GE6770 Graduate Research Seminar
GE5660 Independent Study Module
LAB1201 Bahasa Indonesia 1 (S/U)
ST1131 Statistics (Audit)
On the research front:
- Singapore demand side study
- Recce in Pekanbaru, Indonesia
- environmental concepts lit review (ISM)
On the paperwork front:
- IRB
- Research grant ($3000)
On the conference front:
- Apply for SEAGA
- Apply for conference grant
On the publishing front:
- HT
On the teaching front:
- no updates yet
On the stress front:
- dead
I look at the list and I become seized by fear. Paralyzed. I don't dare to move forward, don't know where to begin. It's not that I am procrastinating but I set myself up for this perfectionist syndrome.
The wise thing to do right now would be to choose just one of those and work on that. I've tried picking IRB as my first on the list but I'm thinking that's the wrong thing to do because it involves rewriting my research proposal which is scaring me stiff right now. Everything is tied up with one another. Fuck! I don't know what to do. I'm so scared. Omg I am just overwhelming myself. Why do I do that?! Ok I am going to try something easier... *blank*
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Exam Results
MASTER OF SOCIAL SCIENCES 2007/2008 SEMESTER 1
DE5106 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT A
GE5217 RESEARCH METHODS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES B
Well the christmas cheer (and gloom) continues. I'm not surprised I got an A for the environmental management class but I'm really disappointed that I got a B for the research methods module.
Mainly because this reflected very poorly on my research proposal and now I'm really worried. Crap!
DE5106 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT A
GE5217 RESEARCH METHODS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES B
Well the christmas cheer (and gloom) continues. I'm not surprised I got an A for the environmental management class but I'm really disappointed that I got a B for the research methods module.
Mainly because this reflected very poorly on my research proposal and now I'm really worried. Crap!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Modules for Sem 2 AY07/08
It's the time of the year again to decide on my modules for next semester.
It is my belief that we should always exploit the university's resources as much as possible. Which means I need to learn as much as I can with the amount of school fees I pay. Well in this case, it's "free" but I'm in the system and I should take advantage of all available resources.
Originally I was planning on taking just 2 easy modules.
1. ISM - Independent Study Module and focus on doing my singapore research or is literature review a safer bet?
2. GRS - Graduate Research Seminar which is compulsory
Now I am informed that I can take language modules on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. And also there are other modules in MEM and LKYSPP that are enticing me. There are also statistics modules that I really need to learn from.
What should I do? Should I give up on the ISM? Or should I try to audit everything?
The temptation includes:
1. Bahasa Indonesia (Very important)
2. Environmental Science by Prof Chou (methods in the field... maybe)
The module discusses earth's environmental dimensions of air, water and land, and the interaction between living and non-living components. Earth is considered as a system through which materials are continuously cycled. Impacts caused by natural or human influences affect the state of balance, leading to environmental problems, with human impacts causing more serious consequences to the environment and human society. The module covers the properties of air, water and land, ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem integrity and environmental capacity, pollution pathways and impacts, conservation science, integrated management approaches. The scientific basis of environmental management is stressed.
After reading the description, this module is out of the question
3. Business and the Environment by a visiting Yale professor (Prof thinks I should go to get connection for Yale)
There is such an heavy emphasis on industrial ecology. I'm really not sure
Potential Methods Modules:
1. PL5222 MULTIVARIATE STATISTICS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Mon, 18.00 - 21.00, AS1/02-03
This module introduces students to the use of multivariate methods for the analysis of psychological data. Included among the methods to be covered may be canonical correlation, discriminant function analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling. Emphasis will be placed on the development of skills for multivariate data analysis through hands-on analysis and interpretation of datasets.
2. SC5101 SURVEY MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH METHODS
Tue, 18.30 - 21.30, AS1/02-12
This module is designed for survey administrators, executives directed to oversee a research project for their organizations, and research students who will use survey data. The focus of the module is not on technical details; rather, it aims to equip participants with the insights, skills and knowledge necessary to manage a large survey project in applied and basic research settings. Some of the major conceptual and methodological issues to be addressed include the role of survey research in organizational development and policy formulation, the politics of applied research, press releases, and crisis media management.
3. SC5103 QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
Wed, 18.30 - 21.30, AS1/02-12
Increasingly, more qualitative research work is being under-taken in its own right rather than as preliminary research for subsequent quantitative surveys. This explains the broadening of the range of qualitative research techniques. In addition to dealing with traditional fieldwork and participant observation methods, the module will examine a number of qualitative approaches. These include techniques of analyzing data generated by laypersons (as in life-documents: diaries, journals, travelogues), communications materials, material artifacts, and visual information. This course is open to postgraduate students with an interest in qualitative research methods.
All the stats module does not sound like what I need. How?!
