Science courses see points jump

A record year for college applications has fuelled a rise in points requirements for two thirds of CAO courses.

Details of this year's first round offers have been released today, and reflect the pressure of a record number of applicants.

Many of the biggest jumps are in science and medicine-related options.

Computing in DIT is up 55 points, while science in UCD is up 50.

Education columnist and guidance counsellor Brian Mooney said young people had been encouraged to focus on science options, but said of their future career prospects at home: "Let's hope that in three or four years time…that the Government's promises of careers in science and technology, materialise…"