3 answers
S. Dhivyesh
Student
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
1
Question
Asked
493 views
I am not sure what UG Degree to choose. I have opted for biology as my main subject without mathematics, and I am also not good at exploring things.
#college #biology #science #math
I'd love some interesting courses apart from a MBBS degree
3 answers
Randall Detra
Industry: Environmental testing/research. Academic: chemistry, biology, physical science
22
Answers
Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
Updated
Randall’s Answer
Hello Dhivyesh,
I can understand how a senior in high school could be in a quandary with selecting an undergraduate program in college/university. I presume you have selected a higher institution as you say you have opted for a biology degree “without mathematics.” This does puzzle me. Do they actually have a biology degree without mathematics?
Biology, like most science disciplines, requires measuring things. Measuring things means comparing them and comparing them does require mathematics. You may find a program that does not require calculus but basic algebra and geometry etc., should be expected. If not, then perhaps you are considering something like a certificate instead of a four-year BS or BA degree. I suppose that would be okay for some folks but you will have to consider where you want to go in life. What level of achievement do you aspire? Some of these are questions you can come to answer in the midst of your higher education experience. You may find you actually can do mathematics to, at least, a passable skill level and this will open many more doors for you career-wise.
I suspect when you mention “exploring” you mean research skills. Some cocky kids enter the higher education feeling they have that down tight! But when they actually get into it, they see it does require some mindset adjustments. That is one reason for higher education. You discover things about nature and about yourself which will redefine yourself and your career. For some people research skills do come a bit natural but for most of us there is a big nurture component!
So pick your institution very carefully. Some will have counselors and advisors who can help guide you in the right direction as you discover how things are done and how well you can do them.
Sincerely,
Randall Detra, Ph. D.
I can understand how a senior in high school could be in a quandary with selecting an undergraduate program in college/university. I presume you have selected a higher institution as you say you have opted for a biology degree “without mathematics.” This does puzzle me. Do they actually have a biology degree without mathematics?
Biology, like most science disciplines, requires measuring things. Measuring things means comparing them and comparing them does require mathematics. You may find a program that does not require calculus but basic algebra and geometry etc., should be expected. If not, then perhaps you are considering something like a certificate instead of a four-year BS or BA degree. I suppose that would be okay for some folks but you will have to consider where you want to go in life. What level of achievement do you aspire? Some of these are questions you can come to answer in the midst of your higher education experience. You may find you actually can do mathematics to, at least, a passable skill level and this will open many more doors for you career-wise.
I suspect when you mention “exploring” you mean research skills. Some cocky kids enter the higher education feeling they have that down tight! But when they actually get into it, they see it does require some mindset adjustments. That is one reason for higher education. You discover things about nature and about yourself which will redefine yourself and your career. For some people research skills do come a bit natural but for most of us there is a big nurture component!
So pick your institution very carefully. Some will have counselors and advisors who can help guide you in the right direction as you discover how things are done and how well you can do them.
Sincerely,
Randall Detra, Ph. D.
Natasha Bastien
Consulting
64
Answers
Rockville, Maryland
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
Hi Dhivyesh,
Definitely go for Mathematics. Absolutely! Regardless of your major, it will be useful as a foundation. It will provide you with the fundamentals to confidently pursue quantitative courses (or a science-oriented curriculum - which is also quantitative at its core). Selecting a biology major early on might expose undergrads to course such as physics, chemistry, biochemistry, neurobiology and anatomy. I would suggest that you consider some technology-oriented courses (and/or philosophy, statistics or music theory electives) to balance your options, in case you change your mind about Biology around sophomore year.
Majoring in Biology points undergraduates to potential careers in medicine, research and teaching. Please consider which one of those paths matches your affinities, goals and talents. Consider whether the college provides the option to minor in computer science or business/economics. Please do speak with your parents and school counselor to explore majors, course loads and career plans. Start thinking early on about whether your chosen career will require some form of guided mentorship, internship, residency and/or apprenticeship.
Again, please share your concerns with your family as well.
May you have a very bright future!
Natasha
Definitely go for Mathematics. Absolutely! Regardless of your major, it will be useful as a foundation. It will provide you with the fundamentals to confidently pursue quantitative courses (or a science-oriented curriculum - which is also quantitative at its core). Selecting a biology major early on might expose undergrads to course such as physics, chemistry, biochemistry, neurobiology and anatomy. I would suggest that you consider some technology-oriented courses (and/or philosophy, statistics or music theory electives) to balance your options, in case you change your mind about Biology around sophomore year.
Majoring in Biology points undergraduates to potential careers in medicine, research and teaching. Please consider which one of those paths matches your affinities, goals and talents. Consider whether the college provides the option to minor in computer science or business/economics. Please do speak with your parents and school counselor to explore majors, course loads and career plans. Start thinking early on about whether your chosen career will require some form of guided mentorship, internship, residency and/or apprenticeship.
Again, please share your concerns with your family as well.
May you have a very bright future!
Natasha
Neha Ahlawat
Product Manager
29
Answers
Boulder, Colorado
Updated
Neha’s Answer
Based on Indian academic system, if you haven't taken mathematics for your 11th-12th classes, I hope you know that you are ruling out any engineering related fields.
For biology, if you do not want to pursue MBBS, there still are several alternatives for your career -
Food science
Environmental science
Forensic science
Biological research assistant
Biomedical engineer
Biotechnology
Marine Science
Nursing
Pharma Studies
MBA post undergrad in any of the above
For biology, if you do not want to pursue MBBS, there still are several alternatives for your career -
Food science
Environmental science
Forensic science
Biological research assistant
Biomedical engineer
Biotechnology
Marine Science
Nursing
Pharma Studies
MBA post undergrad in any of the above
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