Prospective Students - Mathematics, Chemistry/Physics/Biology/Computer Science

ChemHickey

Hi guys, seeing as there are other threads out their for the "Law" students and nurses :rolleyes: I thought I'd make one for us real men/women... Those who strive to figure out the way things work...what makes the world how it is... the maths behind the benal!


For the sake of this thread, the following subjects/denominations of subjects may voice their opinion (if not, make yer own thread! )

Mathematics
Applied Mathematics
Chemistry and its "sublevels" :pac:
Physics and its branches
Biology and its branches
General Science and the other sciences (Earth and Ocean, Geology etc.)
Computer science.




If I have left anyone out, post here and i'll edit my post!

PictureFrame

ChemHickey wrote: »

Hi guys, seeing as there are other threads out their for the "Law" students and nurses :rolleyes:

We're over.. :mad: Law is for cool people.

ChemHickey

PictureFrame wrote: »

We're over.. :mad: Law is for cool people.

Law lawdy law.... Cadrêves... The sciences is where it is at!


Let me get this party started...


Anyone else going into Maths and wondering how difficult it will get? Apparently it gets mad hard in 3rd/4th years!

Or people going for Chemistry... It is supposed to be the hardest subject in College... way harder than Maths and the likes (Law )

leaveiton

Oooh, me!

Hoping to go into General Science next year in TCD, studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths in first year, then probably continuing with them in second year. Not sure what I'd like to specialise in in third year, there are a few options that look really interesting, all within the biology/chemistry areas

If I don't get that, my second choice would be Science Education in NUIM, and my third would be General Science there.

ChemHickey

leaveiton wrote: »

Oooh, me!

Hoping to go into General Science next year in TCD, studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths in first year, then probably continuing with them in second year. Not sure what I'd like to specialise in in third year, there are a few options that look really interesting, all within the biology/chemistry areas

If I don't get that, my second choice would be Science Education in NUIM, and my third would be General Science there.

Cool! I wouldn't mind teaching! I would love to be a lecturer though! I'm going for Mathematical Science in NUIG. Biology labs are great my sister said! Dissections, centrifuges and the likes! I wish I coould do it in my course... but I prefer chem so I'm doing that! :L

leaveiton

ChemHickey wrote: »

Cool! I wouldn't mind teaching! I would love to be a lecturer though! I'm going for Mathematical Science in NUIG. Biology labs are great my sister said! Dissections, centrifuges and the likes! I wish I coould do it in my course... but I prefer chem so I'm doing that! :L

I'm not definite about teaching, but what I like about the Science Ed course is that you can drop the teaching modules and just continue into General Science. So if I did end up doing that, I'd have a little bit of experience with teaching, which would let me decide if I wanted to keep it up or not! I had many wars with myself over whether I wanted to put that or Trinity as my no. 1, settled on Trinity in the end though, because even if I do end up going into teaching, I'd like to go into research for a bit first. So that way, I can decide if I want to do the H. Dip afterwards. Even my biology teacher said that'd be a better option, I trust her! :P

Ah I can't wait for biology labs! I did prefer chemistry experiments in school though, when they decided to work :P Just loved that feeling waiting for your indicator to change colour, then BAM! Orange to pink! :pac:

ChemHickey

leaveiton wrote: »

I'm not definite about teaching, but what I like about the Science Ed course is that you can drop the teaching modules and just continue into General Science. So if I did end up doing that, I'd have a little bit of experience with teaching, which would let me decide if I wanted to keep it up or not! I had many wars with myself over whether I wanted to put that or Trinity as my no. 1, settled on Trinity in the end though, because even if I do end up going into teaching, I'd like to go into research for a bit first. So that way, I can decide if I want to do the H. Dip afterwards. Even my biology teacher said that'd be a better option, I trust her! :P

Ah I can't wait for biology labs! I did prefer chemistry experiments in school though, when they decided to work :P Just loved that feeling waiting for your indicator to change colour, then BAM! Orange to pink! :pac:

Yeah? I don't know what I'm going to after... I'll probably head to Cambridge and do a Masters.

Ya, biology experiments for LC were terrible. Chemistry ones were better! :L In college, there is so many though! My sister did Marine biology in NUIG and she said she was dissecting non-stop (from rats to prawns) and in chemistry she also said that she had a "solo" experiment for her end of year exam! It sounds great!

