UCD SCIENCE OR TCD SCIENCE?

ya-ba-da-ba-doo

can some people honestly tell me which one is the better course in their opinion? im only doing one science subject in school, biology, but im definitely going down the science route..


any advice/experiences would be great and i will post this in the UCD forum too so as not to be biast! thanks..!

BertrandMeyer

UCD is a nightmare to travel to each morning.

TCD doesn't give a damn about its students.

Choose wisely.

ya-ba-da-ba-doo

im not really worried bout the travelling.. moreso the course.

Señor Juárez

I think that both TCD and UCD will be a nightmare to travel to each morning from Wexford.

ya-ba-da-ba-doo

Señor Juárez wrote: »

I think that both TCD and UCD will be a nightmare to travel to each morning from Wexford.

im hardly gonna be driving up and back every mornin! il be renting or on campus! :pac:

banjopaul

ya-ba-da-ba-doo wrote: »

can some people honestly tell me which one is the better course in their opinion? im only doing one science subject in school, biology, but im definitely going down the science route..

Just out of interest what subject choices are you thinking of for first year TCD science? I'm in the same boat as you, hoping to do science in September and only have Biology as a science subject.

I'm planning on doing Maths Methods, Biology 101 and 102, Chemistry 101 and 102 and, Foundation Physics or Geology.
Has anyone who has done this already got any advice? Was chemistry hard to pick up?
thanks

ya-ba-da-ba-doo

banjopaul wrote: »

Just out of interest what subject choices are you thinking of for first year TCD science? I'm in the same boat as you, hoping to do science in September and only have Biology as a science subject.

I'm planning on doing Maths Methods, Biology 101 and 102, Chemistry 101 and 102 and, Foundation Physics or Geology.
Has anyone who has done this already got any advice? Was chemistry hard to pick up?
thanks

im thinking of maths methods biology 101 and 102, one of the chemistrys, foundation physics and either geology or geography.. probably geography....

still might go ucd though.. havnt decided.

banjopaul

ya-ba-da-ba-doo wrote: »

im thinking of maths methods biology 101 and 102, one of the chemistrys, foundation physics and either geology or geography.. probably geography....

still might go ucd though.. havnt decided.

Don't think you could do geography I'm afraid, from my understanding of the prospectus anyway! Have a look at page 134-136 here:
http://www.tcd.ie/courses/content/pdf/undergraduate-prospectus-2009.pdf
particularly the patterns on page 136, we're pattern 3 cause of maths methods. You'd have to do geology because your not allowed take chemistry 102 without 101, so you'd have ta do 101.

Pet

BertrandMeyer wrote: »

UCD is a nightmare to travel to each morning.

TCD doesn't give a damn about its students.

Choose wisely.

I don't know about your second point. TCD care far more about their students than UCD, at least in my experience.

OP, in what kind of science would you like to specialise? UCD is better for some of the sciences, but Trinity is better for most of them. [THAT point is completely biased, though.]

ApeXaviour

banjopaul wrote: »

I'm planning on doing Maths Methods, Biology 101 and 102, Chemistry 101 and 102 and, Foundation Physics or Geology.
Has anyone who has done this already got any advice? Was chemistry hard to pick up?
thanks

Chemistry is hard to pick up. They do a short catch up course before you start if you haven't studied it for the LC. In saying the above, a friend of mine who started science with me (we both chose phys chem and maths) hadn't done chem for the LC... and for a long time thought he was sh1t at it. He technically failed first year with 37%, but compensated (means you sorta pass) because he did reasonably okay in the other two. In third year he transferred over to physics and chemistry of advanced materials and is now doing (and nearly finished) a Ph.D in inorganic chemistry.

I've been here way too long.

can some people honestly tell me which one is the better course in their opinion?

I can't say I'm afraid, it all depends on what you're looking for. UCD appear to have a better range of subjects in the early years (I think), at least one can do more broad curriculum things. It really comes down to what you want to specialise in. If it's experimental physics, I'd say go for Trinity, otherwise I can't really comment.

Personally, my time as a science undergrad in trinity was bloody fantastic. Socially it was amazing, academically I loved the independence. It may or may not have been much different had i chosen UCD, again I'm sorry, I can't say.

ya-ba-da-ba-doo

oh yeah i get what your sayin.. in that case id pick maths(20), bio 101 + 102,chem101 and foundation physics :-)

banjopaul

ApeXaviour wrote: »

Chemistry is hard to pick up. They do a short catch up course before you start if you haven't studied it for the LC. In saying the above, a friend of mine who started science with me (we both chose phys chem and maths) hadn't done chem for the LC... and for a long time thought he was sh1t at it. He technically failed first year with 37%, but compensated (means you sorta pass) because he did reasonably okay in the other two. In third year he transferred over to physics and chemistry of advanced materials and is now doing (and nearly finished) a Ph.D in inorganic chemistry.

