[NUS Module Review] CM4269: Green Chemistry

 

(INTRODUCTION)

The thing about doing environmental chemistry and I'm sure other people will agree with me on this, is that there's actually a lesson to take home at the end of it. Again, as the name suggests, Green Chemistry sounds pretty simple. But wow, did I learn a lot from it.

(LECTURERS)

Professor Jason Yeo is the lecturer for this module. This was the first time I was taking his class and in fact, the first time hearing about him prior to taking this module. I received nothing but positive reviews about him and it makes me wonder what kind of a professor he is. And true enough, I felt like he was certainly unlike other professors.

I would say that he carries a rather jovial persona and truly tries to resonate himself with the class, something that is lacking in teaching these days. It is no wonder students enjoy his lessons, because he makes an effort to reach out to students and understand their plights whenever they have any. His lectures would make you feel like you're going through a story in the world of Green Chemistry. Of course, it would be easier to make it seem like a story when you're dealing with this module rather than other more technical modules. However, the effort taken to really deliver such content with extreme care and precision makes me really glad I took this module. He would be that kind of lecturer that would make sure that regardless of your grades, you will be able to take back a thing or two from his lectures and apply it in real life. 

(EXPANSION OF TOPICS COVERED)

The topics covered include:

• 12 Principles of Green Chemistry (Eg. Atom Economy, E-Factor, Energy Efficiency, Catalysis)
• Managing Waste
• Catalysis
• Reducing Heat in Reactions
• Biomass and Biofuels
• Alternative Sources of Electricity (Eg. Hydrothermal, Geothermal, Wind, Solar), Hydrogen Economy and Carbon Dioxide as Fuels

The contents here may seem a little underwhelming as compared to what was taught in CM3261 or CM4282, however, the knowledge one can obtain from just studying one chapter is immense. For instance, we are able to learn more about how microwave radiation can be used as alternating forms of heat for reactions. And using these knowledge, we can see the science behind microwave radiation; like how and why things get heated up in the microwave. Okay, this might be like "duh" to some of you, but it's such knowledge that made me interested in the module. 

(PASSING THE ASSESSMENT)

The grading for the assessments in this module are as follows:

• Assignment - 15%
• Test - 30%
• Report - 30%
• Presentation - 25%

Apparently, the assignment for this module is given a full credit to anyone who completes it by themselves. So not to worry about it. The report and presentation provided an insane weightage and I'm not sure how Prof Yeo would mark it, but if everyone is gonna get a similar grade for it then it all comes down to the test. The test is an open ended test where you simply use your own imagination and creativity (according to Prof Yeo) to answer the questions. So memorising the theory will essentially not be of much help. There will also be calculation questions (I hate those lol). 

(SCHEDULE)

Similar to all Chemistry modules, there will be two two-hour lectures per week. Prof Yeo does not have a fixed timing of ending his lectures. Sometimes it could be 1h 15 mins and others could be 1h 45mins. However, he gives substantial break time halfway through the lesson, so you would feel recharged before the next half of the lesson begins. There will also be a one-hour tutorial per week, whereby groups of students will prepare and present questions that they were assigned to. From what I recalled, there were a total of 4 - 5 tutorials that carried out such process, before the tutorial slots were converted to complete student's presentations. 

(EXPERIENCE AND FINAL GRADING)

So I did mention earlier that I didn't hear anything prior to Prof Yeo before taking this module. But apparently, other people did say that he was good, not sure from where. Maybe I have been living under a rock for most of my life lol. But anyways, from the get go, I could easily see why there were many positive reviews of him. I think he has to be the most caring Chemistry lecturer ever. While most Chemistry lecturers always seem like they're there just to do their job, Prof Yeo seem to actually show some care towards students' welfare, such as how stressed we are, the difficulties we are facing with other modules, etc. 

The lesson progression started off pretty slowly when Prof Yeo was discussing the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry. This was mainly because that topic was very much the core of the entire module. Things eventually started to pick up speed after that chapter, but regardless, it was still at a manageable speed. Prof Yeo's lectures were very chill, often moving at a reasonable pace. During his lessons, he would sometimes move off track and talk about his own life as a student, which was pretty amusing. He was always generous when it came to break time, often giving 10 minute breaks or more when he often said he would give 5. During breaks, he would entertain students with some interesting videos to help students relax and chill.

Since it's the COVID-19 season, all the presentations were conducted online. These presentations were based on the reports that your group would be doing. Prof Yeo would always encourage creativity when presenting, which I agree because who would wanna listen to over 16 groups present the same exact way right? As mentioned earlier, everyone was given full credit for the assignment as long as we completed it by the due date and of course, by ourselves. Although I'm not sure this would continue to apply in the future years, but it certainly did take a lot of pressure off our shoulders. As for the test, well I can't say that it was extremely easy, but I would say that it was doable. There will questions involving some calculations though, so beware.

(CONCLUSION AND TIPS)

I think this module is generally a very popular module that is taken by people who are interested in clean energy or the environment in general or because the module title seems less daunting than the others. Nonetheless, you are likely to face a batch of fierce competition. So ideally, it is highly recommended by me that you take this only if you have  a strong interest in it.

Otherwise, be ready for the rigor of this content-packed module. Study the contents often and make your own simplified notes for this. It will definitely help in the studying process. Knowing Dr Foo, he will like to set questions involving weird content found in the corners of your notes. So study everything and leave nothing out even if he tells you that a certain part isn't important, because usually it is.

Ratings out of 5⭐:

• Should you take this module - Take this module if you are interested in clean energy and the environment, If not, let other people who are more interested in energy to take this module due to its usual over-subscription. Do also note that this module requires lots of effort and NOT a "free pass" module despite its name
• Degree of Difficulty - ⭐⭐
• Effort Required - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Timetable Impact - ⭐⭐⭐

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