1988 to 1991 - Trinity College, Dublin - Ph.D. (Computer Science)
My project involved the development of a distributed version control system which allowed developers at different geographic locations to have shared access to one library of source code. This system used some novel replication techniques to enable the system to work across slow and unreliable communication links.
This system, which was developed, is now in use at a number of companies where it enables a totally new style of shared development which would not have been possible before.
1986 to 1987 - The Open University "The Effective Manager"
This was a part-time course covering the theory of good management. It was taught mainly by correspondence but also by a number of weekend seminars.
1984 to 1986 - NIHE Limerick - M.Eng.Sc (Computer Engineering)
This masters program involved a mixture of teaching and project work. The teaching covered many diverse courses relating to computers. It was divided between hardware, software and theory.
My project involved designing and implementing a self-testing interface chip using a CMOS gate array process. The gate array process itself was under development at the same time in the National Micro-electronics Research Centre (NMRC) in Cork.
Graduated with a QCA rating of 3.85. (This is equivalent to a First Class Honours Degree).
1983 to 1985 - University College, Galway. - Dipl.Eng. (Gen. Engineering)
This is a qualification which recognises my achievements while working in industry. I was required to write a report upon one large engineering project which I undertook. I was then subjected to an oral examination to determine if I fully understood the engineering aspects of what I had done. No grades were awarded for this course.
1979 to 1983 - University College, Galway - B.E. (Electronic Engineering)
This was a general course in all aspects of Electronic Engineering.
The final year project involved designing and constructing a mains interference monitor for measuring how much radio frequency interference was introduced into the power supply by heavy duty electrical equipment.
Graduated with a 2nd class honours degree.
