There are many different fields of study to choose from when deciding on a college major. Some people know from a young age what they want to do, while others take their time in making a decision.
If you are stuck between biology and computer science, this article is for you! In this article, we will discuss the similarities and differences between the two fields, as well as how to choose between them. We will also look at the difficulty level of each field and what kind of jobs and salary you can expect after graduation.
Finally, we will explore the education needed for combining biology and computer science and some jobs that you could pursue if you are interested in both of these fields.
The science of biology
Biology is the study of life. It is a vast and complex field that covers everything from the smallest cells to the largest ecosystems. Biology studies living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.
Students in biology learn about all aspects of life, from how organisms are built and how they function, to how they interact with their environment. They also learn about the history of life on Earth and the evolutionary processes that have led to the diversity of species we see today.
Computer science: what it covers
Computer science is a relatively new field that emerged in the early 20th century with the development of the first electronic computers. It is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation, and their application in computer systems.
Computer science covers a wide range of topics, including algorithms, software engineering, artificial intelligence, networking, cryptography, parallel computing, and operating systems.
What are the similarities between biology and computer science?
Both biology and computer science are sciences that deal with the study of systems. In biology, this often refers to living organisms and their cells. In computer science, it typically refers to the way, in which a computer system is designed and functions. Both disciplines also make use of mathematical models to help explain and predict behavior.
What are the differences between biology and computer science?
There are also some key differences between biology and computer science. One major difference is that biologists tend to study natural systems, while computer scientists often create artificial ones. Another distinction is that biology is generally considered a more observational science, while computer science is more experimental. Finally, computer science is often considered to be more of a theoretical and abstract discipline, while biology has a concrete and applied component.
Biology vs. computer science: which career should you choose?
If you are interested in both biology and computer science, it is likely you are having a tough time deciding which discipline to choose. Here are some of our recommendations on how to navigate your choice between studying biology vs computer science:
Think about what you want to do with your degree: Do you want to conduct research? Work in a laboratory? Teach? Or would you rather code and engineer software on a daily basis? There are many different career paths available in both biology and computer science, so it is important to have a good idea of what you want to do before making a decision.
Consider the job market: As mentioned above, the need for experts who are knowledgeable in both disciplines is growing. However, it is important to be practical to some degree when considering your future profession. Depending on your location, the job market for either biology or computer science may be more favorable. It is important to do your research and talk to people in your network to get a sense of which field is currently in demand.
Talk to someone who works in the field: One of the best ways to make a decision is to talk to someone who works in the field. They can give you first-hand insights into what it is like to work in biology or computer science and help you make a decision based on your specific interests and goals.
Do what feels right for you: In the end, the best way to make a decision is to go with your gut. Choose the field that feels right for you and that you are most passionate about. Both biology and computer science are exciting and ever-changing disciplines, so whichever one you choose, you will be sure to have a rewarding future ahead of you.
Computer science vs. biology difficulty
As someone considering a career in computer science or biology, you may be wondering whether you have what it takes to succeed in either discipline. Is computer science harder than biology? Or is it just the opposite?
It is actually a misconception that one of these sciences is universally harder than the other for any given person. In reality, they are both difficult in their own ways. Biology is the study of life and all its complexities, while computer science is the study of computers and their processes. Each subject has its own unique challenges that must be mastered in order to be successful in that field.
Some people may find biology easier because it is more concrete, while others may find computer science easier because it involves problem-solving skills, which they may be particularly good at. However, neither one can be definitively called harder than the other. They are both difficult in their own ways and require a lot of hard work and dedication to master.
Computer science vs. biology salary
When we look at the salaries of computer science and biology degree graduates, we can notice several differences. According to Bureau of Labors Statistics, biological scientists earn a mean annual salary of $90,010, while software engineers earn $120,990.
An important factor in explaining the difference in salary between biology and computer science majors is the demand for different types of skills. The demand for computer science skills is high right now, because so many aspects of our lives are becoming more digital.
