Science TR071

Morgase

So most people go for BCBOT then?

I was browsing through the list and there's two modules on Language (LNG1 and LNG2) which seem very interesting. I'm caught between doing one of those as they're so different, or doing BCBOT because it seems almost easy to get 70%+ on that option.

banjopaul

Morgase wrote: »

So most people go for BCBOT then?

I was browsing through the list and there's two modules on Language (LNG1 and LNG2) which seem very interesting. I'm caught between doing one of those as they're so different, or doing BCBOT because it seems almost easy to get 70%+ on that option.

Off the top of my head I'd say maybe 8 or 9 people out of 29 in JS Genetics and Human Genetics this year did BCBOT, so a fair amount. I think only 4 people chose to do biochem, and then rest took different BC modules. Just look at the ones you are interested in and see how they are assessed, and how well people generally do.

whendovescry

To anyone who got schols this year (or indeed any other year) could I inquire as to what textbooks you used to study? Specifically regarding the two biology papers and chemistry.


Many thanks

Sparticle

Same as the above post but for physics, maths and geology. Any help would be appreciated.

Trogdor

Sparticle wrote: »

Same as the above post but for physics, maths and geology. Any help would be appreciated.

For physics, the thermodynamics book (Thermal Physics - C.B.P. Finn) is quite useful and also the current electricity book (Fundamentals of electric circuits - Alexander Sadiku). For the other sections i think i just used the lecture notes to study.

For maths, fourier analysis is quite nice and has good notes as long as you go to all the lectures and multivariable calculus is mostly straight from the Anton calculus book.

Geology is a bit more awkward (i thought) because the essay topics can be a bit more obscure or at least the areas you can study are more open and it can be hard to pick certain things to focus on. There's usually an essay on mass extinctions in Section B so for that i'd recommend doing out notes on the main 5. I just got a book from the library (Invertebrate Palaeontology & Evolution - Clarkson) and used the few pages on mass extinctions to make notes. Also keeping a good lab book for mineralogy is a very good idea, I found the notes which i wrote up after the labs to be more useful to me than the actual lectures themselves. If you look back through the past papers you can get a feel for the kind of essays that come up, I found mineralogy questions for section A alright (largely due to keeping a good lab book) but found that the questions coming up in section B could be a bit more random and not as related to the actual module (although that's just my opinion).

Hope this helps. That's pretty much all i can think of right now, but if you need any other info just drop me a pm and i'll see if i can help.

Lisandro

Sparticle wrote: »

Same as the above post but for physics, maths and geology. Any help would be appreciated.

Although I'm TP, I can advise you on most of the physics paper, but note that we do electromagnetics instead of current electricity, so I won't be able to help you with that one.

Oscillations and Waves - Waves and Vibrations by A. P. French. A good book for the level you'll be at, but if you want to really know what you're talking about with Waves and Vibrations, the relevant chapter of Mechanics by Landau and Lif****z will hit the spot.

Thermodynamics - Thermal Physics by C. B. P. Finn. Very good book, I recommend it highly. It will never be in the library when you need it, so I recommend you buy it because you can develop a reasonably complete mastery of thermodynamics short of breaching the gap into statistical physics.

Geometric Optics - really didn't like this module. The library contains no relevant texts with a proper treatment, ie. most of them are there to get students through a module rather than to teach them the core fundamentals of the subject. Your best bet is to go with the lecture notes, much as I am loathe to say it - they're a little sketchy in parts, but contain everything you need to know.

DancingQueen:)

Quick question, just wondering when current SF students were planning on applying for Broad Curriculum? The applications have opened but seeing as we don't know what course we'll be doing yet, it seems a bit weird to apply and guess what moderatorship we'll be in..

whendovescry

DancingQueen:) wrote: »

Quick question, just wondering when current SF students were planning on applying for Broad Curriculum? The applications have opened but seeing as we don't know what course we'll be doing yet, it seems a bit weird to apply and guess what moderatorship we'll be in..

You guys still don't know your moderatorships for next year? when do you find out?

Lawliet

whendovescry wrote: »

You guys still don't know your moderatorships for next year? when do you find out?

Not till Friday the 13th


Speaking of which, did anyone else get an email from the micro department about the new webpage? There's no way of seeing the other recipients, so I don't know if it got sent to the entire class or if it was only sent to the people doing micro next year...

