Science TR071

Phareon

ScienceMad wrote: »

What things do first years need to buy for this course?

as in what books and do we need to buy a lab coat or anything? :P

Lecturers will recommend text books within the first two weeks of lectured usually. Most can be bought from the Student Union Bookshop in House 6, or gotten from people who were first years last year. Books tend to be really expensive new, so get them from the SU or from friends, new editions are usually exactly the same a previous editions, provided it's like one or two back.

For lab subjects, Biology, chemistry, not sure about physics but maybe, you'll need a lab coat and glasses, and a dissection kit for Bio. These can be bought from the SU Shop too. The three came to about €45 last year but I'm not certain of the exact figure.

Edit: You'll also need to buy lab manuals for practical subjects too. These are usually about €10.

Glitter_star94

Does anyone know how many hours of lectures and labs we have a week?

ScienceMad

Phareon wrote: »

Lecturers will recommend text books within the first two weeks of lectured usually. Most can be bought from the Student Union Bookshop in House 6, or gotten from people who were first years last year. Books tend to be really expensive new, so get them from the SU or from friends, new editions are usually exactly the same a previous editions, provided it's like one or two back.

For lab subjects, Biology, chemistry, not sure about physics but maybe, you'll need a lab coat and glasses, and a dissection kit for Bio. These can be bought from the SU Shop too. The three came to about €45 last year but I'm not certain of the exact figure.

Edit: You'll also need to buy lab manuals for practical subjects too. These are usually about €10.

thanks so much!

Lawliet

ScienceMad wrote: »

What things do first years need to buy for this course?

as in what books and do we need to buy a lab coat or anything? :P

I wouldn't bother buying any books unless you can get them really cheap; they're all in the library, the lecturers rarely reference the same one and any general textbook will be too general come second year. You can also download an older, pdf version of a lot of the textbooks for free.

bscm

Glitter_star94 wrote: »

Does anyone know how many hours of lectures and labs we have a week?

About 22 hours last year for me (Physics, Maths, Geography/Geology). Could increase slightly if you were to take other modules as Physics, Chemistry and Biology all have 3 hour labs. Tutorials and practicals last about an hour.

Jerrica

Lawliet wrote: »

I wouldn't bother buying any books unless you can get them really cheap; they're all in the library, the lecturers rarely reference the same one and any general textbook will be too general come second year. You can also download an older, pdf version of a lot of the textbooks for free.

Some of the general books (like Campbell's Biology) can come in REALLY handy in your later years to remind you of all the basics you've forgotten though :pac: If you had vouchers it would be worth getting a really good, foundation book for Biology. No clue about other subjects though.

Louisa2

My little sis is repeating the biology exam tomorrow and she's wondering whether she should focus on herpes or reterovirus seeing as one of them comes up every year and herpes came up in summer. She isn't on boards and I know that we have a med course thread so thought I'd try you out over here and see!

Scarlett Scout

Hey Im statrting next month and am thinking of which modules to pick. I didnt do Biology for the LC but could I manage to do it as a module this year?!

Knock0ut

Scarlett Scout wrote: »

Hey Im statrting next month and am thinking of which modules to pick. I didnt do Biology for the LC but could I manage to do it as a module this year?!

LC Biology was pretty much just a memory test. There wasn't a lot of working things out, just remembering stuff. (No idea what college is like) But i wouldn't not pick it just because you didn't do it for the leaving. I'm sure if you work at it and do a bit of study it'll be grand.

Lawliet

Scarlett Scout wrote: »

Hey Im statrting next month and am thinking of which modules to pick. I didnt do Biology for the LC but could I manage to do it as a module this year?!

I know a few people who picked it up from scratch, they didn't it find it too hard but you have to put in more work by yourself; there's no basic classes like there is for chemistry. It almost might be worth having a read through a LC revision book, some lecturers will assume most people know what they're talking about and wont explain some the basic terms they use a lot.

SharpBerry

Scarlett Scout wrote: »

Hey Im statrting next month and am thinking of which modules to pick. I didnt do Biology for the LC but could I manage to do it as a module this year?!

It's totally fine to pick it up in first OR second year.
My friend and I both chose to do Physics in JF along with Maths and Chemistry, but decided to go down the Biology path in SF, so we did Biology, Maths and Chemistry. I had an A from HL LC Biology, while she had never opened a book before, managed just as well as I did. :rolleyes:
Biology isn't like Physics or Chemistry. It's not like you have to ''get'' it from the start. Campbells & Reece is an excellent book. You'll be grand!

