make notes of the concepts with examples too since you might not have much time to study for this module from assignments and PH1012 & Bio.

PH1012 Physics A

I find this module to be quite fun and interesting (maybe because of how committed my prof was). Like the math module, there is a weekly online quiz that will be graded. So make sure you complete it before the deadlines! I would suggest attempting the PYPs too!

For this module, make sure your understanding of the earlier topics (kinematics etc.) is strong. Because you'll be using them a lot in the later topics and if you're bad in the earlier topics, then it can get very messy. 

I find PH1012 to be doable, but there is quite a lot of content to be covered. So you need to be mentally prepared. I think I died for the last few topics (Electromagnetism)?

CC0001 Inquiry and Communication in the Interdisciplinary World

Do you like to write? And I'm not talking about writing lab reports. Because this module will test your ability to organise your thoughts into words. If your grammar and vocab is poor, then you might face several difficulties with it. You will also be taught how to analyze texts from articles/books/interviews. I lowkey struggled with this module but all's good.

Don't be afraid to actively participate in class (class participation marks are given)!

You should consider going online to NTUlibrary (IIRC) to read those essays that have been selected by the school to be published, to give you an idea of what is expected. Do follow the rubrics as closely as possible because that's how the profs will grade you.

CC0002 Navigating the Digital World 

I honestly enjoyed this module because it didn't bombard me with a lot of workloads as compared to others. Not much is required to prepare for this module, aside from being consistent in watching pre-lectures/pre-lesson materials. This module will require you to submit group projects and assignments so do your best to be a wholesome group mate 👌.

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Year 1 Sem 2

CB1103 Organic Chemistry For Engineers

The amount of content to be covered for this module is INSANE. Your fundamentals in organic chemistry MUST be strong, especially your understanding of how electrons "move" around. I think an effective way to not die for this module is to constantly attempt practice papers and tutorials and seek consultations if you ever get lost. 

Make notes of the various reactions too. This module requires you to understand the concepts and memorise the chemical reactions too.

It's very easy to lose motivation for this module, considering the intensive workload and (at times) the difficulty of the contents. To my fellow juniors who were traumatized by organic chemistry, I highly recommend you start revising your organic chemistry fundamentals before the semester starts. This was by far my worst-performing module 💩

CB1117 Engineering Mathematics

I had lots of fun taking this module. The prof was exceptionally patient and good at teaching (shoutout to Prof Tej) the module's contents. I find that diligently attempting the tutorials and PYPs is a good way to get better at the module. Likewise, understanding the concepts is important as it'll help you survive through the tougher topics.

Take note that this module will serve as your foundation for advanced modules you will be taking in years 2 & 3. It will seriously take a toll on your learning experience in years 2 & 3 if you decide to simply get through this module without making an effort to understand (IMO).

If you have difficulties with certain parts of the lecture, you can try to check on YouTube since there are tons of videos available that can help you with your understanding of concepts.

CH1104 Materials & Energy Balance

For this module, you NEED to read the questions carefully (more than ever) before deciding the approach to solve the question. You're very screwed if you misinterpret the questions as you will waste a lot of time backtracking or redoing everything. 

A good way to minimize these mistakes is to attempt practice questions and try to identify "a pattern". There is a proper way to do Mat. & E. balance and the prof will mark you based on those methods. Take the time to understand the different methods, and try to use different methods to familiarize yourself. During tests/exams, the questions might ask you to solve the problems in a particular method too. 

While this module might seem "easy" in the early stages, do not be complacent.

CH1802 Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Laboratory 2  

Same advice as Lab in Y1S1

EG1001 Engineers in Society

Your opinion towards this module partly depends on the groupmates you get. The workload is manageable and it focuses mainly on group presentation and a final quiz. You get to work with peers from other engineering courses. Overall, I enjoyed my EG1001!

CC0003 Ethics & Civics in a Multi-Cultural World

You'll have a friendly debate with your classmates and there's quite a fair bit of reading (pre-lesson materials and additional reading materials/case studies). There are also quizzes for CC0003, which many students found difficult to score a decent grade. Please spend time on the reading materials and take notes on them. 

There's quite a fair bit to cover so it's important to keep comprehensive notes containing "keywords" from the lecture, which will help your revisions later. Try your best to be active in class discussions too (class part marks are given)!

Something something "Eudaimonia"...

CC0005 Healthy Living & Well-being

It's a pretty fun module that actually allows you to learn various ways to manage stress and keep an active and healthy lifestyle in school. Consider being active in class participation because it'll make your time in CC0005 much more fun (class part marks are given).

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Year 2 Sem 1

CH2103 Fluid System

There will be quite several formulas that you must learn to use. Besides that, you need to have a good mastery of how to manipulate the equations to solve the problems. Read the questions properly and state your basis & assumptions accordingly. Doing so will allow you to solve the problems with ease. Oh and take note of careless mistakes when it comes to integrations and differentiation of the equations. 

You might want to consider getting the reference textbook to aid you in grasping the concepts. It helps to visualize the concepts easily (IMO). The textbook also offers a lot of practice questions that test your understanding.

It's normal to have a hard time understanding fluids. Don't give up even if you did not do too well in your mid-terms. 

Oh and do pay attention in tutorial classes because the profs will teach you how to break down and approach the fluid problems.

CH2107 Introduction to Computational Thinking

It's an important module that introduces different methods to solve an unknown. This module will come to good use, especially when you take Thermodynamics and Fluid Systems. The workload isn't insane, and I find doing notes for every lesson to be the best. This module is pretty manageable! (IMO)

CH2108 Thermodynamics

Ok, I know I may have overused the word "concepts" by ALOT at this point. But thermodynamics is one of those "you can't ace the exams just because you spammed 30 PyPs". There will be various laws (1st law/2nd law of thermo.) that you MUST have a strong understanding of it. So do spend lots of time understanding the various laws, and when it is appropriate to use them.