Thanks for the info, something to think about anyway.:) I have an interest in it despite not doing it for the leaving( made stupid subject choices) and I'm definitely willing to work so i think I should be able to get by with it at least.

Jello

ya-ba-da-ba-doo wrote: »

im only doing one science subject in school, biology, but im definitely going down the science route..

banjopaul wrote: »

I'm in the same boat as you, hoping to do science in September and only have Biology as a science subject.

I'm assuming you both do either HL Maths or Geography too? Because you need a HC3 in two Science subjects to get into Science in TCD, and they count Maths and Geography.

ya-ba-da-ba-doo

Chemistry is hard to pick up. They do a short catch up course before you start if you haven't studied it for the LC. In saying the above, a friend of mine who started science with me (we both chose phys chem and maths) hadn't done chem for the LC... and for a long time thought he was sh1t at it. He technically failed first year with 37%, but compensated (means you sorta pass) because he did reasonably okay in the other two. In third year he transferred over to physics and chemistry of advanced materials and is now doing (and nearly finished) a Ph.D in inorganic chemistry.

I've been here way too long

I can't say I'm afraid, it all depends on what you're looking for. UCD appear to have a better range of subjects in the early years (I think), at least one can do more broad curriculum things. It really comes down to what you want to specialise in. If it's experimental physics, I'd say go for Trinity, otherwise I can't really comment.

Personally, my time as a science undergrad in trinity was bloody fantastic. Socially it was amazing, academically I loved the independence. It may or may not have been much different had i chosen UCD, again I'm sorry, I can't say.

thanks a mill. i want to study something in biology.. maybe physiology. i find the anatomy and all that jass really interesting. my friends doing science in ucd but shes more into chemistry..


i also hear the hours are longer in tcd.. that actually kind of attracts me more to it as i learn hardly anything rying to study on my own.

ya-ba-da-ba-doo

Jello wrote: »

I'm assuming you both do either HL Maths or Geography too? Because you need a HC3 in two Science subjects to get into Science in TCD, and they count Maths and Geography.

im doing higher maths.. dont even do geography but find it interesting all the same.. again, stupid subject choices.

fr larry duff

I didn't do Chemistry for the leaving cert either, and found it VERY tough in first year. However there are extra tutorials for students who have never done it before, and I found those really helpful. It was the complete basics of Chemistry, and I would have been totally lost without it. I failed Chemistry pretty badly in first year and scraped a pass in the September repeats. Have to say though I was pretty bad at giving a sh1t about exams in general in first year, and I could have tried a lot harder. I found though that the course completely switches gears very fast between first and second year, where I found it absolutely impossible. However, you only have to do it in first year for most courses, unless they are Chemistry-orientated in third year. It's worth taking note of the course requirements for whichever discipline you're interested in pursuing, I knew a lot of people who screwed themselves over by not taking Chemistry in first year, leaving themselves with few options in third year, none of which they had really wanted to do.

ya-ba-da-ba-doo

fr larry duff wrote: »

I didn't do Chemistry for the leaving cert either, and found it VERY tough in first year. However there are extra tutorials for students who have never done it before, and I found those really helpful. It was the complete basics of Chemistry, and I would have been totally lost without it. I failed Chemistry pretty badly in first year and scraped a pass in the September repeats. Have to say though I was pretty bad at giving a sh1t about exams in general in first year, and I could have tried a lot harder. I found though that the course completely switches gears very fast between first and second year, where I found it absolutely impossible. However, you only have to do it in first year for most courses, unless they are Chemistry-orientated in third year. It's worth taking note of the course requirements for whichever discipline you're interested in pursuing, I knew a lot of people who screwed themselves over by not taking Chemistry in first year, leaving themselves with few options in third year, none of which they had really wanted to do.

yeah im kinda tryin to stay clear of chem too.. i would only really doing it for later choices as u say..:cool:

Hamiltonion

I'm 1st year in TCD doing chem 101 + 102, bio 101 + 102, geology and maths methods.
Chemistry is v difficult and I'v done it before, friends who have'nt are having a v tough time. Also full maths is not for the fainthearted, methods is more than manageable.
In regards the college the departments are poorly organised by times and like everywhere else the college is more interested in the comfort of its postgrads. However the course is well taught and v interesting with a great array of options in 3rd year.
In regards UCD a science degree from there is'nt worth the paper is printed on. Have better physics facilities but a poor standard of teacing and UCD science is treated like UCD arts. a dumping ground. Not wanting to sound anti UCD but as I'v many friends doing science there thats what Ive heard and seen. At the end of the day if 2 people have a 1st class honours science degree from UCD and Trinity the employer will pickk trinity. Ucd award a Bsc and TCD a BA but Trinities masters program is shorter making up for this afaik. Any quesions bout the course or the college feel free to PM me

ya-ba-da-ba-doo

Hamiltonion wrote: »

