AY 20/21 Sem 2 (LAK 3201: Korean 4 )

 🍙🍒🍜LAK 3202: Korean 4🍺🐔🍗

Took this module to clear UE and also because it's a continuation of Korean 3. If you complete both Korean 3 & 4, you are considered an intermediate. Also, took it cause my Korean teacher happened to teach both levels 3 and 4. 나는 선생님이 너무 좋아서 한국어 공부를 계속하기로 결심했어요. It was only during Korean 3 and 4 did I realize that there was a better alternative to Google Translate. Don't use Google Translate. Use me! Though, I would say Korean 4 was very tough and thus, I chose to stop here. For those going for the Minor (reach till Korean 6), all the best!! 

Lecturers: Cho Jin Hee & Lee Misun

Workload: Same as LAK 3201 (COVID period)

Assessments: Zoom recording group project (15%) | Video assignment + 1-2 writing assignments (15%) | Midterm + Final paper (60%) | Class participation (10%) 

Typing is required for LAK 3201 & LAK 3202: 

*Some of my friends bought a plastic cover with the Korean letters (temporary, won't damage the laptop) but a more permanent and cheaper method I did was to get laptop stickers from shoppee for a dollar ish! Shoppee

Syllabus: 

Midterm: 75/100 (median / average was 80-81/100) 

Finals: 57/100 (69-72/100) 

Everyone died for finals just that I screwed up more I guess language is tough for me :-( 

Oh wells, at least I enjoyed the class and the teacher! 

Expected grade: B- (Bopez)

Overall grade: B (Had to SU this module in the end!) 

The only phrase I remember from this module: "힘들어도 괜찮아."

AY 20/21 Sem 2 (LSM 4229: Therapeutic and Diagnostic Agents from Animal Toxins)

 

LSM 4229: Therapeutic & Diagnostic Agents from Animal Toxins 💉🔬🐍

Lecturers: Prof Kini RM

Workload: One of the better few LSM 4K already (content was lighter but more assignments!)

Assessments: Term Paper 1 - 500 words essay (10%) | CA1 - 2 Short answer questions (20%) | Term Paper 2 - 1500 words essay (20%) | Group Presentations (20%) | Final CA three short answer (0.5-0.75 page) and one essay (2 pages) questions (30%)

Term Paper 1: 9 / 10 (Percentile not given but we assume average was 8 marks)

CA1: I scored 15 / 20 (25th-75th: 11-16) 

Term Paper 2: 12 / 20 (25th-75th: 16.25-18)

Expected Grade: B

Overall Grade: B+ (I was hoping it's at least a B+, though if not for the Term Paper 2, I was considering that I might have a chance of an A- at least T.T) 

Initially, I just needed to clear a 4K and the reviews from seniors were very mixed. There was one senior's review who said they enjoy it whereas there were others who hated it. So, I just took a leap of faith and went into the module alone. Unlike the other modules, the prof believed in the benefits of 8am physical lectures so there were no webcasts or zoom ever. I almost gave up if not for seniors notes I got from Carousell. I ended up self-studying the module. Though, I actually started liking the content and also the flexibility of the course which was awesome and unique for a university module. The interesting thing is the freedom to choose what interests us and to study only what matters to us. The prof believed in learning and improving ourselves rather than following and just study for exams. He believed a lot in us being able to be better communicators. The cool thing is the Prof is actually very friendly and I enjoyed a chat with him when I went to consult him. This module wasn't super stressful compared to the rest. I will elaborate on what is it that will get you to doing well? Or at least, you won't be lost during this module. 

