In our university life, we have to do a lot of writing assignments and projects. Each time is a great challenge for me, since the content is much more difficult than what I learned in the junior college, and I have met many difficulties in such writing.
At the beginning of this semester, I was struggling with my writing assignment of Economics, because I have no basic ideas in this area at all. The tutor let us to answer the short answer question and present the answers during the class. That question was mainly about the analysis of the demand and supply of a kind of product in the market. At first, I don’t know how to start at all. My brain was totally blank, because in the given articles, there was so much information for us to choose as the first target. I read this article once and once again and tried to select out the useful information. Then I read the lecture notes to find the principles that I could apply onto this question. How ever, the information on the notes was quite abstract. So I decided to discuss it with my friends and take my effort to search on the Internet. I also went to the Central Library to borrow useful books. After 3 days struggling, I finally finished this assignment.
I think the most important thing we should remember in writing assignments or projects is to understand the questions very well. Only after understanding it, then we could start thinking and writing efficiently. At the same time, it is also helpful to discuss with others, which we can share with each other’s idea and learn from others.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Summarize the RTD
During our round table discussion last week, we were divided into four small groups and we focused on different topics. They are hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), green chemistry, brain scans and embryonic stem cell researches. Most of us prepared a lot before the actual discussion in the lesson and did quite good jobs at that day. Here is a brief summary of all four round table discussion.
The first group’s topic is HEV and they discussed about the usage, the cost and the feasibility. The pro-side pointed out the current global warming effect is largely due to the high emissions of CO2 and CO2 mainly comes form the conventional vehicles. Since HEV uses electricity instead of fuel. There is Zero emission of green gas, hence, it HEV is environmental friendly. the pro-side suggested that HEV should be used widely. The opposing side listed a few disadvantages. For example, since HEV uses electricity, it has a much smaller horse power compared to conventional vehicles. In addition, it depends on batteries too much and has a long charging time. The discussion between the two sides was very exciting.
The second group talked about the brain studies. This research could help us to understand our brain better. However whether this technology should be used is a very controversial issue. The supporters argued this brain scan could help us to identify terrorists. They also said that government should not restrict on this technology because if would slow down the development of this technology. However, the opponents claimed it was an invasion of peoples’ privacy. Furthermore, they believe if this thing was used in the public, it would result discrimination. For example, employers can scan employees’ brains first and then decide who they want to hire. This would make those applicants who were rejected feel unfair and insulted. This will cause a serious social problem.
The third group’s topic is green chemistry. As we are getting richer, we are beginning to pay more attention to our living environment. The supporting side claimed Singapore should take her initiative to adopt the green chemistry as she has the capability. However the opposing side said, due to the recent economic crisis, its better for us to follow others.
Lastly is our group. We debated on whether embryonic stem cell research should be adopted or not. This part I am going to leave to others to make the judgment.
The first group’s topic is HEV and they discussed about the usage, the cost and the feasibility. The pro-side pointed out the current global warming effect is largely due to the high emissions of CO2 and CO2 mainly comes form the conventional vehicles. Since HEV uses electricity instead of fuel. There is Zero emission of green gas, hence, it HEV is environmental friendly. the pro-side suggested that HEV should be used widely. The opposing side listed a few disadvantages. For example, since HEV uses electricity, it has a much smaller horse power compared to conventional vehicles. In addition, it depends on batteries too much and has a long charging time. The discussion between the two sides was very exciting.
The second group talked about the brain studies. This research could help us to understand our brain better. However whether this technology should be used is a very controversial issue. The supporters argued this brain scan could help us to identify terrorists. They also said that government should not restrict on this technology because if would slow down the development of this technology. However, the opponents claimed it was an invasion of peoples’ privacy. Furthermore, they believe if this thing was used in the public, it would result discrimination. For example, employers can scan employees’ brains first and then decide who they want to hire. This would make those applicants who were rejected feel unfair and insulted. This will cause a serious social problem.
The third group’s topic is green chemistry. As we are getting richer, we are beginning to pay more attention to our living environment. The supporting side claimed Singapore should take her initiative to adopt the green chemistry as she has the capability. However the opposing side said, due to the recent economic crisis, its better for us to follow others.
Lastly is our group. We debated on whether embryonic stem cell research should be adopted or not. This part I am going to leave to others to make the judgment.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Common Grammar Mistakes
Mistake 1:
Sentence: These people are really geniuses, but will those cloned become scientists as we expected?
