DCU Computer Applications

eoingo

Hi, i have recently been trying to fill out my CAO form and came across computer applications in DCU. I was wondering if a C3 in ordinary maths would suffice before entering this course. I am aware that a C3 is the minimum course requirement but I have also heard that the drop-out rate is quite high and thought that maybe there was a link between the two. I have an interest programming but was worried that perhaps the C3 was in the interest of the college and merely there to have more students attend DCU. I hope i am wrong as I would very much like to attend this college.I would appreciate very much if someone could get back to me. THANKS !:):)

mad turnip

eoingo wrote: »

Hi, i have recently been trying to fill out my CAO form and came across computer applications in DCU. I was wondering if a C3 in ordinary maths would suffice before entering this course. I am aware that a C3 is the minimum course requirement but I have also heard that the drop-out rate is quite high and thought that maybe there was a link between the two. I have an interest programming but was worried that perhaps the C3 was in the interest of the college and merely there to have more students attend DCU. I hope i am wrong as I would very much like to attend this college.I would appreciate very much if someone could get back to me. THANKS !:):)

Well since no one has replied I'll give you what information I know. I do engineering in DCU and the maths in this course is quite hard especially if you did bad at ordinary level maths. What i've heard about computer applications is that the maths requirement is alot lower but there is maths modules which do require quite a bit of work if you got a C3 in the leaving but if you work hard passing it should not be hard. There is also a "maths learning centre" which is like a 12 hour a day grinds place with maths genius's which I'd highly recommend if your bad at maths.

The other side of this is, computers is kinda based on maths although the maths requirement isn't too high computer applications is targeted towards those of a problem solving mind which is usually found in maths.

I do believe the low pass rate is due to programming (which does have some small amount have todo with maths).

I hope I've cleared up alot for you but I do know people that are in 3rd year computer applications that did ordinary level maths although there grades were C-B in pass maths it just requires you to work at it!

0Default0

Hi there,

Let me first start by saying Computer Applications is an excellent choice to throw down on your CAO. Let me also tell you that i got a C3 in ordinary maths in my leaving cert and only 315-330 points (back when it was 300 to enter the course), and i'll be graduated in November with a 1.1 (fingers crossed).

Maths is only difficult in 1st/2nd year really, and even then most is just relatively basic formulas and things like vectoring, linear algebra etc, hell I even did Operations Research in final year (Completely Optional) which is quite mathsy and so long as you put the work in its not too bad. Honestly you should be just fine with an ordinary C3 so long as you put the work in. As mentioned above, the maths learning centre is really an excellent resource if you have any problems, and unlike many schools, most of the lecturers in the school of computing are most than happy to meet with students to discuss and aid with any issues you may have, some even without appointments.

The dropout rate is high because of several factors i'd imagine, math difficulty being only a small one. Other real contributing factors are basically new students not expecting the in-depth programming and intricacies that the course entails, thinking most of the course is creating games or talking about Google, which isn't really what its about. and many people get caught by some of the damning subjects in the course (Some lecturers mark harder or softer, you'll get used to it).

Really though, it is a great course that opens up numerous opportunities during and after getting your degree and you should definitely consider it.

If you end up in DCU, enjoy it, its honestly a great college to end up in
Good Luck!
-Stephen

judy1994

Hi! about the 300 points being allowed to enter the course..is that still allowed?

0Default0

judy1994 wrote: »

Hi! about the 300 points being allowed to enter the course..is that still allowed?

I believe the entry requirements is around 400 this year. so id be doubtful.

judy1994

oh my gosh :O but this is the quote from the website:
"C3 in Ordinary Level or D3 in Higher Level Mathematics. Students are also expected to attain a minimum points score of 300"
very confusing.

collier

judy1994 wrote: »

oh my gosh :O but this is the quote from the website:
"C3 in Ordinary Level or D3 in Higher Level Mathematics. Students are also expected to attain a minimum points score of 300"
very confusing.

This refers to a minimum requirement. You should also note points for a the course are based on the last person to get in. With 300 points there is still a chance so long as there is not a high demand from applicants with more points.

With <300 there is not chance based on the requirement.

judy1994

collier wrote: »

This refers to a minimum requirement. You should also note points for a the course are based on the last person to get in. With 300 points there is still a chance so long as there is not a high demand from applicants with more points.

With <300 there is not chance based on the requirement.

oh ok! i hope i have a chance with 340..thank you!

collier

judy1994 wrote: »

oh ok! i hope i have a chance with 340..thank you!

No problem at all...Best of luck in your studies