These are the topics we covered (Total: 10 lectures): 

Introduction (not examinable) ⇾ Sources of Toxins (not examinable) ⇾ Ach transmission ⇾ Ion Channels ⇾ Thrombosis & Hemostasis ⇾ Blood Pressure ⇾ Toxins to therapeutics ⇾ Toxins & Chemistry ⇾ Diagnostic Agents ⇾ Future Prospects 2021

For the CA1 (tested until Toxins & Chemistry = 8 Lectures out of 10). Initially, my friends and I were like how do we memorize so much content but actually, the key is to legit study smart. The prof doesn't expect us to cover a broad range but rather be able to articulate one in-depth. So he tries to make his questions very broad to ensure everyone has an equal share in being able to give their ideas on the paper. So, he would prefer a specific and in-depth essay on a particular thing to a student who covers a lot at the surface. One thing about this module is that CAs were all closed book (8am Face to face Handwritten Examinations) + Presentations is in the Lecture Theatre in front of your batch mates, Prof, and TAs). 

The stuff they tested for CA1: 

- Describe briefly the interaction of a toxin and its target protein (receptor OR ion channel OR enzyme OR intracellular target OR cancer). [10.0 marks]

My Answer (8 marks): Ion channels are transmembrane glycoproteins with water-filled pores. They are involved in establishing an electrochemical gradient between the extracellular layer and the intracellular compartments. Ligand-gated ion channels consist of cysteine loops while voltage-gated channels have 4 transmembrane domains, transmembrane segment 4 containing a voltage senor, pore between segments 5 & 6. Ion channel can physically be blocked by chlorotoxin produced by scorpions by restriction of ion flow by binding or as a gating modifier since the ion channel can be open, closed in a resting state, or inactive to allow for gradient recovery, though the specific mechanism is yet unknown. 

*High selectivity and affinity to CL-ion channels which are particularly active in glioblastoma cells, ability to cross the Blood-brain barrier --> indicate the exact distribution of tumor cells. Radionuclide I-131 is then used to target the tumor cells. 

Comment: Specific example that's why I had marks awarded. However, couldn't get full marks (Prof rarely gives but there are students who scored full marks, though he pointed out that perhaps I shortchanged myself in that Chlorotoxin does not have a known mechanism of action so, you realized I was only stating the possibilities. If I used an example that had a well-defined and well-researched interaction of the toxin with protein (main point of the question), perhaps, I would have scored better. You will realize that to have notes that are efficient - focus on a target and then a toxin. Go onto google to really research in-depth and come up with your own answers to memorize. The lecture notes only serve as a guide or catalogue for you to choose your targets or toxins if you are lost on what to search on. Find something that has already been well-researched on! 

- Briefly comment on "Toxin to Therapeutics" with the focus on bradykinin-potentiating peptides OR disintegrins. Alternatively, you can choose to write a short note on any ONE anticoagulant OR procoagulant protein from snake venom. [10.0 marks]

My Answer (7 marks): Toxins have high selectivity, specificity, and high affinity for their target. Bradykinin-potentiating peptide produced by a Brazilian snake Bothrops Jararaca (BjBPP) which inhibits somatic Angiotensin-converting peptides (sACE) in short. bjBPP by evolution allows for target selection without bias so long as the snake kills its prey. BjBPP 9 isoforms, hydrolysis of C and N domains from Kalikrein-kinin system. BkBPP-9a forms the basis for captopril (medication for hypertension). BPP-5a and BPP-9a and BPP-10c have also introduced and their specific uses. 

Comment: The moment I brought in the use of other isoforms and elaborated on each of them briefly, I have already diluted what I wanted to present on, so in that case, there was a loss in depth. Also, this called for more research to be done since the lecture notes did not provide super-specific information on an individual isoform. Hence, it is our job to do the search and bring it down to one isoform to talk about. 

