Computer Science

flyswatter

I would be interested in studying Computer Science after finishing my leaving cert. I would like to get some opinions on this course so any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

Mark200

I'm in first year at the moment and it depends what you're into I guess. I think the course is pretty good so far, although before I started it I thought I'd prefer all the hardware stuff more than the software...but it turned out to be the complete opposite. I can't stand any of the digital logic or electrotechnology stuff, but I like the programming and the maths isn't too bad either.

To be honest though, if I was to choose a course to do now I would probably pick the business and computing one instead. It might be worth having a look at

snappieT

I'm in final year now, here's a brief overview.

First year involves an introduction to programming (Java and assembly), a bit of physics (electronics), digital logic design (how the hardware in a computer is built) and maths (which is grand. You need to like computer science to get through first year well.

Second year brings you to more advanced programming (Java and C++), and you build a really basic computer (when I say build, I mean hundreds of tiny wires that you put in place), along with starting telecommunications, software engineering, and doing some tougher maths. There is also a small enough group project to do. You need to be willing to work long hours to do well in second year.

Third year has more advanced programming concepts (concurrent systems etc.), a decent-sized group project and a statistics course. You also look into some of the more advanced topics of computer science, such as artificial intelligence and compiler design. You need to be willing to work hard (no matter how long it takes, get it done) to do well in third year.

Final year brings in a full array of options. You can do computer graphics, distributed systems, advanced computer architecture, mobile telecommunications, advanced compiler design, advanced artificial intelligence, computer vision (that's how eFlow on the M50 works), fuzzy logic and more. You also do a substantial project over the course of the year, which is worth 25% of your final grade. You need to be willing work alone, long, and hard to do well in final year.

TCD Computer Science differs from the likes of Computer Applications in DCU in that it teaches the core concepts, and you have to figure out how to apply them, whereas DCU will teach you how to do x, y, and z. I've learned so many things throughout my four years that I thought I'd never need or use, but knowing how everything works really helps when you're doing anything computer science related. Simply knowing how to do something doesn't have this same effect: you don't understand why.

If you have any specific questions, ask here!

Jonathan

If you are willing to put up with some terribly boring civil and mech engineering for the freshman years, you could go into computer engineering which gives you a better background in maths.

ronivek

I guess it depends what your aims are once you finish your primary degree; or even if you have thought much about that at this stage.

Computer Science in TCD has been generally geared more towards the research and theoretical end of the computing spectrum; although that does seem to be changing somewhat. If you're interested in research and development; or in academia in general then it might be the course for you.

Alternatively if you're thinking of taking the classical degree-->employment-->career approach in something like software development then you might be better off considering a course which has a significant practical element to increase your employability; i.e. Computer Applications in DCU.

Also I would suggest searching the forum as there are a number of threads on the topic knocking already about the place which should provide more information.

snappieT

ronivek wrote: »

Alternatively if you're thinking of taking the classical degree-->employment-->career approach in something like software development then you might be better off considering a course which has a significant practical element to increase your employability; i.e. Computer Applications in DCU.

That's not to say you'll have any difficulty getting a job after doing Computer Science in TCD either...