Student Information
What is CS?
CS Degrees at UCC
Careers in Computing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Computer Science?
Few developments in recent times can rival computer technology for pace of its progress, the breath of its application or the degree of its impact on the modern world. Since its inception computer technology has been an indispensable tool in all areas of science and engineering and has by now become a cornerstone a whole range of modern services (financial markets, air transport and telecommunications, to name but three examples). It is fast becoming equally central to many aspects of our personal lives (play stations, internet, WAP phones etc.).
While experience in the use of various computer-based technologies is becoming increasingly widespread, computer science as an academic discipline is not about mere familiarity with the use of an array of commercial software products (word-processing/spreadsheet packages, internet browsers, computer games), but studies the various technologies that make these complex systems tick. Computer scientists seek to understand how such systems are constructed, how they might be improved and, above all, how these technologies may be exploited to develop new previously undreamt-of applications for the future.
This requires a deep understanding of both the organization and operation of the physical components (processors, storage devices, networks) that support these applications and the software elements that control these components (operating systems, network protocols, etc.). It involves mastering tools and techniques for the representation, manipulation and communication of the large volumes complex information computer systems have to contend with whether that information be financial, textual, numerical, or as is increasingly the case, in the form of images, audio or video. It requires a thorough grasp of the scientific principles that underpin all these technologies as well as the ability to apply those principles in practice in the construction of high-quality reliable software according to rigorous engineering principles using modern programming languages and methodologies.
Computer Science Degrees
The Department of Computer Science offers a four-year undergraduate
programme leading to the B.Sc. in Computer Science.
No computing experience or familiarity with computers is required
or expected prior to enrolment.
The programme's goal is to impart to its graduates both the
fundamental scientific principles that underpin the key computing
technologies in use today and the engineering skills that enable
those principles to be applied in practice.
Upon graduation students should be equipped to pursue a career
as computer professionals or, if they so wish, to pursue
further studies.
The curriculum covers both the hardware technologies that underly
modern computer systems and the software systems and technologies
that form the basis for modern computer applications.
A major emphasis of the programme is software engineering:
the process by which a piece of software is developed to meet a
specific technological need according to rigorous engineering
principles. This skill is developed in a series of modules
incorporating significant hands-on work in supervised laboratory
sessions.
In later years of the programme specialised modules are offered
on topics such as networks, computer architecture,
distributed systems, multimedia, artificial intelligence,
e-commerce, computer security and graphics among others.
The programme incorporates an six-month period of work-experience
within the IT industry during the third year and is rounded
off with a substantial project completed during the final year.
A summary description of the core and elective modules is contained in the CK401 Modules Book.
Details of our Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses are available in the college calendar at http://www.ucc.ie/ucc/academic/calendar/.
The authoritative source of individual modules is the College's Book of Modules available at http://www.ucc.ie/ucc/academic/modules/.
The following table summarises the main elements of the programme.
Single Honours CS Degrees
| Year 1 |
Year 2 |
| Computer Programming (cs1000) |
Software Development (cs2000) |
| Problem Solving (cs1010) |
Data Structures (cs2010) |
| Computer Systems (cs1020) |
Computer Systems (cs2020) |
|
Mathematics for CS (MA1010, MA1015) |
Statistics for CS (ST2030) |
| Database Systems (cs2040) |
| Circuit Design (cs2030) |
| Year 3 |
Year 4 |
| Software Group Project (cs3000) |
Supervised project
plus
Specialised CS modules
|
|
Algorithms (cs3010) |
| Operating Systems (cs3020) |
| Database Systems (cs3040) |
| Computer Networks (cs3030) |
| Industrial Placement |
Apart from the "pure computing" degrees described above (single
honours degrees), it is also possible to combine computer science
with another subject leading to a joint honours degree.
This option involves roughly half the amount of computer science
material as the single honours degree with the difference being
made up by modules of the other subject. Currently, this option
is available for three subjects: mathematics, statistics and
economics. The choice of whether to pursue a joint honours or a
single honours degree is made at the end of first year.
Career Prospects for CS Graduates
Ireland ranks as one of the world's leading software exporters
and the information and communication (IC) industries are major
contributors to the country's current economic prosperity.
Embracing both multinational companies (most of the world's
leading software companies have a significant involvement
here), as well as a vibrant indigenous sector, Ireland's IC
industry includes leading global players in the key technological
areas of financial and banking applications, electronic commerce,
internet tools and applications, telecommunications and software
tools among others.
This industry has been identified as a key priority for the future
by Ireland's industrial development agencies and a target of
significant investment in education and research as well as
enterprise development.
The industry currently employs upwards of 15,000 people, a
figure that is expected to grow sharply in the years ahead.
There has been virtually full employment among CS graduates in
recent years; career prospects for today's graduates are
excellent and are likely to remain so for the foreseeable
future. In recent years students/gruaduates have been
placed with (among others):
Oracle Microsoft IBM ICL
Sun Intel Analog EMC
Compaq Motorola Logica
Ericsson Nortel Alcatel AIB
BoI BUPA Eircell Iona
Solomon Bros. Anderson Cons.
Many graduates opt to undergo further studies to further
enhance their skills. UCC offers specialized masters degrees
in computer networks and in multimedia technology as
well as higher degrees by research. Recent government
initiatives to invest significant sums in Ireland's
research infrastructure should ensure excellent research
opportunities for talented CS graduates in the years ahead.
Why should I study computer science?
The profound impact of computer technology over recent decades
on so many key facets of modern life (financial, communications,
transportation, entertainment, scientific/medical exploration,
and educational) must rank as one of the most significant
technological phenomena in modern history. If the opportunity
to participate and contribute to this technological enterprise
were not reason enough to study computer science, the opportunities
for exciting, challenging and well-paid careers that the computer
industry offers are an additional inducement.
