What course would you do if you were me at universaty

[Michael_aust]

I know this sounds like a stupid question to ask, I bored at the moment so I thought it would give me something to do. Anyway in september I will starting my first year at universaty studying computers and havent really made my mind up what course i want to do my options. This is just a bit of fun just to see what you guys would do if you were me.

1.Internet Computing
2.Information Systems
3.Computer Studies
4.Software Engineering (probobly wont stand a chance getting on that one)
5.appled computer technology

[dog]

Hmmm ... First Year :) Definitely Advance Mixology ;) :P

Other than that, feel your way around ... First Year is a lot about self discovery.

[Michael_aust]

I am interested in the software enginerring cos its got a bit of everything in it but it also teaches c++ programming. I have only used ye olde turbo pascal and BASIC but only because it came on a cd with my ps2. The software engineering course also has a whole section about computer secuirty etc. So that seemeded interesting. Only problem is they want me to get a minimum of cin my computer studies but im on predicted e/d id be very lucky to get a c.

Internet computing seems good as well its about everything to do with the web from streaming things to offering onlien services like e comerce and shockwave, flash and other internet services. Also deals in website development using java script and other things.

The only one i have doubts about is applied computer technology because that is about network management and things like that.

Michael

[INTOXSICKATED]

-{ Quote: "Hmmm ... First Year :) Definitely Advance Mixology ;) :P" }-
i'm still working on my masters in that!

my only advice is; pick what you think you'd be happy doing. i went to college for computer information systems 'cuz i was told that computers were the way of the future, and there would be big money involved with millions of vacant job openings! ::) while some of that may be true, a few years later i realized it wasn't what i had really wanted to do for a career, but saw it as something i would rather do as a hobby. luckily i found my true calling, and its enabled me to incorporate all that i've learned in school towards doing it effectively. if there is something that you truly enjoy, no matter how hard you think it may be, go for it! keep in mind also that most adults will change careers something like 3 or more times in their lives. so pick a field with some room to expand. good luck! :)

on a side note: if you decide on the 'advanced mixology' courses, don't ever, never, ever, ever.....mix whiskey with pedialite! trust me, i speak from experience. ;)

[GlobalForce]

Hi Michael,

First year...keep you're avenue's ~open~ and learn a little about *everything.*
I've been online for a year now and still don't favor any one direction...it's all so new and exciting.

*puppy* 's right about discovery...with increasing knowledge, idea's change...so remain flexible. I'm sure you'll get you're chance
to meet many specialist's...gaining valuable insight to "their" world, both inside and out. You're really just going to have to
let some time pass, there's so many possibilities. We're truly living in marvelous technological times! 8)


My thought's go with you. :)
GF

[~*Nat*~]

-{ Quote: "
I've been online for a year now" }-

Hi GF !! :)

It sure don't seem that short. Your knowledge of pc stuff is almost as good as your proffessionalism <sp?>
in the language arts. ;)

I've been online for about 5 yrs. now...and still don't know nothing. :P

[~*Nat*~]

-{ Quote: "Nat, yes you do ! You know how to MwSnap n Unzip now dontcha lol And a Lot more than what you think you do i'm Sure about that !
" }-

Well.......I know a teeny weensy lil bit.
I know how to download things ! ;D

But I need to know more important things.
Oh well....;)

[bigbuck]

-{ Quote: "I know this sounds like a stupid question to ask, I bored at the moment so I thought it would give me something to do. Anyway in september I will starting my first year at universaty studying computers and havent really made my mind up what course i want to do my options. This is just a bit of fun just to see what you guys would do if you were me.

1.Internet Computing
2.Information Systems
3.Computer Studies
4.Software Engineering (probobly wont stand a chance getting on that one)
5.appled computer technology" }-Don't limit yourself just to Apples mate! ;D ;D ;D Diversify a bit!! ;)

[no13]

michael_aust...
if you can send over a brief part of the courses' decriptions... I think i'll have an opinion for you.
applied Comp. Tech. would probably take up some part of electronics engg. [embedded systems] and some of InformationTech. course like DBMS and that kinda junk.
Internet computing sounds like a farce... i don't know whether your future employers will give you credit for a dgree with an unconventional name... but I'mpurely speculating here... I have no clue about the UK job scene.
Comp Studies and App. Comp Tech sound good to me.
ADVICE ::: check out the syllabi of the various courses offered... do you like the subjects to be taught in them? What about the various ratings given by ex-students to these courses? How does the univ fare in the job market? Any faculty members doing research work in a major area? what about the infrastructure.. the labs and all? how's the placement [UK meaning : summer training during 3rd year holidays in a proper company]? and finally... how's the math department, and is it co-ed?
Have fun.
-----
This Has Been Another Opinion Piece. You May Assign no weightage To It... But It Comes From My Own Experiences... Some Things I Didn't Know About Actually Did Matter.