Scarlett Scout

SharpBerry wrote: »

It's totally fine to pick it up in first OR second year.
My friend and I both chose to do Physics in JF along with Maths and Chemistry, but decided to go down the Biology path in SF, so we did Biology, Maths and Chemistry. I had an A from HL LC Biology, while she had never opened a book before, managed just as well as I did. :rolleyes:
Biology isn't like Physics or Chemistry. It's not like you have to ''get'' it from the start. Campbells & Reece is an excellent book. You'll be grand!

Was it grand to pick it up in SF? :pac: You didnt feel like you missed something or lost? Thats great that you can still change!!!

SharpBerry

Scarlett Scout wrote: »

Was it grand to pick it up in SF? :pac:

Yeah! Absolutely! There was only ever one or two teeny references to something that should have been learnt from JF, cell membrane or the likes, but even then, a quick wiki and its grand.
I went from no Biology in first year, to 7 subjects of it in second year, and I'm going into a Biology Mod. now; Biochemistry.
So long as you're not an absolute lazy arse about it, it really is fine.

leavingcert.

Can someone take a look at last years timetable at the end of this:

http://www.tcd.ie/Science/PDF/JfProgramme2012.pdf

So if I'm doing biology and chemistry, how could I be at both labs at 10am on a friday morning at the same time? I'm confused

Phareon

leavingcert. wrote: »

Can someone take a look at last years timetable at the end of this:

http://www.tcd.ie/Science/PDF/JfProgramme2012.pdf

So if I'm doing biology and chemistry, how could I be at both labs at 10am on a friday morning at the same time? I'm confused

There's about 4 or 5 different lab sessions for each Biology and Chemistry. You'll get sorted into one in the first couple of weeks! They shouldn't clash don't worry!!

leavingcert.

Phareon wrote: »

There's about 4 or 5 different lab sessions for each Biology and Chemistry. You'll get sorted into one in the first couple of weeks! They shouldn't clash don't worry!!

Ya that's another question I have actually :L would chemistry lab A,B,C,D,E be the same or different?

NeuroCat

leavingcert. wrote: »

Ya that's another question I have actually :L would chemistry lab A,B,C,D,E be the same or different?

They're all the same (Although they did put certain courses together in one of the labs so I can't speculate for that one).

leavingcert.

NeuroCat wrote: »

They're all the same (Although they did put certain courses together in one of the labs so I can't speculate for that one).

Ah i get ya! Thanks...I'm kind of praying I'll have no lectures/labs on a friday cause I could work that day and will need the money :L Probably have little chance, but anyways :L

Lawliet

leavingcert. wrote: »

Ah i get ya! Thanks...I'm kind of praying I'll have no lectures/labs on a friday cause I could work that day and will need the money :L Probably have little chance, but anyways :L

You can request to change labs by filling out a form at the science course office, although lots of people want to get out of the Friday afternoon one so you'll need a good excuse.

kilgannon

leavingcert. wrote: »

Can someone take a look at last years timetable at the end of this:

http://www.tcd.ie/Science/PDF/JfProgramme2012.pdf

So if I'm doing biology and chemistry, how could I be at both labs at 10am on a friday morning at the same time? I'm confused

Don't worry about the timetable, it will sort itself out. I freaked out when i first saw it too.

NoHarm1994

I'm thinking of doing Chemistry even though I didn't do it for the LC, is anyone heading in to Trinity on Monday to do the Chemistry course for the week?

Knock0ut

NoHarm1994 wrote: »

I'm thinking of doing Chemistry even though I didn't do it for the LC, is anyone heading in to Trinity on Monday to do the Chemistry course for the week?

Yep! Same as you, haven't done chemistry before either.

Jammyc

Don't worry about not having done Chemistry. I didnt do it for the LC either and the 2 chemistry modules ended up being among my highest marks in 1st year. Its a bit scary at first but just find a book that suits you and go to the lectures and you'll be fine. Plus, a good few people I spoke to that had done chemistry for the LC said that they felt the playing field was level quite quickly into the course.

When I was in 1st year, there were also basic chemistry tutorials every week for people who hadn't done/were struggling with chemistry. I found these absolutely brilliant, so look out for them!

NeuroCat

NoHarm1994 wrote: »

I'm thinking of doing Chemistry even though I didn't do it for the LC, is anyone heading in to Trinity on Monday to do the Chemistry course for the week?

I'd agree with Jammy, if anything I actually think it's a little better to have not studied it. Many of the things on the L.C chemistry course are irrelevant, mainly on the organic side of things!

Irish_wolf

NeuroCat wrote: »

I'd agree with Jammy, if anything I actually think it's a little better to have not studied it. Many of the things on the L.C chemistry course are irrelevant, mainly on the organic side of things!