I'm 1st year in TCD doing chem 101 + 102, bio 101 + 102, geology and maths methods.
Chemistry is v difficult and I'v done it before, friends who have'nt are having a v tough time. Also full maths is not for the fainthearted, methods is more than manageable.
In regards the college the departments are poorly organised by times and like everywhere else the college is more interested in the comfort of its postgrads. However the course is well taught and v interesting with a great array of options in 3rd year.
In regards UCD a science degree from there is'nt worth the paper is printed on. Have better physics facilities but a poor standard of teacing and UCD science is treated like UCD arts. a dumping ground. Not wanting to sound anti UCD but as I'v many friends doing science there thats what Ive heard and seen. At the end of the day if 2 people have a 1st class honours science degree from UCD and Trinity the employer will pickk trinity. Ucd award a Bsc and TCD a BA but Trinities masters program is shorter making up for this afaik. Any quesions bout the course or the college feel free to PM me

come on now.. thats being completely unfair, untrue and biast. if its not worth the paper its written on why are they going to 'waste' 4 years of their life doing it?

Prof.Badass

If you do maths methods and foundation physics you're in for an easy 1st year (in terms of messing and fun maths methods was awesome- as well as being the perfect opportunity for su doku/ catching up on the latest wacky stories in the metro/herald am).

however, as neither of them are proper subjects, you'll be stuck doing chemistry in 2nd year .

As was said before, the course completely changes gear in 2nd year, and coming from someone who liked chemistry in school, it's really hard. I'm probably gonna fail. Don't say i didn't warn you.

One negative thing i can say about tcd science is the course is all over the place. Finding out information about marks, assignments, the percentages going for various things, how to access lecture notes ect. is impossible (although i heard that ucd doesn't even have online lecture notes) and you'll be suprised at the amount the science office don't know.

For example; in maths methods we had computer labs every week in hillary term, they were worth 10% of our final grade. We got no warnings or emails or anything (the lecturer may have mentioned it once during a lecture but lectures are optional, and let's be honest, maths methods- you've more fun/interesting things to do than listen to the lecturer). I only found this out half way through hillary term (i managed to overhear some people taking about it) and thus threw away 5%. I was far from alone and would not be suprised if people missed out on the entire 10%.

Bajingo

From what ive heard from my mate in UCD their sceince course doesnt seem as focused on science as TCD is I mean he is doing philosophy as a module!
On the other hand the TCD course is way more focused(less broad but then you said you wanted science) and is more difficult but I would say that is going to be the case either way.

I dont know where the Trinity dont care for their students notion came from. The lecturers are always willing to help as are the mentors. In my experience anyway. The Hamilton librarians can be a pain though.

Anyway, pick what you want to pick as long as you have the points you can always switch! Good Luck

Oh yea, im doing both chem and bio modules with maths methods and geology at the moment. The chemistry is tough but as long as you go to most lectures and read up on the difficult stuff it not that bad. There is actually more work in bio I find! Geo is handy and maths methods is as easy LC Higher Maths if not easier.

ya-ba-da-ba-doo

Bajingo wrote: »

From what ive heard from my mate in UCD their sceince course doesnt seem as focused on science as TCD is I mean he is doing philosophy as a module!
On the other hand the TCD course is way more focused(less broad but then you said you wanted science) and is more difficult but I would say that is going to be the case either way.

I dont know where the Trinity dont care for their students notion came from. The lecturers are always willing to help as are the mentors. In my experience anyway. The Hamilton librarians can be a pain though.

Anyway, pick what you want to pick as long as you have the points you can always switch! Good Luck

Oh yea, im doing both chem and bio modules with maths methods and geology at the moment. The chemistry is tough but as long as you go to most lectures and read up on the difficult stuff it not that bad. There is actually more work in bio I find! Geo is handy and maths methods is as easy LC Higher Maths if not easier.

yeah ucd does seem to be broader alright. and i think you can pick two completely unrelated modules if you wish to do so! there is an attraction to tcd though.. maths will be grand and so will bio and probably the foundation phys.. its the chemistry thats the worry.. and u really kind of need to be doing chem cause i was looking at the prospectus and if i dont do chem it leaves me with f all choice in 3rd year..


i find it pretty crap that you cant do the physics module on its own you have to do it with maths.. :mad:

Hamiltonion

ya-ba-da-ba-doo wrote: »

come on now.. thats being completely unfair, untrue and biast. if its not worth the paper its written on why are they going to 'waste' 4 years of their life doing it?

