Computer Applications first year. What should I do to prepare?

Iopu

I will be starting CA in september as a mature student. I was wondering, what should I do to prepare for first year? Is there anything particularly difficult that I should start working on now?
What is first year like, in general?

Transition Metal

First year is notorious for having a high fail rate. Having spoken to a few of my mates though, regular study and actually putting in the work during the year will let you avoid that pitfall.

Enjoy your summer. Leave the hard academics til September 30th

Skylinehead

Have a look at Java and HTML. Bit of Linux wouldn't hurt either. Can't really see any way to prepare for the maths modules.

Devi

Brush up on LC maths if you're a mature student.

Iopu

Thank you for your replies. I just finished a fetac level 5 award that covered maths. So hopefully that will help.

Zhavey

CA student going into 2nd year this year. Having passed everything and going into the course knowing nothing - I wouldn't worry too much about preparation. You are thought most modules assuming you know nothing. The only thing about maths it does assume some knowledge - there is where I would only suggest looking over stuff - areas such as the basics of algebra, integral and differential calculus.

You're grand otherwise. But if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

computer44

put in much as you get. I would not be doing fails because it speaks for itself on a CV.

Iopu

Zhavey wrote: »

CA student going into 2nd year this year. Having passed everything and going into the course knowing nothing - I wouldn't worry too much about preparation. You are thought most modules assuming you know nothing. The only thing about maths it does assume some knowledge - there is where I would only suggest looking over stuff - areas such as the basics of algebra, integral and differential calculus.

You're grand otherwise. But if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

Thanks. That helps a lot.

grodge

Iopu wrote: »

Thanks. That helps a lot.

There is also a Math Learning Centre for students, for free. If you are struggling go to them. They are really good

http://www.dcu.ie/maths/mlc/index.shtml

Iopu

grodge wrote: »

There is also a Math Learning Centre for students, for free. If you are struggling go to them. They are really good

http://www.dcu.ie/maths/mlc/index.shtml

Thanks, I will be going to them, I am going to need it!

Jayrgomez

Iopu wrote: »

Thank you for your replies. I just finished a fetac level 5 award that covered maths. So hopefully that will help.

hey what fetac course did you do to get in computer applications?

Iopu

Jayrgomez wrote: »

hey what fetac course did you do to get in computer applications?

No, I was a mature applicant. Unfortunately, there is no fetac entry path to computer applications.

TheSean

Howdy. I'm a 3rd year mature student. Advice starting is get to know Java. It's the hardest one yet. The maths isn't that bad. I failed LC maths 13 years ago and got through. The maths learning center is great and free one on one tutors..

Try The New Boston web site for beginning tutorials for Java. It's the reason I'm still here. Bit of HTML and command line familiarity would be good as well.

They start you off from scratch in all subjects, so, a bit of study will get ye really far..

Hope this helps..

TheSean

Iopu wrote: »

No, I was a mature applicant. Unfortunately, there is no fetac entry path to computer applications.

Yes there is. I got into DCU through Colaiste Idé and an interview. FETAC Level 5/6

Iopu

TheSean wrote: »

Yes there is. I got into DCU through Colaiste Idé and an interview. FETAC Level 5/6

Oh ok, I was quoting that from the dcu website.

Iopu

TheSean wrote: »

Howdy. I'm a 3rd year mature student. Advice starting is get to know Java. It's the hardest one yet. The maths isn't that bad. I failed LC maths 13 years ago and got through. The maths learning center is great and free one on one tutors..

Try The New Boston web site for beginning tutorials for Java. It's the reason I'm still here. Bit of HTML and command line familiarity would be good as well.

They start you off from scratch in all subjects, so, a bit of study will get ye really far..

Hope this helps..

Thanks, lectures started today and it wasn't difficult. So far!!