CB93

Any guesses on what the points will be for maths this year? Put Trinity down first with UCD's DN200 MPS second.

I heard there was an 80pc increase in first preferences for maths in Trinity.:o

ChemHickey

CB93 wrote: »

Any guesses on what the points will be for maths this year? Put Trinity down first with UCD's DN200 MPS second.

I heard there was an 80pc increase in first preferences for maths in Trinity.:o

Really? I have maths in trinity down second but I don't know how many points it is! I'd say it'll definitely go up 15 points. Maybe the full 25.

Sunny!!

anyone else interested in science education in maynooth seems appealing?:D

CB93

ChemHickey wrote: »

Really? I have maths in trinity down second but I don't know how many points it is! I'd say it'll definitely go up 15 points. Maybe the full 25.

Thought it would at least go up the 25, everyone going for maths will have higher maths and so get the bonus points.

Lots of coverage for maths so not surprised by increase.

mulciber

I'm going into 6th year this year. I hoping to do either Theoretical Physics or Computer Science in TCD. I think I'll put theoretical physics as my first choice because you need such good results to get into that course. I'll put CS as my second because, even though I'd preferably do that than physics, the job prospects/ pay for Theoretical Physics seems to outweigh CS.

And other computer science enthusiasts out there?

ChemHickey

mulciber wrote: »

I'm going into 6th year this year. I hoping to do either Theoretical Physics or Computer Science in TCD. I think I'll put theoretical physics as my first choice because you need such good results to get into that course. I'll put CS as my second because, even though I'd preferably do that than physics, the job prospects/ pay for Theoretical Physics seems to outweigh CS.

And other computer science enthusiasts out there?

Let me just say straight away that you should put what you'd rather do first on your CAO. My first choice is around
450 while my second is 580 or so! And I'm expecting around 600 points! The job prospects seem good NOW but when you finish college, think about how far advanced technology will be, and also how many people they'd need for computer technology and what not. I'd go with your gut. Do what you want, not what you'll get more money for. Happiness before wealth.

mulciber

ChemHickey wrote: »

Let me just say straight away that you should put what you'd rather do first on your CAO. My first choice is around
450 while my second is 580 or so! And I'm expecting around 600 points! The job prospects seem good NOW but when you finish college, think about how far advanced technology will be, and also how many people they'd need for computer technology and what not. I'd go with your gut. Do what you want, not what you'll get more money for. Happiness before wealth.

I understand what you mean but just say I put down the computer science course as my first. For that course you need 355 points and a HC3 in Maths to get in. (I'm guessing that that will sky-rocket this year though due to the maths bonus and all the jobs being there). If I got lets say 580 points (What I'm predicted to get but I only got 445 in the Summer tests so it doesn't seem too accurate...) and I have CS as my first, I'll feel as though I haven't gotten the best course for the amount of points that I have obtained. If I get those points and have Theoretical Physics as my first, it may not be in my most desired course but I'll be in a course that I feel I have earned to be in. Also, I could maybe branch off after my course and do some physics engine software design for video games or something like that. I dunno, I'll have to research it more but I'm hoping that it could be a possibility. Just as long as I end up in a decent job working with computers/ video games I'll be happy.

Btw, has anyone looked at the new Computational Thinking course offered by NUI Maynooth? It's 40% Computer Science, 40% Theoretical Physics and 20% Philosophy. 500 points and a B1(?) in maths to get in. It's only starting this year but it seems interesting. I would be cautious picking to do a newly formed course though.

leaveiton

mulciber wrote: »

I understand what you mean but just say I put down the computer science course as my first. For that course you need 355 points and a HC3 in Maths to get in. (I'm guessing that that will sky-rocket this year though due to the maths bonus and all the jobs being there). If I got lets say 580 points (What I'm predicted to get but I only got 445 in the Summer tests so it doesn't seem too accurate...) and I have CS as my first, I'll feel as though I haven't gotten the best course for the amount of points that I have obtained. If I get those points and have Theoretical Physics as my first, it may not be in my most desired course but I'll be in a course that I feel I have earned to be in.