FAQ List
Do I need to know anything about computers?
No prior familiarity with computers is expected. Those with
some previous exposure to computers might have some slight
initial advantage, but the lack of such experience ought
to pose no significant long-term barrier to the consciencious
student.
FAQ List
Everyone seem to be using computers these days without
too much bother what more is there to study?
Computer science as an academic discipline is not
concerned with how various software packages are used
but rather about understanding the principles and
technologies that underpin such systems.
FAQ List
Do I need honours maths in the Leaving Cert?
There is no formal requirement for honours Leaving Cert
mathematics.
FAQ List
Do I need to be good at maths to survive?
While the ability to reason carefully and methodically is
a valuable skill in the study of computing, a flair for
formal mathematics is not essential.
Some computer science requires reasonable grasp of
basic mathematics that ought to be accessible to all but
the most maths-phobic of students. The limited mathematical
background that is required is covered within the degree
programme.
FAQ List
If I don't need great computing or mathematical expertise,
what skills/aptitudes would I need?
A commitment to work conscientiously and consistently is
probably the single most important key to the successful
completion of a university degree in any area.
For computer science, a logical, methodical
frame of mind, a fondness for solving problems, an attention to
detail and a determined persistence to pursue a task to
completion are all invaluable assets.
FAQ List
Are there any special requirements?
For admission the only formal requirement is a minimum grade
HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at higher or
ordinary level in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English,
another language, mathematics and two other subjects recognised
for entry purposes. There is no requirement that you should have
studied any science subject or honours maths in the Leaving Cert.
FAQ List
How many places are there?
The intake for 2001 is one hundred and fifty.
FAQ List
How many points will I need?
The points are dictated by supply and demand. Once the
number of places is decided (150 for 2001), the points
level required is determined purely by the points profile
of the pool of applicants.
In recent years the points level for CK401 were
as follows:
| 2000 |
1999 |
1998 |
1997 |
1996 |
1995 |
1994 |
1993 |
| 410* |
405* |
400* |
415 |
400* |
400 |
385 |
360 |
* indicates that not all applicants at this level were offered
places. FAQ List
The CAO handbook lists quite a few of different computing
degrees across various colleges and universities; how to these
relate to the UCC degree?
Different universities use different labels (computer science,
computer applications, information technology, software engineering
and so on) to describe their computing degree offerings. While these
labels may signal differences of emphases and approach between these
degrees, all
have broadly the same objective: the equip their graduates for
a career as information technology professionals.
FAQ List
How do I apply?
Applications are handled by the
CAO
in the ordinary way.
A small number of places are reserved annually for mature students.
Details of the application procedure for mature students are
available from the
UCC Admissions Office.
UCC also accepts applications from overseas students. Such applications
handled by the College's Admissions Office. See the
Undergraduate Prospectus
for details.
FAQ List
Once I've decided to study computer science at UCC are there
any options and when would I need to make decisions about these?
All computer science students are admitted through CAO code
CK401; thers is some scope for choice and specialization in
later years but no decisions need to be made prior
to starting your studies.
Indeed all students take the same set of
modules in first year (with minor variations for those pursuing
a joints honours degree--described below). Generally, your
options on this and other matters would be described to you as
and when they arise.
FAQ List
How much scope is there for specialization within the UCC
computing degree?
The bulk of our students pursue a programme devoted entirely
to computer science. The degree provides a solid grounding
in the fundamental principles and practices of computing
technologies.
In later years of the our degrees specialized modules are
also offered on other topics such as computer networks,
computer architecture, information retrieval,
distributed systems, artificial intelligence,
e-commerce, computer security and multimedia
among others.
In addition to these single-honours degrees students may opt
to combine computer science with another subject for a joint-honours
degree (see below).
FAQ List
Is it possible to combine computer science with another subject?
In addition to the (single honours) programme described above it
is also possible to combine computer science with another subject in a
joint honours degree. Currently this option is available for three
subjects: mathematics, statistics and economics. Opting for a joint
honours degree has implications for the modules studied in first
year.
See the
College Calendar
for details. FAQ List
What is involved in the degree?
The degree programme is a four-year, full-time programme
leading to the B.Sc. degree. The teaching involves a
combination of formal lectures supplemented by tutorials
and supervised laboratory practicals.
See
course description
for more details.
FAQ List
What are the employment prospects like?
The demand for qualified computer graduates both nationally
and internationally is very buoyant; there are more IT job
vacancies than there are suitable candidates to fill them.
On current trends, the universities will be hard pressed to
produce enough graduates to meet projected demand, so this
employment and career propects for graduates are expected
to remain excellent.
FAQ List
What sort of work do computer science graduates typically
do when they graduate?
Forfas's
National Software Directorate
maintains a
useful overview of the IT industry and careers. Some
students also opt to pursue further study or research.
FAQ List
What opportunities are there for further study after graduation?
Many students opt for further study after graduation. Many universities
offer postgraduate diplomas or masters degrees in specialized, in-demand
areas. For example, UCC offers masters degrees in areas such as multimedia
technology and computer networks. We also offer higher degrees by research.
The recent government committment of substantial sums to research in
information and communication technology under the Foresight programme
should imply significant growth over the next few years in the research
opportunities available to talented young IT graduates in Ireland.
FAQ List
What sort of workload should I expect?
All our undergraduate degrees are full-time courses and require
a full-time committment. The academic workload is measured in
credits with 60 credits being a typical annual load. Though
details vary from module to module, five credits generally
equates to one one-hour lecture per week with an additional
two hours per week for a combination of laboratory work,
tutorials and private study for the whole academic year. So
60 credits would generally entail a minimum commitment of 36
hours per week throughout the year.
FAQ List
