NUS Computing (Information Systems) Sem 1

[mgx-alander]

So now you have to choose the programme first? In the past, it was all under computing degree, didn't even have to choose which department's programme.

ya my batch onwards when applying already must choose department and major

 

[napsterz]

ya my batch onwards when applying already must choose department and major

Wow! Draw line so fast CS and IS!

 

[Buaya_Hunter]

Actually, can tell that not much really sought after... Depending on the jobs, they pretty much see all the majors as the same, beside domain specific stuffs (like if u want to do embedded systems, of course they would prefer cs/com eng ppl)

Anyway, EC students can also take IS modules or even CS modules if they song, so actually there is not much difference between the two subcourses (of course, beside the graduating requirements...)

 

[Buaya_Hunter]

Wow! Draw line so fast CS and IS!

Personally, I feel that CS and IS should one day be seperated and be re-establish as different schools.

 

[mata_hippo]

the IS department need to work on their modules, so few to choose from... many ppl end up taking all the same modules...

 

[napsterz]

the IS department need to work on their modules, so few to choose from... many ppl end up taking all the same modules...

All showhand from round 1

 

[Buaya_Hunter]

the IS department need to work on their modules, so few to choose from... many ppl end up taking all the same modules...

Well, what you mention is quite true. But things are getting better , compared to lao jiao and even my time. My lao jiao time (can ask davis), really not much modules to take (especially lvl 4k)

Also, I always see ppl hiam certain modules... Seriously, for every 2-3 3k/4k elective modules that is going for 2000+ cors pts, I can seriously find 1 that is going for 1 cors pts.

But I can understand that if chiu going for ssme specialization, then ur choice is really limited.

 

[mata_hippo]

Well, what you mention is quite true. But things are getting better , compared to lao jiao and even my time. My lao jiao time (can ask davis), really not much modules to take (especially lvl 4k)

Also, I always see ppl hiam certain modules... Seriously, for every 2-3 3k/4k elective modules that is going for 2000+ cors pts, I can seriously find 1 that is going for 1 cors pts.

But I can understand that if chiu going for ssme specialization, then ur choice is really limited.

both the ssme n security specialization choices also limited, though i never rly bother about either of them...

modules alrdy so limited, still got semester limitation... smlj... dun like also have to take... elective become like core module... no choice at all...

 

[xClementx]

EC major does not require MA1301 anymore (since this current AY). u could say EC is free of maths even though there's still lv 1 stats

 

[lvestige]

Depends on what your career goals is...

IS is in the sense precieved to be more prestigous (in term of reputation, course intensity, etc) but I can safely saw that anything IS is considered second class in SOC (After all, CS students/staffs are still the majority)

At the risk of generalizing things (we all know that generalization is always some % not accurate), the IS course prepare as custodian/brick layers/fieldworkers of IS/IT functions.

At the lower spectrum of such career (up to project manager), what you do depends on whether you want to go the technical or consultant route (There is a third emerging route, data analyst, but i profess not to know much about this route and it would requires you to have solid quantitative skills, maybe something at the level of what we expect of a maths major)

For the technical route, yes, you either be the custodian of IT system or the developers (where the majority who chose to strike it out in IT goes).

For the consultant route, mostly likely you will act as a presales/post sales field professorional of ur wares and act as a middle man between the customers and ur company (Of course, there are more layers in more complex projects, but i am just simplifying things for the sake of explanation)

Oh yah, there is also this hidden route known as compliance (I know is more of an accounting/auditing thing, but there is also compliance in IS system). There is many ways to go into this, but chances are if you don't get into Big4 or uniformed services, very hard to break into it. One of the forum member here, dskw, is currently in this job position and maybe he can advise you better.

As you progress, your paths might diverge. You could go becoming a technical specialist (e.g a system architect involved in the decision behind technical details), or be a manager overseeing the IS functions of the organization (E.g maybe a director overseeing a few projects with a few project manager reporting to you) or roping in as a staff in charge of strategy in the CTO office, etc.