There is a Verb Tense mistake here. The word “expected” should be changed to “expect” to agree with the simple tense here.
The corrected sentence: These people are really geniuses, but will those cloned become scientists as we expect?
Mistake 2:
Sentence: All of these magical things come into reality in twenty-first century.
There are two mistakes here. First one is the verb tense problem. It should be simple past tense because of the twenty-first century. Hence the “come” should be “came” instead. Second mistake is there is a missing article in front of the “twenty-first century”. The definite article “the” should always be used in front of the ordinal.
The correct sentence: All of these magical things came into reality in the twenty-first century.
Mistake 3;
Sentence: The administrator have informed all the staff about the new policy.
The mistake here is the subject-verb agreement. Since the “administrator” is singular, the verb should be “has” instead of “have”. In order to make these two agree with each other, we can either change “administrator” to plural or change “have” to “has”.
The corrected sentence: The administrators have informed all the staff about the new policy.
Sentence: These people are really geniuses, but will those cloned become scientists as we expected?
There is a Verb Tense mistake here. The word “expected” should be changed to “expect” to agree with the simple tense here.
The corrected sentence: These people are really geniuses, but will those cloned become scientists as we expect?
Mistake 2:
Sentence: All of these magical things come into reality in twenty-first century.
There are two mistakes here. First one is the verb tense problem. It should be simple past tense because of the twenty-first century. Hence the “come” should be “came” instead. Second mistake is there is a missing article in front of the “twenty-first century”. The definite article “the” should always be used in front of the ordinal.
The correct sentence: All of these magical things came into reality in the twenty-first century.
Mistake 3;
Sentence: The administrator have informed all the staff about the new policy.
The mistake here is the subject-verb agreement. Since the “administrator” is singular, the verb should be “has” instead of “have”. In order to make these two agree with each other, we can either change “administrator” to plural or change “have” to “has”.
The corrected sentence: The administrators have informed all the staff about the new policy.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Summary of Articles
I have read 2 articles about stem cell research. One is about the U.S policy put on the stem cell research... This article has given us a clear view on the policies that implemented on the stem cell research. When George W. Bush was still the president of the United State, stem cell research is banned in the U.S due to his political stand against abortion. These policies deterred the progress in the stem cell research in U.S. And this time is different, the current president of the U.S, Mr. Obama supported stem cell research and sign an executive order reversing a policy that critics say has hampered the fight into finding treatments for grave diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes. However, there are some voices stated another point of views, like Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council and John Boehner, the Republican leader in the House of Representatives.
Another article is adopted from the stem cell research society in Singapore. I choose to read an article about the ethical position of the stem cell research in Singapore. The article pointed out many religious views on the stem cell research. Basically, the religious views on the stem cell research are depended on the type of research on stem cell. There are mainly two types of embryonic stem cell research --- therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning. Muslims and Buddhist support the therapeutic cloning, but against the reproductive cloning. The rest religious groups, like Christian, Catholic, Taoist and Sikh are against both types of the stem cell research since they mainly think the embryos are considered to be potential human beings in the point of conception. For instance, Sikh mentioned “...human life begins when the male and female living cells unite ” and “totally respects the sanctity of the Gift of Human Life by God....” and Taoist also mentioned “.....not supportive of research that ........goes against nature, and that involves the killing of another life, e.g. using embryos for research.” This article is useful as it has helped us to understand the religious views on the Stem Cell Research. Furthermore, it also mention about the policy on using embryos on stem cell research in Singapore. the BAC adopted the
intermediate position on the moral status of an embryo ,and considered it ethical to conduct research on it only in very limited circumstances: regulated basis and subject to the conditions stipulated. One conditions are Within the 14 th Day Limit, Research may be conducted on an embryo before it reached the 14 th day from the day the gametes were fused. Another is beyond 14th days condition, it is unethical for research to be conducted on an embryo that has reached the 14 th day limit and that such an embryo would be accorded full status as a person. So with this limitation, I believe stem cell research still has a bright future.
Words are useful:
reproductive cloning performed with the express intent of creating another organism. This organism is the exact duplicate of one that already exists or has existed in the past. Cloning of plants, animals, and humans falls into the class of reproductive cloning.
therapeutic cloning is performed, not to produce another organism, but to harvest embryonic stem cells for use in medical treatments. Embryonic stem cells are those cells found inside of developing embryos. They can be used to produce a number of different cells including tissue, muscle, and organ cells.
