Too risky to go into undenom science?

ApeLove

I'm only doing one lab science in Leaving Cert now but I'm looking at going into Undenominated Science at NUIG next year, the group I want doesn't actually include the science I'm taking now, but I feel like I have an interest in it all.
Will I be lost taking science subjects that I haven't done since Junior Cert? And for anyone on the course, is it good? Do you enjoy it?
Thanks for any help

Raging_Ninja

The science course can be difficult. First year is designed to give an introduction to the areas, and is geared towards those who may not have done science subjects before.

When I did it, the objective by the end of first year was to be more advanced than that taught in higher-level Leaving Certificate. However, that was back in 2004 so I don't know if that still holds true.

I'd say having less experience in the areas could be a good thing, as if you know whats going on then you might start thinking "sure I did all this stuff already" and take it easy, and then get caught out in the exams.

If you want to do it, go for it.

However, you might want to look into the IT courses as well. Its pretty much the only sector where there is no recession.

RolandIRL

What subjects are you thinking of taking? i know that first year physics is divided into two classes, depending on whether you've done it for LC before. they take you through it like you've never done it before (which for a lot of people, they haven't).

chemistry was just a rehash of LC and was easy enough to pick up on if you haven't done it before.

there is a bit more done that in LC, but first science isn't that intensive as long as you work a bit during the year and go to your tutorials.

i'd actually say it's better to go with something new cos first year can be boring if you've already done the subject for LC.

ApeLove

whiteman19 wrote: »

What subjects are you thinking of taking? i know that first year physics is divided into two classes, depending on whether you've done it for LC before. they take you through it like you've never done it before (which for a lot of people, they haven't).

I want to take one of the groups that's computer science, physics (which I haven't done before), maths and then either chemistry or earth and ocean science.

RolandIRL

you'll be grand for physics...as long as you put in the work, and don't be afraid to ask the lecturer to go over something if you don't understand it. you'll be in a class with people who haven't done physics at all in their life, so they'll go at a slower pace than the other class, but ye still cover the same amount.

maths, i should warn you, is a lot more theoretical than the LC. there's 2 modules, analysis and algebra. for analysis (like calculus, except harder), there's very little procedural maths (ie working out derivatives, etc). it's more to learn concepts, and it can be a bit head wrecking. algebra is much nicer, easier to comprehend.

chemistry was a bit of a pisstake. if you put in any amount of work, you'll get a decent grade.

whatsyourquota

1st year is simple I wouldnt worry about that.
But if you havent done physics before are you sure its good to pick so many subjects related to it? Physics is something that gets very very hard even by second year and the failure rates are huge so you really have to commit to it.
Picking the usually Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Biology in first year maybe would be a better idea so you have more options if you dont like a subject and then you can specilise in 2nd year?

meeka

Yeah, OP, as long as you go to lectures and put in a bit of work you'll be fine - I hadn't done chemistry since junior cert, and ended up getting an A in the 1st year summer exam. They assume that you haven't done it before, and there's always the tutorials etc if you're having trouble. Also, most lecturers are approachable if you're having a lot of difficulty!

I was in the physics class for people who'd done it for the LC, but apparently the lectures for those who haven't done it before are grand as well. I know there's also lots of physics tutorials where they do out homework problems and stuff, so really it's all about just going to these and putting in a bit of work.

You should definitely go for it if it's what you want to do, you're not dropped in at the deep end or anything, so I definitely wouldn't call it a "risk" anyway!

tenacious-me

ApeLove wrote: »

I'm only doing one lab science in Leaving Cert now but I'm looking at going into Undenominated Science at NUIG next year, the group I want doesn't actually include the science I'm taking now, but I feel like I have an interest in it all.
Will I be lost taking science subjects that I haven't done since Junior Cert? And for anyone on the course, is it good? Do you enjoy it?
Thanks for any help

I was the exact same, I had only done Physics for Leaving Cert, did Undenom Sci., ended up loving Biology and finished last year with 1st Class Honours!

Anyone can do it, just put a bit of work in!

ApeLove

tenacious-me wrote: »

I was the exact same, I had only done Physics for Leaving Cert, did Undenom Sci., ended up loving Biology and finished last year with 1st Class Honours!

Anyone can do it, just put a bit of work in!

Congrats! Well that sounds pretty positive anyway, hopefully I can say the same in a few years time

bildo

Didn't do first year here but have had a brief look at the courses and it seems pretty basic to me. If you're able for physics LC you should cope with first science, it seems like a bit of a catchup year to get everyone on the same level.

If you want over the summer I can give you cheap/free grinds in chemistry and biology to get you up to speed in em.