Question about First Year Science at Trinity

a.j2020

Hey...I have Science in TCD down as first choice and I have a bit of a dilemma.

I'm not exactly sure whether I wanna specialise in Genetics or Physics...i know a bit of a BIG diference..lol... But the problem is to do Physics I need to do maths(20 credits) and physics(another 20 credits) which leaves me with only 20 which isnt enough to fill my pre-requisite for Genetics which is Chemistry 101+102 and biology 101 + Maths

So...i was wondering one of two things...
1. Is it possible to take 10 credits extra as that'll allow me to have both the options open or
2. Is it possible to do physics by doing foundation physics? and not the 20 credits physics?...

If you were to ask me to choose 1 now id be leaning towards genetics 60-40 but I know things change in Uni.

Cheers!!

lobsterstag

think you're snookered my friend

Podge_irl

I took an extra subject in my first year, took the exam and everything and it's on my official transcript. That was in TP though, I don't know what the story would be in science. Can't hurt to ask.

HoboJesus

On top of it being a lot of work, I'd say that in first year science there are clashes such that you can't do an extra module, but as mentioned before, definitely ask someone on the staff.

As far as doing Physics B (or foundation physics, or whatever the kids call it these days), I'm almost certain that you cannot go on to do full physics in second year, and thus can't do a degree in physics with it.

It does look like you'll just have to decide beforehand. Even if you choose wrong though there's still a bit of time where you can switch courses, but the sooner the better. Good luck!

a.j2020

Podge_irl wrote: »

I took an extra subject in my first year, took the exam and everything and it's on my official transcript. That was in TP though, I don't know what the story would be in science. Can't hurt to ask.

And who exactly am I supposed to ask?

a.j2020

HoboJesus wrote: »

On top of it being a lot of work, I'd say that in first year science there are clashes such that you can do an extra module, but as mentioned before, definitely ask someone on the staff.

As far as doing Physics B (or foundation physics, or whatever the kids call it these days), I'm almost certain that you cannot go on to do full physics in second year, and thus can't do a degree in physics with it.

It does look like you'll just have to decide beforehand. Even if you choose wrong though there's still a bit of time where you can switch courses, but the sooner the better. Good luck!

Sorry...think me and you posted at the same time...How am I supposed to get in contact with members of staff now? Should I just mail their information mail or should I wait till I get accepted and then ask someone in the staff when Im actually there?

Podge_irl

Presumably there is a Science co-ordinator of some kind. I don't know off-hand, you could e-mail the physics dept office and ask them who you should get in contact with regarding the matter.

mathew

HoboJesus wrote: »

Edit: argh double post sorry. delete away! =/

You can delete your own posts.. Just click edit.. delete is down the bottom

a.j2020 wrote: »

And who exactly am I supposed to ask?

http://www.tcd.ie/Science/contact/

Pet

OP, if you took Biology 101 and Chemistry 101, you'd probably still be accepted to genetics [which doesn't really fill up], but if you did foundation physics, you definitely couldn't do physics as a BA.

Doing an extra module would be LOTS of work, and the aforementioned timetable clashes would occur, too.

Alternatively, you could completely omit biology in first year - it's not a prerequisite for second year biology 1 [the one you need for genetics; there really isn't much overlap between 101 and 201, to be honest].

Science course office page wrote:

While students wishing to take Biology 201 in second year, they [sic] will generally be expected to have taken Biology 101 (and likewise in the case of Biology 202 and 102), Junior Freshman Biology is not a prerequisite for these Moderatorships.

However, Biology 101 and 102 are fairly good tasters, and you might discover an interest you never knew you had, so I'd go with the first option.

If you have any questions, or want definite confirmation, email one of the administrative/senior executive officers; you can get their addresses at http://www.science.tcd.ie/contact. However, they're probably up to their eyes preparing for exams, so just drop them a line over the summer - you don't need to register your subject choices until your second week of college, so you have loads of time.

And for the record, I failed first year chemistry, and still got into neuroscience [which contains more chemistry than genetics [and the chemistry that's there is basic Leaving Cert stuff]], so I don't think the first year subjects matter THAT much.

GlasnevinRed

If and when you get accepted you'll have to go for an orientation meeting during freshers week where lecturers from all subjects will tell you a bit about their subject.

You'll get a senior tutor who you go to for all your enquiries.

One of my friends managed to take on extra credits (geology I think) just to give herself a grounding in it to see if she liked it but had to discuss it with her tutor first.

To specialise in Genetics you'll need the 1st Biology module and both Chemistry's in 1st year.

HoboJesus

mathew wrote: »

You can delete your own posts.. Just click edit.. delete is down the bottom

So I can! Thanks.