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DCU Computer Applications

  • 15-08-2015 8:12am
    #1
    Newuser18
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3 ✭


    I'm probably going to be starting computer applications in DCU this year and was just wondering if anyone had any useful (latest) info on the course?
    Is it any good? Better than computer science in UCD or Trinity?

    And what the first year timetable was like for the year? Lectures, lab work, hours per week, days off, etc...

    Also would a Macbook be of any benefit over a windows laptop? Or vice versa


Comments

  • #2
    rbiff
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17 ✭rbiff


    Newuser18 wrote: »
    I'm probably going to be starting computer applications in DCU this year and was just wondering if anyone had any useful (latest) info on the course?
    Is it any good? Better than computer science in UCD or Trinity?

    And what the first year timetable was like for the year? Lectures, lab work, hours per week, days off, etc...

    Also would a Macbook be of any benefit over a windows laptop? Or vice versa

    It is a lot better than UCD's course for sure, that is very neglected from all accounts, plus they don't have work experience for the 6 months like we will. As for Trinity's course, it seems pretty similar and according to Wikipedia it is the second most sought after Computer Science course after DCU's, it is also a BA which made me forget about it almost instantaneously :P

    I went and met Martin Crane, a staff in the Computer Faculty earlier in the year, according to him they are in a state of flux with the course, meaning it will be different from last year's first years when we start, and it will change per year to keep up with technologies.

    As for the timetable, he showed me last years and it seems pretty fair on lectures and tutorials, but you will have to put in work at home/in the library. He said it is almost a custom to finish around 3PM on a Thursday and have nothing on a Friday so those who don't live in Dublin (most students in the course don't) can go home for the weekend on Thursday night/Friday morning or whatever if they so wish. I believe it is 20+ hours a week altogether of lecture and tutorials, however there is a proper timetable up from last year I believe.

    As for UNIX/Linux/Windows it doesn't really matter, out of ease I'd choose Windows but they will be use all platforms, but they do have all three OS' on campus :)


  • #3
    Newuser18
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3 ✭Newuser18


    Ah nice one! Thanks a million!

    See ya this year i guess!


  • #4
    Iopu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 182 ✭✭Iopu


    I've just finished first year. I've also heard that the course is about to change but I'll tell you off my experience. We did have Friday's off and the timetable is reasonable. Typically 10am start and 4pm finish and 2pm finish on Wednesday. The majority of timetabled hours go to Programming 1 + 2 and maths. You wont need your own computer as the labs have plenty of computers. Which have both Windows and Linux installed. Their is a lot of independent study required out of class and I would like to encourage you to keep on top of the coursework and start preparing for the exams as early as possible.


  • #5
    Newuser18
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3 ✭Newuser18


    Oh that sounds great! So do you think a mac would be a bad idea to have at home for assignments and stuff seeing as they only use windows and linux?


  • #6
    Iopu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 182 ✭✭Iopu


    Newuser18 wrote: »
    Oh that sounds great! So do you think a mac would be a bad idea to have at home for assignments and stuff seeing as they only use windows and linux?

    I'm not really familiar with Mac. As I've always had a windows PC. It may be perfectly fine to use a Mac for your coursework.


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  • #7
    rosmoke
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 417 ✭✭rosmoke


    I'll be using a Mac as well, I guess that best idea is to have both operating systems and Vmware on it.


  • #8
    Paddez
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 49 ✭Paddez


    There's really nothing Windows specific about the course.
    You'll probably be fine with a OS X.

    If for whatever reason you need a PC with Windows installed, all the CA Labs have Windows.


  • #9
    sean_b97
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78 ✭✭sean_b97


    Just starting 6th year and looking at Computer Applications atm. What makes it better than Trinity's course (and is there much of a difference) and are the large class sizes a detriment or is there no difference? Thanks


  • #10
    sean_b97
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78 ✭✭sean_b97


    ?


  • #11
    rosmoke
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 417 ✭✭rosmoke


    sean_b97 wrote: »
    Just starting 6th year and looking at Computer Applications atm. What makes it better than Trinity's course (and is there much of a difference) and are the large class sizes a detriment or is there no difference? Thanks

    I can't tell you how is the Trinity's course but I can tell you that I'm very happy with my choice. As for the large class size I don't think it would be a problem as from second year generally many are dropping out.


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