What is Computer Science?
Computer Science is the study of computers and computing. From their theoretical and practical applications to the principles of mathematics, engineering, and algorithms – computer science and software and hardware development are a part of our everyday lives.
Principal areas of study within Computer Science include artificial intelligence, computer systems, and networks, security, database systems, human-computer interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, bioinformatics, and theory of computing.
The most important aspect of computer science is problem-solving, an essential skill for life. Students study the design, development, and analysis of software and hardware used to solve problems in a variety of business, scientific and social contexts.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering Computer Science courses in the following subject areas:
- Computer Science – Acquire the knowledge and skills required to develop apps for mobile and traditional computing environments.
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science – Gain a thorough understanding of the key principles of computer science.
- MSc in Computer Science – Study the practical aspects of the development and management of modern information systems.
- CK 401 Computer Science – The study of Computer Science and Economics.
- Computer Science: Software Engineering – The study of computer science and related disciplines to the technical, methodological, organizational development of reliable software and information technology systems.
- Computer Science: Research – The research degree in computer science aims to provide the student with an opportunity to carry out a significant body of research work with the support and supervision of senior academic researchers.
- Higher Certificate Science in Computing – The study of Computer Applications, Commercial Programming, and Computer Networking.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer-Aided Manufacturing – The study of new computer-based technologies associated with a modern manufacturing practice.
Studying Computer Science in college
Many Computer Science courses take place over 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover all theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials, and taught modules. Assessments will take place continuously with written examinations and practical assignments combined to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider IT-related work experience or internships if your course doesn’t offer a work placement. Work Experience will not only allow you to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, but it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
Career options
After completing a course in Computer Science you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of computer software and hardware.
In the Computer Science industry, you’ll work in a constantly evolving environment, due to technological advances and the strategic direction of the organizations you may work for. You’ll create, maintain, audit, and improve systems to meet particular needs, often as advised by a systems analyst or architect, testing both hard and software systems to diagnose and resolve system faults.
The role also covers writing diagnostic programs and designing and writing code for operating systems and software to ensure efficiency. When required, you’ll make recommendations for future developments. Depending on the organization you work for, you may have a more defined role and work within a group of IT specialists which can include systems analysts, systems designers, and systems testers.
Common employers are IT consultancies and IT, service providers. However, as most businesses rely on computers to function effectively, there are also opportunities within the IT departments of major organizations in every sector.
You can also find opportunities with a range of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Another option is to set up your own business, providing IT services such as web design and consultancy. Self-employment and freelance or contract work are possible as there is an increasing market for contract software engineers with specialist knowledge.
Working hours will depend on whether you are employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various facilities or companies. The hours are usually full-time, Monday to Friday. You should expect to work some evenings, and although weekend or shift work is uncommon you may need to put in some extra hours to meet deadlines. In some cases, software engineers may be required to be on call to deal with problems.
Related jobs include:
- Application analyst
- Applications developer
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Data analyst
- Database administrator
- Forensic computer analyst
- Game designer
- Games developer
- Information systems manager
- IT consultant
- Software engineer
- Systems analyst
- UX designer
- Web designer
- Web developer
- IT sales professional
- IT trainer
- Nanotechnologist
- Network engineer
- Supply chain manager
- Telecommunications researcher
Further study
After completing a course in Computer Science you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skillset. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practice in certain career areas such as teaching, telecommunications or web design, and IT operations technician.
FAQ
What skills could be helpful for a career in Computer Science?
Subject-specific skills like programming languages, hardware architecture and construction, network design and engineering, software engineering, multimedia design, and knowledge of a variety of software tools and packages will be greatly beneficial for a career in computer science.
More general skills that will benefit you in most industries include teamwork and leadership, good communication, problem-solving and negotiation, time management, and organization.
What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in Computer Science?
You may be required to write and test code, refining and rewriting it as necessary, and communicate with any programmers involved in the project. You might be tasked with the research, design, and writing of new software programs (e.g. business applications or computer games) and computer operating systems.
You could be in a position where it is necessary to evaluate the software and systems that make computers and hardware work or to develop existing programs by analyzing and identifying areas for modification.
You may need to write operational documentation with technical authors and help to maintain systems by monitoring and correcting software defects. You will likely be working closely with other staff, such as project managers, graphic artists, UX designers, other developers, systems analysts, and sales and marketing professionals
Where can I study Computer Science?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
· The first electronic computer ENIAC weighed more than 27 tons and took up 1800 square feet.
· Doug Engelbart invented the first computer mouse in 1964 which was made of wood.
· If there was a computer as powerful as the human brain, it would be able to do 38 thousand trillion operations per second and hold more than 3580 terabytes of memory.
· The first microprocessor created by Intel was the 4004. It was designed for a calculator, and at that time nobody imagined where it would lead.
· QWERTY keyboard was designed to slow down the typing speed. The initial versions of typewriters made in the 1870s had few technical issues. The metal arms, which hold the characters, used to clash and jam if the keys were pressed in rapid succession or if a typist pressed the adjacent keys simultaneously.
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