Lent term

It became a bit easier to manage my work during Lent term probably because the loathsome PhD application was completed and maybe I got used to the people and environment. Since the deadline for the literature review got put off from 14th January to 18th February, I got to have a few more days for the literature review. I have to admit that this coursework was the hardest one during the MPhil programme, and the time given was absolutely insufficient. I was aiming at referencing over 50 literatures in the technology and science field which I was not well up in. I personally think one of the best yardsticks to measure the ability of a person as a graduate student might be writing a good literature review. It requires an insight into the scientific field, organizing skill and good writing skill.
Other than literature review, we were supposed to work on MEMS course works and MoTI (Managment of Technology and Innovation) consultancy project.


I would like to give my thought on MEMS lecturers since this is the one which brought me into nano-world. MEMS stands for Microelectromechanical systems. MEMS exploits all the physical phenomena ultimately in order to sense something or actuate a tiny device. In this master's programme, two modules were included as core modules. The first module, Materials and Processes for MEMS, was scheduled for the first term, and this provides the general materials and fabrication processes for MEMS. The second module focuses on designing and controlling MEMS. To provide my personal feedback on these courses, it could've been more interesting and exciting lecturers though I understand a lack of time to cover diverse kinds of MEMS.

After the hectic period of two and a half months, we had four weeks of Easter vacation, but I am pretty sure my coursemates spent this whole vacation revising for the exam which was scheduled on 27th and 29th April. This was my first experience of taking three modules on the same day, and taking six modules for two days. Thanks to the massive pressure, I believe, my work efficiency and concentration were outstanding, and mental attitude was extremely stronger than ever before.