I have to forehand warn you that I absolutely do not know how to shorten this post because there is too much of coolness and awesomeness in UM Pure&Applied Geology (Y)
I will divert this into only Applied Geology (but Pure Geology is about the same, so go figure) in University of Malaya.
A Bachelor in Science (BSc.); Applied Geology or also known as a Degree in Applied Geology is a 7 semesters course under the Faculty of Science. Basically, Geology is study of the Earth (internal and external), its processes, its materials, its history, and its effect on humans and life in general. Or it is also known as Earth Science. And yes, most of us will end up working in the Oil & Gas industry. Sounds rewarding? Yes it is ;)
First semester is basically an introduction semester. Introduction to Geology as we Malaysians do not study the basics of it in lower education. And yes, Geology is so much different from Geography and you do not need to love Geography to do Geology. Geology is a mixture of all the basic Sciences; Chemistry, Biology and also Physics! :) So, I'm gonna explain briefly on each of the subjects. Although they have the name as 'Introduction', believe me, it ain't easy maaaaaaan. But fret not, keep calm and read below ;) In the first semester, I took 7 subjects:
- Introduction to Earth
Personally, I find this as the easiest subject in 1st semester. (Yeah, go figure, I scored a solid A for it) But don't get tricked by the name, it's pretty hard because you have to write handful of essays; namely about 5 pages. I took the effort to write almost 8 pages to outshine others in order to score an A. So, folks, it ain't easy ;)
- Earth Processes
This interrelates with the above subject, but a little harder. It is also related to Geological Structure & Mapping.
- Introduction to Minerals, Rocks & Fossils
Oh God, where do I start. This is one of the hardest subject for the 1st semester. You basically have to memorize (or we usually say it as 'eat em') 100+ of minerals including the properties, 100+ rocks (the hardest among the 3) and also 100+ fossils (which you can seriously die). Classes could be boring at times because you have to adapt the environment and new things. But, if you rajin melawat lab everyday during the study week, InsyaAllah atleast a B is in hand ;)
Minerals!
Mineralogy Lab!
- Geological Structure & Mapping
Hi, this is going to be your nightmare forever. Killer subject for the first semester. You will have to face a lot of practicals and maps; American huge maps! And you will learn a lot of new stuffs like finding for the faults, joints and also drainage structures. Boring. And hard. And tiring. And just hard. The best part of this subject is, it will lead you to your very first Geological Fieldwork! :D
First Geological Fieldwork!
- Introduction to Science & Technology (S&T)
This is the most boring subject on Earth (and I still do not know why it even has freaking tutorials). It is like Shakespears' Literature with a touch of Science and Technology! A lot of philosophies and histories and they're all in such complex English!! :/ To worsen the situation, we had to answer essays for it. Tahniah.
Lecture Hall in Faculty of Science for S&T
- Asas Pembudayaan Keusahawanan (Intro to Entrepreneurship Skills)
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the most fun subject that you will encounter :D Theory Lecture is boring but you get a chance to do a major project/assignment; a company for the Entrepreneurship Carnival! This is when you will start to bond a lil tighter among your coursemates ;) But the Bajet Perniagaan will be a hell for 1st sem tho hihii.
- Professional Writing in English
There's another 2 options for English; Academic Skills and also Effective Presentation Skills in English. I took this during the 1st semester because I love writing, hence explains my long draggy posts. And I took Effective Presentation Skills in English during my 2nd semester. Scored solid A's for both! ;) Btw, if you're staying in those 3rd, 4th, 7th or 9th College area, I suggest you pick English classes at Faculty of Languages and Linguistics (FBL or SAC) because it's the nearest! ;)
English Class with Foreign Students from Korea! :)
Geology Department Carpark!
Basically, that's all for the first semester. You ca always refer to any one of us seniors if you have any doubts :) Btw, it is not impossible to score above 3.5 in UM. It isn't, believe me :D
First semester just brings back a lot of memories. Just a lot; ups and downs. Smiles and frowns. Laughters and arguments. Perhaps, the best semester. Can't wait for my new 1st semester for the 2nd year! ;) Hope it kicks asses like my 1st year does :p
Loves, xx
Listening to: Helicopter by Bloc Party
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