Chapter 52-- Review of Year 4 Sem 2( Finale review)

Ok, its finally time for my final review of modules that I took in NUS..yay people, its time for the FINALE!

LSM4221--Drug discovery and clinical trials

This module must surely be the highlight(and summary) of all pharmacology modules that I have taken to date as it incorporated quite a few priniciples and concepts from the previous pharmacology modules taught including toxiology(which properly explains why this module was only offered in the final semester). Content wise, some might find it boring and uninteresting as the concepts taught in this module such as GCP(Good clinical practice) and lead/target discovery can be quite dry at times. In addition, there aren't many "hard" facts to cover in the clinical trials section as well but do not be fooled by the "lack" of concepts covered in this module for there are actually many extra things that one has to study in order to fully appreciate the complexity of clinical trials that are carry out today. This means that even though it seems quite straight forward the definition of phrase 1,2,3,4 of clinical trials and the purposes of these different phases, one still has to actually consider quite a number of factors when designing clinical trials targeted or require to be tested at different populations of people such as the elderly, paediatics and yes, even women who by themself constitute quite a few sub group such as women of child bearing age/potential and those that are not as well as those on contraceptives vs those that are not etc(talk abt the complexity of women hehe). Therefore, it would be absolutely foolish of one to think that there aren't many things to study for this module especially since the final exam comprises of thinking and application questions that requires one to read outside of lecture notes in order to score. One more worth thing to mention about this module is that the lecturers do really stimulate our thinking(such as the consideration of certain morals and bioethics in GCP and the considerations one has to take into account when designing trials some of ehich I had mentioned earlier) in this module and I feel that I really benefited quite a lot even in the project presentation at the end of the modules. In short, this module is really one that one can take away a lot of infos and continue to think about the certain issues that were raised in the module. Quite a useful module that I would recommend to my junior to take especially if they concentrate in biomedical sciences.

LSM4223--Medical Microbiology

It was a real tussle for me during the bidding period to chose whether I should take this module or "free radicals and antioxidants" and I must admit that I am slightly disappointed that I seemed to have took the wrong option. It is not to say that I am completely uninterested in this module or I wouldn't have took it in the first place especially when it is the only level 4000 module that have a strong laboratory component in it(which means we must attend lab sessions lah). Content wise, I really expects more out of it but I guess I should be thankful that quite a significant portion of the module is actually on Immunology such as pathogen evasions strategies and vaccines and I certainly manage to breeze through it during the lectures. The lab sessions and even more so the lab report make it really difficult for me to devote my full attentions and concentations to it since I had my final year project to handle at the same time and I am very reluntant to spend so much time and effort on an assignment that is worth only 10% of the final grade. As a result, I would recommend this module only to those people that are really interested in Medical Microbiology and who prefentially had Immunology background as well or those who enjoy laboratory work a lot for the workload in thi module must be one of the heaviest among all level 4000 modules as it includes, lab sessions, project presentation and a written report.

LSM4199--Honours project in Life Science

Ahh...the curse and swear of many final year students, the whole experience would most likely determine whether one wants to work in the research field in future or not. There was a saying that say that honours year in NUS are even more tougher to handle than PhD as one has to juggle both experimental works and school work at the same time compared to NTU whose students devote one entire semester on their final year project. To me, the honours year experience is certainly something that I do not want to repeat again as it took just sooo much time and effort not to mention the tremendous stress that comes along with it as well. Imagine spending so much of your time in the lab even on weekend working on something that might and most properly would yield negative results and you get what I meant. In addition, my mentor is really a bitch from hell whose greatest pleasure is to induce suffering and pain to us students ans accuses us of doing things that we never done before(there were so many classic examples whereby she was clearly in the wrong and yet she still blame us for HER mistakes). The She devil is actually the most unpopular person in the lab and even research officers there lamented that we got one of the worse person to "mentor" us. I utterly dislike and hate her and hope to never see her again in my entire life or I surely push her down the nearest flight of stairs. Hope that she returns to hell soon. Bloody Bitch. Luckily, my strength came from fellow NTU students who were also unfortunate to be mentor by her and we are constantly supporting and consoling each other. Thanks guys for your support or I shudder to think of my mental stage at the end of the project. In reality, there are many times during the project whereby I consider giving up as the work seems so overwhelming at times( my fellow NUS mate withdrew from his project 4 months into it) but I am glad that I finally perservere through it. During the printing of the poster at Sunshine plaza, I really had the surreal feeling of giving birth as I watch my poster got printed bit by bit and flashbacks of the endless nights and weekends spend working on it which cause me to have almost zero social life came coming back. This was indeed my baby that I had work so hard for during the past 9 months and here it is, the fruit of my intense labour. At times like these, I had to control the urge to cry. Luckily as well, the poster presentation went along quite smoothly and I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised that the 2 examiners are profs from BTI as well making me slightly less edgy. The thesis was much easier to complete after the poster presentation and thanks once again to my NTU mates Eric and Sherry and Jiewen for helping to proof read my drafts and correct any spellings and grammar errors that I had.

