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What's Harder: Maths or Medicine?
EDIT: The question is in the title if you still wish to reply, but I wish for this thread to die =]
After gaining some work experience in both fields I can definately say Medicine is better. I orignally just wanted a high paying job, but after work experience I would be happy to have less money but to gain satisfaction out of helping people (however cliche it sounds) - work experience really does help - thanks!
After gaining some work experience in both fields I can definately say Medicine is better. I orignally just wanted a high paying job, but after work experience I would be happy to have less money but to gain satisfaction out of helping people (however cliche it sounds) - work experience really does help - thanks!
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Reply 1
14
In a maths degree you learn...
Spoiler
Reply 2
13
Kingbradley6
First off, this is my first post and I'm a bit confused about where posts goes despite reading the sticky. Sorry if this is in the wrong place - it's a bit of both subjects.
Anyhow, I'm currently in year 11 but I'm just trying to get a feel for what I might do in the future (at university and beyond).
The two choices that I am currently considering at university (if all goes well for my GCSE results and A-level) then I would choose either maths or medicine; but I was wondering which is harder. Also, although it's hard to explain in a sentance or two, could someone describe what you learn in each course. I would like to eventually choose one and then try to become an actuary (if the degree is maths) or a radiologist or anaesthetist (if the degree is medicine).
I was doing a bit of reading on some other threads/topics such as how hard is maths and it obviously seemed it varies on a case-by-case situation but in general what is easier (and I realise medicine takes double the time).
Just so you know I do have an interest in all of the related subjects, that is maths, biology, chemistry and physics.
Sorry if I worded this a little weird, anyway thanks
Anyhow, I'm currently in year 11 but I'm just trying to get a feel for what I might do in the future (at university and beyond).
The two choices that I am currently considering at university (if all goes well for my GCSE results and A-level) then I would choose either maths or medicine; but I was wondering which is harder. Also, although it's hard to explain in a sentance or two, could someone describe what you learn in each course. I would like to eventually choose one and then try to become an actuary (if the degree is maths) or a radiologist or anaesthetist (if the degree is medicine).
I was doing a bit of reading on some other threads/topics such as how hard is maths and it obviously seemed it varies on a case-by-case situation but in general what is easier (and I realise medicine takes double the time).
Just so you know I do have an interest in all of the related subjects, that is maths, biology, chemistry and physics.
Sorry if I worded this a little weird, anyway thanks
Neither subject is easier than the other.
The question you should ask yourself is what do you want to do after university.
Reply 3
18
Harder for what?
Medicine is more competitive.
Each can be a difficult as the other
Medicine is more competitive.
Each can be a difficult as the other
Reply 4
15
So basically, what I take from your questions is that you want a high paying job, with the easiest route.
Medicine, you learn physiology, anatomy, biochemistry (I think, perhaps) and many other things, obviously about the human body. You also learn about Medical ethics, and obviously have a lot of placements and practical sort of work.
Maths, you learn about, er... maths. I don't know what you want us to say.
Think long and hard about it. Do you really want to do medicine, where you study for 5/6 years, then go into your Foundation years (two of them) and start on about £20,000 - £22,000 per annum and have a long learning curve and a vigorous career? Or are you in it for the "respect" and the salary? It isn't as peachy as some people see it, however, knowing the drawbacks, those who genuinely want to do it still couldn't see themselves doing anything else really. However it doesn't seem you feel that way.
Medicine, you learn physiology, anatomy, biochemistry (I think, perhaps) and many other things, obviously about the human body. You also learn about Medical ethics, and obviously have a lot of placements and practical sort of work.
Maths, you learn about, er... maths. I don't know what you want us to say.
Think long and hard about it. Do you really want to do medicine, where you study for 5/6 years, then go into your Foundation years (two of them) and start on about £20,000 - £22,000 per annum and have a long learning curve and a vigorous career? Or are you in it for the "respect" and the salary? It isn't as peachy as some people see it, however, knowing the drawbacks, those who genuinely want to do it still couldn't see themselves doing anything else really. However it doesn't seem you feel that way.
Reply 5
I think it would be maths.