Aoiferz

Lawliet wrote: »

Not till Friday the 13th


Speaking of which, did anyone else get an email from the micro department about the new webpage? There's no way of seeing the other recipients, so I don't know if it got sent to the entire class or if it was only sent to the people doing micro next year...

It got sent to the entire class. I got it and I haven't been near the Biology department in over a year!

Lawliet

Aoiferz wrote: »

It got sent to the entire class. I got it and I haven't been near the Biology department in over a year!

Damn, I was sort of hoping it was the latter. I just want to know at this stage

Morgase

I didn't get any such email, Lawliet.

Jammyc

In my experience, emaill lists aren't usually sorted out until around August so I wouldn't put much faith in them with regard to them being person specific at this stage.

Lawliet

Offers are out, looks like I'm going to be a microbiologist! Hope everyone got what they wanted

fishtastico

Lawliet wrote: »

Offers are out, looks like I'm going to be a microbiologist! Hope everyone got what they wanted

you poor person

Lawliet

fishtastico wrote: »

you poor person

Shush you!!


About BC again, I put in my application, and then found out there's a language module I wouldn't mind doing. Don't suppose I can put the application in again?

Morgase

I would phone them up if I were you Lawliet. They might be looking at the BC apps soon seeing as the offers for moderatorships were recently out.

Jammyc

Lawliet wrote: »

Shush you!!


About BC again, I put in my application, and then found out there's a language module I wouldn't mind doing. Don't suppose I can put the application in again?

Just send them a quick email. I swapped BC modules 3 weeks into Semester 1 all via email with no hassle.

daisythistle

Where do you apply for BC? I didn't realise we had to do that yet.

Morgase

daisythistle wrote: »

Where do you apply for BC? I didn't realise we had to do that yet.

http://www.tcd.ie/Broad_Curriculum/

daisythistle

Thank you!

Scoobydooo

fishtastico wrote: »

you poor person

Starting micro myself as a JS but it's really starting to worry me everyone saying things like this to me, could anyone actually studying the subject give it a fair assessment? I'm really interested in the subject area but I've heard its very difficult :eek:

NeuroCat

Scoobydooo wrote: »

Starting micro myself as a JS but it's really starting to worry me everyone saying things like this to me, could anyone actually studying the subject give it a fair assessment? I'm really interested in the subject area but I've heard its very difficult :eek:

I'm not actually studying micro, but we had 2 modules with them in the JS year. The subject itself is quite interesting and the lecture notes provided for the 2 modules we had were pretty good. I think the main issue is that they're such hard markers in the department.

There seems to be a general expectation that you have to do the extra reading to get a 2:1 and it's extremely rare to see a first.

Glitter_star94

true-or-false wrote: »

Zoology is quite high demand. If I can remember correctly, last year there were around 30 places (it's in the top two or three in terms of size) and it was 2/3 filled on the first round of offers. I don't know the exact numbers, but I do know a few people who really wanted it and didn't get in.

No matter how little demand there is for a course, I'd always advise keeping an open mind because you never know how things might turn out, and while I'm sure you'll do fine, with a course that has as many interested parties as zoology, maybe you should be a little bit more accepting of second or third choices. If it's something you really want, I'm sure you'll put in enough work to get it, but it can't hurt to keep a couple eggs for other baskets, just in case.

I thought you just applied to the general science course??

Glitter_star94

Lawliet wrote: »

Offers are out, looks like I'm going to be a microbiologist! Hope everyone got what they wanted

What?? Aren't offers the 20th August?

NeuroCat

Glitter_star94 wrote: »

I thought you just applied to the general science course??

Glitter_star94 wrote: »

What?? Aren't offers the 20th August?

I believe they're referring to the 3rd year specializations in science and not the CAO entry to the actual science course

Lawliet

Glitter_star94 wrote: »

I thought you just applied to the general science course??

Glitter_star94 wrote: »

What?? Aren't offers the 20th August?

We're already on the course. You're general science for the first two years, then you chose a moderatorship for third and forth year. It's sort of like the CAO again; your exam results from second year determine what you get, and of course some moderatorships are more popular than others.
If you're starting first you wont have to worry about this for another while, you'll hear all about it in second year.

