This is R

BEng Year 2 Semester 2

Georgia Institute of Technology (Exchange Programme)

Modules taken during Year 2 Semester 2:
- AE2020 Low Speed Aerodynamics (3 credits)
- AE2699 Undergraduate Research (2 credits)
- AE3515 System Dynamics & Control (4 credits)
- AE4451 Jet & Rocket Propulsion (3 credits)
- AE4580 Avionics Integration (3 credits)
- ME4210 Manufacturing Processes and Engineering (3 credits)
- MGT3102 Managing Human Resources (3 credits)
- MP003U DSO-UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH on Campus (3AU)

Total No. of credits: 21 credits (20AU)
Total No. of AUs: 3
Overall GPA (GT): 3.67
Overall GPA (NTU): 5.00

At this time of my writing, I've completed my Year 3 semester 1 of studies. My education in Georgia Tech has been one of my memorable moments. Compared to the modules at NTU, some were slacker while others are more challenging (AE3515 & AE4580 in particular). Although I very much would have like to 'enjoy' life there, I guess some things have to be sacrificed so that I can keep up with the ABP pace. Overall, an education in an elite university (2nd best in Aerospace Engineering in the world) is certainly different. Grades wise, I'm quite satisfied as it's better than I expect.

AE2020 Low Speed Aerodynamics (3 credits)
Professor Robert Funk
For AE2003/MA3701 Aerodynamics 1 (3AU)
20% Assignment, 20% Mid-Term 1, 20% Mid-Term 2, 40% Final
Personal Notes
Study Techniques: Notes
Result: A

Prof Funk is actually a research engineer in Georgia Tech. At first we thought he wasn't a good lecturer as he always talk to himself in class (and there's another better class by Prof. Sankar, but that doesn't fit most of our slots). Most of the time, I wasn't listening in class, as whatever he has written can be found in the textbook (Fundamentals of Aerodynamics by Anderson). But it turns out to be the slackest module I had (for others, it's a material science course which I've crashed also). Well, most of the assignments we're getting above 90 marks, while our class average was around 65? Mid-terms and finals consist of 40% closed book and 60% open book. Closed book part was hard as it was based on definitions (which I'm not good at). Open book part was a replicate of assignment questions. I cleared this module only remembering Helmhortz Vortex theorem and Kutta condition haha!

AE2699 Undergraduate Research (2 credits)
Prof Mavris Dimitri/Carl Johnson
For AE2072/3071 Aerospace Labs (2AU)
For MA2008 Experimental Methods for Engineers (1AU) + MA3071 Mechanical Experiments (1AU)
Result: A
Lab Report

This part was quite taxing though, as we have to spend 8 hours every week (6pm to 10pm every tues and thurs). We worked with a design team who would be participating in a competition. I guess the Americans there don't trust our modelling skills (ok la it's only me who's unskilled, my other two friends were much better), so it end up in a 'talk cock sing song' session. Well, it's because of this that I missed quite a number of events organised by OIE, and made me have the most taxing timetable (Tues and Thurs was from 8am in the morning to 10pm at night, with one hour breaks for lunch and dinner each). In the end, it turns out we're there to observe what they do as a 'researcher', and our report (done by 3 person) can earn us an A. Amazing module to clear 2 labs though (:

AE3515 System Dynamics & Control (4 credits)
Prof Amy Pritchett
For AE4002/MA3705 Aerospace Control Theory (3AU)
50% Assignment, 20% Final, 15% Pop Quizzes, 15% Mid-Term
Personal Notes:
Cheat Sheet (MidTerm)
Cheat Sheet (Final)
Study Techniques: Cheat Sheet
Result: B

This is a killer module by itself, and what's more it's made very much into MIT-type of education. Professor Pritchett is an amazing lady and lecturer, but as she hails from MIT (BSc, MSc and PhD), she made this module super 'challenging'. An assignment each week requires at least 2 days to finish, plus it is a must to attend the tutorial class to be able to finish the assignment. Pop quizzes were flying everywhere. But I guess it beats clearing this module by joining Feron's classes (he's a killer). This module is the biggest spoiler of my life during exchange, since I can't go out of states often over weekend as I have to spend time finishing the assignment. Well, I guess in exchange for getting a good education and saving money, it wasn't a bad module to clear.

