Bachelor of Science

Solus01

I am interested in going to NUIM to study the Undenominated Science degree and I just have a few questions, and would be grateful if someone could answer them:
-How hard is the Maths and Experimental Physics? I only do Biology and Chemistry (at HL) and Maths at (OL), so I'm a bit worried about not being able to keep up. Also I noticed that you have to keep on 3 subjects in second year so I would probably take Experimental Physics? Is it really hard? I actually do have a keen interest in Astronomy if that's any benefit.

-How likely is that you can study abroad in the US for a year? That's one of the main reasons I want to study in NUIM because I can combine Science and Travel

-Do you ever get to specalise or do you gradaute with a very general degree in your chosen subject(s)?

-What are the hours like for first year?

-Overall, would you recommend the course?

Thanks in adavance, really appreciate it!

LeixlipRed

The maths is manageable if you put the effort in and you avail of the numerous supports the Maths Dept has in place for students like yourself. It will be tough, it's HL standard, but there's far more help and different types of support than you'd receive in school. If you want to know about the specifics just ask.

lemansky

Experimental Physics in first year is like leaving cert physics with a bit more added on. They don't assume leaving cert physics, so with a bit of work it'll be fine.


EDIT: You're thinking of taking it in second year too? There is a big jump, but like all things, if you've given yourself a solid foundation in the previous year, it will be managable.

Solus01

lemansky wrote: »

Experimental Physics in first year is like leaving cert physics with a bit more added on. They don't assume leaving cert physics, so with a bit of work it'll be fine.


EDIT: You're thinking of taking it in second year too? There is a big jump, but like all things, if you've given yourself a solid foundation in the previous year, it will be managable.

Thanks for replying!
Ya I want to take it in second year along with Chemistry and Biology becasue you have to take 3 subjects AFAIK and since I'm not overly into Maths that rules out pure maths and mathematical physics.

Solus01

LeixlipRed wrote: »

The maths is manageable if you put the effort in and you avail of the numerous supports the Maths Dept has in place for students like yourself. It will be tough, it's HL standard, but there's far more help and different types of support than you'd receive in school. If you want to know about the specifics just ask.

Thanks for replying. Much appreciated!

I'm in first year now, same circumstances as yourself. Had Leaving cert Biology and Chemistry but no physics. The Physics is very manageable if you get a good grounding in the first semester's mechanics course. The maths gets me down a bit but the support centre is great.
We get a maths assignment every week and a physics write up from your lab work. The physics labs are probably the easiest out of the lot. There's no labcoat or glasses needed and the atmosphere is a lot less strict. Integral Calculus is the hardest course in the maths imo. That's done in semester 2.
Oh and having done Bio and Chem in LC yourself don't be in a lecture and think "Oh I've done this in LC so I already know it" worst decision ever in semester two for chemistry. A heap of people failed the written in the first semester.
If you've any more questions just pm me.