Thanks Buaya_Hunter for such a detailed reply! Appreciate your help. So far I have not really thought about what my career goals are because I know nothing about the IT discipline. I'm kinda switching paths from accounting to IT should I accept the offer.

for the compliance route, its the information system IT audit route... Prof Keong pretty much gave an overview in his IS3230 class (u will need to take the Infosec route of Information system to learn more about it)

I have learnt something about IT compliance during my auditing class but it is from the point of view of an auditor. Does that mean that we support the auditors in carrying out the testing and checking?

 

[lvestige]

So now you have to choose the programme first? In the past, it was all under computing degree, didn't even have to choose which department's programme.

Yea, we have to rank whether we want computing (comp science courses) or computing (IS courses).

 

[lvestige]

IS is of course more sought after in the IT sector, compared to EC. Just that they have to take more math modules: basic -> discrete -> calculus -> statistics. EC only takes 1 basic and no more.

Business wise, there're econs, accounting, etc.

For IS, there are modules that require you to approach industry companies and help them with audit checks, risk assessment, propose a project using social media or whatever technologies, etc.

It's more like the poly style. Basically if you studied IT in poly, most of IS modules you have already covered, other than the audit / risk assessment or maybe econs.

The only main bulk of programming is IS3102 that resembles that of poly FYP. Nothing much to worry about too. It's quite simple, just tedious. The technologies are pretty straightforward using APIs. Depending on how you and your team of 6-7 people distribute roles, you can choose to be hard coder or just report writer + some simple code write up.

Hi napsterz, so we actually learn accounting and econs in IS as well? I did not study IT in poly, but I have learnt about audit/risk assessment in poly.

 

[mata_hippo]

I have learnt something about IT compliance during my auditing class but it is from the point of view of an auditor. Does that mean that we support the auditors in carrying out the testing and checking?

there r IT auditors and compliance/risk management ppl...

u do not support anyone carrying out the tasks, u either belong to 1 of them or do both...

 

[mgx-alander]

Hi napsterz, so we actually learn accounting and econs in IS as well? I did not study IT in poly, but I have learnt about audit/risk assessment in poly.

yes u do have to take certains amount of modules in business to fulfill requirements

 

[napsterz]

Hi napsterz, so we actually learn accounting and econs in IS as well? I did not study IT in poly, but I have learnt about audit/risk assessment in poly.

Yes, you'll have to take 1 accounting module. For new batch, econs is not required any more.

Depending on your choice of modules and specialization, you may or may not encounter IT audit/ risk assessment. Those are programme electives. If you do, you'll work with a group of your module mates to evaluate an industry company I think.

Coming from an accounting background, I think the more challenging parts will be those common modules for your year 1 or at most up to year 2 ba.

PS: Just found out OS is now programme elective for IS Good for you. No more C programming

If I have a choice again, I confirm take IS now

 

[deathman91]

Hi guys, I understand that those without A level math will have to undergo the MA1301 test which is held before actual school term. If I fail the test, I will have to take MA1301 module right? Would the grade be computed into CAP?

Such shiets just because of 2 modules that has prerequisite of it!

 

[napsterz]

Hi guys, I understand that those without A level math will have to undergo the MA1301 test which is held before actual school term. If I fail the test, I will have to take MA1301 module right? Would the grade be computed into CAP?

Such shiets just because of 2 modules that has prerequisite of it!

Yes. You'll take the module and it's computed towards CAP.

 

[napsterz]

My advice: Take it. It's a useful module for you to refresh your math foundation. You'll need it for other math related modules.

 

[deathman91]

My advice: Take it. It's a useful module for you to refresh your math foundation. You'll need it for other math related modules.

Ok thanks. Another question.

The list of modules stated here are the compulsory modules to take in order to full-fill the degree requirement?

I believe there are other modules offered out there for us to bid? Can I also exceed the required 20 MCs for UEs, provided I have enough bidding points for it?

 

[napsterz]

Ok thanks. Another question.

The list of modules stated here are the compulsory modules to take in order to full-fill the degree requirement?

I believe there are other modules offered out there for us to bid?

Those core modules are compulsory modules. For programme electives, you can choose 7 as stated (3 must be level 4000)

The other modules you can choose to bid and study are UE and GEM.

GEM: 1 SS module and 1 Breadth if you're from poly and if they didn't change the requirements.

Anyway, I thought you were the guy who wanted to switch from IT to social science?