AE4451 Jet & Rocket Propulsion (3 credits)
Prof Jechiel Jagoda
For AE3006/MA3702 Aircraft Propulsion (3AU)
10% Assignment, 10% Computer Assignment, 20% Mid-Term 1, 20% Mid-Term 2, 40% Final
Personal Notes
Computer Project
Study Techniques: Cheat Sheet
Result: A

Prof Jagoda was a good lecturer, but I just find his pace abit slow (More so since it's very sleepy especially after I have a rushed lunch). Assignments were tough as his TA who marked it was very strict. The computer assignment was quite simple, mid-terms not sure why I still scored the top few though I screwed up. But quite satisfied with the A, since it's a module that I took alone (none of the exchange aerospace students took with me, and I had literally no friends until I know someone from my lab who took it towards the end of the semester). He encouraged me to come back and do research if I do not have any career plans in mind. Well maybe?

AE4580 Avionics Integration (3 credits)
Prof Eric Johnson
For AE4003/MA4705 Aircraft Navigation and Flight Computers (3AU)
35% Assignment, 15% Project, 15% Mid-Term, 35% Final
Personal Notes
Project
Study Techniques: Notes
Result: A

Prof Johnson has an extraordinary wife, who's none other than Prof Pritchett. This is an enjoyable module, and it should be termed more as 'Introduction to Avionics' . Although the Matlab assignments were a killer that we almost wanted to drop this module, the mid-terms and exams were a breeze, so long as you memorise the concepts and terms rather than understanding the mathematics. Reading the textbook makes you more confused, so just stick with the textbook. Overall, Prof Johnson live up to his name of giving free As, since I barely passed the mid-term, and my final was a so-so.

ME4210 Manufacturing Processes and Engineering (3 credits)
Prof Tequila A.L. Harris
For AE2011 Introduction to Aircraft Design & Manufacturing (3AU)/MA2005 Engineering Graphics (3AU)
10% Homework, 10% Case Studies, 10% Project, 20% Exam 1, 20% Exam 2, 30% Final
Personal Notes:
Cheat Sheet
Mindmaps
Assignment Report
Assignment Cover Page

Study Techniques: Mindmaps
Result: B

She might be an exceptional researcher, but in my opinion (and many others), she cannot teach. She sometimes wasn't clear of what she's teaching, and keeps correcting herself until you don't know what's right. Reading the textbook helps to a small extent in understanding. She was quite biased towards the Singaporean exchange students (we like to discuss among ourselves for concepts that she mislead us softly), so I guess that's where the B comes in, although I screwed my finals anyway.

MGT3102 Managing Human Resources (3 credits)
Prof Charles Parson
For AE4008 Human Resource Management (3AU)
Personal Notes
Study Techniques: Mindmaps
Result: A

Professor Parson was a good professor, often bringing his insight from his years of working experience to class. Assignments was varied also, although you have to be very careful with the format to score full marks. The exams were closed-book, which is the tough part (particularly because there're too many concepts). But it's a great insight into the HR policies in USA, and they have so many laws to protect their workers. Relating back to the situation in Singapore, I would say we didn't enjoy some of the human rights that they have. But anyway, overall getting an A in this module would require a lot of effort, as the ladies in this module were especially strong academically.

MP003U DSO-Undergraduate Research on Campus (3AU)
Asst Prof(Adj) Li King Ho Holden
Interfacing MEMS Based Motion Sensors in Military Electronics Devices
Result: A+

For this research, it focuses more on system integration. I guess it's because of the right mix that I manage to score well for URECA. I took two important modules, namely Avionics and System Dynamics and Control, which allows me to relate back to my research. It was a crash at first, for buying the wrong devices or devices that didn't work satisfactorily in Singapore (especially when it has to do with GPS).
In addition, I also took some effort to finish the TSV research that my professor assigns me to. It's great to be able to work with Dr. Muhannad Bakir, a researcher renowned in the field of TSV. We mutually agree that I would do a topic on thermomechanical analysis, which requires the use of ANSYS software, something which I have already learnt. I thought he didn't have the expertise to help me with this software, so I decided to spend more time and figure it out for myself. I did a report for him which he was quite impressed with, and I hope it really aids in his research work. But if given another chance, I would have chosen to do something under my field, and maybe try something new in the field of microelectronics.
Working with Prof Li would require a lot of self-discipline and independence, as he's a busy person and has multiple projects on hand. But he's an enjoyable person to work with, who's concerned about your self-development on top of your research work. That's why I'm still working with him now for my FYP.

Labels: 2.1.2.2 Year 2 Semester 2

Making the Impossible Possible

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