Source1 is from http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/World/Story/STIStory_348012.html
Source 2 is from
http://www.stemcell.edu.sg/
Another article is adopted from the stem cell research society in Singapore. I choose to read an article about the ethical position of the stem cell research in Singapore. The article pointed out many religious views on the stem cell research. Basically, the religious views on the stem cell research are depended on the type of research on stem cell. There are mainly two types of embryonic stem cell research --- therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning. Muslims and Buddhist support the therapeutic cloning, but against the reproductive cloning. The rest religious groups, like Christian, Catholic, Taoist and Sikh are against both types of the stem cell research since they mainly think the embryos are considered to be potential human beings in the point of conception. For instance, Sikh mentioned “...human life begins when the male and female living cells unite ” and “totally respects the sanctity of the Gift of Human Life by God....” and Taoist also mentioned “.....not supportive of research that ........goes against nature, and that involves the killing of another life, e.g. using embryos for research.” This article is useful as it has helped us to understand the religious views on the Stem Cell Research. Furthermore, it also mention about the policy on using embryos on stem cell research in Singapore. the BAC adopted the
intermediate position on the moral status of an embryo ,and considered it ethical to conduct research on it only in very limited circumstances: regulated basis and subject to the conditions stipulated. One conditions are Within the 14 th Day Limit, Research may be conducted on an embryo before it reached the 14 th day from the day the gametes were fused. Another is beyond 14th days condition, it is unethical for research to be conducted on an embryo that has reached the 14 th day limit and that such an embryo would be accorded full status as a person. So with this limitation, I believe stem cell research still has a bright future.
Words are useful:
reproductive cloning performed with the express intent of creating another organism. This organism is the exact duplicate of one that already exists or has existed in the past. Cloning of plants, animals, and humans falls into the class of reproductive cloning.
therapeutic cloning is performed, not to produce another organism, but to harvest embryonic stem cells for use in medical treatments. Embryonic stem cells are those cells found inside of developing embryos. They can be used to produce a number of different cells including tissue, muscle, and organ cells.
Source1 is from http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/World/Story/STIStory_348012.html
Source 2 is from
http://www.stemcell.edu.sg/
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Interesting Lecture
Global warming is one of the most serious problems that the entire human beings are facing today. People finally start to realize those disastrous consequences brought by the global warming, such as rise in sea level, heat waves, hurricanes and floods. As most of us know, the global warming means the temperature on the earth keeps rising. It is caused by the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Hence if we want to relieve the situation, we must try to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air.
During the lecture on Friday, Professor Andrew Palmer gave us a brief introduction on a new technology which is called Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS) and I found it is quite interesting and effective. He mentioned it is able to store the carbon dioxide in the deep ocean, about 2750m under the surface of the sea. This method is technologically and scientifically feasible. However whether it will be implemented is a very complicated issue. It involves politics and this makes everything more difficult. Carbon dioxide is well mixed in the air, so this implies capture carbon dioxide is not one country’s duty but all. However, many governments still prefer to focus on the short term, such as taxing all use of carbon, rather than the long term like CCS. As the professor said, these governments are irresponsible and selfish. Other than CCS only, we also should improve the fuel efficiency and conservation. We can turn to alternative energy such as solar energy and wind energy. The lesser coal is used, the better our environment will be.
Besides the government, individual should also start to cooperate. We can cycle or walk instead of taking cars. We can categorize our wastes so to make recycle process more efficient. Using lesser plastic bag, save all the scarce resources such as water and electricity, and planting more trees all will help a lot. Everyone must take his or her initiative to join this global event.
Other two speakers’ talks are also quite meaningful. Benjamin K Sovacool used Science and Technology Studies (STS) to tackle the energy problem. He pointed out that STS methods provide a useful lens to evaluate New Technology by identifying different actors and interests involved in the technology. He also talked about the relationship between the technology, society, politics and economy. Rajasekhar Bala just simply mentioned the reasons caused the global warming and what the effective ways to reduce it.