SP *biased* Well I wouldnt say its biased, as i mentioned I've friends there and one recently finished and their outlook is grim.
Like UCD have better medicine and Physics programs, but in regards general science, esp biological sciences, and the arts, Trinity are streets ahead. And many people effectively waste many years doing irrelevent or substandard courses, I'm just trying to inform the kid that in employers eyes and in regards further education (masters etc) TCD is the better option

Podge_irl

ya-ba-da-ba-doo wrote: »

i find it pretty crap that you cant do the physics module on its own you have to do it with maths.. :mad:

There is a reason for that you know. You need a decent level of maths to be able to do physics

fillmore jive

Hamiltonion wrote: »

In regards UCD a science degree from there is'nt worth the paper is printed on. Have better physics facilities but a poor standard of teacing and UCD science is treated like UCD arts. a dumping ground. Not wanting to sound anti UCD but as I'v many friends doing science there thats what Ive heard and seen. At the end of the day if 2 people have a 1st class honours science degree from UCD and Trinity the employer will pickk trinity.

At the end of the day, a decent degree is a decent degree, regardless of whether you went to Tcd or Ucd.

Hamiltonion wrote: »

Ucd award a Bsc and TCD a BA but Trinities masters program is shorter making up for this afaik.

Surely you are talking about a taught masters? Which of course is worth sweet f-all compared to a research masters, especially in science.

Bajingo wrote: »

From what ive heard from my mate in UCD their sceince course doesnt seem as focused on science as TCD is I mean he is doing philosophy as a module!
On the other hand the TCD course is way more focused(less broad but then you said you wanted science) and is more difficult but I would say that is going to be the case either way.

This is called the Horizons programme, which lets you select a maximum of 2 modules a year that don't have to be related to your area of study. The whole idea of it is to broaden your horizons, so you are not constantly learning about the same thing over and over. This happens for all courses in Ucd, not just science.

Hamiltonion wrote: »

SP *biased* Well I wouldnt say its biased, as i mentioned I've friends there and one recently finished and their outlook is grim.

That's because we're in the middle of a global recession.

vinylmesh wrote: »

One negative thing i can say about tcd science is the course is all over the place. Finding out information about marks, assignments, the percentages going for various things, how to access lecture notes ect. is impossible (although i heard that ucd doesn't even have online lecture notes) and you'll be suprised at the amount the science office don't know.

No, you are wrong.

Podge_irl

Hamiltonion wrote: »

Ucd award a Bsc and TCD a BA but Trinities masters program is shorter making up for this afaik.

Whether you get a BA or a BSc doesn't make the slightest bit of difference, there is nothing to "make up". I have a BA from Trinity and I did an exceptionally sciency course.

Pooh-bah

http://www.decisionmaking.org/booklet/bigpicture.html
Im in a similar situation,this may help!Good luck deciding..

Prof.Badass

fillmore jive wrote: »

No, you are wrong.

No, I'm not.

I did hear that ucd don't have online lecture notes. Now, obviously that information was wrong, but the fact that i heard it isn't wrong.

I was sceptical over the accuracy of this information and that is why i said "i heard ucd don't have online lecture notes" rather than "ucd don't have online lecture notes". This removes personal resposibility for the information and allows room for correction without calling anyone wrong.

fillmore jive

vinylmesh wrote: »

No, I'm not.

I did hear that ucd don't have online lecture notes. Now, obviously that information was wrong, but the fact that i heard it isn't wrong.

I was sceptical over the accuracy of this information and that is why i said "i heard ucd don't have online lecture notes" rather than "ucd don't have online lecture notes". This removes personal resposibility for the information and allows room for correction without calling anyone wrong.

Yet you obviously believed that statement, otherwise you wouldn't have bothered posting it up here for everyone to see? Absolute bollox, check how accurate it is before you bother posting, because all the OP wants is honest, unbiased opinions about your experiences with TCD science so that he/she can make the best chocie for college. Posting stuff like that isn't going to help, even if you think it's supposedly true just because you 'heard' it.

ya-ba-da-ba-doo

im kind of getting the feeling i might chose the tcd course.. still have 2 months to decide but i think i miht go for it.

if i am to pick it i will probably choose

M.METHODS, BIO 101, BIO 102, CHEM 101, CHEM 102 and FOUNDATION PHYSICS



would any current students be able to give a bitta advice cause im not doin chem in LC but am thinking of taking the two modules on.. is this too big of a task?

im willing to work hard for it and all but it could be just that bit too difficult..

PurpleFistMixer

A friend of mine is doing what you've outlined above (from what I can gather.. she's doing Chemistry, Biology, Maths Methods and Foundation Physics anyway), and she found Chemistry pretty hard going at first because she didn't do it for the LC. She's getting on better now... I think it just takes some time getting used to it, so yeah it'll be extra work but not impossible.