In the recent years, Singapore has shifted its educational focus towards one which emphasizes more on creativity and one involving more critical thinking. Our universities have also adopted a modular system which requires students to expose themselves to a wider scope of subjects, along with more opportunities to have overseas study attachments. Thus, apart from specializing in a particular field of study, the university hopes to produce all-rounder graduates who will be more adaptable and versatile in the working environment. Furthermore, the universities these days are equipped with better facilities and technologies. We can expect to see recent graduates to be more technology-smart, creative and have more exposure to the world.
Security has always been dependent on technology, and being technology-smart gives our security a competitive edge. The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) have channelled a large sum of investments in the form of scholarships to nurture bright candidates to become part of their research team. With better trained critical analytical skills and creativity, the recent graduates breathe fresh air into the R&D sector of DSTA. With better brains trained with better facilities and technology, we can foresee better improvements in our defence technologies.
Overseas exposure is good for undergraduates because the environment overseas is different from ours. Learning their positive examples and implementing them locally is a form of improvement for our environment. Implicitly, overseas exposure may even alter future working attitudes when the undergraduates enter the workforce. For example, it is part of the western culture to express one’s feelings openly, while it is part of our culture to be reserved and tolerant. If this western culture is infused into the graduates, the new generation of workforce may be more expressive and outspoken, which I believe will benefit communication and efficiency of the workforce.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
6 :: Common Grammatical Mistakes
This module has made me realise some of my grammatical errors which were left uncorrected over the years!
My first common error lies in the usage of articles. To make my sentences concise, I often omitted articles which must be present. Perhaps this habit came from note-taking, when we often construct incomplete sentences, especially with missing articles. Take the following sentence as an example:
High cost of living has caused a large number of people to immigrate.
I often missed the article ‘the’ in front of High cost. Since ‘high cost’ here is a singular, countable noun, and requires a specific reference, ‘the’ is required. Otherwise, ‘high cost’ could be changed to a plural form, because no article precedes an uncountable noun. Specific reference is required as the noun ‘high cost’ in this case was further elaborated.
My next common error is the sloppy use of pronoun references. While constructing sentences, I do not pay close attention to the subject of my pronoun reference, formally known as antecedent of the pronoun reference from the grammar notes. An example would be:
The need for a rental of lockers has brought much inconvenience to the rugby players. Furthermore, they are in a poor condition.
The use of the pronoun reference ‘They’ in the second sentence is vague and not appropriate. It seems to refer to the rugby players who were in a poor condition. A proper pronoun reference for the lockers should be ‘it’.
My last common error is in using the forms of verb, especially in the usage of has, have and had. These words depend on both the tense and whether the subject is singular or plural. If I do not recall the tenses and the forms that match, I will make the mistake. Perhaps this error stems from my usage of Singlish, when we often use ‘got’ to substitute for any of the forms. Here are some examples of the mistakes I would make:
1) She have been trying hard to pass her ‘O’ level Physics.
2) She had been trying hard to pass her ‘O’ level Physics.
‘Have’ is used with plural subjects or with I/you/we. ‘Has’ is used with singular subjects such as he/she/it. These two forms are used for present tense. Hence, for case 1, ‘have’ should instead be ‘has’. For past tense usage, ‘Had’ can be used with all subjects .Case 2 is correct grammatically if it is a case of the past. However, if we were to refer this as a present ongoing case, we should use ‘has’ instead.
My first common error lies in the usage of articles. To make my sentences concise, I often omitted articles which must be present. Perhaps this habit came from note-taking, when we often construct incomplete sentences, especially with missing articles. Take the following sentence as an example:
High cost of living has caused a large number of people to immigrate.
I often missed the article ‘the’ in front of High cost. Since ‘high cost’ here is a singular, countable noun, and requires a specific reference, ‘the’ is required. Otherwise, ‘high cost’ could be changed to a plural form, because no article precedes an uncountable noun. Specific reference is required as the noun ‘high cost’ in this case was further elaborated.
My next common error is the sloppy use of pronoun references. While constructing sentences, I do not pay close attention to the subject of my pronoun reference, formally known as antecedent of the pronoun reference from the grammar notes. An example would be:
The need for a rental of lockers has brought much inconvenience to the rugby players. Furthermore, they are in a poor condition.
