Computational Thinking NUIM

D3MAND

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some information/opinions or even other courses with similar subject matter to Computational thinking in NUIM. Thanks in advance!

Russ T Banger

think they only train you for the priesthood there, no matter what they try to convert you and rope you in

PhilsHenchman

Hey. I'm currently on the course at the minute. Basically it's a 3 year course where you study maths, computer science and philosophy. In first year you do 6 maths modules, 4 computer science modules and 2 philosophy modules. In second year you do 4 maths modules, 2 philosophy modules and 7 computer science modules (Although one of them is really a philosophy module run by the CS department, they just can't call it philosophy. Long story). In 3rd year you do a mixture of compulsory modules and modules you choose yourself over the 3 subjects

In first year you're thrown into the deep end in terms of the computer science modules at the start of the year. As it's an accelerated course, you get put into cs modules with 2nd year students who have at least a year of prior programming experience. Don't be too worried though if you've never programmed before. 90% of the people who have done the course so far haven't. There's a 3 day intense workshop before the first week of lectures where the course coordinator, Phil Maguire (who is your lecturer for 3 modules), will basically run through most of what is taught to other cs students in there first year. You may be a bit confused at first , but by November you will be on the same level as the 2nd years at programming by just attending the lectures and doing the labs.

Also, as it's an accelerated course, what normal science/arts students cover in 2 years in their maths modules, you cover in one. I won't lie to you, the maths is tough. You can expect to spend many hours doing maths assignment each week if you get on the course. I hate to be a pessimist, but don't think that just because you got at least a B1 in the leaving cert this means you will find maths easy. Believe me, university maths, specifically the modules you do in CT, is a completely different ballgame. It will be a shock to your system. Both years, one or two people drop out of the course during the first two weeks because they think they won't be able to handle the maths. You might even have a mental breakdown and start to go cuckoo during the weeks you have 2 maths assignments due. Saying that, it is very much doable. It just requires a lot of work and effort. Don't be too afraid though, I have survived it so far!

There's also the philosophy modules. Who can forget about them?! You'll either find philosophy a complete waste of time or find it somewhat enjoyable. The workload is very little also. Philosophy is a nice break from the stress of maths. The only real work is writing one essay of 1500 - 2000 words per semester.

Another thing, as it's a 3 year course, you can take an optional extra year between 2nd year and your final year to either go abroad or do a work placement, making it a 4 year course.

The only real problem with the course is that if halfway through, if you find out you don't like computer science or maths, you're sort of screwed unless you drop out of the course. But hey, if you're asking about it, you must be somewhat interested in them.

If you're main interest is Computer Science, I'd look into the Computer Science and Software Engineering course. Most of the CT cs modules deal with the theoretical side of computers and as a result, you miss out on modules that cover more practical things such as web development etc. If you want to do that kind of stuff CSSE is the way to go. You will be missing out on 80% of the maths covered in CT if you decide to do CSSE though.

If you want to do CS & Maths, the best thing to do is a general science degree. The maths goes at a much slower pace and you will have no issue with it if you have gotten a B1. The same can be said for cs as you start from scratch when learning how to program. You'll have to choose 2 other modules in first year and one other module in 2nd year such as Chemistry. One good thing about the General Science route is that you can always decide to pursue a degree in biology after the end of first year if it turns out that you don't actually like maths or cs. Another good thing about the general science route is that if at the end of first year you decide you really like computers, you can always switch the the CSSE degree in 2nd year. If you decide to do Pure Maths & CS in 3rd and 4th year you will get to do most of the modules covered in CT. Its the closest way to do the course, without actually being on it. The only thing you miss out on is the philosophy and a few cs /maths modules.

Saying that, CT is a great course. As there's only 10 - 13 people in the course, you'll make really close friends with the other CTs. Any heavy workload you may have is easily balanced by the amount of craic you will have with the other CTs. Also, you won't be stuck in lecture halls with 300 other people so you will have a much better chance of getting to know the lecturers which is always a good thing.

The course is tough, but if you're up for the challenge go for it! If you've any other questions just ask. There are a few CTs in both 1st and 2nd year on this site. No 3rd years though, they don't exist yet. The course is only 2 years old. We are sort of guinea pigs being tested to see if its a successful course in terms of employment etc.

Don't be afraid to contact the course coordinator Phil Maguire also if you have questions. He's a pretty cool guy! Here's a few links if you want more info also.

http://www.cs.nuim.ie/courses/compthink/
http://www.nuim.ie/people/phil-maguire
http://apps.nuim.ie/courses/?TARGET=QS&MODE=VIEW&QUALIFICATION_CODE=COMPT&TARGET_SOURCE=QUALIFICATION

CTDomination

Brah, here is all you need to know about CT. It's the realest course in the game. To quote Annie Get Your Gun: "Anything you can do, I can do better". That is the motto.

Yeah sure the maths is tough-ish or whatever, and you're thrown in to a second year computer course with no experience but they are just little details.

The actual best part of this course is philosophy (Or as an homage to our based course coordinator, Phil's-Osophy).

If you've ever taught to yourself, "I want to roll with the big dogs, and be better than everyone else in the college, and probably most colleges in the world yeah that sounds good" then you should definitely put us down #1.

CT is for life, not just for the CAO xo



For a real answer see here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=83868321