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HDip IT

Harpie

Thinking of applying for this conversion course so just looking for some info on Computer Science

Is it difficult?
Will a lazy Arts graduate be able to cope with the hours:P

Another year in NUIM and career prospects in IT are the attractions, I'm just not sure if I'd be able to handle a subject I can't BS my way through and actually have to study for...

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pakblue

I'm doing pure Computer Science and compared to that its pretty easy though in saying that I have 4 years to learn everything while you will only have a year.

HDip in IT is basically what you would have done if you picked Computer Science as a arts subject for 3 years.

What almost all HDips find hard is the programming and you will be in some modules where the other students have been coding for a year or two already.

CS130 Databases
In my year there about about 150 students in the class and about 20 showed up for it. Our lecture at the time told us that he in fact failed Databases in his undergrad thus lost all faith in the class. At the time I found it hard but still managed to get about 50%

CS141 Introduction to Programming
This wasn't around when I was in 1st year.

CS142 Introduction to Computer Science
This wasn't around when I was in 1st year.

CS143 Introduction to Computer Systems
This wasn't around when I was in 1st year.

CS151 Discrete Structures
Abstract Maths but very easy.

CS210 Algorithms & Data Structures 1
Will be difficult because it will be all second year who have already done programming.

CS211 Algorithms & Data Structures 2
Ditto with above but I actually failed this module but that was before they revamped the continuous assessment as in my year it was 3 projects worth 10% each but because of my year having such a low CA grade they changed it this year there was a paper part and then a programming part so even if you weren't that strong in programming you could still get a pass.

CS230 Web Information Processing
Didn't do this myself but it was meant to be very easy.

CS240 Operating Systems
Very boring module mainly down to the lecture and it tough but I still managed to get around 50% in the exam even though I didn't know a hole lot about the module.

CS260 Humanities Computing 1
Didn't do this myself but it was meant to be very easy.

CS261 Multimedia Technology
Didn't do this myself but it was meant to be VERY VERY easy.

CS320 Computer Networks
Tough module and the lecture doesn't help IMO as it could have been a very interesting module. You will be in with 3rd CSSE's for this and they will probably be very good at this module because of there past modules so dont get too disheartened if you don't pick it up as quick.

CS335 Software Engineering and Software Process
This is where your Arts degree will come in handy as in the exam everyone just BS their way though it and got a 1st in it. Lecture just reads though the notes in a very monotone voice but other then that he is top bloke, he pretty much gave us the exam and gave marks for attendance as I'm pretty sure no one would have went otherwise.

Also the career prospects in IT are NOT as good as they made it out to be.

mp3guy

I've done most of those modules this and last year. Also know a few people who did the HDip in IT, you'll have your work cut out for you, like 20+ hours a week, nearly half of them being labs.

CS130 Databases
Probably the hardest module out of them all, the whole idea behind databases takes a while to get your head around, but easy enough to pass.

CS141 Introduction to Programming
Teaches you to programme in Java from the start.

CS142 Introduction to Computer Science
Different computer science concepts like Finite Automata etc... Again, at the beginning it'll take a while for it all to click but once it does it's easy as pie.

CS143 Introduction to Computer Systems
Pretty much touches on most aspects of Computer Science, kinda like a Computer Systems trivia module. Easy, just lots of content.

CS151 Discrete Structures
Will take some time to click, once it does though it's probably the easiest module.

CS210 Algorithms & Data Structures 1
You'll be doing CS141 at the same time as this, which is a bit crap since you actually need to have done it before. This will be a struggle.

CS211 Algorithms & Data Structures 2
You'll have more experience while doing this module, so it'll be a bit easier than the one before.

CS230 Web Information Processing
Involves a 12 week website project worth 50%. That has a lot of work, but is doable. Don't underestimate the end of year exam either.

CS240 Operating Systems
Just a large volume of stuff to learn and understand, not at all difficult.

CS260 Humanities Computing 1
Didn't do this.

CS261 Multimedia Technology
Didn't do this.

CS320 Computer Networks
Didn't do this.

CS335 Software Engineering and Software Process
Like CS240, large amount to learn but very easy.

castie

I have the Hdip done. Did it 2007/2008.

Only subjects to look out for are CS210 and CS211 as they assume alot of programming knowledge. The department is very approachable and I would have to disagree with an earlier comment about CS320 as I found the lecturer to be very approachable.

Possibilitys are huge for progression onto the Msc in Software Engineering with a good enough final mark.

Also there is a new postgrad diploma in Computer Science launching in September for people who may have done Computer Science through arts.

Harpie

Thanks a million for the replies, they are a great help. Having second thoughts now tbh, as I just don't think I have the logical capabilities to grasp CS on a whole. Will look into it a bit more, maybe have a look through some notes. Thanks again for all of your info.

deltas

I have applied for this course, was just wondering how hard it was to get in. Did all the places fill up in past years? Will a 2:1 be enough to get me in? Do allot of people apply?

Fr Martin

castie wrote: »

I have the Hdip done. Did it 2007/2008.

Only subjects to look out for are CS210 and CS211 as they assume alot of programming knowledge. The department is very approachable and I would have to disagree with an earlier comment about CS320 as I found the lecturer to be very approachable.

Possibilitys are huge for progression onto the Msc in Software Engineering with a good enough final mark.

Also there is a new postgrad diploma in Computer Science launching in September for people who may have done Computer Science through arts.

Im doing the Msc in Software Engineering - Anyone else done that or doin it?

humpysomething

deltas wrote: »

I have applied for this course, was just wondering how hard it was to get in. Did all the places fill up in past years? Will a 2:1 be enough to get me in? Do allot of people apply?

Similar questions really, I'm coming out with a 2.2 physics degree and am disappointed with the employment prospects. Most of the jobs I've come across call for much more experience in computing. Would this be a good choice for upskilling and how competetive is it to get into?

Alt_Grrr

pakblue wrote: »

Also the career prospects in IT are NOT as good as they made it out to be.

There BETTER, Employers are a bit spoiled for choice (in some cases), but the work is out there if you have lots of good experience and keep looking for it.

and the benefits aren't half bad ether. :P

mp3guy wrote: »

CS320 Computer Networks
Didn't do this.

You did do that module,
maybe your just repressing the memories of how bad it was.

Its actually an interesting subject, but it was taught the wrong way round.
(Not from the Wire up like in other places, but the top down, which means you can get a bit lost)

mp3guy

Alt_Grrr wrote: »

You did do that module,
maybe your just repressing the memories of how bad it was.

Its actually an interesting subject, but it was taught the wrong way round.
(Not from the Wire up like in other places, but the top down, which means you can get a bit lost)

Note the date on my post.

Also I was happy with the way it was taught, I've used quite a bit from it since I did it.

Alt_Grrr

mp3guy wrote: »

Note the date on my post.

Also I was happy with the way it was taught, I've used quite a bit from it since I did it.

Whoa, somebody dugg this up...
I apologise, but I stand by my point.