First Year

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First Year

Photo of the UCD Computer Science Active Learning Laboratory where you spend the majority of your time.

Semester 1 will comprise of a 15-week “immersion” experience where students take only Computer Science and Maths modules, which are tailored to the needs of Computer Science.

Introduction to Stage 1

Stage 1 in Computer Science gives students an insight into life in Computer Science. You will be shown a diverse range of subjects and will be given their first experience of programming using the C language, which is an excellent foundation to other languages required later in your degree e.g. Java.

Modules such as Algorithmic Problem Solving provide an insight into writing algorithms, which is a core skill required for effective programming. Software Engineering Project I is a group work assignment that will give you the opportunity to apply what you have learned in these modules.

Computer Science in Practice will provide you with an insight into the practical applications of computer science in every day life (e.g., search engines, drug discovery etc). Various lecturers give talks each week related to their field of research. Industry trips include Google, Microsoft etc. provide you with a greater understanding of corporate companies which operate in an Irish but also a Global context and also give you more of an understanding of the types of careers that are available to them upon completion of their degree.