Meds and Taxes

The competitive nature of students pushes them to study a very 'by the book' method in order to score good grades on tests with their theoretical knowledge on a topic. However, this causes students overlook the real world applications of all they have learned. Recently at Taylor's College Sri Hartamas, two guest lecturers were invited to enlighten the students on some contemporary ways to apply their knowledge into the fields of chemistry and economics.

The Chemistry Lecture

On the 12th of March 2013, Dr Simon Jones from the University of Sheffield gave a lecture on the topic, "Chemistry's Role in Building Medicines of the Future" in the Beta Theatre from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

Dr Simon talks on the wonders of the primary element of all known living things, Carbon

Following a short introduction on his background, Dr Simon gave the students a crash course in organic chemistry to prepare the students for the next part of his lecture.

Students listening intently as Dr Simon gives his lecture

As a specialist in organic chemistry, Dr Simon explained the importance of integrating chemistry into the medical field in order to produce more potent drugs for the future. Dr Simon also concisely talked about how many professions come together in the medical field to produce drugs suitable for public consumption.

The Economics Lecture

On the 20th of March 2013, Professor John G. Session from the University of Bath gave his lecture on the topic "Using Demand and Supply Analysis to Examine the Incidence of Taxation" in the Alpha Theatre from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

Professor John presenting his lecture to the eager students

The lecture began with Professor John introducing himself to the students. After that, Professor John used a primary concept in the field of economics, a demand and supply analysis, to explain how tax incidence or tax burden is foisted onto another economic group.

Professor John presenting a demand and supply analysis to the students

The lecture served as a good supplement to the students for their understanding of taxes in the market. Many of the students were able to understand the content presented as most of the content was taught in their economics classes.

By Bryan Quah