Glitter_star94

Lawliet wrote: »

We're already on the course. You're general science for the first two years, then you chose a moderatorship for third and forth year. It's sort of like the CAO again; your exam results from second year determine what you get, and of course some moderatorships are more popular than others.
If you're starting first you wont have to worry about this for another while, you'll hear all about it in second year.

Aww phew!! I had a mint heart attack! Haha, so do I not need to choose anything or any modules if I end up going in September? (as an undergraduate)

Glitter_star94

NeuroCat wrote: »

I believe they're referring to the 3rd year specializations in science and not the CAO entry to the actual science course

Thanks!

Lawliet

Glitter_star94 wrote: »

Aww phew!! I had a mint heart attack! Haha, so do I not need to choose anything or any modules if I end up going in September? (as an undergraduate)

You will have to pick modules during freshers week, the choices are here:
http://www.tcd.ie/Science/undergraduate/jf/

Glitter_star94

Lawliet wrote: »

You will have to pick modules during freshers week, the choices are here:
http://www.tcd.ie/Science/undergraduate/jf/

Oh okay thanks, why were some people talking about doing language moduals then?

Lawliet

Glitter_star94 wrote: »

Oh okay thanks, why were some people talking about doing language moduals then?

You can do a language module in third year as broad curriculum. There's also optional language classes in the evenings for first years, you don't get any marks for them though, I don't think anyone really bothers with them tbh

Phareon

Glitter_star94 wrote: »

Aww phew!! I had a mint heart attack! Haha, so do I not need to choose anything or any modules if I end up going in September? (as an undergraduate)

You should have a rough idea of what 1st year modules you want to do. I think they're available on the Trinity website, but you'll be sent a handbook with any information you might need, some time after CAO offers, if you accept a place to the course. 1st year modules are fairly flexible at the start. First semester modules can be switched for about the first two weeks, while 2nd semester can be switched any time before January! Don't worry, the handbook will tell you everything!!

Glitter_star94

Lawliet wrote: »

You can do a language module in third year as broad curriculum. There's also optional language classes in the evenings for first years, you don't get any marks for them though, I don't think anyone really bothers with them tbh

Oh I think I would be interested in that, is it only for science students or just any trinity students?

Glitter_star94

Glitter_star94 wrote: »

Oh I think I would be interested in that, is it only for science students or just any trinity students?

The first year language modules are separate to your course, anyone in Trinity can do them I think. However the broad curriculum choice in third year depends on your course and module choices.

And if you are a worrier, I'd just warn you that the information they send you in the post can come out very last minute (I was convinced they forgot about me!) but the booklet is freely available in the science course office on campus to whoever wants one (if I recall correctly).

Scoobydooo

Scoobydooo wrote: »

Starting micro myself as a JS but it's really starting to worry me everyone saying things like this to me, could anyone actually studying the subject give it a fair assessment? I'm really interested in the subject area but I've heard its very difficult :eek:

Anyone on here do micro, no?

fishtastico

Scoobydooo wrote: »

Anyone on here do micro, no?

Did my degree in micro, currently a postgrad there. What do ye need to know?

Scoobydooo

Thanks for the reply! Basically just wondering is it as tough as its made out to be by other students, I've heard some pretty poor reports on the subject but it really interested me so I decided to go with it anyway. Also looking back on it do you think it's a good degree and if you don't mind me asking what are you doing your postgrad in?

fishtastico

From the students' point of view, Micro can be pretty tough. That's mainly because you cover applied microbiology, genetics and some biochem in pretty close detail. That being said, it's definitely not that hard to get a decent grade. From demonstrating, I've found that the students that complain the most about stuff being too hard are the ones not bloody paying attention or showing up for labs. So as far as difficulty is concerned, just pay attention and keep on top of your work and you'll be fine (protip: when there's only a class of ~30 students, lecturers know who is missing lectures, and this doesn't paint you in a flattering light come exam-time).

Personally, I loved micro. Great, varied subject and I really enjoyed the practical aspect. I think because of the fact that there's such a wide base covered, it makes for a good degree, which is exactly what's intended. Also, for the final year project they offer clinical, molecular and applied projects, depending on what you're interested in, so if you're into the subject at all you'll find something.

As for my postgrad, I work on yeast. Not something that interested me terribly in undergrad, but it definitely grew on me. Other than that, I'll see you next month and good luck!

DancingQueen:)

Don't suppose anyone knows when the JS timetables will be out? I know it's up to each different department but just to have a rough idea?

