Pharmacology with Accomodation

Lucas10101

I've actually radically changed my CAO form again and have finalized that I will definitely be doing Pharmacology in UCD, although I have two main questions about it.

Firstly, I was wondering about the course itself, I'm reasonably good at Chemistry ( should get HL B2 ) and excellent at Biology ( should get HL A1 ) and relatively strong with Maths ( should get HL C1/B3 ) so I have capabilities in Science certainly but wondering is the course mainly Biology based with a dash of chemistry/biochemistry thrown in or what's the situation there.

Plus what hours can I expect in September, I comprehend that nearly all science grounded students have the same First Year but what hours are first yr like anyhow?? Is there many labs to be done, or is it more theoretical than laboratory based or vice versa??

So what is taught in First Year, does the UCD website show all the modules, if so, then thats ok and do they show all the modules for Pharmacology as well??

As regards Pharmacology, I'd like as much other information in relation to the course as possible if possible. I won't ask too many specific questions, just tell me all you know or what you know, you get the idea?

Also, as regards Job Opportunities, this was an initial concern when choosing the course because I want to have a secure future when I graduate but would be willing methinks to do another Postgraduate qualification or course if necessary??
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Now as regards Accomodation, what way does it work and is it very easy to get a place, I'm really relying on securing a place at UCD's residence apartments not other catering methods preferably. I know that being a good distance, they may offer you a place quicker than someone living in Dublin, I live around 1hour and 30mins away from UCD, so is this good enough prerequisite or what? Plus basically how easy/hard is it to get a first year placement at the apartments on campus?

Thanks

Lucas10101

dajaffa

Lucas10101 wrote:

Now as regards Accomodation, what way does it work and is it very easy to get a place, I'm really relying on securing a place at UCD's residence apartments not other catering methods preferably. I know that being a good distance, they may offer you a place quicker than someone living in Dublin, I live around 1hour and 30mins away from UCD, so is this good enough prerequisite or what? Plus basically how easy/hard is it to get a first year placement at the apartments on campus?

Tbh at that distance you won't get on-campus at the start, but if you keep asking you might get place thats vacated by someone who gets a late offer in another college. If you're confident of getting a place, I'd start looking asap, a lot of people were sleeping on floors for the first few weeks of college as it can be difficult to find somewhere.

Lucas10101

What if you were to have a slight medical condition, no overly serious, but serious enough that you need the comfort of an apartment and not travelling up and down all day for 3 hours in total, Will this improve my chances at all, if significantly?? And another thing, most times it takes to 2 hours to get to UCD in times of traffic which is common in Dublin?....How's my chances now?

Raphael

I was 3 hours away wihtout taking traffic into account and I didn't get it. If you manage to get somewhere from the cancellation list, and I'd say it's a big if as all the people between 3 and an hour and a half, from all years (afaik no 1st yar priority in the cancellation list) will get it first. And no, traffic doesn't come into question, it's purely distance based.

I'd suggest looking externally, tbh. Or investing in bus tickets.

Blush_01

If you don't have a serious medical condition (cf, for example) or aren't mobility impaired, I'd suggest looking for accommodation near campus. There's a lot more available now than there will be in a few weeks time.

Sarn

Have a look at http://www.ucd.ie/horizons/course_search.html and go into Science then Pharmacology for a list of modules.

Pharmacology is very biology based, the idea is to see how agents interact with biological systems. When you finish a science degree it's only that, a degree, what you do with it depends on you. If you want to stay in the science field than a postgraduate course would be essential.

People who finish pharmacology go on to do some form of postgraduate qualification (MSc, PhD), apply for teaching or pharmacy, the odd few do medicine. All I can say from what I've seen is that you would have the same opportunity as anyone else with a degree. The opportunites in Ireland are fairly limited so going abroad would be something to consider when you finish. Academia would hire a lot of people.

People with PhDs in pharmacology have gone on to work in regulatory affairs with different state agencies and drug companies, done post-doctoral work, worked as technical specialists in companies like Wyeth and Abbott, become scientific writers or management consultants.

Best of luck with your choice.

Lucas10101

Anyone else have any good responses to Pharmacology denominated course?? I have to make my final decision by 5.15p.m tomorrow thus essential that I get feedback on the course itself??

