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Common Entry Into Science: TCD or DCU?

Val235

Hi all.
I have a bit of a dilemma. I can't choose between the DCU Common Entry into Science course and the one in Trinity.
In TCD, I have to choose subjects to make up 60 credits. I thought this was grand since I could do all of the science subjects and avoid math. But no. I went to an Open Day in Trinity later on and found out that I definitely need to do Maths as well as Physics if I want to go down the Physics route when it comes to specialisaion.
I'm only doing Biology for my LC so I'm not sure of what the other sciences are like. (My JC knowledge doesnt do much good to help me decide for obvious reasons)
I therefore wanted to study all of the sciences in first year. But I can't. i'd need to miss out on one of the sciences to make up 60 credits. If I don't choose math then I'll miss out on a potential career in Physics, but if I choose only two sciences and math then I miss out on a potentially interesting subject.
What should I do?

(DCU offers a similar course where I must do all sciences plus maths...which appeals to me more...it's more safe)

If you study at DCU, what's it like? What are the advantages and disadvantages? What's the atmosphere like? How advanced is the research facility? Are the laboratories modern?

I really hope you can help me because I'm freaking out. I have 4 months left to decide this and there arent enough hours in the day.

Thank you in advance!

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Arleamaris

Hey there!

I am currently studying Genetics and Cell Biology in DCU, so I can't tell you much about Trinity, unfortunately. Prepare yourself, 'cause I predict that this reply will be pretty darn long, but i'll try to get as much info in as possible.

If you do end up going to DCU, it doesn't matter if you choose Common Entry into Science, or a different science course (such as Genetics!). In DCU, all first year science students are put into the same lectures and labs (the lecture hall can hold around 300 students), meaning that your course choice in first year doesn't matter. When I was in 6th year, I went to the DCU open day and spoke to one of the chemistry lecturers. He told me that if I kinda knew what I wanted to do course-wise, Common Entry isn't recommended. Unless you're at the top of your class results-wise at the end of first year, you can't guarantee that you will get your first choice when you specialise.

When it comes to subjects, it's true that you have to do all 3 sciences, plus maths. It isn't an option. You also have to do Interdisciplinary Science. It is basically a group-work module where each group is given problems or topics each week that they have to research, and do reports on. Of all of the subjects, chemistry is definitely the most difficult to get a hang of. If you have no background in chemistry, you will struggle with it, and you will have to work hard. This doesn't only apply to DCU, it applies to any college. If you really want to do science in uni, I would definitely recommend you to get "Rapid Revision: Chemistry" by Declan Kennedy and Pat Walsh. Don't even bother with Less Stress More Success/Rapid Revision. I tried all of those, and Rapid Revision was by far the best. It explains everything really well, and is super easy to understand. Physics was by far the easiest subject in my opinion. If you can think logically, you'll get on fine. You are given all of the formulas you will need on the exam papers. The physics exam is basically knowing how to use and twist formulas to suit the question. Biology is fine if you sit down and read the book, and maths is relatively easy if you do higher level. Ordinary level might struggle a bit, but I will get into it. First year maths involves calculus, mainly. Differentiation, integration, logarithms, etc.

I was in your position, too. I was torn between Trinity and DCU, and i'm super glad that I chose DCU. I am absolutely in love with my course, which is unsurprising since I love science in general. I honestly can't think of too many disadvantages. The internet can be a bit iffy sometimes, which sucks if you need to use it to take notes. The timetable in first year is also pretty ****y, since you'll mainly be in from 9 until 5 most days (but that probably isn't unique to just DCU. Science timetables are really tough, especially in first year). Now when it comes to the advantages:

The campus is relatively small, compared to UCD and Trinity. Some might see it as a disadvantage, but I personally like it. It takes less time to get from place to place, especially since T101 (the before mentioned giant lecture hall) and the library are on completely opposite sides of campus.

There are a lot of fantastic facilities. The one that will stand out the most to you as a science student would be the Maths Learning Centre. If you are having any problems with maths, you just go in there with any problems you have. They have tutors that go around and help you, one-on-one. It's open most days, and is completely free.

The vast number of clubs and societies. There's basically something for everyone. Books, martial arts, sports, languages, charity work. You name it, we have it. There are some more "unique" societies, such as the Harry Potter society, and the Tea society, among many more. A quick google search will give you a full list if you want to look into it beforehand. It's great, because it makes it so easy to meet people with similar interests as you, plus it gives you things to do in your spare time!

There are probably many more advantages, but I don't feel like blabbing on about it too much. The atmosphere is great in general. Everyone here is super friendly and welcoming. They have events for students basically every week, which is super fun. DCU has a really relaxed atmosphere too, i've noticed. There's really no social pressure to do anything, and everyone is super accepting, regardless of your circumstances.

Now when it comes to the labs and research facilities, I could write a whole separate book. I absolutely love the labs. Everything is super modern. DCU won a couple Lab of the Year awards in 2014, which we are all super proud of. The lab instructors are all great, too. Every lab is divided into smaller groups, which are overlooked by tutors, who are mainly students doing their Masters degrees, so they know their stuff.

Overall, I couldn't recommend DCU more. If you have any more questions, feel free to send me a message! Good luck!

Arleamaris

Arleamaris wrote: »

If you really want to do science in uni, I would definitely recommend you to get "Rapid Revision: Chemistry" by Declan Kennedy and Pat Walsh. Don't even bother with Less Stress More Success/Rapid Revision. I tried all of those, and Rapid Revision was by far the best.

Sorry about that! I meant don't even bother with LSMS/Revise Wise, not LSMS/Rapid Revision. My mistake!