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How can I decide between Biology & Computer Science (joint ) or Computer Science or Biology
I am 12th Grade student and preparing my application for undergraduate admission.
I like biology and computer programming both?
12 answers
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Maria’s Answer
I think if you have a biology degree and can take computer classes or a minor this is a good plan.
There are many options for this plan: pharmaceutical, research , IT , medical device, hospital , industry.
But if you are a computer major , it is much harder to be hired for a job in above mentioned fields without the biology degree. Having a few bio classes without the degree won’t be that helpful.
I hope this helps. Good luck !
There are many options for this plan: pharmaceutical, research , IT , medical device, hospital , industry.
But if you are a computer major , it is much harder to be hired for a job in above mentioned fields without the biology degree. Having a few bio classes without the degree won’t be that helpful.
I hope this helps. Good luck !
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Jason’s Answer
I want to be very careful how I answer this because it's a very complicated question.
Most careers will want specialists, a medical/biological expert or a computer expert. This way to can create the perfect computer program to analyze research data or have the perfect person to review the data results and confirm that those results mean.
it's going to be rare that a company or business will think they need a single expert in 'both' areas. However... if you can present yourself with confidence, you can do just that. Show them now your knowledge in both areas will help the tech team keep the program running because you can confirm faster if the data is being complied wrong or if the bio side isn't providing the correct data to analyze.
you might get lucky and find a company that wants someone with both sets of knowledge. however most companies are run by Financial Officers who care mostly concerned about profit margins and will need to be sold that an expert in both areas can do the same work as having two experts in those areas.
Most careers will want specialists, a medical/biological expert or a computer expert. This way to can create the perfect computer program to analyze research data or have the perfect person to review the data results and confirm that those results mean.
it's going to be rare that a company or business will think they need a single expert in 'both' areas. However... if you can present yourself with confidence, you can do just that. Show them now your knowledge in both areas will help the tech team keep the program running because you can confirm faster if the data is being complied wrong or if the bio side isn't providing the correct data to analyze.
you might get lucky and find a company that wants someone with both sets of knowledge. however most companies are run by Financial Officers who care mostly concerned about profit margins and will need to be sold that an expert in both areas can do the same work as having two experts in those areas.
Updated
Jimil’s Answer
Deciding between studying biology and computer science or choosing one over the other can be a difficult decision, as they are both fascinating fields with a lot of potential career opportunities.
It's important to consider your interests, skills and career goals when making your decision. Here are a few things to consider:
Interests: If you have a strong interest in one field over the other, that may be a good indication of which major to choose. Consider what classes you enjoy most, what type of research or projects you find most engaging, and which field you see yourself pursuing a career in.
Skills: Consider your current skills and which field you feel you would be most successful in. If you're strong in math and logical thinking, computer science may be a good fit. If you're more inclined towards experimental work and understanding living organisms, biology might be a good choice.
Career goals: Think about what type of career you would like to have after graduation. If you're interested in pursuing a career in the technology industry, computer science might be the better choice. If you're interested in pursuing a career in medicine, research or academia, biology might be a better fit.
Joint Major: If you are very passionate in both fields, consider a Joint Major program which combine both computer science and biology, allowing you to explore both fields and perhaps even combine them in your future career.
It's also worth discussing your options with a guidance counselor, professors or professionals who work in both fields, as well as researching and speaking with people working in the field you are interested in.
Ultimately, it's important to remember that your undergraduate major doesn't define your career path. Your major is a starting point, and you may find that your interests and career goals change over time. It's important to pick the field you are passionate about, the skills you want to develop and the future you envision for yourself.
It's important to consider your interests, skills and career goals when making your decision. Here are a few things to consider:
Interests: If you have a strong interest in one field over the other, that may be a good indication of which major to choose. Consider what classes you enjoy most, what type of research or projects you find most engaging, and which field you see yourself pursuing a career in.
Skills: Consider your current skills and which field you feel you would be most successful in. If you're strong in math and logical thinking, computer science may be a good fit. If you're more inclined towards experimental work and understanding living organisms, biology might be a good choice.
Career goals: Think about what type of career you would like to have after graduation. If you're interested in pursuing a career in the technology industry, computer science might be the better choice. If you're interested in pursuing a career in medicine, research or academia, biology might be a better fit.