I know nothing about computer science/physics but I just wanted to respond to this point. I'm sure you're familiar with the points system - points are set by the last applicant to get into the course. They are no indication of the difficulty or worth of the course. They can change dramatically from year to year (and I believe it's actually expected that this will happen to CS this year due to a surge of interest). What matters most about a course is whether or not you have a genuine interest in it.

mulciber

leaveiton wrote: »

I know nothing about computer science/physics but I just wanted to respond to this point. I'm sure you're familiar with the points system - points are set by the last applicant to get into the course. They are no indication of the difficulty or worth of the course. They can change dramatically from year to year (and I believe it's actually expected that this will happen to CS this year due to a surge of interest). What matters most about a course is whether or not you have a genuine interest in it.

Yeah, I'm familiar with the points system. I was just saying because of the maths point bonus the people entering those courses will have more points therefore raising the average amount of points needed to get into the course. I'm interested in Physics, just Computer Science more so. Thanks for the explanation anyway though.

Boeing777

Sunny!! wrote: »

anyone else interested in science education in maynooth seems appealing?:D

YES! My number 1. Are you doing it too?

ChemHickey

mulciber wrote: »

Yeah, I'm familiar with the points system. I was just saying because of the maths point bonus the people entering those courses will have more points therefore raising the average amount of points needed to get into the course. I'm interested in Physics, just Computer Science more so. Thanks for the explanation anyway though.

Points aren't a judgement of how good a course is! The course that comes to mind is the Chemistry and Molecular modelling course in TCD. Its only 400 points but there have been many graduates who left with very successful, worldwide degrees. I agree with your point about not showing your potential points wise but if the course isn't going to suit you don't do it. I wouldn't just learn just say Swahili because it is extremely difficult and I'm extremely smart (this is in a world where Swahili translators are in huge demand :P ). Just do what you think feels right. Research research research. Have a look at the course I'm thinking of doing : Mathematical Science NUIG. It's not huge points but it doesn't matter :L I'm expecting near 600, hopefully 625 points but I'm still determined to do my course sometime.

The computational thinking course seems good, especially since it's only 3 years, but a degree in it would be a bit limited.

mulciber

ChemHickey wrote: »

Points aren't a judgement of how good a course is! The course that comes to mind is the Chemistry and Molecular modelling course in TCD. Its only 400 points but there have been many graduates who left with very successful, worldwide degrees. I agree with your point about not showing your potential points wise but if the course isn't going to suit you don't do it. I wouldn't just learn just say Swahili because it is extremely difficult and I'm extremely smart (this is in a world where Swahili translators are in huge demand :P ). Just do what you think feels right. Research research research. Have a look at the course I'm thinking of doing : Mathematical Science NUIG. It's not huge points but it doesn't matter :L I'm expecting near 600, hopefully 625 points but I'm still determined to do my course sometime.

The computational thinking course seems good, especially since it's only 3 years, but a degree in it would be a bit limited.

I understand and I agree with you. Maybe I just didn't explain myself well enough in my other post, sorry. I'm placing the Theoretical Physics course above the computer science course because the job prospects afterwards seem more enticing career/pay wise, not because of the points difference. If I wanted to take a stupidly difficult course to prove myself I would probably take something like medicine but that doesn't interest me at all. I don't look at the points, I look at which course will give me the greatest standard of life and the greatest happiness later on in life. It's just a matter of weighing out the outcomes and seeing which one outweighs the other for what you want out of it. Your Mathematical Science course is the course that you need to do to achieve your dream job (I'm guessing ) while Theoretical Physics would lead me to my dream job (Working at CERN or ITER (http://www.iter.org) ). Even though I would probably enjoy Computer Science more, I would probably be happier later on in life if I did Theoretical Physics. It's all about your personal preferences and what makes you happy.

I was thinking that too. What jobs could you get by applying and saying that "I've Got a BSc in Computational Thinking"? I would be hesitant to pick that course.

Sunny!!

Boeing777 wrote: »

YES! My number 1. Are you doing it too?

its like my 2nd choice at the moment but a serious contender, i've physio down as my first choice, wanted med but hpat didnt go well.

I think theres a real good chance of employment with the course as you can teach so many subjects!

CB93

mulciber wrote: »

Btw, has anyone looked at the new Computational Thinking course offered by NUI Maynooth? It's 40% Computer Science, 40% Theoretical Physics and 20% Philosophy. 500 points and a B1(?) in maths to get in. It's only starting this year but it seems interesting. I would be cautious picking to do a newly formed course though.

mulciber wrote: »

I was thinking that too. What jobs could you get by applying and saying that "I've Got a BSc in Computational Thinking"? I would be hesitant to pick that course.

