Computing NCI

stephenjmcd wrote: »

What is full time computing in NCI really like. Thinking about putting it down as first choice on my CAO.

Hey there, I'm in first year doing full-time computing at the moment. I'm really liking the course so far at the moment. If you have an interest or passion for technology or computers, you'll more than likely enjoy the course. If you have no experience in programming or anything like that, you might find it a bit difficult at first. They start right from scratch though, so they show you the basics. Any questions about the college itself or the course, let me know.

stephenjmcd wrote: »

yeah i have no experience in programming, i was told that there is no need to know anything about computers going into the course, now of course im up to date with technology and i enjoy fixing and sorting out computers

Yeah, they start right from the beginning with programming. I just mean that if you've used it before you might find it a little easier going in. In the second semester of first year, there's a module called "Computer Architecture" and I think that there's a part where you learn how to assemble a PC together.

You learn how one is put together, and a really good skill...troubleshooting problems!

Comp architecture was one of my favorite subjects from first year, and the lecturer, Dave T, was a legend!

stephenjmcd wrote: »

So from this i take that you dont need wide knowledge of all things computers, you will learn everything, have a laugh and hopfully get a decent job. btw few lads in my year thinking about doing computing, wanna know if theres any girls on the course

barely any girls on the course. well, in my class anyway, there's just 3 girls.

kilfeather94 wrote: »

Hey there, I'm in first year doing full-time computing at the moment. I'm really liking the course so far at the moment. If you have an interest or passion for technology or computers, you'll more than likely enjoy the course. If you have no experience in programming or anything like that, you might find it a bit difficult at first. They start right from scratch though, so they show you the basics. Any questions about the college itself or the course, let me know.

Hi matey,

Just wondering wats the college like for events and socials ? And wat has the college got for big break gaps, hang out areas? I was at the open day an was disappointed with just seen the small restaurant on the ground floor, is there other hang out areas? The college looked like it had nothing when i was there only class rooms and a restaurant. Also is there a maths support Centre?

Thank you

kilfeather94 wrote: »

Hi there, don't worry, there's a lot more to it than just the restaurant. Downstairs, there is a Students Union basement which is where everyone hangs out at lunch time. It has a PS3 and xbox 360's, 2 pool tables and a ping pong table. They do lots of different events. On freshers week, which is the week after your first week, they do stuff like pub crawls, balls, magicians and chill out days. There's lots of other events throughout the year. and yes, there is a maths support centre too. every friday, I think they did maths sessions for a couple of hours if you're having difficulties. and before your exams, they do more maths sessions too.

Thanks for the reply, yea I'm really excited bout going there now. Ill be a mature student. I want to do management of tech is bis, if you've any info on that please share.

Shouldn't be an awful lot of maths in that course. Iv a fetac level 5 in IT from 2006 which i cant remember a thing idid on it haha so that should help my application

Roll on sept 2013

Casshern88 wrote: »

thinking of going NCI next year for BSc Honours in Computing, ill be 25 so ill be a mature student, my first choice was previously computer science in dit, but since i went to the nci open day i have changed my mind, i was talking to the lecturer who teaches the web development he fairly sold it for me, they teach the latest technologies there and theres a real focus on entrepreneur ship and seem to be pretty good atmosphere there.

Im doing a plc this year where im covering programming, web development and computer arch and similar subjects so i should find the first year of course pretty easy id say.

any one have a timetable for first year they can upload to get an idea of course?
and any regrets about doing that course, downsides on nci over another college ?
whats the breakdown of continues assessment versus final exams for % of your grade in first year?

This should have all the info you need.

As for continuous assessment vs. exams, most subjects are around the 50/50. Normally 20/30 for a project, 20/30 for quizes, and the remainder for the exam. With business/theory/strategy type subjects being 30 ca : 70 exam. Some subjects are entirely CA, so no exam. Normally at least 1 per semester. These have been Web Development related, and any team Project type modules.

I found it was a good mix, allowing a student to be pushed to do well in continuous assessment so that the exam is not such a big chunk. Individual breakdown of marks and credits can be seen from the link above.

Negative: Full timers are prioritized over part time students. (Not a problem if you are a full timer).
Positive: It's a great location to get to from the suburbs and beyond. The lecturers are fantastic, for the most part.

If I had any regrets thus far it would be that I completely switched off during the breaks between semesters. I regret not taking a short course during the summer for example. And there isn't any support or encouragement around this from the college. I would have prefered a more technical and practical element also, and this is one of the few things the course lacks, that other courses provide.

ED E wrote: »

Ahh ok.

I've previously studied CS in TCD but left. Looking at taking this course up in September.

What was your reason behind leaving the CS course in Trinity? just curious.

ED E wrote: »

Hating + Failing DLD(Digital logic design) combined with an accident that took me out of action for a while.

Programming is what I really enjoy(96% with little effort) and the electrotech module was interesting if tricky.

This course is very heavy on prgramming so would definitely suit.

By technical/practical I mean hands on with the technology, for example, wireless networking, you don't actually setup a network, or hold an rfid tag and reader in your hand.

Some people prefere that, and like an overview in the lectures so they can explore in more detail in their spare time, but as a part time student I want to see it, touch it feel it. And if It's interesting I will carry on further.

It's a great course though, but for first 2 years you won't be challenged. It's getting very challenging now though!

kilfeather94 wrote: »

Yeah, they start right from the beginning with programming. I just mean that if you've used it before you might find it a little easier going in. In the second semester of first year, there's a module called "Computer Architecture" and I think that there's a part where you learn how to assemble a PC together.

Mmmm_Lemony wrote: »

You learn how one is put together, and a really good skill...troubleshooting problems!

Comp architecture was one of my favorite subjects from first year, and the lecturer, Dave T, was a legend!

Full time must be a bit different. I'm doing computing part-time, Comp Arch is mostly maths - number systems, binary calculations, truth tables etc. Haven't gone near hardware yet, even tho it's the end of the semester. Can't say I like the subject too much. Different lecturer tho,...

Another quick question lads, do you have to handwrite programming exams? Thats a headwrecking policy in TCD.