Jammyc

DancingQueen:) wrote: »

Don't suppose anyone knows when the JS timetables will be out? I know it's up to each different department but just to have a rough idea?

Not sure how on par with the rest are but last year Physiology got a rough draft the Friday before we started and the proper copy the Wednesday of week 1.

Cooper.

Hi all. Looks like I'll probably be studying Science at Trinity with a view of doing a moderatorship in Neuroscience or Physiology and then graduate medicine. So I'm looking at taking Biology, Chemistry and Maths in JF. Only thing is, I haven't done Maths since GCSE (Junior Cert) level and was wondering whether this will pose a serious problem for me. I really would like to do it, and I did pretty well back in school (didn't take it at A-Level because of a rubbish teacher who ruined it for me).

banjopaul

Cooper. wrote: »

Hi all. Looks like I'll probably be studying Science at Trinity with a view of doing a moderatorship in Neuroscience or Physiology and then graduate medicine. So I'm looking at taking Biology, Chemistry and Maths in JF. Only thing is, I haven't done Maths since GCSE (Junior Cert) level and was wondering whether this will pose a serious problem for me. I really would like to do it, and I did pretty well back in school (didn't take it at A-Level because of a rubbish teacher who ruined it for me).

You have the option of just doing maths methods, which is pretty easy, and then doing something like geology or geography to make up credits, which I did. Full maths can be pretty tough from what I've heard, but better to ask people who've actually done it.

Cooper.

banjopaul wrote: »

You have the option of just doing maths methods, which is pretty easy, and then doing something like geology or geography to make up credits, which I did. Full maths can be pretty tough from what I've heard, but better to ask people who've actually done it.

Isn't there something like a maths help centre at college? Thing is, I would really like to improve my maths, I'm just wondering whether that's feasible at this point.

banjopaul

Cooper. wrote: »

Isn't there something like a maths help centre at college? Thing is, I would really like to improve my maths, I'm just wondering whether that's feasible at this point.

I think the maths department has a drop in session thing once a week to get a help, but I can't remember specifically what it was, someone else should be able to help with this. There are also relatively small group tutorials, ~30 probably, so yeah there's some support there, but the tutor probably won't be able to dedicate a huge amount of time to a single person. You can also drop in to lecturers to ask questions if you're struggling with anything, but again with a big class size their time will be limited.

By all means go for it if its what you want to do, you can always just do the full methods course at the start and see how you like it, if you find it very tough you're able to switch to the maths methods module instead, provided there is still space.

Bottleopener

banjopaul wrote: »

I think the maths department has a drop in session thing once a week to get a help, but I can't remember specifically what it was, someone else should be able to help with this.

These are on pretty much every day afaik!

bscm

The first full Maths module this year wasn't too bad. I heard more complaints from the Maths Methods group than the full Maths group We had a pretty good Linear Algebra lecturer for half of the module (they may or may not be doing it this year), and their section of the exam was extremely easy for those of us who attended most of the lectures

Cooper.

bscm wrote: »

The first full Maths module this year wasn't too bad. I heard more complaints from the Maths Methods group than the full Maths group We had a pretty good Linear Algebra lecturer for half of the module (they may or may not be doing it this year), and their section of the exam was extremely easy for those of us who attended most of the lectures

Is there a lot of overlap with LC / A level Maths, or is it a direct continuation on from LC in terms of difficulty?

bscm

Cooper. wrote: »

Is there a lot of overlap with LC / A level Maths, or is it a direct continuation on from LC in terms of difficulty?

Linear Algebra is mainly matrices, which aren't covered to the same level in LC HL Maths. But you spend most of the semester on them, so you can do them in your sleep. They aren't difficult once you understand how to solve them (Gauss-Jordan elimination, essentially trying to get as many 1's and 0's as possible in a certain order).

The Calculus part of the module has an overlap with LC HL Maths (the old course, from 2011 backwards). We covered differentiation and functions. It wasn't as easy as the Linear Algebra part of the module, but those of us who had sat the HL paper didn't have too much trouble with it. The recommended book is quite good, but you could easily learn most of the Calculus content from a LC HL book (just make sure to find one for the 2011 course or before).

spl546

I just accepted my offer for this course Can you do JF Biology without having done it for A level (im from the north)? Im wanting to do Maths, Chem, Bio or Physics. I did maths, chem and physics for A level