Joint Major: If you are very passionate in both fields, consider a Joint Major program which combine both computer science and biology, allowing you to explore both fields and perhaps even combine them in your future career.
It's also worth discussing your options with a guidance counselor, professors or professionals who work in both fields, as well as researching and speaking with people working in the field you are interested in.
Ultimately, it's important to remember that your undergraduate major doesn't define your career path. Your major is a starting point, and you may find that your interests and career goals change over time. It's important to pick the field you are passionate about, the skills you want to develop and the future you envision for yourself.
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Joseph’s Answer
If you're unsure how to proceed in schooling towards a career, look to see if there are any courses that fall into both fields, sign up for them, as well as find a course that is specific to each career field and take one of each. Hopefully you can make a decision based from there in which one catches your attention more. Deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life is never easy. Remember on average a person changes careers 3 times throughout their life. Don't get discouraged.
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Oanh’s Answer
Hi Fahmi, to me if you like both Biology and Computer science, to me you can think about do something like computer science in biological sciences. Computers can be used to simulate cellular growth, the human nervous system, motor control, disease transmission, and disease progression. All of these things are highly useful in biological and medical research. I hope this help. Keep up your good work!
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Oksana Ksenia’s Answer
Beauty is, you do not have to chose! You can do both. There are careers that combine both. Computational medicine allows you to pursue computer science and medicine. Computer models successfully predict a variety of illnesses and have assisted successfully in conduct of many medical research studies. I would recommend taking courses in computer science, biology, chemistry, physics and, of course, mathematics, as all of these will support you on your journey.
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Peter’s Answer
it really depends where you want to go and how many years you plan to study. undergrad as bio is good learning but not much career prospect especially comparing to computer science. It is usually harder to get accepted in computer science, make sure your math skill is up to par.
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Yarek’s Answer
If you have an interest in both, consider bioinformatics. It's an important and quickly growing field using computer technology to analyze biological data. There are a lot of different applications, including genetics, medicine, even ecology.
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Alexa’s Answer
Hey there,
You could always take a few classes for biology and computer programming to see which you like better. Or you could do bioinformatics to incorporate both. I was a biology major, and I’m not gonna lie, it is tough finding a job. However, go with what interests you!
You could always take a few classes for biology and computer programming to see which you like better. Or you could do bioinformatics to incorporate both. I was a biology major, and I’m not gonna lie, it is tough finding a job. However, go with what interests you!
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Meghna’s Answer
Hi Fahmi ,
I would recommend you to look into college programs such as bioinformatics to get a job right after graduation. If you do not like that you could be a Bio major but learn to program on the side or keep it as your minor. You could double major in programming and biology too but that would be academic stress in the long run.
I am a neuro major but I learned how to perform statistical analysis with the help of my Internships and now at work, I work for a medical Institute as a healthcare data analyst.
I would recommend you to look into college programs such as bioinformatics to get a job right after graduation. If you do not like that you could be a Bio major but learn to program on the side or keep it as your minor. You could double major in programming and biology too but that would be academic stress in the long run.
I am a neuro major but I learned how to perform statistical analysis with the help of my Internships and now at work, I work for a medical Institute as a healthcare data analyst.
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Lee’s Answer
You should be able to take both degrees using the core classes to be elective for the other degree....this is from my experience as a BS degree in Management and Marketing in the same time as taking one degree. A computer science degree is needed for most companies that has 50+ people working at it. Having the Biology can open the door for a few industries, but not sure of your environment in India for these career. In India I am aware a boom of remote support, programming, and help desks that will use the computer science degree more than pharmaceutical which is more common in the US. So look at your job environment you are intending to work at and say which degree gives me the best opportunity and return if you need to choose. But I agree with the others, do both if you can.
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Jason’s Answer
Think about what you want to do with those degrees once you have them? Biology is often a first step towards a more advanced degree. Which will mean several more years of education. Computer Science (Programming) can be a step towards a more advance degree, but doesn't have to be and many people have successful careers with just an undergraduate degree. Knowing what your current end goal is will help you align your choices with where you envision yourself to be in the future. This will help you make the choice of which of the 3 current options you should start with. There is no wrong answer and you can always change majors or add a second later on. Just keep in mind what your end goal is and adjust your choices to limit the impact any changes you make will have to your graduation target. 1st year in college is often filled with general electives that will apply to any of these choices.
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