The use of the pronoun reference ‘They’ in the second sentence is vague and not appropriate. It seems to refer to the rugby players who were in a poor condition. A proper pronoun reference for the lockers should be ‘it’.
My last common error is in using the forms of verb, especially in the usage of has, have and had. These words depend on both the tense and whether the subject is singular or plural. If I do not recall the tenses and the forms that match, I will make the mistake. Perhaps this error stems from my usage of Singlish, when we often use ‘got’ to substitute for any of the forms. Here are some examples of the mistakes I would make:
1) She have been trying hard to pass her ‘O’ level Physics.
2) She had been trying hard to pass her ‘O’ level Physics.
‘Have’ is used with plural subjects or with I/you/we. ‘Has’ is used with singular subjects such as he/she/it. These two forms are used for present tense. Hence, for case 1, ‘have’ should instead be ‘has’. For past tense usage, ‘Had’ can be used with all subjects .Case 2 is correct grammatically if it is a case of the past. However, if we were to refer this as a present ongoing case, we should use ‘has’ instead.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
5 :: Roundtable discussions
The topics covered during the roundtable discussions were diverse and interesting. The first group debated on the usage of hybrid electric vehicles, its costs and practicality. The supporting argument was cleaner, less emissions from these vehicles, potentially cheaper with the impending rise of oil prices, and comparable vehicle cost when such vehicles are manufactured on a large scale. The opposing argument was the unavailability of infrastructure to support such vehicles, hence giving rise to higher cost to travel to “charging stations”, along with inconvenience. In addition, this technology is limited only to the relatively developed countries.
The second group debated on the usage of brain scans. Supporters of brain scan claimed that it grants the possibility of obtaining true information with fewer controversies, such as for crime investigation. The opposing side, however, argues that the privacy of individuals are compromised.
The third group debated on the feasibility of Green Chemistry in the context of Singapore. The supporting argument was Singapore has a good infrastructure and has the funds to start Green Chemistry. The opposing argument was Singapore lacks expertise in this field. In addition, investing the funds in other fields seems to be a more practical alternative.
The fourth group debated on whether stem cell research should be implemented. The supporting side claims that resulting benefits will outweigh the high startup costs and embryo wastage, and embryo wastage should not be viewed as exterminating a potential life. The opposing side counters, stating that there is no moral guidance provided simply by hoping that benefits will result. In addition, the benchmark for defining life in embryos is only an arbitrary point.
The second group debated on the usage of brain scans. Supporters of brain scan claimed that it grants the possibility of obtaining true information with fewer controversies, such as for crime investigation. The opposing side, however, argues that the privacy of individuals are compromised.
The third group debated on the feasibility of Green Chemistry in the context of Singapore. The supporting argument was Singapore has a good infrastructure and has the funds to start Green Chemistry. The opposing argument was Singapore lacks expertise in this field. In addition, investing the funds in other fields seems to be a more practical alternative.
The fourth group debated on whether stem cell research should be implemented. The supporting side claims that resulting benefits will outweigh the high startup costs and embryo wastage, and embryo wastage should not be viewed as exterminating a potential life. The opposing side counters, stating that there is no moral guidance provided simply by hoping that benefits will result. In addition, the benchmark for defining life in embryos is only an arbitrary point.
4 :: Stem Cell Research and its limitations
The first article is titled “Dolly creator Prof Ian WIlmut shuns cloning”. It covers the key reasons behind the limitation of embryonic cloning. Professor Shinya Yamanaka pioneered a new method of extracting stem cells from non embryonic origins, and Professor Ian Wilmut is in favour of it, instead of the nuclear transfer method he used to create Dolly. The new method posed much more advantages over the method involving embryonic cells. Firstly, embryonic stem cells involve wastage of eggs, particularly human eggs which are in short supply. This was illustrated by Dr Shoukhrat Mitalipov from Oregon Health and Science University performed a study on rhesus monkeys. He used 304 eggs from the monkeys to generate only 2 lines of embryonic stem cells, and both eventually failed. Secondly, using stem cells derived from embryos involve the extermination of a potential life, which raises the concern of ethics.
