Networking Group - JCs General

[jtoh]

zbear:

slmkhoo:

Econs at A level is still treated as a Humanities subject (more wordy, less mathematical), so I guess that's why Arts students may do better. But once they get to university level, it can get very mathematical.

This is correct but I don't understand why there is no consistency in subject content from A levels to Uni level. Isn't it very misleading for both Science and Humanities students?

Any idea why it's so mathematical at tertiary level?

Economics modules are wide-ranging. Even back in the day they had more mathematical modules like econometrics, financial economics, money and banking, as well as more descriptive modules like urban economics, developmental economics, international trade etc. University courses are always broader and deeper in range than A levels, and necessarily so. A levels covers just a taster introduction, so it's not surprising that the mathematical areas weren't covered. I don't know about now, but Statistics and Economics were frequently taken together in the past because both skills were required in the real world in economic research.

[schweppes]

jtoh:

zbear:

Any idea why it's so mathematical at tertiary level?

Economics modules are wide-ranging. Even back in the day they had more mathematical modules like econometrics, financial economics, money and banking, as well as more descriptive modules like urban economics, developmental economics, international trade etc. University courses are always broader and deeper in range than A levels, and necessarily so. A levels covers just a taster introduction, so it's not surprising that the mathematical areas weren't covered. I don't know about now, but Statistics and Economics were frequently taken together in the past because both skills were required in the real world in economic research.

Stats and Econs are still popular combi choices now. Some Econs major students supplement their social sciences degree with business mods.

[jtoh]

Boys2Men:

I see , thanks. I thought I saw somewhere in this forum ( can't remember exactly which thread though) that the the national Econs distinction rate is about 20%. Hence, I thought that the national stats should be available somewhere.
By the way, why \" Combinations like BCML and BCMH are what some call combis taken up by those who can't decide if they want to take medicine or law\"?

Yes the stats are around but it's not officially published in its entirety I don't think. It's more through school briefings or announcements. As for the combinations, people often say those who take BCM are gunning for medicine, and the humanities students are gunning for law. And having lit and history in a BCM combi are therefore those who can't decide between medicine and law. These comments are often passed half in jest so...

[Song22]

schweppes:

Economics modules are wide-ranging. Even back in the day they had more mathematical modules like econometrics, financial economics, money and banking, as well as more descriptive modules like urban economics, developmental economics, international trade etc. University courses are always broader and deeper in range than A levels, and necessarily so. A levels covers just a taster introduction, so it's not surprising that the mathematical areas weren't covered. I don't know about now, but Statistics and Economics were frequently taken together in the past because both skills were required in the real world in economic research.

Stats and Econs are still popular combi choices now. Some Econs major students supplement their social sciences degree with business mods.[/quote]

Saw an interesting course in NTU, Mathematics and Economics, these 2 subjects are great complement too I believe?

[schweppes]

Song22:

schweppes:

Stats and Econs are still popular combi choices now. Some Econs major students supplement their social sciences degree with business mods.

Saw an interesting course in NTU, Mathematics and Economics, these 2 subjects are great complement too I believe?

Yes, they do complement each other. In fact, there's quite a bit of options & pathways for undergrads to choose from now.

For example, apart from a degree in Maths, NUS also offers a major in Data Science & Analytics, and students can complement with business/social sciences mods (either as a second major, minor or electives)

[gjooheng]

Boys2Men:

Juz Mum:

Are they any national statistics on how studentsfare in the Humanities subject in the A levels? Among Eng Lit, History and Econs, which is the better performing subject? Which subject is easier to study/score?

https://s14.postimg.org/fb0pl5py9/2015_ajc_alevel_results.jpg\">

[anxious.01501dad]

Hi gjooheng, Thanks for sharing the slide.

[sharonkhoo]

zbear:

slmkhoo:

Econs at A level is still treated as a Humanities subject (more wordy, less mathematical), so I guess that's why Arts students may do better. But once they get to university level, it can get very mathematical.

This is correct but I don't understand why there is no consistency in subject content from A levels to Uni level. Isn't it very misleading for both Science and Humanities students?

Any idea why it's so mathematical at tertiary level?

It's historical. In the early days, Econs was more descriptive, and at the beginning stages even now, students start off by having understand the basic theories and don't need the Maths. But to really study macroeconomics with its many variables, econometric modelling is necessary, and now the computing power to do it is more available. So once students get beyond the basics, they will need to be able to handle the Maths. The less-Math equivalent will probably be sociology (which has a fair overlap with economics, but is more descriptive).

[superksmum]

I need some advice on the subject combination for my girl and would appreciate some advises from experience parents. I understand that it is not necessary to study Biology if my girl decide to study medicine eventually. However, is it advisable to study Biology if she is looking at overseas university as she is worried that the Biology will be a heavy content subject even thought she is interested in it. Will she be at a disadvantage if she will to choose Physics? Is it true that Biology students will have advantage as compare to Physics students when the Panel decide who to select for the medicine course?


Currently, she is indecisive of which subject to choose (BCME vs PCME). She would also love to study HELM combination, but she has not studied Literature and History in Secondary. Should I encourage her as I am worried that she will not be able to catch up with those students who have studied in Secondary?

She has mentioned several times that she would like to study Political Science or Econmics in university but she is also open to other courses (which she has yet to decide).

Thank you in advance.

[mikyway]

Hi

I don’t know the selection criteria but I do know someone who did PCME is selected for medicine in local U