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Prospective Students - Mathematics, Chemistry/Physics/Biology/Computer Science
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18-07-2012 6:27pm#1Hi guys, seeing as there are other threads out their for the "Law" students and nurses :rolleyes: I thought I'd make one for us real men/women... Those who strive to figure out the way things work...what makes the world how it is... the maths behind the benal!
For the sake of this thread, the following subjects/denominations of subjects may voice their opinion (if not, make yer own thread!
)
Mathematics
Applied Mathematics
Chemistry and its "sublevels" :pac:
Physics and its branches
Biology and its branches
General Science and the other sciences (Earth and Ocean, Geology etc.)
Computer science.
If I have left anyone out, post here and i'll edit my post! 0
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PictureFrame wrote: »We're over.. :mad: Law is for cool people.
Law lawdy law.... Cadrêves... The sciences is where it is at!
Let me get this party started...
Anyone else going into Maths and wondering how difficult it will get? Apparently it gets mad hard in 3rd/4th years!
Or people going for Chemistry... It is supposed to be the hardest subject in College... way harder than Maths and the likes (Law
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Oooh, me!
Hoping to go into General Science next year in TCD, studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths in first year, then probably continuing with them in second year. Not sure what I'd like to specialise in in third year, there are a few options that look really interesting, all within the biology/chemistry areas
If I don't get that, my second choice would be Science Education in NUIM, and my third would be General Science there.0 -
Oooh, me!
Hoping to go into General Science next year in TCD, studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths in first year, then probably continuing with them in second year. Not sure what I'd like to specialise in in third year, there are a few options that look really interesting, all within the biology/chemistry areas
If I don't get that, my second choice would be Science Education in NUIM, and my third would be General Science there.
Cool! I wouldn't mind teaching! I would love to be a lecturer though! I'm going for Mathematical Science in NUIG. Biology labs are great my sister said! Dissections, centrifuges and the likes! I wish I coould do it in my course... but I prefer chem so I'm doing that! :L 0 -
ChemHickey wrote: »Cool! I wouldn't mind teaching! I would love to be a lecturer though! I'm going for Mathematical Science in NUIG. Biology labs are great my sister said! Dissections, centrifuges and the likes! I wish I coould do it in my course... but I prefer chem so I'm doing that! :L
I'm not definite about teaching, but what I like about the Science Ed course is that you can drop the teaching modules and just continue into General Science. So if I did end up doing that, I'd have a little bit of experience with teaching, which would let me decide if I wanted to keep it up or not! I had many wars with myself over whether I wanted to put that or Trinity as my no. 1, settled on Trinity in the end though, because even if I do end up going into teaching, I'd like to go into research for a bit first. So that way, I can decide if I want to do the H. Dip afterwards. Even my biology teacher said that'd be a better option, I trust her! :P
Ah I can't wait for biology labs! I did prefer chemistry experiments in school though, when they decided to work :P Just loved that feeling waiting for your indicator to change colour, then BAM! Orange to pink! :pac:0 -
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I'm going into 6th year this year. I hoping to do either Theoretical Physics or Computer Science in TCD. I think I'll put theoretical physics as my first choice because you need such good results to get into that course. I'll put CS as my second because, even though I'd preferably do that than physics, the job prospects/ pay for Theoretical Physics seems to outweigh CS.
And other computer science enthusiasts out there? 0 -
I'm going into 6th year this year. I hoping to do either Theoretical Physics or Computer Science in TCD. I think I'll put theoretical physics as my first choice because you need such good results to get into that course. I'll put CS as my second because, even though I'd preferably do that than physics, the job prospects/ pay for Theoretical Physics seems to outweigh CS.
And other computer science enthusiasts out there?
Let me just say straight away that you should put what you'd rather do first on your CAO. My first choice is around
450 while my second is 580 or so! And I'm expecting around 600 points! The job prospects seem good NOW but when you finish college, think about how far advanced technology will be, and also how many people they'd need for computer technology and what not. I'd go with your gut. Do what you want, not what you'll get more money for. Happiness before wealth.0 -
ChemHickey wrote: »Let me just say straight away that you should put what you'd rather do first on your CAO. My first choice is around
450 while my second is 580 or so! And I'm expecting around 600 points! The job prospects seem good NOW but when you finish college, think about how far advanced technology will be, and also how many people they'd need for computer technology and what not. I'd go with your gut. Do what you want, not what you'll get more money for. Happiness before wealth.