Student Presentations: We had to pick and lucky draw our group mates so, we can't choose. We were allowed to pick on another topic to do - We have to choose the target and the toxin to present on. Usually in this order of Introduction of the toxin (some gave a historical background of the research) ↠ Structure and function of the toxin ↠ Context of what it does (main topic) ↠ Mechanism of action ↠ Future prospects & limitations ↠ Conclusion. My group presented on Nemopilema Nomurai jellyfish venom for the treatment of Hepatic cellular carcinoma (Cancer).  Also, if you are new to creating slides or wanna improve on a certain template, use this: PPT Templates to provide you with the base for your google slides/PPT, it really helped in giving a more aesthetic framework and it also matches the theme. Furthermore, the Prof will not say that it is compulsory to memorize and really present so there are many who looks at the screen and read off-script. However, towards the end, he did mention how he felt that we should push ourselves and when given the chance to present, really just memorize and present and engage the audience (so, you know what to do! Eye contact and memorize your script!!!). There is also a Question & Answer whereby class participation is also recorded so be prepared for a whole tonne of questions. To really gain the most from Q&A, it is when more than one person from the team is able to answer the same question. Meaning a question given will have answers from 2 or more teammates to substantiate and bring out their opinions. This shows team synergy and that no one is really overpowering or being left out in the Q&A session. So, help yourself, help your team. You can say you "don't know" cause the Prof understands also. We also tried to google on the spot for some of the answers. 

Term Paper Topics: We had to do a lucky draw and will get two different pieces of paper with different targets printed (i.e. Cancer, Enzymes, Intracellular Targets, Receptors). SO, we then had to research on which toxin fits into the target we were assigned then we submit our choices on the FORUM (first come first serve) then can start writing. They gave a lot of leeways to choose the topics and also we were well informed of the datelines for the term paper. So, you can better plan when you wanna do it. There is turnitin also. 

NUS mods stated no exam because this "Final" is on Week 13 (I think?) like the week before reading week. 

Finals (Disclaimer: I didn't manage to record since I was tired after the exam. So, this is based on what I recall after 3 weeks! Take it with a pinch of salt, it the rough idea) 

1. Role of phospholipase A2 or the diversity of nicotinic receptors derived from snake venoms 

2. Role of venom chemistry & research

3. Focus on one target and how it can potentially be used as an alagesic. 

4. Essay: Describe one of your classmates' presentation (that is not your group's presentation)

**Note: For all questions, there were a few variations and we can choose what we want to write. I only remembered the questions for those I chose to write about, so they are not an exact representation of the final questions. 

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN NOTES: 

1. Find a toxin and its target

2. Chemistry and function: No. of amino acids, structures required

3. Mechanism of action

4. Case study 

5. The use of the toxin (potential + limitation) 

6. Conclusion (Future prospects / Evaluation) 

I will go by lecture topic: Ach transmission (I choose alpha-bungarotoxin for nACHR receptors as a research & diagnostic tool / Melittin in honey bees for colorectal cancer / w-conotoxin (MVIIA) for toxins to therapeutics chapter / Calciseptine for Toxins & Chemistry lecture on proline technology. I tried to have toxins that could overlap so that I can optimize the questions I cover while memorizing only a few toxins. I was rather last minute in creating notes and memorizing hence, I forgo the chapters: Homeostasis, blood pressure 

OVERALL: This module was legit okay despite the many assignments. The workload was actually the least intense since the tutorials were okay, I didn't take much from them. 10 lectures which are not webcasted so, there were no webcasts to watch. A rather relax module in terms of content but not the assessments. I would recommend if you are looking for a rather decent 4K that does not heavily rely on what you learn in the prerequisite module since this module is more like a stand-alone interest module on toxins. I like that you can personalize the learning to suit your interest and we had a lot of leeway in choosing what we want to study. Also, the Prof values learning, and no matter how late, he will always try to give each of us feedback on the work we do as a collective whole or for our individual reports. I felt that I really learn a lot and started to find this module rather interesting though, I am really bad at writing essays :-(

AY 20/21 Sem 2 (LSM 4221: Drug Discovery & Clinical Trials)

LSM 4221: 💊Drug Discovery & Clinical Trials 🐀🐁🐇

Source: Image

Lecturers: Dr. Le Thi Nguyet Minh, A/P Tan Chay Hoon, A/P Edward Chow, Prof. Dean Ho

