Computer Science & Linguistics or Engineering

earwax_man

Hey guys, not sure if this is the most correct forum to post in, but I have a dilemma. I'm planning on studying either CSL with German, or Engineering hopefully in September in Trinity. The problem is that I'm not too sure on which to choose!
I'm very interested in languages, linguistics and computers. I learn languages as a hobby, and I find them extremely easy. I can speak very fluently in German. Linguistics is also something that is always something that's on my mind. I'm always analysing grammar
But I'm also extremely interested in structures and transportation. I love creating 3d models for games like SimCity 4 to use in-game, and I'm very much into DCG and physics.
Could you guys who have done either course give me some info on which you would recommend on doing and for what reasons? How are job opportunities? I'm happy with either of these courses, I just want to have chosen the best one

Anita Blow

If you like Engineering you should go with that and just take one of the language classes that the colleges offer outside your own course. As far as I know they do Spanish, French and German at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced level and the class is separate to your degree course

mathstalk

earwax_man wrote: »

Hey guys, not sure if this is the most correct forum to post in, but I have a dilemma. I'm planning on studying either CSL with German, or Engineering hopefully in September in Trinity. The problem is that I'm not too sure on which to choose!
I'm very interested in languages, linguistics and computers. I learn languages as a hobby, and I find them extremely easy. I can speak very fluently in German. Linguistics is also something that is always something that's on my mind. I'm always analysing grammar
But I'm also extremely interested in structures and transportation. I love creating 3d models for games like SimCity 4 to use in-game, and I'm very much into DCG and physics.
Could you guys who have done either course give me some info on which you would recommend on doing and for what reasons? How are job opportunities? I'm happy with either of these courses, I just want to have chosen the best one

I'm also facing a similar choice. There is no best one, both courses are different and the quality depends on your preference. If you're really stumped, remember that Engineering has the possibility of Computer Engineering which is very similar to Computer Science (I was talking to some people at the open day and they said that the two streams have many common lectures). Remember, also, that studying a language in college doesn't only require fluidity. I'm not sure if the language exams are the same in CSL as they are in Law and French but somebody doing the latter told me that grammatically flawless essays would only guarantee a low C; apparently the marking is tough. Generally, I'd say the work load for CSL is higher. Make sure you'll be interested enough to overcome that work load. If so, you'll have fun. DCG wouldn't really come into either course too much. I have a cousin doing Eng. in Trinity and whenever I see him, I always try to strike up the "Solidworks" banter, but he hasn't a clue what I'm on about. DCG may come into Eng. a small bit (If you want it to) but say goodbye to the subject if you want to do CSL. As for physics: I was looking at the Eng. course content and a lot of the LC physics course is actually re-studied in first year (so it seems). That, for me, made the course seem like a bit of a bore but, if you really do enjoy studying physics (as it does go into a lot more detail after the initial revision of lenses, light bla bla bla) then Eng. would be a good choice. I can't see too much physics coming into CSL, it would probably be more about logic and maybe some maths. There's a difference between interest in computers and interest in "computer science". It strikes me that you're very interested in what a computer can do (Sims 4 models etc.) but, computer science would be about how computers do that, i.e. the code behind the screen. It's very difficult to know what course is best. Remember, 4 years is a very long time. Choose whichever subject you feel you'll be able to maintain interest and concentration in for 4 years.

AnneElizabeth

Hey, was in a similar situation last year. I really liked the idea of computer science but I wasn't 100% sure if it would be for me so I chose engineering instead, planning to choose computer engineering after second year.

A year later and I'm so happy I didn't pick computer science, we do C++ in engineering and I've realised programming doesn't appeal to me, I find it too tedious. Engineering is so broad, it's a great degree to have. With regards the issue with languages: while learning a language is nice, I do think it's something that you can do yourself.

Also, yes they do offer language classes but places are extremely limited and very few people get them. Just keep that in mind, but you seem motivated enough to want to study languages on your own anyway and you can. DU Modern Languages Society offer language classes but you have to pay for them.

gavmcg92

Just after finishing 2nd year Engineering and am going into Mechanical come September.

In Trinity you do 2 years of general engineering and then you specialise. You can pick civil, mechanical, computer, electronic or biomedical (new this year) engineering. The course is extremely broad.

I went into the course set on Electronic engineering. After the elctronics based project of creating a buggy and programming it to follow a line, I realised that it wasn't for me.