National University of Ireland, Maynooth
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Department of Computer Science
Courses
Undergraduate
The CS department offers serveral undergraduate programmes to cater for the needs of our students, from those who wish to specialise in software engieering to t hose who require a broader education in Science or Arts. It is possible to combi ne Computer Science with most other subjects on campus. Most progrannes share a common first year allowing students to change programmes in second year.
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Computer Science and Software Engineering
Course Co-ordinator: Dr. Charles Markham
The Computer Science and Software Engineering course (MH203 on the CAO form) at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth is a challenging degree which provides the breadth and depth of education and training which will allow graduates to be productive early in their career in software development and to progress to a high standard of professional accomplishment long into the future.
Computational Thinking
Course Co-ordinator: Dr. James Power Dr. Phil Maguire
Computational thinking is about combining human creativity with the power of computers to solve problems.
Computational thinking is a fundamental skill for success in the modern world. It involves applying heuristics to find solutions in the presence of uncertainty. It involves modelling problems so that they can be most effectively attacked. It involves reformulating seemingly difficult questions into ones that have already been answered. Computers take care of the dull and unimaginative parts of problem solving, which leaves the humans to develop the clever, creative aspects. Thinking computationally is about exploiting abstraction, identifying patterns and developing innovative strategies to answer questions that span the spectrum of human activity.
Multimedia, Mobile and Web development
Course Co-ordinator: Dr. Joe Timoney
The BSc in Multimedia, Mobile and Web Development (CAO/PAC code: MH211) provides students with the core understanding and competencies necessary to develop mobile, web-based, and multimedia information systems and applications. This programme complements the BA Digital Media and the BSc Computer Science and Software Engineering courses by focusing on the technical aspects of developing software for multimedia, mobile and web systems. As a student, you will develop expertise in systems-level and applications-level programming concepts through modules in programming, scripting, databases and networking. You will also study software engineering (design, analysis and testing), where the focus is on large-scale systems modelling and development, as well as foundational and theoretical aspects of computer science. Students also develop expertise in communicating information effectively with the help of modules in visual communication, usability and cognitive science. Students will be well-prepared for a career in the technical development and operation of sophisticated web-based systems, and have both the theoretical and practical skills needed for the development of mobile and web applications.
Computer Science as part of Science Degree
Course Co-ordinator: Mr. Dermot Kelly
The Computer Science course (MH201 on the CAO form) offers you the best of both worlds: a strong foundation in science (to allow you to approach and solve problems in a wide variety of domains) and extensive coverage of computer science and software engineering. This course can be taken as either Single Honours Computer Science, or Double Honours with another science subject. Computer Science is also available as part of the Biotechnology and BioInformatics courses
BA Music Technology
Course Co-ordinator: Dr. Joe Timoney
This programme is designed for students with interests in music who are seeking a qualification in the areas of audio and information technologies. The programme covers general elements of music, such as basic theory and notation, as well as composition and aspects of popular music. From informatics, students will also explore computer programming and signal processing. The programme also offers specialised modules in sound engineering and computer music. These are taught in state-of-the-art studios and computer music laboratories. In addition to the music technology-specific modules, students also choose two Arts subjects in First Year and continue with one of the chosen subjects from First year in the second and third year, to complement their degree. Depending on interests and abilities, participants will choose to concentrate on audio production, music programming or composition in the final year. The programme strives to maintain a balance between theory and practice to ensure that students gain experience working with the essential concepts and skills involved in music technology. Applicants are not required to have taken the Leaving Certificate in music, however they are expected to have some music reading skills and knowledge of basic elements of music theory (eg. scales, intervals and chords).
Computer Science as part of Arts Degree
Course Co-ordinator: Mr. Dermot Kelly
It is now be possible to take Computer Science as a subject over three years within the BA joint honours programme
BSc in Applied Computer Science
Course Co-ordinator: Dr. Joe Timoney
This is a one-year programme leading to a honours BSc in Applied Computer Science. It will be offered to students who have achieved an acceptable standard in either a three-year higher diploma in computer science or in the first three years of a computer science undergraduate degree programme. The programme is worth a total of 60 credits and is organised into three separate sections (note: if an entrant has the required NUIM English entry level they need not take the ‘English for academic purposes module’ and can take another CS module instead):
- Foundational modules (compulsory for all students).
- Complementary modules (compulsory for all students, or see note above,).
- Six modular streams that each focus on a different aspect of computer science. Each stream comprises a number of modules (choices may vary from year-to-year). Students are allowed to align themselves with two of the streams, choosing modules from both. Students will select their streams based on their background and in consultation with the course director.