On a more serious note, I start off the honours project with the intention simply to experience what research is all about and had completely no idea what the whole process would encompass or entail but I realized that I actually accomplished much more at the end. In a way, I actually surprised myself as I never thought that I possess the courage and tenacious to complete such a major task. Even my devious mentor taught me the highly desirable act and skills of tolerance bringing the level of my zen to a new high level. Nevertheless, the final year project experience is one that I hope not to go through again if I can..

And so, this post wrapped up all the modules that I had attempted throughout 4 fruitful years in NUS some of which I had success although there are many others that I struggled with from time to time. I have however absolutely no regret chosing life science as a major even though it is a "jack of all trade but master of none" subject. If not for life science, I would not have discover that my true interest actually lies in biomedical sciences. Even for those optional modules such as Singapore studies, general education modules or unrestricted electives, I almost never regret taking any of them as well. In fact, my only regret is not being able to take many other interesting modules due to timetable clash or due to the fact that I have to sacrifice taking them in order to concentrate more on my core modules. Haiz...if only I had 1 more semester to take these modules so that I can leave without regret..



Best Regards,
Yongster


Live the life you want! More good years ahead..

Chapter 51--Textbooks

Have been catching up on reading these past few days and most of the books that I read were actually textbooks! Haha, can you imagine that I only started to take a REAL interest in the content of these books only after moi have completed my bachelor education? Hee, have been revisiting my pretty much already rusted physiology, nutrition, microbiology and Immunology concepts and I am truly shock that there is actually so much interesting info in these textbooks that I had conveniently just missed them in the pursuit of attaining those elusive As during my undergraduate days... It was also only now then I realized that some of the concepts learned in Immunology were actually more well explained in a microbiology textbook! But again, it was only now without the pressure of scoring in exams that I can truly enjoy reading the content in these books on medical/health subjects which I am just sooo interested in( I mean, as a typical singapore student, in the past, I would just skipped whatever sections that were not going to come out in exams, dun wanna waste time mah). Actually, from year 2 onwards after I had finished the course on Metabolism and regulation, I am already pretty certain that my real interest lies in health science rather than life science and that I prefer working in a clinical setting much more than a laboratory setting but alas since there is no health science degree(nursing not counted!) in Singapore and since the modules under biomedical science concentration covers quite a bit of health science related topics, I decided to press on lor. Nevertheless, I still hope to ultimately work in the healthcare industry someday even if my first job does not entail working in a clinical setting. It was also my desire to one day have the opportunity to pursue post graduate studies in health science related discipline overseas but before that must of course save a lot of money lor...haiz, wonder when my dream would come true especially since I am typing now as a jobless dude... Hopefully can achieve that in 5-6 years time lah.


Regards,
Yongster


Live the life you want. Many more good years ahead

Chapter 50-- Graduation trip

With most of the final year students FINAL exams in NUS now truly over, I believe that most of graduating students would now be discussing about their graduation trips that they have waited for so long. I have friends who will be going to nearby countries such as Thailand, Cambodia while there are others(those with fatter wallets) who will be travelling to more distant countries such as Europe and US.
For me? I will also be travelling of course but instead of going overseas, I will be touring around our very own sunny island! Although this may sound silly for some of us, I think that it is rather an exciting prospect to really travel all over Singapore to places that I have always wanted to visit or have not visited for quite some time and slowly "absorb" the scenery which is something that I have not done since 1675. Through this graduation trip, I hope that I can rediscover the beauty of our little island and prove to those who have always lamented about the lack of activities that can be done right here in our very own country so very wrong. I mean, I realize that the people who always complain that there is nothing to do in Singapore are usually those whose only activity in Singapore is to go shopping. I mean, if the only thing that one is interesting in is to go shopping, then of course one is bound to lose out on the more "rural and boring" activities that one can enjoy here. Just ask yourself when was the last time you visited Sungei Buloh or Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility with Mother nature? When was the last time you visited the farms in Choa Chu Kang and becomes a "farmer" for a day? When was the last time you step into a studio or threatre to enjoy a concert or play?Or even when was the last time you enjoy a truly nice walk in a park or beach? In essence, there are actually tons of things that one can do on this tiny sunny island yet most of us simply tend to overlook these small things that one can enjoy and conclude that there is "nothing" to do here beside shopping.
To me, I hope that this graduation trip will not only allows me to re-connect with my homeland on a deeper level, but also serve as a form of self reflections. I hope that I will be able to encounter small surprises through this journey and in the process reflect upon the things that have happened in my life. I hope to spend a few hours on the beach listening to the waves and trekking through Sungei Buloh soaking in the energy from mother nature while in the meantime appreciate what god have given me. I hope that the challenges of finding directions to the more remote locations will allows me to realize the challenges of finding my own directions in life. This would not just be a graduation trip to me but also a trip to find what I really wanted in life in the transition from student to working adult.

I can't wait to start this soul searching trip.

Enjoy your graduation trip too.


Regards,
Yongster

p/s: My heart went out to those who have to cancel their overseas trip due to the recent swine flu.


Live the life you want! Still many more good years ahead.