The second article is “Stem cell research spells end for therapeutic cloning”. It covers the key reasons why new stem cell research methods will have limited success for therapeutic treatments. One such method, as mentioned previously, involves extracting cells from non embryonic origins. It is believed that this method will resolve ethical issues involving the use of human eggs, but its success and usefulness is still questionable. There were two distinct researchers which managed to perform “reverse engineering” on fully differentiated cells. One of them is Professor Shinya Yamanaka, who pioneered this technique and performed it on mice. Professor James Thomson is the other researcher who managed to obtain embryo-like cells by adding factors which induces the reversal of fully differentiated cells to embryo cells. He performed test on the embryo-like cells and concluded that they still have minor differences with true embryo cells, based on the expression of about 1000 genes. Both professors expressed that these cells are yet to be useful for current treatment, because the behavior of these cells are not well understood.
Apart from technical limitations, both professors have also expressed concern for the potential misuse of such technology. One example is the use of such technology by lesbian couples to have children.
References:
Highfield, R. (2008, November 10). Dolly creator Prof Ian Wilmut shuns cloning. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/sciencenews/3314696/Dolly-creator-Prof-Ian-Wilmut-shuns-cloning.html.
Highfield, R. (2008, November 10). Stem cell research revolution spells end for therapeutic cloning. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/sciencenews/3315273/Stem-cell-research-revolution-spells-end-for-therapeutic-cloning.html
The second article is “Stem cell research spells end for therapeutic cloning”. It covers the key reasons why new stem cell research methods will have limited success for therapeutic treatments. One such method, as mentioned previously, involves extracting cells from non embryonic origins. It is believed that this method will resolve ethical issues involving the use of human eggs, but its success and usefulness is still questionable. There were two distinct researchers which managed to perform “reverse engineering” on fully differentiated cells. One of them is Professor Shinya Yamanaka, who pioneered this technique and performed it on mice. Professor James Thomson is the other researcher who managed to obtain embryo-like cells by adding factors which induces the reversal of fully differentiated cells to embryo cells. He performed test on the embryo-like cells and concluded that they still have minor differences with true embryo cells, based on the expression of about 1000 genes. Both professors expressed that these cells are yet to be useful for current treatment, because the behavior of these cells are not well understood.
Apart from technical limitations, both professors have also expressed concern for the potential misuse of such technology. One example is the use of such technology by lesbian couples to have children.
References:
Highfield, R. (2008, November 10). Dolly creator Prof Ian Wilmut shuns cloning. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/sciencenews/3314696/Dolly-creator-Prof-Ian-Wilmut-shuns-cloning.html.
Highfield, R. (2008, November 10). Stem cell research revolution spells end for therapeutic cloning. Retrieved March 2, 2009, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/sciencenews/3315273/Stem-cell-research-revolution-spells-end-for-therapeutic-cloning.html
Monday, February 2, 2009
3 : : The Green Lecture
The lecture that was held on 30th January has provided us with greater insight on the issue of global warming. It was a good continuation from the video on “The Inconvenient Truth” showing the effects of global warming, where we now gain knowledge of how the world is tackling this issue, the complexities of curbing global warming which is limited not only by technology.
The first presenter was Professor Andrew Palmer, presenting with a focus of carbon capture technology. First, he gave background information on the carbon levels in our atmosphere, which was approximately 7.5 gigatons of carbon at the beginning of this century, and went on to show its trend over the next 50 years based on the amount of global efforts in reducing carbon emission. Fuel switch from coal to gas, utilizing solar and wind power, carbon dioxide capture and storage, less usage of cars are some of the possible efforts that Professor Andrew had brought up. Next, we went into details of storing liquid carbon dioxide under pressure in the ocean, and the scale of such projects of storing it in membranes on the ocean bed. He added that political issues are always more demanding than the technology itself, citing examples of the US being the major oil consumption, yet not adopting the Kyoto Protocol, which gives reason for others not doing anything serious about curbing global warming. Carbon dioxide storage underwater sounded familiar, but Professor Andrew’s presentation has given me more insight on the technological aspects and more importantly, political issues that trail along with regards to global warming.