I understand what you mean but just say I put down the computer science course as my first. For that course you need 355 points and a HC3 in Maths to get in. (I'm guessing that that will sky-rocket this year though due to the maths bonus and all the jobs being there). If I got lets say 580 points (What I'm predicted to get but I only got 445 in the Summer tests so it doesn't seem too accurate...) and I have CS as my first, I'll feel as though I haven't gotten the best course for the amount of points that I have obtained. If I get those points and have Theoretical Physics as my first, it may not be in my most desired course but I'll be in a course that I feel I have earned to be in. Also, I could maybe branch off after my course and do some physics engine software design for video games or something like that. I dunno, I'll have to research it more but I'm hoping that it could be a possibility. Just as long as I end up in a decent job working with computers/ video games I'll be happy.
Btw, has anyone looked at the new Computational Thinking course offered by NUI Maynooth? It's 40% Computer Science, 40% Theoretical Physics and 20% Philosophy. 500 points and a B1(?) in maths to get in. It's only starting this year but it seems interesting. I would be cautious picking to do a newly formed course though.
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I know nothing about computer science/physics but I just wanted to respond to this point. I'm sure you're familiar with the points system - points are set by the last applicant to get into the course. They are no indication of the difficulty or worth of the course. They can change dramatically from year to year (and I believe it's actually expected that this will happen to CS this year due to a surge of interest). What matters most about a course is whether or not you have a genuine interest in it.
Yeah, I'm familiar with the points system. I was just saying because of the maths point bonus the people entering those courses will have more points therefore raising the average amount of points needed to get into the course. I'm interested in Physics, just Computer Science more so. Thanks for the explanation anyway though. 0 -
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Yeah, I'm familiar with the points system. I was just saying because of the maths point bonus the people entering those courses will have more points therefore raising the average amount of points needed to get into the course. I'm interested in Physics, just Computer Science more so. Thanks for the explanation anyway though.
Points aren't a judgement of how good a course is! The course that comes to mind is the Chemistry and Molecular modelling course in TCD. Its only 400 points but there have been many graduates who left with very successful, worldwide degrees. I agree with your point about not showing your potential points wise but if the course isn't going to suit you don't do it. I wouldn't just learn just say Swahili because it is extremely difficult and I'm extremely smart (this is in a world where Swahili translators are in huge demand :P ). Just do what you think feels right. Research research research. Have a look at the course I'm thinking of doing : Mathematical Science NUIG. It's not huge points but it doesn't matter :L I'm expecting near 600, hopefully 625 points but I'm still determined to do my course sometime.
The computational thinking course seems good, especially since it's only 3 years, but a degree in it would be a bit limited.0 -
ChemHickey wrote: »Points aren't a judgement of how good a course is! The course that comes to mind is the Chemistry and Molecular modelling course in TCD. Its only 400 points but there have been many graduates who left with very successful, worldwide degrees. I agree with your point about not showing your potential points wise but if the course isn't going to suit you don't do it. I wouldn't just learn just say Swahili because it is extremely difficult and I'm extremely smart (this is in a world where Swahili translators are in huge demand :P ). Just do what you think feels right. Research research research. Have a look at the course I'm thinking of doing : Mathematical Science NUIG. It's not huge points but it doesn't matter :L I'm expecting near 600, hopefully 625 points but I'm still determined to do my course sometime.
The computational thinking course seems good, especially since it's only 3 years, but a degree in it would be a bit limited.
