BSC Computational Thinking MH214

2ndchance

Hi, is there anyone here doing this course or that knows anyone doing it that would be willing to give me some information either here or by pm? I would be really grateful. Thanks

Alt_Grrr

Its a new course (this is its first year) and the class is quite small, so I'm not sure if any of them are on boards.

But ask away and I'll see if I can get you the information.

Bombardment

If anyone else wants to know anything about the Comp Thinking course just drop me a PM or post here and I'll try and help you out as best as I can. I'm currently a first year Comp Thinker so I've got first hand knowledge of the course.

Moilleadoir

Hi, I'd really like some information on the course. I have it at number 7 or 8 on the CAO atm because it seems really really interesting, I just don't know very much about it. I just have a few questions:

How are the three subjects split up? Is it mostly maths and some computer science, or is it a more even mix? I'm guessing philosophy plays a more minor role?

Do you need previous knowledge of computers or programming? This is the bit that scares me the most, I've heard it's an accelerated course

How is the philosophy in terms of difficulty? It's probably the subject that drew me to this course in the first place, I'm just curious to know if there are many essays and that kind of thing?

And then just the general difficulty, workload, etc. Is it an enjoyable course? My favourite subject is maths, but I have no idea if computer science is for me. Thanks!

Bombardment

Hi,
You can find all the details on the course here with specific details on course content here but I'll break it down anyway.

How are the three subjects split up? Is it mostly maths and some computer science, or is it a more even mix? I'm guessing philosophy plays a more minor role?

In 1st year you'll have 12 modules made up of 2 CS, 3 maths and 1 philosophy each semester.
The Second Year layout seems to have changed recently with 6 CS, 4 maths and 2 philosophy.
For both first and second year you have no choice as to your modules but in Third Year you have 4 compulsory maths and 1 compulsory CS.
So as you can see it balances out between Maths and CS after 2 years with philosophy taking a smaller role.

Do you need previous knowledge of computers or programming? This is the bit that scares me the most, I've heard it's an accelerated course

It is assumed that you will have no prior programming knowledge. Since we do skip all of First Year CS we were given a 3 day intensive programming boot-camp to bring us up to speed which wasn't as bad as it sounds. None of us had any prior experience programming and we were all well able to complete any of the CS labs during the year at least as well as the CSSEs.

How is the philosophy in terms of difficulty? It's probably the subject that drew me to this course in the first place, I'm just curious to know if there are many essays and that kind of thing?

The philosophy is grand. Those modules will probably be the easiest ones you'll have. Most modules will require an essay of 1500-2000 words and some require a presentation as well. If you can survive the rest the philosophy won't even slow you down

And then just the general difficulty, workload, etc.

There is no doubt that this is a tough course, especially in first year. The maths can be fairly brutal and will take up most of your time. Us and the Theoretical Physics crowd with whom we share maths modules have probably got the worst workload of all first years but I have it on good authority that first year is always the worst for pure maths.

Is it an enjoyable course?

Definitely. If you're looking for a challenge and an interesting course this is it. Maynooth is a great place to study and live. Throw on top of that the fact that you'll get to know you course-mates really well and you're in for a great time despite the workload.

Let me know if there is anything else you want to know.