PeakOutput

i was told recently that first years do not have as high a preference for on campus in ucd as in alot of other colleges and they keep most of the places for high achievers in 3rd/4th year dont know how true this is as i was told by a student but maybe worth consideration

fatal

Lucas10101 wrote:

Anyone else have any good responses to Pharmacology denominated course?? I have to make my final decision by 5.15p.m tomorrow thus essential that I get feedback on the course itself??

I am in denominated pharmacology since last semester.
In total there are 40 places each year and 20 of those were taken up by those that were denominated.Im really glad that I made that choice on my CAO because I didn't do much in first year and there is no way that my GPA would get me into pharmacology for next september if I did general science.As long as I pass all of my exams I am guaranteed a place for second year.
The only disadvantage is that unlike general science,denominated courses are given many core models which are compulsory and you may only be able to pick 1 or 2 other modules which can lead to 24/25 hours per week.
If you know that you want a degree in pharmacology,I would advise you to take the denominated course.
If you have any other questions fire away and I'll answer them in the morning

Blush_01

PeakOutput wrote:

i was told recently that first years do not have as high a preference for on campus in ucd as in alot of other colleges and they keep most of the places for high achievers in 3rd/4th year dont know how true this is as i was told by a student but maybe worth consideration

I'd love to know who told you that and where they heard it. Things are changed this year, the allocation policy (as outlined above, and in another thread) applies, all undergraduates - including those applying to Glenomena, for the first time ever - are assessed based on distance. Yes, the chances of getting campus are higher if you're a final year Med, Vet or Architect, but considering final year Architects finish their degree, as such, in 3rd year and then 4th and 5th are somewhat of a Masters (I don't quite know the ins and outs of how it works, that's just the jist) they're ambiguous when it comes to undergrad/postgrad in a way. Similarly, they're higher if you're a Postgrad. I'd imagine that has something to do with the level of work required at that stage of study, and the necessity to be in close proximity to the library, but I could be wrong.

There are no allocations for those in second year and third year (with the understandable exclusion of 3rd final year students and those who qualify on medical grounds).

To be honest, while living on campus is grand, as long as you're within close walking distance of services (shops, buses etc.) you'll be grand. Campus isn't exactly your cheapest option.

mloc

just finished pharmacology.

to be honest, the course structure, particularly in 1st year, has changed dramatically since I did it. The course content however, is more or less the same.

It's primarily based on physiological systems of the body and the way drugs interact with them. There is a shift towards the biochemical and molecular biology side of things as the years go by. These primary units are augmented with subjects including the drug development process, toxicology and regulatory approval and other more industry related topics.

I enjoyed it overall, and even though there is serious work involved, particular in 4th year, the class atmosphere and work ethic (at least in my year) was great.

fatal

did you end up putting it down as your first choice?

Lucas10101

fatal wrote:

did you end up putting it down as your first choice?

I have Pharmacy at Cork and Pharmacy at Trinity as my first two and the only way I'll get in is through Access Programme cos I'll only get around 510, but I don't mind doing Pharmacology which is choice three.

95% chance of getting Pharmacology.....

So it's virtually my first choice as it's only 450 and should get it!!!

redcar

If you are going through the Access route, you have a much better chance of getting accomadation on campus. UCD offer I think its 40 places for first years in the programme.

Lucas10101

Didn't actually know about that.

So has anyone any comments about the Pharmacology at all?

remus808

Blush_01 wrote:

Campus isn't exactly your cheapest option.

I'd love to know where else one can get a single room for under €100 p/w??

Blush_01

Last year and the year before I lived in a 4 bedroomed house at €1300 per month with three friends. The house is currently being rented to people we know, at the same rent. That works out, over 12 months, at €75 a week. Within commuting distance on the 46a.

Roebuck will work out at just over €122 per week. Merville and Belgrove will both be just over €97. You can express a preference as to where you'd like to live, but that guarantees nothing, and you have to follow the rules of the accommodation when you're living there. You'll get kicked out of campus for things that you would get away with living off-campus. So you can save your €3 (if you're lucky enough to get Merville or the ghetto) or you can buy yourself some freedom with less than the price of a pint. It's up to you.