Diving into Science: Computer Science vs. Biology

The power and advancement of computer science and biology have incredibly contributed to some unprecedented breakthroughs in various industries. Computer science and biology are distinct yet when combined and strategically experimented hold the potential to create astonishing findings that are helpful to the world. In this article, we shall look at the different academic courses available and the possible career prospects in the respective subjects.

Computer Science vs. Biology: Course Duration and Eligibility

The course for Computer Science has been designed in multiple ways. The course has been popular among students as a standalone bachelor's degree, an application-level professional course and also as one of the most popular streams for engineering. Computer Science courses are also available as post-graduation degrees and as well as diploma courses.

The course duration for Computer Science varies with the type of course chosen by the candidate/student and the period for each type is as follows:

1. B.Sc Computer Science - 3 years
2. Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA)- 3 years
3. Computer Science Engineering (B-Tech CS) - 4 years
4. M.Sc Computer Science - 2 years
5. Masters of Computer Application (MCA) - 3 years
6. Diploma Courses in Computer Science - 6 months to 18 months
7. Masters of Technology Computer Science (M-Tech CS) - 2 years

Biology has been curated as a course through different programmes with specialisations. Biology can be further divided into Botany and Zoology and the subjects can be studied at both Bachelors and Masters level.
The course duration for Biology varies with the type of course chosen by the candidate/student and the period for each type is as follows:

1. B.Sc Botany - 3 years
2. B.Sc Zoology - 3 years
3. M.Sc Botany - 2 years
4. M.Sc Zoology - 2 years

The eligibility criteria for computer science and biology at bachelor's and diploma levels are completing 12th or equivalent studies with a minimum 50% aggregate. Eligibility criteria for both the streams at the master level are completing a bachelor's in the respective field from an accredited university as per the cut-off lists published by the preferred university.

Computer Science vs. Biology: Course Curriculum

The designed course curriculum for computer science and biology these days is advanced and industry-specific with application-based learning. This type of learning accounts for an enhanced learning experience for the students with increased chances of accomplishing the desirable career path.

The core areas of study in Computer Science are: Java Programming, Computer networks, Computer organisation principles, Database management systems, Disk operating systems, Software Engineering, Artificial intelligence, Computer graphics, Computer security, Data mining, Data structures and algorithms, Discrete Mathematics, Fundamentals of PHP, Introduction to embedded systems, Mathematical Foundation for Computer Science, Programming languages, Arrays, Basics of computer science, Cloud computing, Control structures, Functions, Introduction to number system and codes, Object-oriented programming, and Theoretical computer science programming

The core areas of study in Biology are: Cell anatomy, Physiology of plants, Algae and Microbiology, Biomolecules and Cell Biology, Mycology, Phytopathology, Archegoniate, Morphology and Anatomy, Economic Botany, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Plant Ecology, Phytogeography, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Animal Ecology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Animal Behaviour, Ecology, Immunology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science

Computer Science vs. Biology: Career Opportunities

Biology and computer science are two distinct fields of study, however, with the advancement in the educational sector, and integration of these can lead to substantial findings.

Here is a list of demanding career options in both fields.

Career options for students after opting for Computer Science

1. System Programmer: Engaged with installation, customisation and maintenance of the operating system for running the organisation smoothly.
2. System Developer: Involves carefully understanding the objectives of the projects to efficiently combine the resources and knowledge for the proper functioning of the computing system.
3. Software Tester: Carry out testing and trial runs to assess the functionality of the software and to identify the errors and bugs in the developed software.
4. Network Administrator: Ensures and oversees the prompt functioning of the computer and network systems in an organisation.
5. Software Developer: Engaged in understanding the user’s/client’s needs and designing and crafting software applications accordingly.
6. Product Manager: Involves in understanding the client’s need, analyses the bigger business projects and oversees the entire project workflow to ensure the best outcome on time.
7. UX Designer: Works as an application interface designer after analysing and researching the user needs for ease of functioning.
8. Web Developer: They engage in creating and remodifying the website as per the client's needs and market demands.
9. Information Security Analyst: They oversee the company’s networking security systems and identify the flaws in the system to ensure data safety for the company.

Career options for students after opting for Biology

1. Scientist: Involves in systematically gathering data, finding solutions and formulating them in the utmost beneficial way to mankind.
2. Academic Researcher: Involves in applying the subject expertise in further research and finding solutions for existing problems in the biology spectrum.
3. Agriculture Enthusiast: Researches and uses those findings to boost yield production through scientific agricultural techniques.
4. Food Technologist: Engaged with the development and overviewing of food recipes, testing the products and the manufacturing processes.
5. Soil Scientist: Engaged with analysing and identifying the soil type and determining the soil characteristics and the possible ways of yielding benefits from the soil.
6. Animal Nutritionist: Carry out research and analysis on the nutritional value of animal feeds and prepare dietary charts for animals for their healthy growth and well-being.
7. Higher Education Lecturer: Works in schools and colleges rendering knowledge to the children and providing necessary guidance on their projects and mentoring.
8. Palaeontologist: Engaged in studying and researching the history of the world through fossil fuels and other remains from nature.
9. Nature Conservation Officer: Works as a law enforcement officer to ensure the protection and safety of the natural ecosystems of the wild.
10. Microbiologists: They study microorganisms and do experiments in the laboratory to understand the possible impacts they can have on the well-being of nature.

In Short

There is no doubt that both the fields of computer science and biology are of significant importance to the world we live in. The current student generation is privileged to witness the growth of the educational sector and the enhanced academic courses with numerous specialisations and career prospects. Numerous courses are available these days for students to choose from right after their senior secondary schooling. Right selection of the course is an important aspect in determining a student’s career success and so it is indeed important to understand and analyse one’s area of interest and preferred area of work. Computer Science can be considered more as an application-based learning with facilities to experiment and work with multiple software and computer languages. Biology is more of a research-oriented and theoretical subject, where the scientific findings can be of great help for the human life span and other living species. Both the field are career-promising too with significant scopes of challenging areas to work on.