I looked into undergraduate statistics modules and hopefully they would allow me to audit the class:
1) ST1232 Statistics for Life Sciences
An introduction to the basic principles and methods of biostatistics designed specifically for life sciences students who wish to learn modern research methods for analysing and extracting information from biological, biomedical and genomic data. Relevant examples will be used throughout the course to illustrate various techniques. A computer package will be used to enhance learning and to enable students to analyze real life data sets. Topics include tabular and graphical display of data, probability, probability distributions, sampling distributions, confidence intervals and regression analysis, distribution free tests, categorical data analysis, logistic and Poisson distribution, introduction to Bayesian inference. This module is essential to students of the Life Sciences.
2) ST1131 Introduction to Statistics
This module introduces students to the basic concepts and the methods of statistics. A computer package is used to enhance the effect of learning and to enable students to analyse complicated data. Topics include descriptive statistics, basic concepts of probability, sampling distribution, statistical estimation, hypothesis testing, linear regression. This module is targeted at students interested in Statistics and are able to meet the pre-requisite. It is also an essential module for students in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and School of Design and Environment. Precludes students from Department of Mechanical Engineering.
I think I will have my hands full doing ISM, GRS, Bahasa Indonesia and auditing a stats module (hopefully I get to audit).
It is my belief that we should always exploit the university's resources as much as possible. Which means I need to learn as much as I can with the amount of school fees I pay. Well in this case, it's "free" but I'm in the system and I should take advantage of all available resources.
Originally I was planning on taking just 2 easy modules.
1. ISM - Independent Study Module and focus on doing my singapore research or is literature review a safer bet?
2. GRS - Graduate Research Seminar which is compulsory
Now I am informed that I can take language modules on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. And also there are other modules in MEM and LKYSPP that are enticing me. There are also statistics modules that I really need to learn from.
What should I do? Should I give up on the ISM? Or should I try to audit everything?
The temptation includes:
1. Bahasa Indonesia (Very important)
2. Environmental Science by Prof Chou (methods in the field... maybe)
The module discusses earth's environmental dimensions of air, water and land, and the interaction between living and non-living components. Earth is considered as a system through which materials are continuously cycled. Impacts caused by natural or human influences affect the state of balance, leading to environmental problems, with human impacts causing more serious consequences to the environment and human society. The module covers the properties of air, water and land, ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem integrity and environmental capacity, pollution pathways and impacts, conservation science, integrated management approaches. The scientific basis of environmental management is stressed.
After reading the description, this module is out of the question
3. Business and the Environment by a visiting Yale professor (Prof thinks I should go to get connection for Yale)
There is such an heavy emphasis on industrial ecology. I'm really not sure
Potential Methods Modules:
1. PL5222 MULTIVARIATE STATISTICS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Mon, 18.00 - 21.00, AS1/02-03
This module introduces students to the use of multivariate methods for the analysis of psychological data. Included among the methods to be covered may be canonical correlation, discriminant function analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling. Emphasis will be placed on the development of skills for multivariate data analysis through hands-on analysis and interpretation of datasets.
2. SC5101 SURVEY MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH METHODS
Tue, 18.30 - 21.30, AS1/02-12
This module is designed for survey administrators, executives directed to oversee a research project for their organizations, and research students who will use survey data. The focus of the module is not on technical details; rather, it aims to equip participants with the insights, skills and knowledge necessary to manage a large survey project in applied and basic research settings. Some of the major conceptual and methodological issues to be addressed include the role of survey research in organizational development and policy formulation, the politics of applied research, press releases, and crisis media management.
3. SC5103 QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
Wed, 18.30 - 21.30, AS1/02-12
Increasingly, more qualitative research work is being under-taken in its own right rather than as preliminary research for subsequent quantitative surveys. This explains the broadening of the range of qualitative research techniques. In addition to dealing with traditional fieldwork and participant observation methods, the module will examine a number of qualitative approaches. These include techniques of analyzing data generated by laypersons (as in life-documents: diaries, journals, travelogues), communications materials, material artifacts, and visual information. This course is open to postgraduate students with an interest in qualitative research methods.
All the stats module does not sound like what I need. How?!
I looked into undergraduate statistics modules and hopefully they would allow me to audit the class:
1) ST1232 Statistics for Life Sciences
An introduction to the basic principles and methods of biostatistics designed specifically for life sciences students who wish to learn modern research methods for analysing and extracting information from biological, biomedical and genomic data. Relevant examples will be used throughout the course to illustrate various techniques. A computer package will be used to enhance learning and to enable students to analyze real life data sets. Topics include tabular and graphical display of data, probability, probability distributions, sampling distributions, confidence intervals and regression analysis, distribution free tests, categorical data analysis, logistic and Poisson distribution, introduction to Bayesian inference. This module is essential to students of the Life Sciences.