I understand and I agree with you. Maybe I just didn't explain myself well enough in my other post, sorry. I'm placing the Theoretical Physics course above the computer science course because the job prospects afterwards seem more enticing career/pay wise, not because of the points difference. If I wanted to take a stupidly difficult course to prove myself I would probably take something like medicine but that doesn't interest me at all. I don't look at the points, I look at which course will give me the greatest standard of life and the greatest happiness later on in life. It's just a matter of weighing out the outcomes and seeing which one outweighs the other for what you want out of it. Your Mathematical Science course is the course that you need to do to achieve your dream job (I'm guessing
) while Theoretical Physics would lead me to my dream job (Working at CERN or ITER (http://www.iter.org) ). Even though I would probably enjoy Computer Science more, I would probably be happier later on in life if I did Theoretical Physics. It's all about your personal preferences and what makes you happy.
I was thinking that too. What jobs could you get by applying and saying that "I've Got a BSc in Computational Thinking"? I would be hesitant to pick that course.0 -
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Btw, has anyone looked at the new Computational Thinking course offered by NUI Maynooth? It's 40% Computer Science, 40% Theoretical Physics and 20% Philosophy. 500 points and a B1(?) in maths to get in. It's only starting this year but it seems interesting. I would be cautious picking to do a newly formed course though.I was thinking that too. What jobs could you get by applying and saying that "I've Got a BSc in Computational Thinking"? I would be hesitant to pick that course.
If you're thinking of any kind of future in computers I'd definitely reccommend this course. From what I hear NUIM worked on this with several major computer companies (incl. Google, Intel etc.) and you would be more or less guaranteed a job with one of these on completion. It's only 3 years because they want good graduates asap and they say your brain works best at a younger age so why waste an extra year in college. I think there's only 10 places though so I'm guessing points could be very high (It would only need 10 people with 600/625 to apply and that's the points).0 -
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For maths teaching degrees would the maths get much more advanced or would it be on par with leaving cert. Im not talking about a maths course but like science education in DCU which qualifies you to teach maths and physics
It would have to get more advanced. It would probably have to cover the old LC syllabli from back in the 70s and 60s and what not, incase any of that material will make a show on future syllabli. Also, in the future when I'm chief examiner for maths I'm going to try and bring maths to the same standard as that in A levels, perhaps by having a further maths course here as well as just honours and pass. 0 -
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Hopefully I'll be going into Mathematical Sciences in UCC to do a degree in Maths and Physics. At the moment I'm thinking about going into physics research afterwards and so a TP degree or something like that would probably be better but the good thing about CK407 is that if I change my mind I can do a HDip and go teaching a few of ye seem to be interested in physics, what do ye think about the career prospects afterwards for a Maths and Physics graduate? 0
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Hopefully I'll be going into Mathematical Sciences in UCC to do a degree in Maths and Physics. At the moment I'm thinking about going into physics research afterwards and so a TP degree or something like that would probably be better but the good thing about CK407 is that if I change my mind I can do a HDip and go teaching a few of ye seem to be interested in physics, what do ye think about the career prospects afterwards for a Maths and Physics graduate?
There is a lot of different areas which people of Maths and physics can head into. Any aspect of finance, education, television, meteorology, astronomy, research lab work etc.0 -
Wow, there is a lot of misinformation about Computer Science in this thread.
Don't even know where to start to be honest.
(From a Trinity CS student..)
But I'd point out that anyone who thinks Google/Intel are going to hire them into a technical position without the requisite technical skills are fooling themselves. Google in Ireland hires mostly marketing and finance grads, they do very little development here. Intel hire mostly engineers (Chemical, Electronic & Computer Engineering mostly (as well as hardware focused Computer Science grads)) for their technical positions - but they, along with Deloitte/Accenture etc., also hire a lot of people with 'technical' skills who want to go into the business side of things. Mainly graduates from the likes of Maths, Economics, MSISS, Engineers with MA's in Finance/MBAs etc.
These are all "jobs". They are all doing vastly different things, but they're still jobs. If you're just looking to get a job then by all means do any of the above. If you're smart and clued in then you'll find employment easily, either here or abroad, and will make plenty of money. If that's what you're into.
Now to Computer Science. First off, if you do Computer Science, don't worry about finding a job. There is a massive shortage of good developers in this country, and in general world-wide. If you're any good, you'll be snapped up. If you're really good, they'll just throw money at you. But that's the boring bit.