CH2010 Engineering Statistics

Ok, this module is one of the toughest modules (because I find stats a hard subject to understand). I don't even know where to start because my mid-terms were destroyed.

But here are some ways to not let it destroy your GPA

-Consider getting the Eng. Stat reference textbook (it helped me with my exams). Certain concepts can't be summarized so you need to search online/on youtube or refer to the reference textbook for an in-depth explanation. I'm one of those stubborn "if I don't get it, I won't move on", so there was a lot of time wasted just trying to understand. 

-Make your notes right after the end of every chapter. If I recall, there are 13 topics so you need to do up notes as soon as possible, otherwise you will struggle to cramp 13 topics.

-Make a habit to attend tutorials even if you are unable to attempt all the questions. The profs will go through how to approach the tutorial problems, and it is extremely helpful.

*Consider exploring your calculator functions. Some calculators like the fx-991EX help you to calculate the standard deviation in less than 20 seconds.*

CH2801 Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Laboratory 2A 

Same advice for Lab in Y1

CC0006 Sustainability: Society, Economy & Environment

Same advice and comments as CC0005-Healthy Living & Wellbeing. It was fun working with peers from different disciplines. For engineering students like us, this module will help to broaden your understanding of the sustainability issues that we face. 

Who knows, you might find an interest in this field as a Sustainability Engineer

ML0004 Career and Entrepreneurial Development for the Future World 

Just like every module that consists of group projects. It's like rolling a dice. You never know what you're getting, so you got to make the best out of what you have. 

The amount of work for ML0004 can get tedious at times, and you might start questioning a lot of things. There are a couple of online assignments/quizzes/reports/presentations. Besides that, you will have to attend talks given by representatives from various companies and write a reflection on them. 

The best way to get through this module is: 

-Make use of a planner and note down the various submission deadlines

-Adhere to the rubrics closely when you are doing your assignments (especially for your project)

-Consult the profs if you are ever unsure of what you're doing. Don't just carry on and eventually make the problem worst. (redoing your entire project ideation at the last few stages is the last thing you want)

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Year 2 Sem 2

CH2112 Chemical Reaction Engineering

There will be weekly tutorial submissions required, and I find it helpful in revising what was taught in class. Things will start to get tricky once you touch "Variable Density", "PFTR", "CSTR", "Series", and "Parallel". I find doing up notes after every chapter to be the best way to learn and revise for exams.

The tutorials are extremely helpful and I used them to revise for my exams.

The workload is doable, just need to be consistent in your revision. Overall I enjoyed the module.

CH2114 Heat & Mass Transfer in Chemical and Biological Systems

I like to think that this module (heat transfer portion) will never be easy, no matter which multiverse you're in. Not only were there many topics to cover, but you also need to be good at Eng Math to manipulate and derive heat equations. 

I find doing a formula sheet and making notations on each formula will be the best way to handle this module. There is ALOT of things to write if you're considering doing up notes (IMO). The lecture notes are pretty good and cover a lot of practice questions. 

The mass transfer portion gets better (in terms of the amount and difficulty of contents to cover).

May the odds be ever in your favour!

CH2123 Chemical Thermodynamics

Same advice as CH2108-Thermodynamics

What is Fugacity?????

The 2nd portion can be super tricky, especially when they introduce you to "fugacity" and the partial derivatives involved. 

CH2151 Unit Operations: Fluid-Solid Separation 

Same advice as CH1104-Mat. & E. Balance

CH2802 Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Laboratory 2B

Same advice as Lab in Y1

CC0007 Science & Technology for Humanity

Same advice as CC0005, CC0006. But there will be an individual & team in-class quiz every week at the start of the class, so you MUST look through the reading materials provided. Try not to study the contents too early before your lessons as you might have forgotten the contents by then. 

I find looking through the notes a couple hours before my lessons to be the most effective in retaining the information in my brain.

CB0494 Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence 

Keep track of the quiz/assignment deadlines. There will be quite a fair bit of content to read up on (which consists of online assessments) so you need to be consistent. Besides that, you will be doing quite a fair bit of basic coding to interpret a chunk of data. 

Instead of doing up notes, I saved the tutorial answers uploaded by the prof as my reference to study for the test/help me with my assignment

The group/pair project work can be demoralizing (especially in the beginning). I suggest working on the project ASAP so that you'll have more time to study for your quiz/exams in the last few weeks.  

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Generally, for modules like bio/physics/math, you should look for YouTube videos that can help to simplify the concepts for you. I personally am a fan favourite of the following YouTube channel:

-The Organic Chemistry Tutor (physics/chem/math) [my personal favourite]

-Khan Academy (physics/chem/math)

-Amoeba Sisters (bio)

-Eddie Woo (math)

-PatrickJMT (math)

-BlackPenRedPen (math)

-Physics with Professor Matt Anderson (physics)

-LevelUP Physics (physics)

At the end of the day, there needs to be a proper guide that best fits everyone. Imposter Syndrome, Lack of Confidence, and Burn Out exist in university life. What makes you happy/sad at the end of the day depends on the expectations and goals that you set for yourself. Sometimes you got to manage how to handle success and failures, to complete the marathon.

Most importantly, please look after your mental health and lend a helping hand to your friends when you think they are struggling. (shout out to all my uni friends who helped me 💖)

Enjoy your uni journey and stay safe!

- SK