Yup got a B2 in chemistry in the LC, barely passed chem 2 in first year. My chemistry teacher in the LC was woeful, taught us completely arseways. Sometimes a fresh view is better for chemistry, and the lecturers are mostly sound and will help you through the course material after the classes if you go up and talk to them.

jimy1982

Hi Im starting science in Trinity in a few weeks , I was just wondering what books would be helpful, so far I have heard of Campbell and Reece for biology. But any other suggestions , I most likely will be taking biology, geography, maths methods and geology. I understand a lot will be from the lecturers own printed notes but I would really like to have my own books as back up.

bscm

jimy1982 wrote: »

Hi Im starting science in Trinity in a few weeks , I was just wondering what books would be helpful, so far I have heard of Campbell and Reece for biology. But any other suggestions , I most likely will be taking biology, geography, maths methods and geology. I understand a lot will be from the lecturers own printed notes but I would really like to have my own books as back up.

Geography: Introduction to Physical Geography was good, worked well for some parts of Geology also. If it's the same lecturers this year again, only 2 had online notes (1 lecturer's slides were mainly pictures) and the main lecturer didn't have any online notes so you'll have to transcribe the lectures

Geology: Earth (the Chernicoff, Fox, Tanner one) was pretty good too, but if you have the same lecturer for this year then his notes will get you a decent grade without the book

Both books can be gotten from the library with no hassle aside from exam times and when essays are due

Lawliet

Don't bother with a maths method book, the module is only one semester long and the Khan Academy videos are a lot better than a textbook anyway

Glitter_star94

If i've choosen which modules I want to do, do i have to tell trinity or something like that, or do i wait until freshers? And how do i know what books to get?

NeuroCat

Glitter_star94 wrote: »

If i've choosen which modules I want to do, do i have to tell trinity or something like that, or do i wait until freshers? And how do i know what books to get?

I believe you'll have a module choice meeting with one of the lecturers in the first week, you should receive an email about it when you get your account. They will discuss the choices with you and make sure you know what you want to do then you hand in the form they give you.

You'll be told the books needed in the first lectures of each module.

Lawliet

Glitter_star94 wrote: »

If i've choosen which modules I want to do, do i have to tell trinity or something like that, or do i wait until freshers? And how do i know what books to get?

On Monday of Freshers week there'll be module registration. You'll have a talk in the morning from all the departments about what each choice is about, what moderatorships you can do with with that choice etc. then afterwards you'll go to the science course office and be given some forms and course booklet. You can chose to fill out the forms, hand them in and leave, or you can talk to a lecturer first. There'll be some students -like myself- around helping out on the day, so you can ask us questions as well.

You don't have to get any books, they're all in the library. Lecturers usually suggest some in the first lecture, if you post your module choices here someone could probably tell you what the recommended textbook is, but again its not necessary to have textbooks.

apkbarry

NoHarm1994 wrote: »

I'm thinking of doing Chemistry even though I didn't do it for the LC, is anyone heading in to Trinity on Monday to do the Chemistry course for the week?

Knock0ut wrote: »

Yep! Same as you, haven't done chemistry before either.

Cyas there lads! Absolutely bricking it =/

leavingcert.

How hard is the maths module? Not sure whether to do it or just do maths methods and then do foundation physics... I'm fairly good at maths, got a B in higher level for the LC- but I'm not sure if I'd be willing to put a LOT of work into it

SharpBerry

leavingcert. wrote: »

How hard is the maths module? Not sure whether to do it or just do maths methods and then do foundation physics... I'm fairly good at maths, got a B in higher level for the LC- but I'm not sure if I'd be willing to put a LOT of work into it

Not very. At all. I got an A1 at OL. Managed to get ~68 in both modules in first year, and a first in calculus in second year. It's grand. Just keep up with the lectures & go over exam papers.

That said, Maths Methods is supposedly meant to be piss for anyone alright at maths & baby physics is essentially the LC course, which'd be a doss if you've already done it. If you're just trying to make up credits then go the methods & foundation route, imo! No point putting yourself through any unnecessary stress!:p

bscm

leavingcert. wrote: »

How hard is the maths module? Not sure whether to do it or just do maths methods and then do foundation physics... I'm fairly good at maths, got a B in higher level for the LC- but I'm not sure if I'd be willing to put a LOT of work into it

First semester Maths is grand (as long as you go to the majority of lectures ). You'll be well able for it if you sat HL for the LC

The linear algebra part was well explained and not difficult (we spent weeks on topics which the straight/TSM Maths students spent one lecture on). If the exam papers stay the same then you can get a decent grade from linear algebra and your tutorials without even touching any calculus (some of the calculus is LC stuff, so even that side of the module isn't too hard either)

NoHarm1994

Do you need to do Maths for both semesters to any specific options in third year? I'm planning on just doing Maths Methods and Geology because I think I'll enjoy those modules more However if not doing Maths 1 and 2 will make other options unavailable to me later I might reconsider?