Computer Science is awesome. I can't state this enough. You'll be learning how to design, build and control a machine that has made the modern world. How cool is that? You'll learn skills that'll allow you to build cool new things that'll change the world. You'll learn a ton of maths and logic, and learn to love math. REAL math. You'll (Well, certainly in Trinity, can't speak for anywhere else) be surrounded by people who love what they do, more than any other course. We eat and breathe this stuff, fiddling with stuff, breaking it, fixing it, building new stuff. You'll be exposed to one of the coolest communities in the world. This is an industry where people love going to work because it's fun. When they get home, they go and build more stuff in their spare time. We build because we love it. Creating stuff that people will actually use, stuff that at minimum makes their life a little easier/more fun, but could sometimes change their lives completely and utterly. You'll be reticent at first, thinking "****, I don't like this as much as the rest of these guys", but then you'll get pulled in. And suddenly you're pulling caffeine-fuelled all-nighters putting the finishing touches on the cool new program/website/app/network/server/desktop you built.
And that's when you say "Holy crap, people are going to pay me lots and lots of money to do this for the rest of my life"
Yes it's a vocation. No, it doesn't have to be. There are plenty of jobs in 'IT' in banks/big companies for people who want a 'normal' job with a steady promotion ladder and 9-5.
But me? I'll swan into work at 10 am after indulging myself on my office's free beers the night before, thanks. 0 -
Wow, there is a lot of misinformation about Computer Science in this thread.
Don't even know where to start to be honest.
(From a Trinity CS student..)
But I'd point out that anyone who thinks Google/Intel are going to hire them into a technical position without the requisite technical skills are fooling themselves. Google in Ireland hires mostly marketing and finance grads, they do very little development here. Intel hire mostly engineers (Chemical, Electronic & Computer Engineering mostly (as well as hardware focused Computer Science grads)) for their technical positions - but they, along with Deloitte/Accenture etc., also hire a lot of people with 'technical' skills who want to go into the business side of things. Mainly graduates from the likes of Maths, Economics, MSISS, Engineers with MA's in Finance/MBAs etc.
These are all "jobs". They are all doing vastly different things, but they're still jobs. If you're just looking to get a job then by all means do any of the above. If you're smart and clued in then you'll find employment easily, either here or abroad, and will make plenty of money. If that's what you're into.
Now to Computer Science. First off, if you do Computer Science, don't worry about finding a job. There is a massive shortage of good developers in this country, and in general world-wide. If you're any good, you'll be snapped up. If you're really good, they'll just throw money at you. But that's the boring bit.
Computer Science is awesome. I can't state this enough. You'll be learning how to design, build and control a machine that has made the modern world. How cool is that? You'll learn skills that'll allow you to build cool new things that'll change the world. You'll learn a ton of maths and logic, and learn to love math. REAL math. You'll (Well, certainly in Trinity, can't speak for anywhere else) be surrounded by people who love what they do, more than any other course. We eat and breathe this stuff, fiddling with stuff, breaking it, fixing it, building new stuff. You'll be exposed to one of the coolest communities in the world. This is an industry where people love going to work because it's fun. When they get home, they go and build more stuff in their spare time. We build because we love it. Creating stuff that people will actually use, stuff that at minimum makes their life a little easier/more fun, but could sometimes change their lives completely and utterly. You'll be reticent at first, thinking "****, I don't like this as much as the rest of these guys", but then you'll get pulled in. And suddenly you're pulling caffeine-fuelled all-nighters putting the finishing touches on the cool new program/website/app/network/server/desktop you built.
And that's when you say "Holy crap, people are going to pay me lots and lots of money to do this for the rest of my life"
Yes it's a vocation. No, it doesn't have to be. There are plenty of jobs in 'IT' in banks/big companies for people who want a 'normal' job with a steady promotion ladder and 9-5.
But me? I'll swan into work at 10 am after indulging myself on my office's free beers the night before, thanks.
Wow, NSNO, that post must have taken you a serious amount of time to write, and I believe I speak for all of us on this thread when I say Thank you for the post. It is extremely informative and directly to the point. It really does highlight the importance for computer science and the opportunity for the subject as well.
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