2) ST1131 Introduction to Statistics
This module introduces students to the basic concepts and the methods of statistics. A computer package is used to enhance the effect of learning and to enable students to analyse complicated data. Topics include descriptive statistics, basic concepts of probability, sampling distribution, statistical estimation, hypothesis testing, linear regression. This module is targeted at students interested in Statistics and are able to meet the pre-requisite. It is also an essential module for students in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and School of Design and Environment. Precludes students from Department of Mechanical Engineering.
I think I will have my hands full doing ISM, GRS, Bahasa Indonesia and auditing a stats module (hopefully I get to audit).
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Singapore's Food Vulnerability
A lot of food vulnerability news circulating the media recently. Does this make my research topical or one step behind?
I'm also worried people will be more weary of me because of all the attention on them recently.
I'm also worried people will be more weary of me because of all the attention on them recently.
"Besides diversifying, the AVA boosts food stocks by selling Singapore as a food trading hub. This has attractive 'spin-offs', says AVA spokesman Goh Shih Yong, since it brings in more food.More Singapore Food News on WildSingapore News
The nation also transfers farm technology to pull in food supplies. It is this idea of non-agricultural Singapore showing farmers how to farm better that is a delicious irony - plus economically and politically logical, as it turns out." - "Our chicken comes from Brazil?", Straits Times, 24 Nov 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Singapore Environment Literature
Reference List from a 1999 article
Kog, Yue-Choong.
Environmental management and conflict in Southeast Asia : land reclamation and its political impact / Kog Yue-Choong.
Singapore : Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, 2006.
UA10 Iwp 101 2006
APCEL Report : Singapore
Evaluating Environmental Issues in the U.S.-Singapore FTA
Singapore National Implementation of Agenda 21
Environmental Concerns and Diet in Singapore
Burger J.1; Fleischer J.1; Jeitner C.1; Gochfeld M.2
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A, Volume 66, Number 15, January 2003 , pp. 1405-1420(16)
Taylor and Francis Ltd
Singapore Social Watch
IMF Singapore: Selected Issues [pdf]
Kog, Yue-Choong.
Environmental management and conflict in Southeast Asia : land reclamation and its political impact / Kog Yue-Choong.
Singapore : Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, 2006.
UA10 Iwp 101 2006
APCEL Report : Singapore
Evaluating Environmental Issues in the U.S.-Singapore FTA
Singapore National Implementation of Agenda 21
Environmental Concerns and Diet in Singapore
Burger J.1; Fleischer J.1; Jeitner C.1; Gochfeld M.2
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A, Volume 66, Number 15, January 2003 , pp. 1405-1420(16)
Taylor and Francis Ltd
Singapore Social Watch
IMF Singapore: Selected Issues [pdf]
Sunday, November 18, 2007
How the other half lives
In the US, people will buy in bulk because it's cheaper. Pre-packaged salad mixes are increasingly popular for busy working urbanites. Do these increasing trends have an impact on the environment?
There is an increased disparity between the middle class and the working class. This article sums it up very nicely.
There is an increased disparity between the middle class and the working class. This article sums it up very nicely.
"Often, [my mother] berates me for buying more expensive, pre-packaged, economy-size foodstuff, knowing full well that I would have to dispose of them because I couldn't finish them before their use-by date.
So it's the wet market that the price-conscious shoppers go to. Not just because they can poke a fish and lift its gills to note its freshness, but also because they can buy stuff in small quantities - measured by the handful; break off that piece of ginger, pick a few stalks of chye sim - and pay for the exact amount."
- ST 18 Nov 2007 "What's more important than rising food costs?" by Bertha Henson
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Research Proposal 2.0
15 pages and 5200 words later, I finally finished my research proposal.
It can be downloaded here:
"Feeding Singapore Consumers:
Environmental Implications of Food Choices and Policies"
Research Proposal Report [PDF: 1.1MB]
Updates:
Some thoughts. I've hardly submitted and I already see problems in the proposal. Methodology must change. Instead of stratified thematic surveying, I should do 50-100 farms that export to Singapore regardless of method, but group according to vegetables. Or just focus on 2 types of agricultural methods. Or focus on total land size. Must think of ways to cut down my scope.
It can be downloaded here:
"Feeding Singapore Consumers:
Environmental Implications of Food Choices and Policies"
Research Proposal Report [PDF: 1.1MB]
Updates:
Some thoughts. I've hardly submitted and I already see problems in the proposal. Methodology must change. Instead of stratified thematic surveying, I should do 50-100 farms that export to Singapore regardless of method, but group according to vegetables. Or just focus on 2 types of agricultural methods. Or focus on total land size. Must think of ways to cut down my scope.
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