Workload: One of the better few LSM 4K already :-) 

Assessments: CA1 (30% 40MCQs = 1 hour) | FE (45% 3 Essays = 1.5hr) | Tutorial (25% Class Participations + Group Presentations = 35 minutes) --> Open book assessments + Zoom for group presentations

CA1 grades: I scored 72.5% (25th-75th = 72.5% - 80%). So, I was kinda screwed T.T 

Expected Grade: B

Overall Grade: B+

SO, this module was very interesting and applicable in that they bring you from stage one of identifying a potential drug and then giving you all the steps into bringing it out in the market ( in this sense, the lectures were easy to follow and very structured since it follows a timeline). 

If you want the annotated lectures notes, research papers (ideas for group presentations), final exam essay questions compilation: Head over to my Carousell

These are the topics we covered (Total: 15 lectures): 

Introduction ⇾ Target selection & Lead identification ⇾ Lead Optimisation ⇾ Preclinical Testing ⇾ Case Studies in Drug Development ⇾ Biomarkers in clinical studies ⇾ Artificial intelligence in drug development ⇾ Application using drug discovery of oncology therapeutics ⇾ Clinical trials (Good clinical practice) ⇾ Clinical trials (Phase 1-3) ⇾ Informed consent ⇾ Ethical case study in clinical trials ⇾ Building biotech companies for new therapeutics ⇾ Post-market surveillance activities and overview ⇾ Drug regulation in Singapore ⇾ Revision Lecture 

S0, these topics were tested for the CA1 (yep!! all lectures were tested!) It was kind of interesting cause usually the modules will split like half the content for midterms then all the content tested for finals. This module was just all content for both assessments (CA1 and Finals!). Then again, it means the finals part will be more chill since you know the content already. I don't really remember or took note of the questions cause I had a clumsy accident a minute before the exam and also there was barely time to record, it was just a mad rush. But shall try to retrieve some from my memory and hopefully you get a glimpse of what they test or how in-depth they test. 

The stuff they tested for CA1: 

- Examples of non-GLP/GMP and GLP/GMP then you have to identify the correct statements so, know the differences. 

- They give you examples then you identify the potential biomarkers

- Test on your understanding of FISH (In Situ Hybridisation) only works for chromosomes but not DNA.

- Questions on AI (guest lecture) 

- Informed Consent: There was a question about who is not a suitable principal investigator: Nurse, General doctor, Specialist, Person from the review ethic board (the answer). 

- There were also some similarities or differences between targeted therapy, precision therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. (mainly the specificity, the cost, side effects, etc.) 

- Also the Profs said that the application of oncology was more of to increase our understanding but the specific examples are not tested so this topic can just skim through. 

- New trends in the biotech industry: Prof also asked about the incentive for studying orphan drugs and also the benefits/challenges for gene therapy. 

Also, the profs are really very nice, so, my friend actually asked for a consultation with Dr. Minh after we got back our tragic midterms grades and she was very patient and helped us with the questions. We can also email the other profs to ask them parts of their lectures as they are very specific to what they teach. 

Student Presentations: It was not bad, busy period and mad rush. We had to find 2 research papers which I suggest if you don't know where to look go to New England Journal of Medicine to search for a paper. There is one more website I forgot. Also, for more details of the clinical trial phases and their primary/secondary outcomes, you can visit Clinical trial info. Also, since class participation was required where we need to ask a question for each presentation to get more participation marks, so do prepare Questions and Answers when you are presenting and give each of your teammates the chance to answer also. Also, if you are new to creating slides or wanna improve on a certain template, use this: PPT Templates to provide you with the base for your google slides/PPT, it really helped in giving a more aesthetic framework and it also matches the theme. My group did it on google docs and had one friend share the screen and do the clicking for us so, thanks friend, lesser stress on our side but it requires more collaboration. So, depends on your team dynamics. Oh yah, I missed out the most important thing, we are given the chance to pick our group number (timeslot to present) and also our group mates (5 max cause COVID, tho we never ever meet). 

