Information

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• Information Communications Technologyat TCD
• www.cs.tcd.ie/courses/baict/
• Department of Computer Science
• Faculty of Engineering and Systems Sciences

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What is I.C.T. ?

• Information Communications Technology
• Information stored and manipulated by
  Computers
• Communications provided globally by the
  Internet
• The challenge is in uniting these effectively
• (ICT can also be read as Internet Computer
  Technology)

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Why do I.C.T. ?

• It is fun, interesting, and at the cutting edge.
• It is a good starting point for a variety of
  careers.
• It is one of the fastest growing economic
  sectors.
• It is one of the two strategic areas identified
  by Science Foundation Ireland for increased
  research funding
• (The other is Biotechnology)

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Why does TCD offer ICT ?

• We see the synergy between information and
  communication as key challenge for the future.
• Our response to government request for more ICT
  graduates.
• We have developed expertise in this area through
  our other programmes

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Who Is Suitable?

• Maths and English are the subjects which give the
  best indication of students success on Computing
  related courses.
• No prior knowledge of computing is assumed.
• All TCD day computing degrees require a C3 in
  honours Maths.

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Day Computing Degree Courses

• B.A. (Mod) Degrees
• Computer Science (CS)
• Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
• Computer Science Linguistics and a Language
  (CSLL)
• B.A.I. Computer Engineering(With other
  Engineering Departments).

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How does ICT compare to CS? (1)

• ICT emphasis on usage of computers in Internet
  systems.
• CS emphasis on design of computer systems, both
  hardware and software.
• ICT more material on information management and
  communication networks.
• CS more material on computer systems design
• ICT has compulsory language component
• (2 years, conversational level)

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TR037 B.A. (Information and Communications
Technology)
Networks
Mx
Software
A Language
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TR033 B.A. (Computer Science)
Networks
Social Issues
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B.A. (Computer Science Linguistics and a
Language) TR10 German,TR11 French,TR13 Irish
A Language
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How does ICT compare to CS? (2)

• CS started Oct. 1979
• ICT started Oct. 1997
• CS recent CAO points levels (465..475).
• ICT recent CAO points levels (305..310).
• Both programmes set the same academic standard !
• Both programmes require C3 Hons Math minimum !
• ICT also requires D3 (H) in French or German

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2000 Point Levels (Final Offers)

• TR037 ICT 310
• TR033 Comp. Sci. 465
• CSLL
• TR010 German 435
• TR011 French 430
• TR013 Irish 455
• TR032 Engineering 420

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Relevance of CAO points

• Time is running out for getting entry to a course
  of this quality at these low rates !
• ICT (at 310) is as challenging as CS (at 475) !!
• In our experience, CAO points rise over time

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Importance of Hons. Maths

• Why is a C3 or better in Hons. Math required ?
• Strong Analytic skills required (esp. for
  programming !)
• Large and growing body of NEW mathematics aimed
  at the modelling and analysis of computing
  systems.
• A strong emphasis on discrete mathematics, logic,
  number theory, abstract algebra and category
  theory.

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Careers In ...

• Design, Research, Management
• Programming, Marketing, Consultancy
• Graduates have also finished up in multi-media,
  film school, managing a jeans factory in
  Morocco..
• Professorships in UCD, Maynooth, UL.
• Every graduate can currently expect at least 4
  job offers
• In TCD, graduates interested in research feed
  directly into our research groups

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Studying Abroad Work Experience

• In general TCD computer science courses do not
  have formal work placement schemes but most
  students do relevant work over their summer
  vacations.
• The ICT programme offers to assist 3rd year
  students through the VACWORK programme offered
  by the TCD Careers Advisory Service.
• The Socrates year abroad is open to all students
  and is a great opportunity.

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Further Information

• See ICT course booklet
• Look at the Computer Science Department Web site
• www.cs.tcd.ie/courses/baict/ (Main page for
  Course)
• www.cs.tcd.ie/courses/baict/faq/ (FAQ for
  students and career guidance teachers)

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The End

• We at the Department of Computer Science wish all
  your students the best of luck in their future
  careers
• (No matter what choices they make !)
• Thank you all for your kind attention !