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An Introduction to computing as part of Computational Linguistics
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Dublin City University has one of the best computing departments in
Ireland. It's possible to take a virtual tour of the department by simply
clicking here.
The facilities in the labs are modern and well maintained. At the end of
the Computational Linguistics degree, students are very familiar with
using computers
DCU offers first year students a "Computer Basics" course. This course gently introduces students to the world of computers and is ideal for people who have had very little experience with computers. The class size in the Computational Linguistics course is small, usually less than 20. With small class sizes, students get more individual attention, which obviously benefits them greatly. Sometimes Computational Linguistics students take classes with the Computer Applications students, however the tutorials for these classes are always small groups. This means that Computational Linguistics students are well catered for, and can always go to their tutors for help. Being in small groups helps lessen the divide between student and tutor.
Computing makes up one third of the Computational Linguistics degree. In first year students get taught the basics of computer programming as well as more general computer skills. In second year these skills are further developed so that at the end of this year, they can program well in Java and PROLOG.
When students go abroad for their third year, they must pass at least one computing subject. If a student finds that they are particularly interested in computers after two years of the degree, they can concentrate on this area when they go abroad. Obviously if they decide that computers are not for them, then they need only take one computing subject while abroad. In third and fourth year, there is a minimum computing content which is compulsory, but there is a great choice to study more computing subjects, or alternatively to study just the minimum.
In first year, students learn the basics of computer programming as well as more general computer skills. The following courses deal with computing in first year:
In second year these skills are further developed so that at the end of the year students can program well in Java and Prolog. The following courses deal with computing in second year:
In third year students choose how much computing subjects they want to study. The minimum requirement is that they pass one computing module. Examples of courses that can be taken are:
It is also possible in fourth year to choose as much or as little computing content as the student wishes. Most courses however contain some computing, but some courses are primarily computing, others primarily theory with only some small computing required. Examples of courses that can be taken in fourth year:
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