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Is it recommended to major in biomedical sci and minor in comp sci or vice versa for biotech or biomed research fields?

I currently have no background in comp sci as junior in high school.

career science computer-science biomedical biotechnology
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David’s Answer

It depends on what kind of work you want to do. Basic bio lab work involves running assays, cell culturing, microscopy, PCR, buffer prep, and protein purification. These tasks don't require a comp sci degree. However, these tasks are usually delegated to undergrads if working in a university lab, or research techs/associates if in industry as is my case. To go from a research associate to a scientist usually involves having a master's degree, or if you have a bachelor's you will need to show that you can analyze data really well and relay that information to management who will make critical decisions based on your data. Ultimately you need both the wet lab skills and data analysis skills to succeed in the biotech industry. If you can find a program that marries the two together, that might be your best bet. Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Biomedical Engineering or some combination thereof will serve you well in research and industry. Knowing what I know now, I would have majored in biochemistry and minored in comp sci. A major in comp sci is no joke. There is a tremendous learning curve when it comes to computer science. You not only have to learn the theory of computer science, you have to do it while being completely unfamiliar with the environment if you are new to programming. You don't learn to program in comp sci, you have to do that on your own time. But, there is a reason Software Engineers make bank, it's very difficult to gain competency in.
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Tim’s Answer

I think it depends on how certain you are about the biomedical sci direction. If you're sure of that I'd major in that (assuming the university offers such a major) and minor in comp sci. If you're not sure, majoring in comp sci will open a lot more doors. A minor in comp sci would give you a leg up if you go that direction (recruiters will value it) while not precluding your taking a different direction.
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Bishwas’s Answer

I would say the former for your question. But a minor in CS wont help you learn much unless you have some work experience, so I would say try to secure an internship during summer both at biotech as well as tech companies. Double major would be helpful if you are really ambitious. I would say AI is the future even in biotech for new drug discovery, so tackle some machine learning courses while in college.
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Brian’s Answer

I think your focus should be on the Biomedical Major. Computer Science is a bit deep into the science of computers and software. Things like languages, compliers, operating systems. I don’t believe any of that will really help you on the biomed side. That isn’t to say you should take a course or two about computer technology. At the end of the day, pretty much everything uses a computer of some kind which has the basics, CPU (the processor), an operating system (controls the whole thing), the application (what it is the computer should do), and maybe some input (like a mouse, keyboard, or touch screen) plus output (a speaker, a display, a blinking light, etc.) My point, good to be aware but biomed. I also think once you get accepted and going in your college you can “tweak” your minor choice. Best of luck. Good question.
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Arantza’s Answer

I have a friend who majored in computational biology at the university of Chicago.

If your college doesn’t offer that major, I would focus on computer science with a minor in biology. It would be more helpful to have strong computational skills for your job search.
Thank you comment icon I think researching some companies you would like to work for and see what they are requiring for your career. Also, double majoring is an option. You got this and best wishes to you. Lawanna Walker
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Juliana’s Answer

Hi There! Great question, I did a Microbiology degree and then also a Commerce Degree (Accounting & Finance). What I found and it's no different to the question you've asked, is that I was able to marry an interest area microbiology/biotech, with a versatile skillset (Accounting & Finance that can be leveraged across different industries and roles). If you have more interest in the biotech/ bio medical field- make that your major, it's almost a requirement at this point to be able to show tech skills (eg in utilizing data bases, data automation, data engineering)- tech skills are starting to be assumed (just as using the microsoft office suite used to be), so it's great to have that as a minor to showcase your capabilities, and is also versatile, regardless what industry you end up in.

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Jessica’s Answer

No. A biology minor or major is mostly a waste of time for any math based stem field. Major in Bio-E and minor in CS would be an ok path (or the reverse).
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