If you're thinking of any kind of future in computers I'd definitely reccommend this course. From what I hear NUIM worked on this with several major computer companies (incl. Google, Intel etc.) and you would be more or less guaranteed a job with one of these on completion. It's only 3 years because they want good graduates asap and they say your brain works best at a younger age so why waste an extra year in college. I think there's only 10 places though so I'm guessing points could be very high (It would only need 10 people with 600/625 to apply and that's the points).

Boeing777

Sunny!! wrote: »

its like my 2nd choice at the moment but a serious contender, i've physio down as my first choice, wanted med but hpat didnt go well.

I think theres a real good chance of employment with the course as you can teach so many subjects!

Yeah definitely! It's a great course and there's far more to it than what the prospectus says. Like, in first year you do presentations and stuff to become better at public speaking. There's several other modules that help you become confident in yourself and your teaching. Also, there's lots of psychology modules which really interest me!

Mysteriouschic

I considered computer science for a while it seems like a good course. I think one of my cousins is studying something to do with computers but its part time. He was already employed and has been working with them for years, he didn't have a degree. He got in through a aptitude test. Another one of my other cousins quit his plc course and got a job working for HP. I guess there are ways to get into computer jobs without degrees too.

I ended up choosing the IT business/BIS over the Computer Science . I wasn't sure if the maths would be too hard. I heard that computer science some companies value them more. It took me ages researching trying to figure out which computer route to take. CS does sound interesting though.

mulciber

CB93 wrote: »

If you're thinking of any kind of future in computers I'd definitely reccommend this course. From what I hear NUIM worked on this with several major computer companies (incl. Google, Intel etc.) and you would be more or less guaranteed a job with one of these on completion. It's only 3 years because they want good graduates asap and they say your brain works best at a younger age so why waste an extra year in college. I think there's only 10 places though so I'm guessing points could be very high (It would only need 10 people with 600/625 to apply and that's the points).

I can see how the course has its merits but it's just how it looks on paper. I think I would rather do a general computer science course so that I could pick between different job offers rather than limiting myself to a few companies. And what if you get a job at Google/Intel and decide that you want to move onto a different company? I have a feeling that a company dealing in computers would rather hire somebody who has a specific computer science degree rather than someone who has a degree in computational thinking. If this course was a few years older and I could talk to people who had completed the course and what job prospects they had upon finishing then I would feel that I could make and informed decision but at the moment I feel as though it would be a massive gamble going for this course. That's just my opinion though.

CB93

mulciber wrote: »

I can see how the course has its merits but it's just how it looks on paper. I think I would rather do a general computer science course so that I could pick between different job offers rather than limiting myself to a few companies. And what if you get a job at Google/Intel and decide that you want to move onto a different company? I have a feeling that a company dealing in computers would rather hire somebody who has a specific computer science degree rather than someone who has a degree in computational thinking. If this course was a few years older and I could talk to people who had completed the course and what job prospects they had upon finishing then I would feel that I could make and informed decision but at the moment I feel as though it would be a massive gamble going for this course. That's just my opinion though.

I see where you're coming from but surely a degree with its main emphasis on computer science that also values lateral thinking will be very valuable in the coming years. And if you're thinking of a job in a different company afterwards I think they would pay closer attention to your work experience than your degree and where better to have worked than google. Again just my opinion.

mulciber

CB93 wrote: »

I see where you're coming from but surely a degree with its main emphasis on computer science that also values lateral thinking will be very valuable in the coming years. And if you're thinking of a job in a different company afterwards I think they would pay closer attention to your work experience than your degree and where better to have worked than google. Again just my opinion.

Are you guaranteed a job from google or intel upon completing the course though?

Boeing777

mulciber wrote: »

Are you guaranteed a job from google or intel upon completing the course though?

Nobody is ever guaranteed a job after college.

CB93

mulciber wrote: »

Are you guaranteed a job from google or intel upon completing the course though?

Obviously you're not guaranteed a job but if they've invested so much in getting the course going and if there's only 10 graduates in the first year then you would think it's pretty likely.

mulciber

CB93 wrote: »

Obviously you're not guaranteed a job but if they've invested so much in getting the course going and if there's only 10 graduates in the first year then you would think it's pretty likely.

Ok. The course has now peaked my interest.

finality

No engineering? Nobody likes engineering

ChemHickey

finality wrote: »

No engineering? Nobody likes engineering :'(

Not in this thread! I left it out on purpose as it deserves its own thread!