NeuroCat

NoHarm1994 wrote: »

Do you need to do Maths for both semesters to any specific options in third year? I'm planning on just doing Maths Methods and Geology because I think I'll enjoy those modules more However if not doing Maths 1 and 2 will make other options unavailable to me later I might reconsider?

You need 1 term of maths/maths methods for most choices in 3rd year. The more difficult maths is only a requirement for Physics/Astrophysics I believe. took Maths Methods and Geology in first year and I didn't feel restricted in my subject choices in 3rd year at all.

NoHarm1994

NeuroCat wrote: »

You need 1 term of maths/maths methods for most choices in 3rd year. The more difficult maths is only a requirement for Physics/Astrophysics I believe. took Maths Methods and Geology in first year and I didn't feel restricted in my subject choices in 3rd year at all.

Cheers How did you find Geology? I don't know much about it but from what I do know it sounds interesting!

NeuroCat

NoHarm1994 wrote: »

Cheers How did you find Geology? I don't know much about it but from what I do know it sounds interesting!

It was alright in first year, interesting enough! I took 4 modules of it in second year (Mainly to avoid the very daunting chemistry modules!) and it was a considerable step up from the first year course.

The origin of the universe as covered in the first year geology module is very interesting!

SharpBerry

Hi guys, I'm heading into third year and wouldn't mind getting rid of my old books if anyone's interested in buying them, PM me please.

JF:
Maths

• Calculus, Late Transcendentals Anton, Bivens, Davis. 9th Edition. This is the same book for Multivariable Calculus in SF
• Elementary Linear Algebra Anton, Romes. 10th Edition

Chemistry

• Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity Kotz, Treichel, Townsend. 7th Edition.
• Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry McMurry. 7th Edition
• Maths for Chemistry Monk, Munro. 2nd edition

Biology

• Biology Campbell, Reece. 8th Edition

SF:
Chemistry

• Atkins' Physical Chemistry Atkins, de Paula. 8th Edition
• Elements of Physical Chemistry Atkins, de Paula. 5th Edition
• Organic Chemistry Clayden, Greeves, Warren and Wothers.
• Inorganic Chemistry Housecroft, Sharpe. 3rd Edition
• Inorganic Chemistry Instant Notes Cox. 2nd Edition

Biology

• BY2201
  Neuroscience BIOS Instant Notes Longstaff. 3rd Edition
• BY2205
  Microbiology BIOS Instant Notes Baker, Griffiths, Nicklin. 4th Edition
• BY2208
  Genetics BIOS Instant Notes Fletcher, Hickey, Winter. 3rd Edition
• BY2202
  Human Physiology Sherwood. 3rd Edition.

Ehmmm?

Is chemistry in 2nd year really difficult? I really like it and I do well in it but I wanted to pick foundation physics, maths methods, chemistry and biology but would be better picking geology or geography instead of physics?

Ehmmm?

Oh and has anyone had a message on mytcd with thier tutor's details? It said we sould have gotten a message about that by now but I haven't.

Scrappychimow

Ehmmm? wrote: »

Is chemistry in 2nd year really difficult? I really like it and I do well in it but I wanted to pick foundation physics, maths methods, chemistry and biology but would be better picking geology or geography instead of physics?

Pick geography!

Ehmmm?

Ehmmm? wrote: »

Is chemistry in 2nd year really difficult?

Yes.

NeuroCat

Have any of the continuing students from Science not received the invitation to register yet? I'm just a bit apprehensive since I haven't received any correspondence from them since I paid the fees.

NeuroCat

NeuroCat wrote: »

Have any of the continuing students from Science not received the invitation to register yet? I'm just a bit apprehensive since I haven't received any correspondence from them since I paid the fees.

Me neither. I figure since the card collection thing isn't for ages they wont be getting their stuff together until they have to. Problem is I need my registration confirmation before I can get my grant acceptance finalised!

Surely they'll have to let us register by October

leaveiton

This might be a stupid question but here goes. I'm going to need a dissecting kit for biology, but I have an old one belonging to my sister. Would that be okay to use? I don't really see why not, just making sure

Jammyc

leaveiton wrote: »

This might be a stupid question but here goes. I'm going to need a dissecting kit for biology, but I have an old one belonging to my sister. Would that be okay to use? I don't really see why not, just making sure

Yeah, most likely be fine. Hardly a need for everyone to buy one anyway, they have spare tools in the lab and usually the dissections are 1 between 2.

Old Person

so are the timetables for science out yet?

and if so, is there a way of wirelessly viewing them?

1sparkey

I have been told that I will not need a dissection kit for first year biology, by a student who just completed first year. Also , I have not received my timetable , I presume everyone is in the same situation