During the lecture on Friday, Professor Andrew Palmer gave us a brief introduction on a new technology which is called Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS) and I found it is quite interesting and effective. He mentioned it is able to store the carbon dioxide in the deep ocean, about 2750m under the surface of the sea. This method is technologically and scientifically feasible. However whether it will be implemented is a very complicated issue. It involves politics and this makes everything more difficult. Carbon dioxide is well mixed in the air, so this implies capture carbon dioxide is not one country’s duty but all. However, many governments still prefer to focus on the short term, such as taxing all use of carbon, rather than the long term like CCS. As the professor said, these governments are irresponsible and selfish. Other than CCS only, we also should improve the fuel efficiency and conservation. We can turn to alternative energy such as solar energy and wind energy. The lesser coal is used, the better our environment will be.
Besides the government, individual should also start to cooperate. We can cycle or walk instead of taking cars. We can categorize our wastes so to make recycle process more efficient. Using lesser plastic bag, save all the scarce resources such as water and electricity, and planting more trees all will help a lot. Everyone must take his or her initiative to join this global event.
Other two speakers’ talks are also quite meaningful. Benjamin K Sovacool used Science and Technology Studies (STS) to tackle the energy problem. He pointed out that STS methods provide a useful lens to evaluate New Technology by identifying different actors and interests involved in the technology. He also talked about the relationship between the technology, society, politics and economy. Rajasekhar Bala just simply mentioned the reasons caused the global warming and what the effective ways to reduce it.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
An inconvenient truth
The whole world is coming into an agreement that the global warming is one of the most serious problems that the entire human beings are facing today. As the civilization goes on, people are getting richer and start to pay more attention on our environment.
As we all know global warming means the temperature on the earth keep rising. Its consequences are disastrous and beyond our imagination. It causes globally rise in sea level which means a lot of places we live today will be under water one day, heat waves and incredibly strong hurricanes and so on. All these disasters bring not only billions dollars economic losses, but also millions peoples’ life. For example, the heat waves in India made the temperature go to 50 degree celcius in June 2003. More than 1400 people died.
In order to save the earth and provide a good environment for our future generation, we must respond and start doing something. “We are witnessing a collision between our civilization and the earth.” It does not mean that in order to save our planet we have to give up our economy. Instead we are capable to balance these two well.
Being one of the most beautiful and cleanest countries in the world, Singapore is doing her job quite well. It is so famous today because of its wonderful environment. The government implies many practical polices to help to reduce the problem of global warming. Very importantly, the government promotes recycle and reuse. It encourages people to use lesser one time use plastic bags. The NTUC takes its initiative to cooperate as it does not provide bags freely on every Wednesday unless people pay for them. In this case customers will realize and start to bring their own bags. As lesser one-time-use products are used, lesser trees will be chopped down. People are also told to categorize their wastes. This is to make the recycle process more efficiently. Scientists express through the media to make people realize the importance of the recycle. If we just dump the waste into the ground, quite a large amount of carbon dioxide will be released into the air.
The government is also doing its job in planting more trees to improve our environment. Tourists can see those lovely trees and flowers anywhere. As the plants are protected so well, they can absorb a lot of carbon dioxide for us. Other than these, the government also spent much money in investing green renewable resources such as solar energy and methanol fuel. This would significantly decrease the amount of coal and oil we relied today.
Although our government is doing generally well, some polices are still contributing to the global warming. The government is willing to increase our population from 4 million to 6 million. As more and more people crowded here, we are putting more pressure on the food, water and energy. When more resources are consumed, at the same time we are releasing more undesirable gases into the air.
“Humanity already possesses the fundamental scientific, technical and industrial know-how to solve the carbon and climate problems…” so let us think about the drowned polar bear and start to change the way we used to live together
As we all know global warming means the temperature on the earth keep rising. Its consequences are disastrous and beyond our imagination. It causes globally rise in sea level which means a lot of places we live today will be under water one day, heat waves and incredibly strong hurricanes and so on. All these disasters bring not only billions dollars economic losses, but also millions peoples’ life. For example, the heat waves in India made the temperature go to 50 degree celcius in June 2003. More than 1400 people died.
In order to save the earth and provide a good environment for our future generation, we must respond and start doing something. “We are witnessing a collision between our civilization and the earth.” It does not mean that in order to save our planet we have to give up our economy. Instead we are capable to balance these two well.
