Last Semester - Fall 2006

Posted at 12:30 PM, Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Don't know why, but I think I should write about courses I took last semester. Hmmmm, let's see which one should I start with? I know.........

The database course INF 231 (Fundamentals of DBMS) was a cool course, I mean I learnt a lot on my own. What added to my knowledge of databases was the project we did in the course: that really helped. The project involved making a database for the cafeteria records. Dr. Akinkumi even invited the president - Dr. Huwiler to our presentations. Of course we didn't implement the project but it was a good experience all the same.

We also did the INF 102 (Software Applications I) course which like the DBMS course, was very good. The project was my favourite part: it taught me way more than anything else. I was very happy when Dr. Quaye assigned it - that was one of his best techniques to get students to learn. BTW, my group project was about developing a course allocation software using MS Access for the Registrar's office. Dr. Garofalo (VP Academics) even came to our presentation. Actually, Dr. Quaye invited every administrative staff from the various departments that were involved in the different projects. I'm still working on the software at the Registrar's office - making some changes and additions. I think some reports from the software will be used during pre-registration, but am not sure.

Another course I liked was INF 206 (IT Systems: Hardware & Software). Dr. Evgeny Grakhov was our instructor for this course (he's a Russian!). Initially I found it difficult to understand him, but as time went on I got to learn loads, esp in the networking area! On the whole, the course was great and so was the professor! I guess that's cos we got to do lots of practicals both in HW and SW.

I also took ECO 202 (Macroeconomics). I dropped Chemistry II and decided to take this course instead (I guess still miss my chemistry class). Anyways, Dr. Mattrawy taught the Macroeconomics course. I cheered up when I got to learn more about demand and supply, GDP, GNP, sectors of the economy, consumption and saving schedules, Inflation, money supply, Investment, fiscal policy, aggregate expenditure model, etc I really enjoyed studying some topics. Dr. Mattrawy explained some topics really well, and I think I'll never forget some of those terms in Macroeconomics now that I know them  

One of my favourite courses last semester was MAT 121 (Calculus I). Dr. Quarccoo taught that course (he's a Ghanian) and I really like his teaching method. He was a little too fast in covering topics, but somehow (even with his exams every 2 weeks) I was able to learn lots of stuff! We did Trigonometry, Limits, Differentiation, and an intro to Integration among others. However, for some reason I was glad after writing my final exam (cos I had completed the course). I guess cos it was too much work, esp the assignments. Even though my exam papers were not always that good I still think it was one of the best courses I've done. Infact, in this course I had the lowest score I ever had in any exam - 18/50 (36%)! I know, it's pathetic, but I prasie God this score didn't affect my overall grade! Anyways, Dr. Joseph Quarccoo was just sooooooo very funny during classes that the fear of getting the answer wrong was greatly reduced.....at least I thought so. Despite the bad score and enormous work, I definitly miss my Calculus class!

Finally, the sixth course I took last semester was CSC 106 (Principles of Programming II - Java), another one of most favourite courses taught by one of my most favourite professors. Dr. Fonkam as always, was superb at expalining the prinicples and concepts in Java. However, we didn't go too far ahead in the course but I did get to know threading, and some other pretty cool stuff. I just miss Java! I wish I could have taken Data Structures this semester, but unfortunately I couldn't cos the times for Data Structure and Intro to Operating Systems clashed. And I couldn't drop Intro to OS so I didn't enroll in Data Structures.  Dr. Fonkam is taking Data Structures and I'm sure it's as lovely as Java! Infact, data structures is a kind of continuation of Java II. But anyways, I know that the Lord's will is perfect, so I'll be happy with all courses I'm taking this semester and hope that I might take the course in the future.

Speaking of courses this semester, I'm offerring only 5 (phew!) - Telecommunications & Data Networks with Dr. Odinma, Introductio to Operating Systems with Dr. Okunoye, System Analysis and Design with Dr. Bollou, Fundamentals of Management with Dr. Buera, and Quantitative Business Analysis with Dr. Bothchway. I'll write about these course in one of my later entries. Going back to last semester.......taking 6 courses gave me a hard time, and on top of that I spent lots of time on my work study What's more, some of my classes were on the temporary campus and that meant walking there whenever the bus was gone or when I missed it. I don't know how on earth I managed to get things done then..... assignments and exams. Even my GPA was the best I've had yet. I don't understand it, and I guess I don't need to cos I know that the God I serve is able to do above and beyond what I could ask Him to. My Lord Jesus is most wonderful, I mean He always helps me in whatever situation I find myself. I can't thank Him enough for everything He has done in my life. By His grace, this semester is much better, praise the LORD! I have only 5 courses all of which are on the permanent campus, and I don't have to overwork myself for my work-study job either! Thank God for His grace, I am really grateful to God for everything