medtech or comsci? math tips too :) - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

kenshee · 07-14-2003, 02:21 AM

I'm currently pursuing a good pre-med course but I still have doubts if I should go on.

My childhood dream was to become a doctor. I think I really like biological sciences(my all time highest grade was in Biology).

On the other hand I also like computers. I've been fascinated with them since I was very young (11-12yo, the days of paperwhite monitors and DOS). I guess I'm a regular techie although I don't fully know any programming languages(I can code in html/css tho). I know a little about python and C and that's about it. Oh and BASIC to

I also have experience with installing and maintaining Linux/win9xNT machines.

A problem that arises with this career choice(if i chose to take up CS) is that I'm not very good at math. I never actually liked Algebra and Trigonometry. I can consider my skills as barely average. Any math tips please?

I'm currently on my 2nd year. So what do you guys think?

TIO · 07-14-2003, 03:27 AM

First thing, Kenshee: if you like regular sleeping hours, and are incapable of all-nighters, then there is no way you'll pass a CS degree. We don't work during the day.

My advice is that you grab a good book and learn a bit of Java. You don't really need to have a lot of maths for a CS degree, but you kind of need the same logical mode of thought. So it would probably pay to see if you actually like the process of writing code before you commit to anything.

Don't worry about your lack of coding experiences. The majority of CS students can't write a line of code when they start, and it's usually better that way; there are no bad habits to unlearn.

ols · 07-14-2003, 05:31 PM

you can get into medical school with any type of degree. as long as you have a bacheloesrs. i know doctors that were computer science and computer engineer majors and made great doctors. the math you take in CSC will help you get into a med. program and if you are competeing with other pre meds, being a CSC major may look better on your application. if it helps any, thats what im doing. so good luck

Jaseca · 07-14-2003, 06:15 PM

I guess I'd just suggest taking a CS class or two next semester to make your decision. Math seems like a gray area to me in CS, some do tons of it, some do little. The requirements usually say Calc 1, Discrete, and Linear Algebra and an elective or two, and those shouldn't be extremely difficult to pass.

sexymama · 07-15-2003, 02:25 PM

I agree with Jaseca, take some CS classes to see if they are really what you are drawn to. Many colleges offer study groups and/or tutors for those of us who struggle in math. You know your weakness -- don't avoid it, just deal with it effectively.

Leviathan[NCV] · 07-16-2003, 07:30 AM

On another note, it's *quite* a bit easier to find a good job in the medical industry right now, and if you believe you can make a career out of it, then go right for it.

spectre · 07-16-2003, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kenshee
A problem that arises with this career choice(if i chose to take up CS) is that I'm not very good at math. I never actually liked Algebra and Trigonometry.

I'm a comp sci major, and I've had to take 3 semesters of calc and one of differential equations. I have to take two semesters of physics too. You'll probably have to do the same. If you are weak in trig, this may be kind of tough. The main thing to do when it comes to these math classes is to practice. There are no real shortcuts to calc. The only way to make it easier is to just keep doing the problems until you are comfortable with them. To me, calc is more like logic puzzles that involve math more than just math alone. Also, don't be afraid to talk with your professor or a teaching assistant and ask for help. Good luck.

giblfiz · 07-17-2003, 12:09 PM

I would stick with the medical degree, and try to take as many electives in CS as you can. you also might be able to find a CS minor. What it comes down to is that there are not going to be a whole lot of jobs for Pure Computer Science in this country pretty soon (not that there every really should have been or for that matter were), but, In whatever other career you chose the more you can do with a computer the better you will do. That includes programing. computers will be everywhere (not like now... I mean EVERYWHERE) and the better you understand them the better you will do. On the other hand there isn't all that much to do on computers with computers that isn't already being done by people who love it (so much so that now there actually doing it for free) and who are good at math. If you want that degree to get you started stick with biotech. Oh you also might want to spend some time surfing http://slashdot.org to get a feel for what the CS world is like.

07-14-2003, 02:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
kenshee Tilted	medtech or comsci? math tips too :) I'm currently pursuing a good pre-med course but I still have doubts if I should go on. My childhood dream was to become a doctor. I think I really like biological sciences(my all time highest grade was in Biology). On the other hand I also like computers. I've been fascinated with them since I was very young (11-12yo, the days of paperwhite monitors and DOS). I guess I'm a regular techie although I don't fully know any programming languages(I can code in html/css tho). I know a little about python and C and that's about it. Oh and BASIC to I also have experience with installing and maintaining Linux/win9xNT machines. A problem that arises with this career choice(if i chose to take up CS) is that I'm not very good at math. I never actually liked Algebra and Trigonometry. I can consider my skills as barely average. Any math tips please? I'm currently on my 2nd year. So what do you guys think?

07-14-2003, 03:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
TIO Addict Location: The Land Down Under	First thing, Kenshee: if you like regular sleeping hours, and are incapable of all-nighters, then there is no way you'll pass a CS degree. We don't work during the day. My advice is that you grab a good book and learn a bit of Java. You don't really need to have a lot of maths for a CS degree, but you kind of need the same logical mode of thought. So it would probably pay to see if you actually like the process of writing code before you commit to anything. Don't worry about your lack of coding experiences. The majority of CS students can't write a line of code when they start, and it's usually better that way; there are no bad habits to unlearn. __________________ Strewth

07-15-2003, 02:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
sexymama My own person -- his by choice Location: Lebell's arms	I agree with Jaseca, take some CS classes to see if they are really what you are drawn to. Many colleges offer study groups and/or tutors for those of us who struggle in math. You know your weakness -- don't avoid it, just deal with it effectively. __________________ If you can go deeply into lovemaking, the ego disappears. That is the beauty of lovemaking, that it is another source of a glimpse of god It's not about being perfect; it's about developing some skill at managing imperfection.

07-17-2003, 12:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
giblfiz is a shoggoth Location: LA	I would stick with the medical degree, and try to take as many electives in CS as you can. you also might be able to find a CS minor. What it comes down to is that there are not going to be a whole lot of jobs for Pure Computer Science in this country pretty soon (not that there every really should have been or for that matter were), but, In whatever other career you chose the more you can do with a computer the better you will do. That includes programing. computers will be everywhere (not like now... I mean EVERYWHERE) and the better you understand them the better you will do. On the other hand there isn't all that much to do on computers with computers that isn't already being done by people who love it (so much so that now there actually doing it for free) and who are good at math. If you want that degree to get you started stick with biotech. Oh you also might want to spend some time surfing http://slashdot.org to get a feel for what the CS world is like. __________________ Use the star one and you'll be fighting off the old ones with your bare hands -A Shoggoth on the Roof

07-14-2003, 05:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
ols Insane	you can get into medical school with any type of degree. as long as you have a bacheloesrs. i know doctors that were computer science and computer engineer majors and made great doctors. the math you take in CSC will help you get into a med. program and if you are competeing with other pre meds, being a CSC major may look better on your application. if it helps any, thats what im doing. so good luck

07-14-2003, 06:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jaseca Tilted	I guess I'd just suggest taking a CS class or two next semester to make your decision. Math seems like a gray area to me in CS, some do tons of it, some do little. The requirements usually say Calc 1, Discrete, and Linear Algebra and an elective or two, and those shouldn't be extremely difficult to pass.

07-16-2003, 07:30 AM	#6 (permalink)
Leviathan[NCV] Well... Location: afk	On another note, it's quite a bit easier to find a good job in the medical industry right now, and if you believe you can make a career out of it, then go right for it.