This discussion is now closed.

Check out other Related discussions

How to know if Computer Science is for me?

I used to be quite enthusiastic about computers in general, however in the last few years I've become less and less of a 'computer nerd'...probably because I actually got a social life :p:

I wouldn't mind recapturing my interest in them though.
I'm in year 12 now and thinking about degree choices; I don't know that much about computers, apart from knowing how to put one together and such - nothing about HTML/Java or any of that though. So, I don't know if Computer Science is for me, in fact I should probably say, I don't really completely understand what the course actually involves. I enjoy maths at school, is there a lot of maths involved in it? Any information will be appreciated :smile:

Reply 1

MrMat18

16

milliondollarcorpse

I used to be quite enthusiastic about computers in general, however in the last few years I've become less and less of a 'computer nerd'...probably because I actually got a social life :p:

I wouldn't mind recapturing my interest in them though.
I'm in year 12 now and thinking about degree choices; I don't know that much about computers, apart from knowing how to put one together and such - nothing about HTML/Java or any of that though. So, I don't know if Computer Science is for me, in fact I should probably say, I don't really completely understand what the course actually involves. I enjoy maths at school, is there a lot of maths involved in it? Any information will be appreciated :smile:

Hey, im in my first year of Computer Science at Uclan. We haven't really done much that requires alot of maths yet. We have done programming ( c++ ) website desgin ( html, css, php etc), entertainment computing ( crappppp), computer technology ( essentally how runs but very indepth) and also system anaylsis ( finding out why problems are occuring in systems.

Reply 2

LozengeC

9

Because it's both academic and involves technology, it's going to be something that will get you a job for years to come, and I can imagine your job options will be quite varied. :smile:

I'm afraid I don't know much about the subject itself though. :p:

Reply 3

OCC++

A bare minimum amount of maths in the form of discrete maths is probably present in a compsci course. The amount of maths you will encounter depends on your course or modules chosen.
A compsci course will probably involve a bit of discrete maths, a bit of electronics and a bit of programming and the rest might varies.
I think you should consider possible unis and take a look at their curriculum to get a better idea.

Reply 4

N1c

I have two maths modules, both containing discreet maths, a double module in the programming and problem solving and a module in databases/networks/machine architechure and things like that.

I'd say seriously consider if coding is something you'd like to do, I was in a similar position and just went for it, I'm now unsure of whether it's something I want to do even though I love my uni!

Reply 5

SamTheMan

17

You don't need to worry about whether you're nerdy enough but what is more essential is whether you have an analytical mind and are interested in applying those skills to technology.

That's my opinion anyway.

What's more, Computer Science is far from having exclusive rights on calling itself a "Computer" degree. Many courses in Electrical Engineering departments are heavily geared towards computers: any course on Information Systems for example.

You have to ask yourself what aspect of Information Technology you find interesting. You can end up focusing on web technology, telecommunications, software, hardware, artificial intelligence, data communications, data coding techniques.

The idea that you're supposed to become a programmer if you do a comp sci degree is just a myth perpetuated by the "nerd" image.

As an IT specialist, you may become a programmer, but you may become an IT systems designer or be more focused on hardware or simply you may not even work on computers but a computer science degree is definitely a solid degree to work in technology or technology-related areas.

It can even lead to more different areas such as biotechnology, signal processing..

Reply 6

nush86

well i just finished a bsc in it.... and it was erm... interesting i guess (at times) but 80% of the time... it was... me asking myself hmmm now am i really ever gonna use this in life!??! maths - only slightly more than AS level stuff and only in first year on the degree!!!
to see if u actually like it... start researchin on programming languages, Java/HTML/visual basic/ C++ = the ones unis seem to concentrate on!!! u could make it a joint honours like i did...... so ur only doin 50% computing.... and 50% of another subject that may interest u... plus that way u dont get bored of COMPUTING!!! hope this helps!!

Reply 7

nush86

SamTheMan

The idea that you're supposed to become a programmer if you do a comp sci degree is just a myth perpetuated by the "nerd" image.

LOL at that cos EVERYONE who asks me what degree do i have... as soon as i tell them theyre like "oh so ur like some kind of computer geek? so u can do software programming?!" lol

Reply 8

SamTheMan

17

nush86

LOL at that cos EVERYONE who asks me what degree do i have... as soon as i tell them theyre like "oh so ur like some kind of computer geek? so u can do software programming?!" lol

If you look at most computer programmers, they haven't done a computer science degree anyway and in the same way, I wouldn't be surprised to find out that the majority of comp sci graduates don't end up doing any software development.
Even if you ended up in the field of software development (and you could be in software development in a multitude of industries: from financial markets to the automobile industry), there are so many different roles other than developer.
These days anyway, a lot of raw coding is done outside the UK anyway.
I'd recommend a computer science degree (ok I didn't actually do comp sci but elec eng) as Information Technology is really everywhere now. It's no longer just a "tool" in many industries but the actual core of the business.

Reply 9

nush86

yer it really is useful... u can kinda apply to basically ANY job!!! or u can do a me and .... totally change ur career and start a new degree!! haha!

Reply 10

Haz313

13

doing a computer related degree wont limit you to just an IT job when u graduate then?
how would a comp sci degree from UCL fair for trying to break into finance/business?

Reply 11

nush86

hmmmm.... to be honest because mine is joint honours with business management (computing science being my major tho), Iv not had any issues with attempting to get into business/finance as i done loads of finance and business modules throughout the 3 yrs!!!! not sure about computer science on its own! I think ul start off with smaller companies.... then with experience bigger companies might take u on!

Reply 12

Haz313

13

ahh i wrote t he wrong course down (im a bit tired sorry, 5:21 :frown:

)
its 'Information Management for Business' at UCL. so does have a few management related modules involved. How you finding the course?

Reply 13

nush86

i think thats a great degree!!! its so broad!!! mine was computing with business management bsc. and i got a 2:1..... 3 marks off a 1st! so....i was pretty happy! yer the good thing is at uni, u have a lot of option modules! so u do have to do mandatory ones, but especially in the 2nd n 3rd yr... u can def choose which area u wish to study more ie - management or finance or accounting etc!!! and UCL is a good uni.... so id go for that! :biggrin:

Reply 14

Haz313

13

ahh congrats on the 2.1 =]
yeah i think i would take the optional business modules to help increase my knowledge about finance etc :smile:

i still have to hear from my other choices before tho haha

thanks for the advice =]

Reply 15

ttx

13

Pick up a copy of the book "New Turing Omnibus" by Dewdney, it's the best intro to CS book I've come across (it's closer to a popular science book than a textbook so it's quite readable).

How to know if Computer Science is for me?

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you