So, FINALS!!! I actually didn't have much time to prep for the finals cause had to balance a lot of other finals, exams, and piling webcasts with CCAs (opps!) But I took a day to watch one presentation (which I felt was interesting or at least covered alot of interesting concepts and made my own notes - I rmbered was on the Glioblastoma REGOMA Trial Phase 2 which I used for my finals though, finals just felt iffy!) and also went to compile notes from 2 other presentations which talked about the COVID drugs (very interesting, and most applicable in real life and exams!). Then, that's about it! Afterward, I just consolidated the lecture notes into more possible questions and answers so that I have my framework and it will be easier and less stressful during the exams. 

Finals we had 3 essays (but if u ever take LSM 3211: Fundamental Pharmacology, you will know its a scam). This time it wasn't that bad. There was a total of 10 mini questions to make up for the 3 essay questions. I can't exactly remember and I blame it on the stress but here goes: 

+Target identification (using fragment-based screening) - possible assay (case: protein nus which is a tyrosine kinase for plly protein) answer: phosphorylated plly protein - western blot

+ 2 experimental design/approaches for target validation -- gain and Lost function Mutations in vitro and Vivo

+ Calculated MRSD given Km of rat (6)and km human(37) and dose of rat as 15mg/kg

+ One safety pharmacology core battery in Vivo and its importance

+ Ethical case scenario of 8 subjects (2 placeboes and 6 given 10 doses) -- Kenna hospitalization but trail proceeded (15 marks to discuss ethical principles)

+ Given the news of the hospitalization of one of ur volunteer then write an email no more than 150 words to staff and participants if u were the principal investigator.

+ Given that u are a PhD student, write a type of cancer and why u wanna study it. Indicate the use of new immunotherapy and how u wanna proceed. Molecular design of your therapy

+ Steps to validate Your target in preclinical studies

+ Possible side effects and how u go about reducing it.

OVERALL: This module was legit okay or the most manageable of my entire hell semester. The workload was also one of my least despite the group presentation, I actually took the whole CNY to cram all the webcasts, then 2 days to compile notes, reading the day before CA1. Then 2 days to webcast the presentations, about 3 days to read, consolidate, and really packed my notes for the finals. So, yeah less than a week preparing for this module's examinations. Presentations took a max of 3 sessions with my friends (3-4 hours) to run through our script, clicking, question/answer, etc. Honestly, this is one of the most applicable modules for me of which I am satisfied with learning the content, though I suck at exams yeah if you have no choice but to clear a 4K, this is a module you can consider. 

AY 20/21 Semester 2 (Year 3 OVER!!) [INTRO]

 Probably, starting this 2 years behind, but better late than never in giving module reviews :-) To sum up my uni life, I basically ended up taking modules I will regret, and most often than not, I end up discouraging you from taking the module rather than encouraging it. But I will try to be objective and provide you more information about the module should you choose to take it!! 

So, as a Life Science student with Labs, I thought that giving myself a break from labs might be the best way to make this sem a chill sem but obviously, I was wrong!!! This sem was kinda hell and I don't know tough but maybe there were other factors that made it tough, IDK! 

This was my timetable for this semester: 

**SO, for NUS students (there is this website: Plan ur mods) to plan your modules in advance to see if they clash in terms of lesson slots or examinations!

Since I am starting a blog in Year 3, I will share what I did from this sem and back to Year 1 where it all began (hopefully I am patient enough to get there but yeh!) 

I will post the modules I take on separates posts (Keep a look out!): 

LSM 4221 Drug Discovery and Clinical Trials

LSM 4229 Therapeutic and Diagnostic agents from animal toxins

LAK 3202 Korean 4

CM 3301 Advanced forensic Science

PR 2202 Cosmetics & perfumes