The second presenter was Professor Benjamin K. Sovacool, and he used Science and Technology Studies to address energy problems. He mentioned that technology and society are blended together, and technology is a result of choice from humanity. Technical feasibility contests social interest, which either of two can fail independently of each other. Next, he went into the first case study of renewable energy, and cited that market failures and barriers are one of the causes of the lack of extensive usage alternative energy sources in the US. His second case study was on the history of electric cars, and the rapid shift of the market from electric cars to gasoline powered vehicles. Media and advertisement was the main cause of this shift, since both vehicles had an equal share of pros and cons. The history of electric cars was fascinating as we see its evolved form on the streets every day, but not many of us knowing the history of it.
The final presenter was Professor Bala, with a technical presentation of the issue of global warming. He has provided much facts and figures of global warming, including the potential consequences of global warming and the possible solutions.
The first presenter was Professor Andrew Palmer, presenting with a focus of carbon capture technology. First, he gave background information on the carbon levels in our atmosphere, which was approximately 7.5 gigatons of carbon at the beginning of this century, and went on to show its trend over the next 50 years based on the amount of global efforts in reducing carbon emission. Fuel switch from coal to gas, utilizing solar and wind power, carbon dioxide capture and storage, less usage of cars are some of the possible efforts that Professor Andrew had brought up. Next, we went into details of storing liquid carbon dioxide under pressure in the ocean, and the scale of such projects of storing it in membranes on the ocean bed. He added that political issues are always more demanding than the technology itself, citing examples of the US being the major oil consumption, yet not adopting the Kyoto Protocol, which gives reason for others not doing anything serious about curbing global warming. Carbon dioxide storage underwater sounded familiar, but Professor Andrew’s presentation has given me more insight on the technological aspects and more importantly, political issues that trail along with regards to global warming.
The second presenter was Professor Benjamin K. Sovacool, and he used Science and Technology Studies to address energy problems. He mentioned that technology and society are blended together, and technology is a result of choice from humanity. Technical feasibility contests social interest, which either of two can fail independently of each other. Next, he went into the first case study of renewable energy, and cited that market failures and barriers are one of the causes of the lack of extensive usage alternative energy sources in the US. His second case study was on the history of electric cars, and the rapid shift of the market from electric cars to gasoline powered vehicles. Media and advertisement was the main cause of this shift, since both vehicles had an equal share of pros and cons. The history of electric cars was fascinating as we see its evolved form on the streets every day, but not many of us knowing the history of it.
The final presenter was Professor Bala, with a technical presentation of the issue of global warming. He has provided much facts and figures of global warming, including the potential consequences of global warming and the possible solutions.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
2 : : The Inconvenient Truth
“The Inconvenient Truth”, together with other similarly themed films such as “The Day after Tomorrow” and “The Day the Earth Stood Still”, targets to increase the awareness of changes in the global climate worldwide, by utilizing the extensive reach of media. Cynics call it a scare tactic, but the effects of global warming is real, based on trends of climate changes over the years. In Singapore, the main sources of carbon emissions are from the burning of fossil fuels in industrial processes, power plants, transportation and the incineration of wastes. Singapore's government has been actively involved in curbing carbon emissions, aiming to reduce carbon intensities by 25% from its levels in 1990, by year 2012. This target was achieved two years ago. In the same year, Singapore has also acceded to the Kyoto Protocol.
To increase the efficiency of power plants, the government has liberalized the electricity market. With electricity providers facing competitions, there is a need for cleaner and more efficient power. Modern turbine technology was employed in conjunction with an increased usage of natural gases from 19% in year 2000 to 78% in year 2006. Natural gases allow cleaner and more efficient energy extraction, explaining the significant decrease in carbon emissions from power stations since then.
However, the high energy utilization rate of the city-state meant power plants will still remain as the major contributor to carbon emissions. The government responds with a two pronged approach: advocate energy saving and introducing cleaner energy. In the past year, regular advertisements of energy saving were put up, by displaying the incentives of saving on electricity bills. Lightings in parks are also changed to energy saving bulbs which amounted to savings of $702,000 equivalence of energy. Next, the government has also set aside $350 million to develop alternative energy sources such as solar and wind energy.