[nadirah]

www.moe.gov.sg
www.nyp.edu.sg

I want to get a Specialist Diploma in Computer Security.;)

[steverio]

-{ Quote: "Don't limit yourself just to Apples mate! ;D ;D ;D Diversify a bit!! ;)" }-

Good Advice! Be a MacGyver! :)

[Michael_aust]

Ehere are links to the descriptions of each course:

Internet computing

http://search.ucas.co.uk/cgi-bin/hsrun/search/search/StateId/CynxHo-J-Pgt7yOEcMXGkwX9Vbh7G-Vazu/HAHTpage/search.HsProfileDetails.run?n=673704#2-2


Information Systems

http://search.ucas.co.uk/cgi-bin/hsrun/search/search/StateId/CynxHo-J-Pgt7yOEcMXGkwX9Vbh7G-Vazu/HAHTpage/search.HsProfileDetails.run?n=634514#2-2


Computer Studies

http://search.ucas.co.uk/cgi-bin/hsrun/search/search/StateId/CynxHo-J-Pgt7yOEcMXGkwX9Vbh7G-Vazu/HAHTpage/search.HsProfileDetails.run?n=634423#2-2


Software Engineering

http://search.ucas.co.uk/cgi-bin/hsrun/search/search/StateId/CynxHo-J-Pgt7yOEcMXGkwX9Vbh7G-Vazu/HAHTpage/search.HsProfileDetails.run?n=634426#2-2


Applied Computer Technology

http://search.ucas.co.uk/cgi-bin/hsrun/search/search/StateId/CynxHo-J-Pgt7yOEcMXGkwX9Vbh7G-Vazu/HAHTpage/search.HsProfileDetails.run?n=634425#2-2

Sorry about the links I tried cutting and pasting it in but when i went to send it it was taking for ever and I lost patience so i just put the links up.


Michael

[AnthonyG]

If it were me software engineering sounds like it would be the most interesting and profitable for a career.

But what i would suggest if you say you dont stand much of a chance of getting on it is if your in the UK wait for clearing as universitys drop there entrance requirements dramatically just to fill up their courses. A friend of mine got onto a course that required three C's at A level with two E's and a D through clearing. So trust me dont get dishartend.

[jon123]

Back in the eighties I was studying programming and at the top of the class, but realized that everybody and their cousin from Transylvania would be getting into it. So thinking that I also was not interested enough to keep up I got out of it.

Now all these years later I've been dabbling in it all along! And had I stayed with it my cv would include all (or at least a lot of)the stuff that's come and "gone" in the meantime. Thus I would have valuable experience that newcomers wouldn't have, more or less negating the flood of competition. Of course it's a little different now, the competition is already there.

What I'm trying to say is don't burn your bridges and keep it broad at first, till you find what your best at/really interested in, remembering that you may change your mind later on, so don't lose your notes! (mine were actually Stolen by the competition! in pen and ink, lol, and some cassettes!)

Best of luck.

(In case Bubba reads this, my advanced tab settings were correct all along!)

[Blackcat]

-{ Quote: " But what i would suggest if you say you dont stand much of a chance of getting on it is if your in the UK wait for clearing as universitys drop there entrance requirements dramatically just to fill up their courses. A friend of mine got onto a course that required three C's at A level with two E's and a D through clearing. So trust me dont get dishartend." }-
But for many courses there are many more applications this year and therefore more competition for places. My University, for example, has on average a 30% increase in applications compared to the last academic year!

This is because many students want to beat the new fee increase which comes into operation next year. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4354495.stm)

Therefore, this year there may well be less places available through Clearing than in previous years.

However, just get your head down to some serious revision in the next few months and surprise yourself and your teacher who predicted your low grade ;)

[cluessnewbie]

-{ Quote: "www.moe.gov.sg
www.nyp.edu.sg

I want to get a Specialist Diploma in Computer Security.;)" }-

Diploma? That just gets you a entry level job as tech support.

[Lurkerella]

Michael, you have been given good advice all around, the test now, is too think about all of it, how it pertains to your life and what "your" likes and dislikes are.

