Computer Science

Erich Kriegler

Erich Kriegler

Erich Kriegler

Associate
Joined
24 Apr 2012
Posts
1,319
I'm due to start my course in biology in a few weeks, but I'm really not sure what to do. I'm interested in biology and quite good at it, but I'm really worried I'll struggle to get a job in it after it. I'm thinking of changing to computer science as I'm interested in that as well and it seems a bit more useful.

I'm good at maths (A* at GCSE and A at a level), but I don't know whether I'll find the degree too hard or get bored after a few months. I've been doing basic python and find that fairly interesting, but I understand there's a lot more to computer science than that. I'm really unsure about what to do:(
 
Where are you studying? Computer science at a respected University will be better than Biology, but computer science at a polytechnic will be worthless.

^Some bias, some snobbery, but also some truth. (in my flippant reply, not in Moses' sensible one)
 
Biology? How about medicine? It's like CompSci only things are a little more squishy but don't not try over clocking the frontside bus.

Seriously. I did CompSci. Wish I did Medical School instead. Computing, in my opinion, isn't what it used to be.
 
If you're good at Maths, CompSci shouldn't prove too difficult.

Tbh, I'd not think too much about the job part at the end of the degree. Study something that you'll actually enjoy, rather than doing something just because you think you'll have a better chance of getting a job at the end of it.
 
JonJ678 said:
^Some bias, some snobbery, but also some truth. (in my flippant reply, not in Moses' sensible one)
Click to expand...

Mostly bias and snobbery. I know people who have been to university (there aren't any polytechnics) and have gone on to do Masters in CompSci at Imperial College for example.

Obviously some of the top universities carry more weight but come out with a 1st from any university, especially in a subject like CompSci, and you'll get respect and options.
 
I was about to go off one one at the comment about computer science at a lesser university until i realised that had I not gotten a first in my degree, I'd be bitterly regretting not doing a "real" comp science degree at a "real" university.

I've been lucky with my choice, but I still wonder if i'd be in a better position had I made a different choice.

It sounds like you're leaning towards computer science already, so go for it.
 
Have a look at doing a masters degree in computer science, i was able to do an enjoyable 3 years in psycholgy and then do a masters in computer science in 1 year to actually make myself employable. You could probably do biology and then do a masters at the end to get a job!
 
I do CS and manchester, housemate during my 2nd year did biochem, biology facilities are excellent and theres lots of industrial experience opportunities, if your good at it and enjoy it, manchesters a good place to go

just do it :D
 
I say do Biology. You can do computer science related things in your spare time, get your degree in Biology and still get the same computer related job at the end of it (if you can find one and still want to do it). But Computer Science won't help you get a medical/biology related job.

Crazy as it sounds, it is true. I hired someone as a Systems Administrator the end of last year, they already had a small amount of experience but their qualification is a PHD is Seismology.

Very little you learn in computer science is actually directly applicable to a real world job these days. They don't teach modern methods of software development in most institutions, I've only ever heard of one university a few years ago giving modules or a degree in systems administration. Those are the top two tiers in "IT". Lower down the stack you go through NOC, levels of support until you hit the bottom (or the start) as a 1st line support person.
 
JBod said:
I say do Biology. You can do computer science related things in your spare time, get your degree in Biology and still get the same computer related job at the end of it (if you can find one and still want to do it). But Computer Science won't help you get a medical/biology related job.

Crazy as it sounds, it is true. I hired someone as a Systems Administrator the end of last year, they already had a small amount of experience but their qualification is a PHD is Seismology.

Very little you learn in computer science is actually directly applicable to a real world job these days. They don't teach modern methods of software development in most institutions, I've only ever heard of one university a few years ago giving modules or a degree in systems administration. Those are the top two tiers in "IT". Lower down the stack you go through NOC, levels of support until you hit the bottom (or the start) as a 1st line support person.
Click to expand...

Gee, computer stuff used to be fun. I still love it in a small embedded way.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom