Info on courses available via Common Entry Science?

Gunslinger92

Hey guys,

I'm a first year Common Entry Science student, and unfortunately I can't say that I'm enjoying it. I am aware that next year I choose a more specific course, though. But I've been looking up the courses I can go into next year, and the only one I'd be even remotely interested in would be Biotechnology.

And I really mean "remotely" interested :P

So basically, my question is, is there anybody here doing the biotechnology course? And if so, how much of the course is actually biological? I've been told by lecturers that it's very mathematical/engineering based, which I don't fancy the sound of!

I actually want to drop out and go through the cao again, but my parents aren't letting me because of money issues

I would really appreciate any input at all! (Even on courses other than biotechnology)

thewhitepele

I know people doing Biotech and it is very mathematical/engineering based but theres a fair bit of biology in it too afaik.
I'm doing Analytical Science and we do a good bit of biology/biochemistry. Theres also a biology pathway option in third year, might be worth looking into if thats what interests ya.

GLaDOS

Have you looked at Genetics & Cells biology? I'm not sure what the deal is with coming from common entry but it's somewhat similar to Biotech but a lot more biology oriented.

thewhitepele

ScienceNerd wrote: »

Have you looked at Genetics & Cells biology? I'm not sure what the deal is with coming from common entry but it's somewhat similar to Biotech but a lot more biology oriented.

Last year they didn't let anyone from CES pick GCB because they already had too many people doing the course, so I'd say it could be the same this year.

GLaDOS

Yeah I heard it was "limited entry" or something (I went straight into it), might be worth asking abut though.

kaz_corcoran

I did International Science-which is basically the same as CES but with the option to do a language and go abroad for 3rd year. Anyway, I chose the Analytical Science-Biology option route and I'm in final year now. No maths after 2nd year, good bit of chemistry in 1st sem of 3yr but 4th year is all biology. And the job options are pretty good afterwards.

p1akuw47h5r3it

kaz_corcoran wrote: »

I did International Science-which is basically the same as CES but with the option to do a language and go abroad for 3rd year. Anyway, I chose the Analytical Science-Biology option route and I'm in final year now. No maths after 2nd year, good bit of chemistry in 1st sem of 3yr but 4th year is all biology. And the job options are pretty good afterwards.

Hi Corcoron,

Just wondering what your hours where like during the four years? I heard 24 hour weeks which doesnt sound too bad (or is it!)

stringy

Gunslinger92 wrote: »

I actually want to drop out and go through the cao again, but my parents aren't letting me because of money issues

I would really appreciate any input at all! (Even on courses other than biotechnology)

Sorry to hear it's not working out for you. It is very advisable to make an appointment with a careers advisor asap, they can help you find what you might be interested in and advise on the next steps.

Also dropping out should be a last resort, you could consider an internal transfer into another course in DCU, not just a science course but any course in DCU. This will all be outlined to you by a DCU Careers advisor.

At present the options from CES are:

Analytical Science (DC161)
Applied Physics (DC171)
Biotechnology (DC181) (only a limited number of places available)
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (DC162)
Environmental Science and Health (DC166)
Horticulture (DC170) (only a limited number of places available)
Physics with Biomedical Sciences (DC173)
Physics with Astronomy (DC167)

Gunslinger92

Thanks so much everyone, everything has been really helpful! I'll definitely look into Analytical Science, I hadn't really considered it at all..

Common entry people aren't being let into GCB anymore, I met the CES chairperson a few months ago and she said she doesn't see that changing anytime soon.. Pure balls, I'd definately have been interested in that :rolleyes:

Does anyone know if it's possible to re-apply for the cao but not drop out?

Gunslinger92

kaz_corcoran wrote: »

I did International Science-which is basically the same as CES but with the option to do a language and go abroad for 3rd year. Anyway, I chose the Analytical Science-Biology option route and I'm in final year now. No maths after 2nd year, good bit of chemistry in 1st sem of 3yr but 4th year is all biology. And the job options are pretty good afterwards.

What's second year like chemistry-wise?? I didn't do it for the LC and it's killing me now

discus

thewhitepele wrote: »

Last year they didn't let anyone from CES pick GCB because they already had too many people doing the course, so I'd say it could be the same this year.

And they did the same back in 2005 or 2006... One of them. Which was truly a mistake on the CGB course heads part. I remember one person who was refused who went on to much bigger things. What's for you won't pass you, it seems.

Yukina

Hi, I'm currently a third year AS student, and even having taken the chemistry option I'm still doing biology modules!

In second year all modules are the same regardless of which stream you take, the chemistry ones are organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, chemical and environmental waste cycles and spectroscopy with electrochemistry.

However there is also the biology side of things, we had genetics and cell biology 2, biomolecules and metabolism and forensics as well as the labs to supplement them. AS and AC are almost exactly the same in 2nd year however the AC class have absolutely no biology after second year.

If you want more information about the courses that you can choose I'd recommend emailing the course head. In the case of AS our course head is on maternity leave at the moment so for information Dr Pauraic James is the go to guy until she returns

Hope that this has help in some way...