Chapter 49--If there're Season

The winter of death numbs a lover's pain
The autumn of dreams lies awake in vain
The summer of life sings its passing song
And spring comes again...with courage to hope, and go on.

"If there are seasons I would see snow, but not here..."

After the demise of his girlfriend xiao jing, A-Le packs up to pursue his musical ambitions in New York. There, he meets the easy going A-Qiang, a fellow dream hunter from Singapore, who gets him a job at a restaurant. On a particular take-out delivery, an aspiring actress named Rose enters A-Le's life. Soon a bittersweet friendship of battered dreams and bruised hearts is born between them. But with each passing day, Rose begins to feel a little more for A-Le. Unknown to them however, the future is about to change their lives and their friendship forever.

"There are no seasons here, but there is always love..."

-Adapted from synopsis of "If there're Season"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrNQcvczD3A

"If there're seasons" is the third chinese threatre drama that I watched and certainly the best so far. To be honest, I only get to know about this beautifully written chinese musical drama from the song with the same title sang by my idol Kit Chan when I was still in NS. What struck me when I first heard the song was how beautifully and touching the lyrics of the song is and of course how wonderfully it was sang by Kit Chan. The song gives me a special feeling in that it is a rather sad and touching song yet at the same time it seems to give people a trace of hope in it at the same time. Actually hearing it would really makes one want to cry as from what I interpret, the song is trying to covey the message that when one meets obstacles in the outside world, our loved one is always there to support us...
Back to the play itself, I already has high expectation for it but never in my dream would I expect the performance to exceed my expectation so much. I mean, even though there are already so many good reviews about it since the first time it was staged a couple of years ago coupled with the fact that I already regret missing it due to 2 years ago, I still could never foresee that it would be such a truly terrific show. Kudo to the playwright Raymond To for producing such a superb piece of work. Kudo to Liang Wern Fook for coming up with the idea of this play that would and have surely touched so many people especially those that grew up listeining to xin yao. I never could imagined how so many songs could blend in so nicely with a play even if it is a musical drama for instead of the actors and actress merely singing their lines, they have to sing the songs written by Liang and yet each time it was excecuted so beautifully with the lyrics and I not exaggerating here, reflecting the feelings of the performers. One really have to watch the play to understand what I meant. The story is also like what I have mentioned so times so touching that I believe there there won't be many people who won't get touched by the story and the songs. In fact, I could feel the lady sitting behind me trying hard to control her sob during the play and being the sentimental guy that I always am, I am glad that I could at least still hold back the tears in my eyes although I admit only barely...This is the first time I feel that a performance really resonate so much in me.
Perhaps what makes this play so touching and meaningful is that it touches on a few topics that I believed most us have always wanted to pursue and that is love and dreams. In the play, Ah Qiang played by Robin Goh have to give up dream to pursue love while the leading actress Rose played by Joanna Dong have to forgo love in order to pursue dreams leading her to lament that love and dreams are simply rivals that cannot co-exist with each other reflecting the dilemma faced by some lovers today who have to chose between love and their dreams such as opting to go overseas to pursue their dreams but having to face the tough option of leaving their loved one behind with no one to guarantee what will happen in the future for instance. If one chose to stay behind, then one may have to sacrifice his or her dream that could only be achieved overseas by a golden opportunity with no one to gurantee that their love life would surely blossomed. Yet if one chose to go overseas, one could be sacrificing his or her love for his or her special someone with no one to gurantee that such golden opportunity would come again in the future. if you would to placed yourself in such predicament, then what would you chose? Ah Qiang and Rose both made their important decisions at such critical crossroad and in the end they....
Watching this play have also make George Chan who played Ah Le now offically my new idol. To me, he is the male version of Kit Chan. People who know me would have known that I have always admire talented people especially those that are TRULY bilingual or multilingual. Seeing these talented people who are so well versed in both languages always make me feel so so shame of myself as there's such a big gap between their abilities to command both languages compared to me. I am surprised that George(whereby my impression of him halt at only at him being one of the judge at The Dance Floor show at Channel 5) is not only able to speak mandarin despite spending so many years in Europe, but he can sing truly well in it as well! This only shows that he have not forgotten that he is still a Chinese after all(which was coincidentally also a message send by the play not to forget our roots) and I admire him for that. I admit that I look down a lot on chinese people who cannot speak or understand chinese as it is such a shame to one own root. I mean, I do not expect one who is chinese to master the language for even I myself is still so far away from it but at least we should seek to gain that basic level of language competency whereby one would understand what fellow chinese people are talking about and to hold a decent coversation with one. Therefore I really really admire and pei fu these bilingual people who must have spend considerable amount of time to master both langauges so well and such desire to improve oneself should have already make us respect them for that. I hope that one day I could be like the multi talented George who not only can speak well, sing well but also dance well. I know that I am still far away from that but hey, at least I am trying to improve my Chinese competency now that I have more time on hand and I hope that I can improve my English grammer competency as well which is at an atrocious level now. At least now I have another goal to achieve and I believe that like the characters in the play who actively pursue their dreams despite so many setbacks, I can attain my goal one day..

Regards,
Yongster


Live the life you want! Still many more good years ahead...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrNQcvczD3A