This means that there are more jobs in the computer science field, and that those jobs come with a higher salary. The demand for biology skills is not as high, because many of the advances in this area have already been made. This means that there are fewer jobs in the biology field, and that those jobs come with a lower salary.
Intersections of computer science and biology
There are several fields where computer science and biology intersect. One area of overlap is in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). AI research aims to create computer systems that can perform tasks that ordinarily require human intelligence, such as understanding natural language and recognizing objects. This is a difficult challenge, and biologists have been making contributions to AI research for many years.
Another area of intersection between biology and computer science is in the area of bioinformatics. Bioinformatics is the use of computer techniques to collect, store, analyze, and interpret biological data. This data can be anything from DNA sequences to images of cells or tissues. Bioinformatics is a rapidly growing field, and there are many exciting research projects underway that are using bioinformatics techniques to answer important questions in biology.
These are just a few of the ways in which biology and computer science intersect. As our world becomes increasingly complex, it is likely that the need for experts who are knowledgeable in both disciplines will only grow.
Combining biology and computer science
If you are interested in both biology and computer science, there are many ways to combine these disciplines in your studies and career. With the right approach, you can make a decision that is best for you and your future goals.
Many universities offer joint degrees in biology and computer science, which can be a great way to get the best of both worlds. If you are still undecided, talking to a guidance counselor or someone who works in the field can be helpful. In the end, the decision comes down to what you want to do with your degree and what career path you want to pursue.
Options for combining biology and computer science as an undergraduate
- Double major in biology and computer science
- Biology major with a computer science minor
- Computer science major with a biology minor
Options for combining biology and computer science as a graduate student
- Graduate degree in computer science if you got an undergraduate degree in biology
- Graduate degree in biology if you got an undergraduate degree in computer science
- Master of Science in computational biology
- Master of Science in bioinformatics
- PhD in computational biology
- PhD in bioinformatics
As you can see, there are many options for combining biology and computer science in your studies. Which option you choose will ultimately depend on your interests and career goals.
Jobs that combine biology and computer science
Some jobs that require both biology and computer science include working in bioinformatics, computational biology, and systems biology. There are also many jobs that use computer science to analyze and process biological data, such as working in pharmaceuticals or agricultural technology. And of course, there are always new fields and specialties popping up that we can’t even imagine yet!
Some of the jobs that require both a biology and computer science background include:
- Bioinformatics Scientist
- Biomedical Engineer
- Computational Biologist
- Computational Neuroscientist
- Bio-instrumentation Specialist
Transitioning from biology to computer science
If you have already studied biology, but are thinking about transitioning to a career in computer science, you have several options as to how to accomplish that feat.
One option is to study computer science as a second undergraduate degree. This will give you a strong foundation in the basics of computer programming, algorithms, and data structures. You can then use this knowledge to build on your biology background and develop expertise in areas such as bioinformatics or computational biology.
Another option is to attend a graduate program that combines biology and computer science or only focuses on computer science. These programs are becoming increasingly popular and will give you the opportunity to develop expertise in computer science.
Whatever route you decide to take, there are many exciting opportunities available for those with a background in both biology and computer science. So if you’re interested in pursuing a career at the intersection of these two disciplines, don’t be afraid to explore all of the possibilities!
Final thoughts
Choosing between a major in biology and computer science can be difficult, but it is important to consider your interests and skillset when making a decision.
Both fields are focused on science and technology, but they approach problem-solving in different ways. Biology is more hands-on, while computer science relies heavily on math and logic. If you are not sure which one is right for you, try taking some classes in each field to see which one you like better.
The difficulty level of both fields is about the same, although computer science may feel a little harder if you do not have strong math skills. There are many jobs that combine biology and computer science, such as computational biologist or biomedical engineer. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you are interested in and what kind of career you want to pursue.
Do you have a background in both biology and computer science? What are some of the exciting opportunities that you’ve pursued? Let us know in the comments below!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.