Transportation is another major contributor to carbon emissions, and public transport is encouraged as means of keeping it to the minimal. Disincentives such as COE and road taxes are designed to restrict the number of cars on the road by imposing high costs of owning a vehicle. Meanwhile, funds are injected into improving the public transport network, such as the recent Circle Line. The extensive public transport network in the near future will become a most common and efficient tool of transport, following the footsteps of cities such as London and Tokyo.
Despite numerous efforts by the government in curbing global warming, individuals still play the most important role in contributing to reduced carbon emissions. Reducing energy consumption, travelling on public transport, reduce waste disposal and increase recycling are the choice of individuals, who plays the largest role collectively.
To increase the efficiency of power plants, the government has liberalized the electricity market. With electricity providers facing competitions, there is a need for cleaner and more efficient power. Modern turbine technology was employed in conjunction with an increased usage of natural gases from 19% in year 2000 to 78% in year 2006. Natural gases allow cleaner and more efficient energy extraction, explaining the significant decrease in carbon emissions from power stations since then.
However, the high energy utilization rate of the city-state meant power plants will still remain as the major contributor to carbon emissions. The government responds with a two pronged approach: advocate energy saving and introducing cleaner energy. In the past year, regular advertisements of energy saving were put up, by displaying the incentives of saving on electricity bills. Lightings in parks are also changed to energy saving bulbs which amounted to savings of $702,000 equivalence of energy. Next, the government has also set aside $350 million to develop alternative energy sources such as solar and wind energy.
Transportation is another major contributor to carbon emissions, and public transport is encouraged as means of keeping it to the minimal. Disincentives such as COE and road taxes are designed to restrict the number of cars on the road by imposing high costs of owning a vehicle. Meanwhile, funds are injected into improving the public transport network, such as the recent Circle Line. The extensive public transport network in the near future will become a most common and efficient tool of transport, following the footsteps of cities such as London and Tokyo.
Despite numerous efforts by the government in curbing global warming, individuals still play the most important role in contributing to reduced carbon emissions. Reducing energy consumption, travelling on public transport, reduce waste disposal and increase recycling are the choice of individuals, who plays the largest role collectively.
1 : : Engineer's training in relation to complex information analysis and problem solving
Since the start of civilization, engineers play an inherent role in the establishment of infrastructures. Today, more diversified jobs are created with an increasing shift of the global economy towards service sectors. Despite having an established infrastructure, engineers are still well sought after by employers from various fields. Prof. Ramakrishna’s article has given a summary of the multiplex roles trained engineers are taking today.
The core of an engineer’s training constitutes of technical training in their chosen field of expertise. This aspect of training has remained relatively similar over the years. The approach to solving technical problems often requires analysis and a planned solution of multiple steps, such as the building of a load bearing structure. Analysis of provided information such as loading weight has to be factored into structure designing, followed by decisions on building materials, and a systematic approach to building the structure. These are common encounters which provide engineers with skills to handle, process and apply information to their field of work.
With evolving economic trends, additional ‘tools’ have been added to the training structure. Basic training in computer language, business and administration are commonly incorporated in engineering courses offered at the NUS. Although seemingly unrelated to the technicalities of a large portion of the training, these tools have high relevance in the economy. Companies have utilized technology to enhance efficiency. Together with background information on the management and systems, engineers are able to apply their analytical skills in different fields.
The core of an engineer’s training constitutes of technical training in their chosen field of expertise. This aspect of training has remained relatively similar over the years. The approach to solving technical problems often requires analysis and a planned solution of multiple steps, such as the building of a load bearing structure. Analysis of provided information such as loading weight has to be factored into structure designing, followed by decisions on building materials, and a systematic approach to building the structure. These are common encounters which provide engineers with skills to handle, process and apply information to their field of work.
With evolving economic trends, additional ‘tools’ have been added to the training structure. Basic training in computer language, business and administration are commonly incorporated in engineering courses offered at the NUS. Although seemingly unrelated to the technicalities of a large portion of the training, these tools have high relevance in the economy. Companies have utilized technology to enhance efficiency. Together with background information on the management and systems, engineers are able to apply their analytical skills in different fields.
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