The first year of university can be very distracting and bewildering, you must take it easy on yourself, coursewise, take what you are good at, what you are truly interested in. Studying can be quite challenging the first year.:)

The buzz from big companies, as far as the future...forensic computer specialists will be the new darlings of the tech market. Many, MANY companies want to know where they failed, if it can happen again, what to do to prevent any problems...So, they plan to put big money into building up departments to do just that. Take the problem apart, study it, put it together a better way, keep an eye on it. You see?

You have all the time you need in life, enjoy it, especially the first year of university! :)

[Michael_aust]

Thanks for all the advice its been appreciated. I'm going to have a talk with my tutor to see what out of the courses iv applied for he would recomend and someone i know who has done a few of them to see what her experiances with them were.

All the courses look good Software engineering looks very interesting sadly though I dont think I would be able to cope if I took that course. I have very little experiance with programmign and such. I only started it last year with Turbo Pascal in college. At present I am making a full data handling program for a video hire shop, you know so they can rent out videos add customers, check over due video, delete customer. Get it all to save to files and things. Its not eactly advanced and things. I have also had a little dabble with BASIC but that was with very simple programs using a few IF commands.

I personaly wouldnt mind doing something to do with networks in general or something. Like working in a school/uni or somewhere similar managing there network and things.

I'm going to did deeper into the subjects and see. I have a while before i have to make my choices on my first choice and back up. Failing that I can always try and go through clearing like Anthony1uk suggested.

Just wondering does anyone know what other fields in computing are up and coming?

Thanks again

Michael.

[Hernando Gomez]

-{ Quote: "Don't limit yourself just to Apples mate! ;D ;D ;D Diversify a bit!! ;)" }-

Hey Buckee,

Before apple..ing the technology it would probably be a good idea to check a Thesaurus for "universaty".

Play on, Hernie

[bigbuck]

-{ Quote: "Hey Buckee,

Before apple..ing the technology it would probably be a good idea to check a Thesaurus for "universaty".

Play on, Hernie" }-Yes Hern my friend! Saw that one, but decided to let it slide! ;)

[Michael_aust]

I just thought i'd let you know I recieved all my replies about the courses I applied for the other day. I have been accepted onto them all with conditional offers. I dont know what the requirements are just yet because UCAS havent sent them through to me. I've just got to decide which to apply for my main choice and my back up. This is going to be a really hard decision. I have an open day for the university on wednesday so I will be able to check out what the facilities are like there, I have hears quite good thing about from someone I knew who went. They apparently use different operating systems including multiple versions of linux. Any just thought I'd let you know considering I started a poll about the subject.

Michael.

[abhi_mittal]

I would consider an MBA in IT.

[Michael_aust]

Well I just thought id let you know I went to the open day for the University I applied for yesterday. It doesnt seem too bad. I asked a few questions. In computer studies we program in C, C++ and Java. We work on Linux as well as Windows. Im not sure what distrobution of it is though. In computer studies for the first tw years im at Uni but on the thiurd year I go out into a job related to my course for a year and then on the fourth year I come back. Once i have completed the course I am automaticly added to the British society of computing or sumiut like that. Best of all we also study about computer security in quite a bit of deph, it apparently includes hacking, vulnerabilities etc. Sadly I didnt get to find out about all of the courses. I will have to do some more research.

Michael

[nusrat]

1. spelling

2. Pick another career. I'm serious. I've been a professional
developer & sysadmin for a loooooooooonnnnnng time,
and I'm getting out.
Pick a career that MUST be performed in person, on-site --
not a job which can be shipped to India or China for 10% of
the salary paid in the EU or US.
Think about becoming an electrician, medical lab technologist,
etc. -- even a chiropractor.
Any job which is completely intellectual, or performed at a desk --
in other words, any job which doesn't ***absolutely require***
a physical presence -- is at risk.
And that includes university professors, radiologists who analyze
x-rays, lawyers, actuaries, chip designers, business analysts,
white-collar managerial, etc.
Your criterion should be:
"Can I conceive of ***ANY*** possible way in which this job
could be done by someone far away who is using
the internet and a video camera?"

COMPUTERS???!!!!! What planet have you been living on?
Here's just the latest in a long series of dismal news reports.
http://edition.cnn.com/2005/TECH/biztech/06/20/techjobdecline.ap/

[HereYouGo]

Why not major in good looking women and beer drinking? You'll be much better off at doing something that is natural and fun. Requires no study or other such nonsense (I'm assuming you don't want a long term affair). You don't even need a computer for this degree.