Students who have applied for a college place through the CAO may be interested in a number of new courses which have come on stream recently.
These were not included in the CAO handbook or subsequent updates. Some are available through the CAO change-of-mind procedure, while others require direct application to the college. The closing date for using the change-of-mind procedure is July 1st.
NUI Galway has a new four-year honours degree in physics and astronomy. Graduates will be qualified for careers in astronomy, physics research, industry, teaching, computing, meteorology, etc. Apply to the secretary, physics department, NUI Galway (tel: (091) 524411). Places will be allocated on the basis of Leaving Cert points and offers will be made in parallel to the CAO system. More information from the college website (www.physics.nuigalway.ie).
Athlone IT is offering a new ab- initio diploma in cell and molecular biology. The emphasis on this three-year course will be more on practical lab work than theory. This course is particularly suited to students who want to make a career in Ireland's growing biotechnology sector. A further one-year add-on degree is hoped for.
Applications should be directed to the school of science in Athlone IT (tel: (0902) 24453). Places will be allocated on the basis of Leaving Cert points.
TCD has a new degree in the physics and chemistry of advanced materials. The course will have a strong emphasis on laser materials with the potential to be the "new silicion" of future computer systems. Five scholarships, valued at £1,000 each, will be awarded on the basis of results obtained in the Leaving Cert. A new building, the Institute for Advanced Materials, will provide modern teaching and research space. Applications should be made through the CAO change-of-mind procedure, citing course code TR076.
Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology is offering two new courses - a BA in English, media and cultural studies (DL241) and a BSc in psychology applied to information technology (DL141). If you have already applied to the CAO, you may use the change-of-mind procedure to apply. Otherwise write to the college's admissions office for an application form. The closing date for direct applications is also July 1st.
