Computer Science (JH)

Overview

What is Computer Science?

Computer Science is concerned with the study of everything to do with computers and our relationship with them. Computer scientists are critical to the efficient running of modern societies, dealing with health, security, banking and finance, transportation, and now increasingly our interaction through social networks. Computing professionals deal with theoretical issues, solve complex problems, deal with matters of ethics and with society at large. Theoretical issues in computer science relate to the abstract notions of computation and information.

The study of these issues leads, for example, to efficient and robust algorithms for problems in many areas. Applications of computer science range from artificial intelligence to health informatics, from smart cities to information security, and from educational and training systems to analysis of content on social network sites.

Computer Science: The course for you?

Computer Science at Trinity is a challenging and exciting course with a focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology. To get the best from the course you need to be interested in developing clear logical ideas about situations and about how to develop feasible schemes (‘algorithms’) for computers to deal with these situations. You should be comfortable using mathematical techniques to solve problems. If you are knowledgeable about computers already, to the extent of building them or writing programs for them, so much the better – but bear in mind, no prior knowledge of computer science is assumed.

Computer Science at Trinity

Computer Science at Trinity is ranked number 1 in Ireland, top 25 in Europe and top 100 worldwide (QS subject rankings, 2020). 

The School of Computer Science and Statistics at Trinity is recognised for establishing computer science as an academic discipline in Ireland. The School has earned a strong international reputation and has partnerships in education, research and industry across the globe. The School hosts three National Research Centres and continues to evolve and lead ground breaking research programmes.

The School collaborates with leading employers and fosters innovation through its many successful start-up companies including Iona Technologies, Havok, Kore, Swrve, Quaternion Labs, LinguaBox, WiFi Guard, CipherApps, Haunted Planet Studios, Haptica, GLANTA, Tolerant Networks, Cara Health, X Communications Ltd, EmpowerTheUser, Insight Statistical Consulting, Xcelerit, Wripl and Emizar, SoapBox Labs, Good Travel Software, SilverCloud, Danalto, Volgrams and Data Chemist.

Graduate skills and career opportunities

Graduates from computer science are highly sought after and can expect to find employment anywhere in the world. Each year leading employers in the sector attend a special recruitment fair held at the School of Computer Science and Statistics which affords students an opportunity to chat informally regarding their career opportunities. Graduates find employment in almost every sector from communications and entertainment to manufacturing and transportation, government, healthcare, education and many more. Positions can be found within: design, testing, manufacturing, support and implementation, information systems, research and development, operations and management. Many graduates hold senior positions such as CTO and CIO. Others pursue careers in research to PhD and beyond. The School is proud of the entrepreneurial and academic success of its graduates.

Computer Science (Joint Honours Combinations)

Each of the Computer Science Joint Honours combinations offers unique opportunities where the subjects intersect. Students studying Computer Science and Geography may have a particular interest in geographic information systems, spatial data or “smart cities”. The combined study of Computer Science and Linguistics yields opportunities for graduates to specialise in computational speech and language processing or text analysis. Combining Computer Science with Economics will allow graduates to use computing tools to study economics and to apply economic theories to computational settings, such as to build virtual marketplaces. Our longrunning Computer Science and Business joint programme provides graduates with the knowledge and expertise needed to work in the technical field of Computer Science along with the business management skills required to understand the fundamentals of markets, organisations and business management.

Pathways

The pathways available are Major with Minor, Joint Honours, and Single Honours Economics or Geography.

Your degree and what you’ll study

Details of the Computer Science Joint Honours option are listed below.

First year

In first year, students spend about 25% of their time learning to design and write computer programs. They also study Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Systems.

Second year

In the second year the study of Computer Science continues with Algorithms and Data Structures, Mathematics II, Information Management and Software Engineering. Depending on the pathway chosen, students may also take Applied Statistics and Probability, Intermediate Programming, Systems Programming, Operating Systems, Algorithms and Data Structures II, and Natural Language Processing.

Third year

All students in third year take Software Engineering, Information Management, and Computer Networks. Depending on the chosen pathway, students may take additional subjects such as Compiler Design, Artificial Intelligence, Symbolic Programming, Functional Programming, Discrete Mathematics, Advanced Computer Networks.

Fourth year

In the fourth year, all students will complete a Capstone project. In addition they choose from topics such as Group Programming Project, Machine Learning, Strategic Information Systems, Technology Entrepreneurship, Data Analytics, Fuzzy Logic, Internet Applications, Human Factors, Computer Graphics.

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Assessment

Courses are examined by a combination of continuous assessment and/or end of term examination or assessment

Study abroad

You may apply to spend your third year studying at a university abroad as part of an exchange programme.