Module review for SPH2106: Health in Later Years

Taken AY2015/2016 Semester 1

SPH2106: Health in Later Years

Description:
This module is a very good introduction into the biology of aging in the human body and the needs of the elderly that arise because of it. It is really interesting, but can be off-putting for those without background in biology or psychology. I previously took PL1101E, so the material regarding The Aging Brain, overlaps with some of the material covered in this module. The module is conducted in a seminar style, with three hour lessons per week. There were three different lecturers that covered different parts of the syllabus, with different perspectives of aging based on the area of healthcare in which they are working in. Dr. Gerald Koh provides the medical knowledge regarding the biology of aging, while Dr. Fong taught more of the terminology looking at the population data of aging, while Dr. Lydia Seong provided perspective on the social effects and aspects of aging. Webcasts were made available for the module.

Assessment:
The one thing I did not like about this module was the project work. As there were three lecturers, all three designed separate project assignments, which the groups were then assigned. My group therefore got Dr. Koh’s project assignment, which was much heavier in content and breadth than that of the other assignments. Although I believe the unfairness in grading was ultimately corrected for, my group still had to put in a lot of extra effort into understanding and completing the project. Furthermore, Dr. Koh, as a practicing doctor, was the busiest of the three lecturers, and it was really difficult to arrange consultations with him. I have raised this issue through the school’s module review, so hopefully the problem will be resolved in the subsequent teaching of this module. This is especially since this module is actually really educational and helpful for those who intend to work in the healthcare sector.

In general, the examinations were very manageable, but memorization work is needed in order to do well.

Mid-term test: 15%
Class presentations and write-up: 35%
Final Exam: 50%


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