Computer Science or Medicine

I'm in my first year of A-level and I don't know whether I should do Computer Science or Medicine. I've been preparing to go into medicine by doing lots of hospital work experiences but now I'm thinking of getting into computer science because I find it really interesting and enjoyed when I did it in GCSE. But then I wouldn't mind going into biochemistry or another medical course in uni.

Reply 1

HoldThisL

degree level computer science bears no relation to gcse but go complete the python course on codecademy.com, see if you enjoy it and then consider it more seriously

Reply 2

Razza2000

I'd try to find out what you enjoy most. medicine is a big commitment and at the end of the day, you don't want to undertake a 5 or 6 year degree that you are only half heartedly doing.
Another thing to think about is that doing a subject at GCSE level will be DRASTICALLY different from the subject at uni so maybe try and do some work experience realtion to compsci. I had the same problem with medicine and engineering and I found found work experience at both helped me choose.

hope this helps

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 3

Democracy

Original post by potatofaith

So it's really three things your deciding between then: medicine, computer science, and something life science related e.g. biochem.

What did you think of your hospital work experience?

Reply 4

ooz

Medicine is a big commitment to go into half-heartedly. If you're not 100% interested in it, don't do it.

Reply 5

geniequeen48

You could always do a biochem/whatever degree that you mentioned as the third option whilst program in your free time. There are many computing job posts that don't require a degree in computer science.

Reply 6

williamho

studying medicine is a long term commitment , 3 years at university and then 4 years training starting from a hospital as a junior doctor and the pay is not that good as a junior doctor compared to the amount of workload and long hours. And if you wish to become a neurosurgeon. More studying.

whilst studying computer science at a top university is difficult. where you will be learning the theories. of the hardware, software programming languages. and the in between area of hardware and software.
when you are starting to work in the computing field. you will only use about 10% of what you have learnt at university
As for the pay, not good at the starting block.. Because there will be lots of people working in the computing field with all kinds of qualifications.
But the more technical you can get, the more specialist field you will be in. Such as researching and developing telephony communication using satellites

And then there will be less and less specialist companies who can make use of your knowledge in your field. how many companies specialist in the innovation technology of telephony. ? Siemens Nokia Erricssons Northern Telecom etc. Just a handful . Not many left.

Reply 7

Democracy

Original post by williamho

Who said anything about becoming a neurosurgeon? :confused:

Reply 8

potatofaith

Original post by Democracy

So it's really three things your deciding between then: medicine, computer science, and something life science related e.g. biochem.

What did you think of your hospital work experience?

I did one week of work experience in a stroke unit but I was mostly with physiotherapists which didn't interest me very much so I think I need to have more experience alongside doctors. I'm doing another week in February and July so I'm going to see how that goes but then I'm worried by July that it would be too late to change my options.

Reply 9

73iso

you can take a gap year if you need more time

Reply 10

ooz

Original post by potatofaith

What options are you thinking of doing in either case?
Chemistry is required everywhere for medicine, and biology at most places if memory serves correctly.
Are you able to do Chemistry, Biology, and Computing or something similar? Just to cover all your bases?

Reply 11

GANFYD

Original post by ooz

There are 13 med schools that do not require Chemistry and 22 that do not require Biology (though some do require a 2nd science)

Reply 12

potatofaith

Original post by ooz

I think during the summer holiday and after I've done my work experiences, I'm going to try and find work experience in the summer holiday and I think that'll help me decide