Reply 6
15
Don't choose a subject because it's perceived as "harder" or "easier". Choose a subject because it's what you want to do.
Reply 7
High 5 on the anaesthetist bit.
A career in medicine isn't all glamorous like it's been made out to be, for the first 20ish odd years, it's a long shift, hard working, average paid job, with little to no respect.
Then again, Maths doesn't exactly lead you to a career where you'll be earning $$$ either.
You'll have to make the choice fast though, and decide before the end of Year 11 or at latest the end of your AS year.
A career in medicine isn't all glamorous like it's been made out to be, for the first 20ish odd years, it's a long shift, hard working, average paid job, with little to no respect.
Then again, Maths doesn't exactly lead you to a career where you'll be earning $$$ either.
You'll have to make the choice fast though, and decide before the end of Year 11 or at latest the end of your AS year.
Reply 8
i'd say maths is harder academically
medecine is harder to get into
medecine is harder to get into
Reply 9
13
The difficulty of the subject will depend primarily on your abilities e.g. if you are an outstanding mathematician, them you will most likely find Maths easier.
You also need to take into account your interest in the subject. I think you'll agree that if you find a subject interesting, you're more than likely going to do well in it!
You also need to take into account your interest in the subject. I think you'll agree that if you find a subject interesting, you're more than likely going to do well in it!
Reply 10
13
Jessaay!
So basically, what I take from your questions is that you want a high paying job, with the easiest route.
Medicine, you learn physiology, anatomy, biochemistry (I think, perhaps) and many other things, obviously about the human body. You also learn about Medical ethics, and obviously have a lot of placements and practical sort of work.
Maths, you learn about, er... maths. I don't know what you want us to say.
Think long and hard about it. Do you really want to do medicine, where you study for 5/6 years, then go into your Foundation years (two of them) and start on about £20,000 - £22,000 per annum and have a long learning curve and a vigorous career? Or are you in it for the "respect" and the salary? It isn't as peachy as some people see it, however, knowing the drawbacks, those who genuinely want to do it still couldn't see themselves doing anything else really. However it doesn't seem you feel that way.
Medicine, you learn physiology, anatomy, biochemistry (I think, perhaps) and many other things, obviously about the human body. You also learn about Medical ethics, and obviously have a lot of placements and practical sort of work.
Maths, you learn about, er... maths. I don't know what you want us to say.
Think long and hard about it. Do you really want to do medicine, where you study for 5/6 years, then go into your Foundation years (two of them) and start on about £20,000 - £22,000 per annum and have a long learning curve and a vigorous career? Or are you in it for the "respect" and the salary? It isn't as peachy as some people see it, however, knowing the drawbacks, those who genuinely want to do it still couldn't see themselves doing anything else really. However it doesn't seem you feel that way.
Well yes I would like a good paying career, but I don't necessarily need a "easy" route in. I'm prepared to work hard if it means having a good job which means being able to have a financially sound life. I just wondered if Medicine is hard.
I'm basically just trying to get as much information as I can, just to have a think about what I might like to do at University.
Currently I find maths easier and prefer it..but thinking about career I *think* I would prefer to work in medicine (although I would prefer the matsh university course..again I think).
Reply 11
17
It depends on an individual. There is no way I would be able to cope with maths degree but I am doing reasoably well in medicine.
If I were you I would ask yourself do you really want to be a doctor. What is it that makes you consider being radiologist or anaesthetist of all other specialities?
If I were you I would ask yourself do you really want to be a doctor. What is it that makes you consider being radiologist or anaesthetist of all other specialities?
Reply 12
14
maths is only 3 years compared to medicine which is like 8 years.
so i'd say maths is easier purely because its only 3 years.
so i'd say maths is easier purely because its only 3 years.
Reply 13
Can't say mach about maths, but medicine is hard work. you will need the highest grades. Also you need to love to study and you have to stay updated all the time as it is progressing constantly.
As for maths it depends what sort of things you want to do. as for teachers i don't think it's that hard, not sure about other professions.
I think the best thing for you to would be to do Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and possibly further maths a-levels and see what you think as it will be easier for you to make up your mind then and you will keep your options open.
