Anyone studying Software Design & Development ?

C

cathye

Registered User
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Need Help. Really interested to apply for this course in NUI Galway (Higher Diploma) but have no IT experience nor a numerate background. Was thinking of studying online with FAS beforehand as it may help me gain a place on this course. They have the following online courses :

Java Programming S.E.6
Microsoft .NET Framework - Application Development Foundation
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0: Web-Based Client Development
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0: Windows-Based Client Development

Any idea which might be a good one to start with....the most relevant to what I might study in Software Design course. Many thanks.
 
All your links are going to boards.ie??
This is perhaps an indication of your lack of IT knowledge. In which case, you should consider doing some basic IT foundation courses before going any further.

You should at the very least have a solid understanding of the basics of computer systems and operating systems - both hardware & software, otherwise you will have no chance of grasping the concepts you'll need for the course you wish to pursue.
 
What level of knowledge do you have ?

For example Java and .Net are mentioned above , do you know what they are/do ?
 
I did this course 10 years ago - I originally qualified as a biochemist, so had little knowledge of programming/hardware etc.
I'm now working as a Java/.Net programmer.
In my opinion you need to be analytical and willing to work hard. It is an intensive course and very broad in scope(it was in my time anyway).
It is no harm to do some basic course to see if you actually like the area.
Good luck.
Maggs
 
Cathye - this particular Higher Diploma does not require a background, or experience in IT so if you have an interest in this area it looks to be a good fit for you.

"The Higher Diploma in Software Design and Development is a vocational programme aimed at students with little or no IT experience. It provides you with focused technical training in software development techniques, tools and essential academic foundations."

Looking at the three core areas covered I would recommend that you take a FAS course (if available) in:

- operating system concepts
- computer architecture
- computer networks
- C Programming Language
- C++ Programming Language
- Visual Basic
- Active Server Pages (ASP) - server side scripting language
- Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) - MarkUp language for Web Pages
- Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) - web development scripting language

I would focus on an entry-level or introductory type courses where you can focus on the basics and be ahead of the game when you start (hopefully) at NUIG. It can be very confusing (and then frustrating) if you don't understand the basics and concepts.

If you don't find an appropriate FAS class you will find plenty of resources on the internet for the above and your local library is also a great place to look. Have a look at the " ******* For Dummies" books in your library for the programming languages/scripting languages above as these should be a decent entry point (although the quality can vary from book to book).

Good luck with your application.

 
Thanks for all your replies. Its been food for thought. I am going to look into doing some foundation level introductory course for a few weeks to c what would be in store for me if I go this route. I appreciate all the advice
 
Bear in mind most people who do IT in college hate programming and are terrible at it.

I recommend you buy and read the book "Beginning Java Objects" by Jacqueline something-or-other for a very nice introduction to Java programming.
 
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