Taught by: Kuldip Singh
Name: Goh Zhi Ying, Phoebe (@phoebe_goh)
Content (Structure/Organization): 2
Very little structure to this course, it was organised by key topics and there was a rough outline of what he wanted to cover but he definitely did not hesitate to shift things back.
Accessibility and Assessment: 4
Quantum Mechanics is not for the weak, and is notoriously challenging even for people in Science. That being said, Prof really does quite a good job of teaching quantum (speaking as someone who has not touched physics since Alvls) and makes an effort to ensure the concepts are accessible, without dumbing it down (sth i really appreciated). If you are a non-physics major you may not be able to keep up with all the math and equations, but you should be able to understand the key concepts fairly well.
Manageability of Workload: 3
On a week to week basis, there are barely any readings, so very chill. The four group assignments which involved math and actual physics got quite intense, and took us at least 4h each? (even though prof said it should not take more than 1). The two essays were manageable imo, there was a lot of flexibility in the topic, and prof offered consultations.
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
I don't feel very confident commenting on this because I didn't ask around, prof also does not release grades during the term (altho maybe you could ask, I just didn't)
Learning Value/Recommendation: 5
By far the most interesting module I took so far! I chose the mod because I was interested in quantum physics but found that it was too inaccessible to learn on my own, and definitely feel like I have at least a working understanding after taking this mod.
About the Instructor:
Prof's home faculty is physics and his research interest is in quantum physics so he is extremely knowledgeable, and from memory there was not a single technical question he could not answer. On top of that, he is very competent at explaining complicated concepts, I genuinely learned a lot.
That being said, I think because of that some of the links to philosophy were not as well taught (i.e. the "Reality and Appearance" bit), though it might be due to the lack of time. Generally, the philosophy concepts taught were not very in depth (if you took Knowledge and Inquiry in JC, this mod offered only slightly more than that).
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
Highly recommend if the mod synopsis interests you and you're willing to put in some effort to do the actual physics and math. It certainly exceeded my expectations, and I really enjoyed the module.
I wouldn't recommend this mod if you're here just for the philosophy aspect though, it is more quantum physics heavy. You will need to be prepared to do further readings and make those connections yourself. definitely avoid if you hate math.
Content (Structure/Organization): 5
This course is the prime definition of interdisciplinary. Prof Kuldip Singh looks to combine the philosophical understandings of physics along with the underlying mathematical reasonings behind it. He also describes how different the field of quantum mechanics is compared to classical mechanics, both in the philosophical sense and mathematical sense.
Each component/unit may dive rather deep, with the first 3-4 weeks covering the philosophy of science (without quantum), followed by learning the mathematics requirement (covering the entire ma2001 and more, such as abstract vector spaces in 3 lessons, calculus until multivariate, and statistics). It is only after all that, that prof elaborates on the mathematics which lead to the formalization of quantum mechanics (expect to see this past mid terms).
It is obvious that as a whole, this module is extremely well thought out, and goes rather deep for a course that doesnt have any physics pre requisites.
Accessibility and Assessment: 2
Considering how quickly prof covers certain mathematical concepts such as linear algebra up to abstract vector spaces in 3 lessons, and calculus up to multivariate, most non-STEM students without maths or physics background would struggle learning the math and contributing to the group project (other than those who act as the people helping others to find the location of the notes), however they would find success in their individual essays.
Those with mathematics background (linear algebra included) would find the greatest learning value in the module, seeing how important linear algebra plays in quantum physics. And would not need any additional aid for this module (other than developing an interest in the philosophical areas of quantum physics)
Manageability of Workload: 4
The workload in class tends to be heavy, having to cover both the philosophy and mathematics behind it. However, the work outside is relatively manageable. With only two essays (one pre-quantum and one post-quantum) and 4 group assignments (used to be 3 with one test, but my class asked to replace the test for an assignment).
The group assignments tend to be rather mathematically rigorous in terms of proving. Although it is guided and does not require prior knowledge in the various proving techniques (induction, contradiction, contraposition etc.), the work can possibly be rather chaotic with much trial and error before understanding where its taking you.
The individual essays on the other hand is mostly philosophical, even banning the idea of quantum mechanics in the first essay. With the first essay being a maximum of 1.5k words and the second essay about 3-4k words.
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
Considering the essays is rather open, from writing the evolution of a concept over time, to writing a dialogue between two people, prof greatly opens room for creativity in the essays. With this, the markings tend to not be too strict from what I've seen, along with the prof providing very good feedback on how to tailor your essay in consultations.
I'd recommend writing essays related to physics. I understand some students were tempted to write about other areas they're better at, be it sociology or law for the non-quantum portion of reality and appearance, however, prof would point out those who use terms that the average folk would not understand.
From what I've seen, those who're interested in the philosophy behind quantum physics (or physics in general for the non-quantum essay) tend to do better. Fret not for non-STEM majors as the mathematics can be carried by the other STEM students in your group as prof forms the groupings himself by pairing STEM with non-STEM students
Learning Value/Recommendation: 5
Quantum Physics itself is rather specialized. The usefulness of it may not be applicable, other than the greater exposure to linear algebra and mathematics.
However in terms of learning value, as someone interested in quantum physics with mathematics background (from computing), I've learnt how crucial mathematics is to physics, essentially having the entire study reliant on it. Significantly more so than how we were exposed pre-u.
In the philosophical aspect, I would say that it could be rather mind-blowing as well. Learning about various ideologies such as realism and anti-realism, my perspective towards science has shifted (more anti-realist). It has even given me insight as to how science is intertwined with religion (a sub topic in my quantum essay), and considering how this module is one of the reasons why I chose to join NUSC, it has not disappoint.
About the Instructor:
Prof Kuldip Singh is extremely insightful and is able to break down complex concepts for most people to understand. As a professional researcher in the forefront of physics, it is common to find students asking the prof about random unrelated concepts behind quantum physics to gain his perspective behind it. Prof Kuldip Singh also dabbles with mathematics and philosophy, identifying as a "Mathematical Physicist", you'll see how the mathematics lead to conceptual understandings in the assignments given.
Although I have to add this caveat, going deep into philosophy in the first 4 weeks, then mathematics in the next few, can be rather dry for those not particularly interested in either.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
Try to make sure your linear algebra computation is steady, and you have an interest in concepts and philosophies behind quantum physics.
I believe that knowing the math would increase one's learning value in this course, but it is one's philosophical understanding and writing skills that would give them the grades.