As for maths it depends what sort of things you want to do. as for teachers i don't think it's that hard, not sure about other professions.
I think the best thing for you to would be to do Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and possibly further maths a-levels and see what you think as it will be easier for you to make up your mind then and you will keep your options open.
Reply 14
17
1721
maths is only 3 years compared to medicine which is like 8 years.
so i'd say maths is easier purely because its only 3 years.
so i'd say maths is easier purely because its only 3 years.
5 years to be precise. 6 if you itercalate.
Reply 15
13
belis
It depends on an individual. There is no way I would be able to cope with maths degree but I am doing reasoably well in medicine.
If I were you I would ask yourself do you really want to be a doctor. What is it that makes you consider being radiologist or anaesthetist of all other specialities?
If I were you I would ask yourself do you really want to be a doctor. What is it that makes you consider being radiologist or anaesthetist of all other specialities?
I wouldn't like to be an actual surgeon (haven't got exactly steady hands and don't like the thought - not the blood just generally).
I wouldn't like to be a GP as it seems boring.
A radiologist and anaesthetist, however, seem interesting, something that I can get into and reasonable pay.
----
Also on someone elses point above, I do plan to do Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Further Maths for AS-level and if the work is OK continue them on to A2.
Reply 16
13
OP, I would say the material that forms most maths degrees is harder to grasp and takes some natural talent as well a good work ethic.
Medicine on the other hand is harder to get into and like you said, takes longer to complete. However, unlike Maths, after a Medicine degree you can become a doctor straight away and then specialise after two years (I think!).
To become an Actuary, you are looking at around 6 years of exams and training plus a very rigorous application process and a great deal of competition (i.e. you have to have a good degree from a good uni to even be considered in most cases).
So, if you know you definitely want to be a doctor then do Medicine, if not do Maths. But don't think that just because you will be at uni for 3/4 years that becoming an actuary is in any way easy (think of the requirements post-uni!)
Anyway, hope that helps.
Medicine on the other hand is harder to get into and like you said, takes longer to complete. However, unlike Maths, after a Medicine degree you can become a doctor straight away and then specialise after two years (I think!).
To become an Actuary, you are looking at around 6 years of exams and training plus a very rigorous application process and a great deal of competition (i.e. you have to have a good degree from a good uni to even be considered in most cases).
So, if you know you definitely want to be a doctor then do Medicine, if not do Maths. But don't think that just because you will be at uni for 3/4 years that becoming an actuary is in any way easy (think of the requirements post-uni!)
Anyway, hope that helps.
Reply 17
Dunno if this has been mentioned before; but medicine isn't hard per se. It's just the volume of stuff you have to know off the top of your head that's a challenge.
From what I've heard, maths is pretty hard at degree level. I've never been through it, so I can't judge (nor can I for medicine) but do what YOU want to do. Not which degree is harder
If it's a challenge you want, either can be a good choice for uni, however, bear in mind where your priorities lie and what you're like as a person.
From what I've heard, maths is pretty hard at degree level. I've never been through it, so I can't judge (nor can I for medicine) but do what YOU want to do. Not which degree is harder
If it's a challenge you want, either can be a good choice for uni, however, bear in mind where your priorities lie and what you're like as a person.Reply 18
tbh, I would think it's medicine - it's horribly competitive, you need like the *best* grades to get in, you do a heck of a lot of placements, you learn so much about the human anatomy etc and also, medicine is so hard you need to study if for five years - sometimes more! 
Reply 19
17
The reason I'm asking is that it is very early to be picking up a speciality. You are almost guarteed to change your mind. Before I started I thought that I want to be a psychiatrist as I thought that I will enjoy 'talking to patients'. I quickly discovered that I enjoy 'doing' more then 'talking' so that want out of the window. Then I was thinking about paeds. Then I did some placments in anaesthetics and intensive care and I felt right at home so that is what I want to do at the moment.
What I am trying to say is that you should be keeping an open mind. Try getting as much work experience as you can to help you decide if medicine is for you or not.
What I am trying to say is that you should be keeping an open mind. Try getting as much work experience as you can to help you decide if medicine is for you or not.
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