Computer Applications

justbringit89

Hey Just wondering what this course is like ?? im In LC and have it as first preference??? what is the course context like?? do i need to pass irish in order to get this course?? Cheers

cognos

Well I love it loads of people drop out in first year every year though so clearly not everyone would agree with me about it.

I'm sure you've seen it already but just in case heres the prospectus blurb about it:
http://www.dcu.ie/prospective/deginfo.php?classname=CA&mode=full&originating_school=40

and the list of modules:
http://www.dcu.ie/registry/module_contents.php?function=4&programme=CA

You might also be interested in the course forums:
http://forums.computing.dcu.ie/

The course page for Programming 1 is fun too:
http://forums.computing.dcu.ie/ca165/index.html

Theres some maths (which I, and most, dont find fun) but its not a lot really. Hours are handy, most modules are fun ... nobody likes absolutely every module or lecturer (most will hate at least 1 or 2) but overall I'd say if you're into programming you'll love it. If you're into computers and can learn programming fairly handily you should love it too. If you're not really into computers and havent done a lot with them then you might like it and you might not.

Look for some of the other modules web pages (most have ones that anyone can access - use google to find!) that should give you the best picture of the course content.

edit: about the entry requirements ...
you need Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects including:
Mathematics AND English or Irish plus C3 in Ordinary Level or D3 in Higher Level Mathematics.

300 points

justbringit89

cognos wrote:

Mathematics AND English or Irish plus C3 in Ordinary Level or D3 in Higher Level Mathematics.

300 points

does this mean if i fail irish and pass english i will get into the course?? well i love computing but i have no experience in doing programing but am very willing to learn . Is there anyway i could start practicing programming over the summer myself??

gizmo

Bloody hell that's convoluted. Basically what it means is..

Maths requirement is C3 in Ordinary Level or D3 in Higher Level.

English, C3 in Ordinary Level or D3 in Higher Level

Irish, C3 in Ordinary Level or D3 in Higher Level.

You must have the maths requirement but you only need either the English or the Irish requirement. Thats what I reckon anyway.

As for you, that means if you fail both Irish and English you won't be able to get in.

cognos

if you still meet all the other requirements I guess so. You need 2 higher level honours and 4 other passes. those 6 must include maths AND (english OR irish). with the maths being >=HD3/OC3

I just pasted those requirements from the website ... if you're not sure on any of it I'd reccomend you call the registry admissions office,they should be able to clarify all that, as should your school guidance counselor.

cognos

justbringit89 wrote:

well i love computing but i have no experience in doing programing but am very willing to learn . Is there anyway i could start practicing programming over the summer myself??

you will be thought programming (in java) from the very beginning assuming that you've never programmed before so you shouldnt feel like you have to do it before you start the course and some would even say its best to wait so you dont pick up any bad habbits etc.

I would say though that you should deffinately start programming now, just because its just so much fun As I said you'll be starting off with Java so you may aswell start with that yourself. theres tonnes of material online for beginner programmers... google is your friend.

Landa2

My understanding is that if you fail irish as long as you pass english your ok, but again check this with your guidance counselor

justbringit89

my cnselor is a joke . i got better advice off you guys in a few hours than 2 years of her!!!! Cheers... Last ting !! i am ok at maths .. Im doing OL and got 60 per cent in mocks .. will it be an awful struggle or will it be ok with some extra attention!! THANKS!

Smellyirishman

You should be fine, if not, then you may need to put a little more work in coming up to exams and take a few visits to the MLC (Maths Learning Centre) but it's definitely possible to get by having done ordinary level.

Course is great, of course some parts suck, I am typing this from America because of this course so I tip my hat to it .

justbringit89

Smellyirishman wrote:

You should be fine, if not, then you may need to put a little more work in coming up to exams and take a few visits to the MLC (Maths Learning Centre) but it's definitely possible to get by having done ordinary level.

Course is great, of course some parts suck, I am typing this from America because of this course so I tip my hat to it .

yeah i got the dvd on the course !! the job prospects look great!! i def intend to go to the maths centre if it means helping me!! also the 6 month job experience looks great!!

Call Me Jimmy

justbringit89 wrote:

yeah i got the dvd on the course !! the job prospects look great!! i def intend to go to the maths centre if it means helping me!! also the 6 month job experience looks great!!

Whatever about job prospects and fair enough I don't know your background but if you are not very interested in computers, how they work, how to program then I would advise you not to do it.

However, if you are interested in any of the above then definately go for it.

Smellyirishman

Call Me Jimmy wrote:

Whatever about job prospects and fair enough I don't know your background but if you are not very interested in computers, how they work, how to program then I would advise you not to do it.

However, if you are interested in any of the above then definately go for it.

This is true. I would bet that the majority of people drop out in first year because of their lack of interest in computing, not because of the difficulty.

Also, to answer an earlier question, I would try to dabble in some simple programming (language doesn't really matter, it might even be interesting to pick one other than java to see how languages differ) before you start so you know what you're getting into and it will ease you into the course a little better. I wouldn't worry about picking up any bad habits tbh and it will benefit you in the end.

justbringit89

Smellyirishman wrote:

This is true. I would bet that the majority of people drop out in first year because of their lack of interest in computing, not because of the difficulty.

Also, to answer an earlier question, I would try to dabble in some simple programming (language doesn't really matter, it might even be interesting to pick one other than java to see how languages differ) before you start so you know what you're getting into and it will ease you into the course a little better. I wouldn't worry about picking up any bad habits tbh and it will benefit you in the end.

yeah but i have never done any programming ?? how can i start doing simple stuff!! im real interested in computers!!

Smellyirishman

Buy a book! (seriously)
Or use Google.

Here is all you should need for your first Java program. This might actually be a better starting point (and java is a little more awkward to set up than other languages such as c++). After that, you can just keep using Google for other little tutorials, there are great Java resources out there.

Call Me Jimmy

justbringit89 wrote:

im real interested in computers!!

Then this is the course for you, you will love it. Really, it won't seem like work (well the non-computer based modules might). The link smellyirishman posted is great because it's starts from the VERY start i.e. getting java working on your computer before you write any code.

It isn't at all necessary tho, if you simple do the work when college starts you will be ahead of most of the class in no time

andrew163

The first programming lab you'll do will be something to the effect of "how to open a command prompt in windows".

It assumes everybody knows nothing Although quickly progresses (like the very next week) to actual programming, so you wont get bored.

Of course being interested in it is a huge help.

Winters

Humanities ftw

sunnyjim

Winters wrote:

Poorly-paid, unskilled jobs for life ftw

...

gamblitis

Now i just keep thinking to myself why the hell i didn't check this place for advice first of all!oh the innocence!i hadn't a clue about programming before i started and found it easy enough once it clicked.although saying that i am repeating first year but thats due to a lack of work on my behalf!!!its not so bad!hope ya make it.you'll love it.

stepperupper

justbringit89 wrote:

yeah i got the dvd on the course !! the job prospects look great!! i def intend to go to the maths centre if it means helping me!! also the 6 month job experience looks great!!

wouldn't mind having a look at that DVD. Where can I get a hold of it? I've computer science in UCC down first but i'm keeping my options open. DCU's a great athletics college so that might swing me in it's favour.... scholarship possibility u c.

Tula

hey i'm a CA student i did a web project designed on giving a brief discription of each module for prospective students check if out if you want to see what its about.

www.student.dcu.ie/~connos29

also heres the computing @ dcu site its crap i know

www.compapp.dcu.ie

hope this helps post a comment if you have any more questions:)