Being one of the most beautiful and cleanest countries in the world, Singapore is doing her job quite well. It is so famous today because of its wonderful environment. The government implies many practical polices to help to reduce the problem of global warming. Very importantly, the government promotes recycle and reuse. It encourages people to use lesser one time use plastic bags. The NTUC takes its initiative to cooperate as it does not provide bags freely on every Wednesday unless people pay for them. In this case customers will realize and start to bring their own bags. As lesser one-time-use products are used, lesser trees will be chopped down. People are also told to categorize their wastes. This is to make the recycle process more efficiently. Scientists express through the media to make people realize the importance of the recycle. If we just dump the waste into the ground, quite a large amount of carbon dioxide will be released into the air.
The government is also doing its job in planting more trees to improve our environment. Tourists can see those lovely trees and flowers anywhere. As the plants are protected so well, they can absorb a lot of carbon dioxide for us. Other than these, the government also spent much money in investing green renewable resources such as solar energy and methanol fuel. This would significantly decrease the amount of coal and oil we relied today.
Although our government is doing generally well, some polices are still contributing to the global warming. The government is willing to increase our population from 4 million to 6 million. As more and more people crowded here, we are putting more pressure on the food, water and energy. When more resources are consumed, at the same time we are releasing more undesirable gases into the air.
“Humanity already possesses the fundamental scientific, technical and industrial know-how to solve the carbon and climate problems…” so let us think about the drowned polar bear and start to change the way we used to live together
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Engineers and Systematic Thinking
Engineering plays one of the most significant roles in globalization and human civilization. It is not exaggerated to say that the world today cannot function at all without engineers. Quite a large number of people still think engineers are just those specialists who build big tunnels, bridges and cars. However as we moved into 21st century which is full of information and new technology, the aspects of engineers are also changing extensively.
Today systematical and critical thinking and engineers are related very closely and it is the major objective in engineering training. This skill is not possibly to be mastered within days or months, while takes years, even half of the person’s life. University is the critical period in helping engineers to develop this essential skill. From fundamental knowledge to higher levels, the engineering course helps students to walk along the right track. With the guidance of professors, teachers and helps from friends, young engineers are able to build up this skill gradually. The syllabus is reviewed every year to follow up the fast changing economy. Professional computing languages like C++ and Java are compulsory modules in engineering course today to make sure engineers are able to organize information precisely and efficiently. Students are no longer asked to solve questions blindly. Instead, young engineers are going to look at the problems in various aspects and analyze them carefully and thoroughly. They are more focused on the way of detecting and solving problems other than solutions only.
A successful engineer should not only know how to solve problems but also communicate and cooperate with others. These soft skills are very important when they work in the industry. A well rounded engineer generally can produce much better ideas and solutions than those who works alone. As a future engineer, I realize it is critical to learn to listen to others suggestions and ideas as it will allow me to come out great solutions. This is what the project work meant to be. It is about good teamwork.
However, all the above are outside factors. The deciding factor is taking action. A dream will always be dream if you don’t start doing anything, so engineers must be determined also. I believe that our good education system will make our engineers grow stronger and face all the future challenges calmly.
Today systematical and critical thinking and engineers are related very closely and it is the major objective in engineering training. This skill is not possibly to be mastered within days or months, while takes years, even half of the person’s life. University is the critical period in helping engineers to develop this essential skill. From fundamental knowledge to higher levels, the engineering course helps students to walk along the right track. With the guidance of professors, teachers and helps from friends, young engineers are able to build up this skill gradually. The syllabus is reviewed every year to follow up the fast changing economy. Professional computing languages like C++ and Java are compulsory modules in engineering course today to make sure engineers are able to organize information precisely and efficiently. Students are no longer asked to solve questions blindly. Instead, young engineers are going to look at the problems in various aspects and analyze them carefully and thoroughly. They are more focused on the way of detecting and solving problems other than solutions only.
A successful engineer should not only know how to solve problems but also communicate and cooperate with others. These soft skills are very important when they work in the industry. A well rounded engineer generally can produce much better ideas and solutions than those who works alone. As a future engineer, I realize it is critical to learn to listen to others suggestions and ideas as it will allow me to come out great solutions. This is what the project work meant to be. It is about good teamwork.
However, all the above are outside factors. The deciding factor is taking action. A dream will always be dream if you don’t start doing anything, so engineers must be determined also. I believe that our good education system will make our engineers grow stronger and face all the future challenges calmly.
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