Computer Science vs. Biotechnology (Which one is right for you?)
Whether biotechnology or computer science is superior is a topic of intense debate. Because it may be applied in more fields and is more adaptable than other degrees, some individuals think that CS is superior. Others think biotechnology is superior since it requires a degree that is more specialized and has better employment opportunities. In the end, each student must determine which degree is best for them.
Computer science and biotechnology have major differences. Biotechnology is the use of live systems and organisms in technological and industrial operations. Studying computers and their applications is known as computer science.
The field of biotechnology is highly broad and includes a wide range of topics. It can be used to increase crops and food production, develop novel medications and treatments, or eliminate environmental contamination. Computer science is a lot more specialized. It deals with the creation and design of networks, hardware, and software for computers (The Differences Between Biotechnology And Computer Science, 2019).
Which is better, then? That depends on the type of life you want to have. Biotechnology is a better option if you want to work in a lab to create new treatments or enhance food production. Computer science is a great option if you’re more passionate about working with computers and creating new software or hardware. Engineering in computer science, in my opinion, is superior to engineering in biotechnology. As long as there is a demand for people with computer science skills, the area of computer science will only continue to become more significant. Food, textiles, medicines, agriculture, animal welfare, and other industries all have a significant demand for biotechnology specialists. You need a bachelor’s degree in math, chemistry, biology, or physics, together with competence in all four of these areas, to be eligible for a degree in biotechnology engineering. After finishing the UG degree, students will receive a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Engineering, or a Bachelor of Technology. If you want to study business administration, you will need a Master’s degree.
A brand-new advanced technical certificate has been received by the Biotechnology Laboratory Technician. A postgraduate degree in diagnostic laboratory technology is offered in addition to the postgraduate diploma in medical lab technology. It is necessary to get a medical lab technology diploma. It is necessary to have a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology.
You might be a technical person with a passion for learning about living things who has thought about pursuing a career in biotechnology. While choosing a career based on your natural talents and interests is a wonderful place to start, there are a number of additional factors to take into account as well. Consider the possibility of future employment in your sector as well as other objectives in life that can be influenced by your income (JOHNSTON, 2022).
Unless you intend to pursue a doctorate or professional degree to become a biochemist or biophysicist—professions with an expected job growth of 15% between 2021 and 2031 and median annual salaries of 102,270—you might want to reconsider that biotechnology career and start focusing your natural technical aptitude on a professional life in computer science.
Computer science and biotech majors
A computer science major must be very proficient in computer use, Mathematics, English, and physical sciences. This student is independent, self-driven, focused, and able to manage their frustration well.
The courses you would take as a computer science major, both required and elective, vary greatly between institutions (Christian, 2022). The courses listed here are representative of the range of subjects you would likely study if you were to major in this area.
- Artificial intelligence
- Data Management
- Machine Language
- Calculus
- Design physics
- Network Fundamentals
- Artificial intelligence
- Data logic
- Computer science theory
- Device Utilization
- Logic Design
- Operating Systems
- Statistics
- Computer theory
- Computer Architecture
- Device utilization
- Information management
- Electronic design
- Programming languages
Biotech major
The biotech boom has only just begun, and it will only grow. As a result, you should review list of the top 10 majors in the field of biotechnology if you wish to contribute to global good while pursuing a successful career.
Biochemistry:
Biochemistry majors focus on chemistry as it relates to organic life, as suggested by the program’s name. A biochemistry major typically focuses on biological process, neurology, amino acids, and many parts of biology that heavily involve gene expression as well as chemical reactions.
Chemical Engineering:
A staggering amount of daily goods bear the imprint of chemical engineers. The majority of grocery store foods only make it to your plate or pantry because to the tireless efforts of thousands talented chemical engineers.
Neurobiology:
Neurobiologists devote their lives to helping people comprehend the complex ways in which the human mind functions. Neurobiologists are particularly curious about how various brain regions impact a person’s biological processes and level of consciousness. Additionally, neurobiologists study how the body’s nerves and spinal cord influence movement and feeling.
Microbiology:
The tens of trillions of cells that make up an individual human conduct incredibly specialized task. It is essential to comprehend how cells interact and function in order to improve society and deliver better medical care. Microbiologists, however, are not only interested in the human body. Additionally, they work to comprehend diseases, protozoa, and other microbes in order to advance numerous scientific domains.
There are also some other Majors but these are most important.
Pros and Cons
Computer science:
Pros:
- Promising employment prospects – Having the widespread use of computers today, it is difficult to imagine how society would function without someone with a skill in computer science. Additionally, the area is constantly evolving, thus there is a growing need for people with computer science expertise.
- rewarding earnings – it makes sense that the need for computer scientists has grown, which has resulted in a large rise in their pay.
- Possibility to learn a variety of skills: As a specialist in the field of computer science, you will be given the chance to learn vital abilities.
Cons:
- Since complex concerns are involved, CS is a challenging topic, and each prior knowledge concept will be essential for the following steps, you must be very disciplined in your study and learning
- Additionally, it requires a lot of arithmetic, but the good thing is that you don’t have to be a computer genius to be an engineer.
- Time-consuming — Computer science takes a lot of effort and time. You must attend your classes on a consistent basis, complete your practice and homework assignments, and enroll in as many extracurricular courses as you can if you want to comprehend and master this hard subject.
Biotech:
Pros:
- It makes a difference: People who choose a profession in biotech have a real chance to change the world. Your primary objective is to assist others in leading healthy lifestyles, regardless of whether you are employed in a lab, office, or sales position.
- Financial perks: Typically, biotech businesses provide competitive pay and excellent benefits. Even better, you might be able to get hired with stock options. People who decide to work in the biotech industry can be sure that they will be able to locate a well-paying profession that meets their needs (BHATT, 2021).
- Geographic freedom: Jobs in biotechnology are accessible all around the United States and even the globe. So, wherever you’ve always wanted to live, there probably is a biotech job available for you there.
- Focus on teamwork: Jobs in biotechnology are accessible all around the United States and even the globe. So, wherever you’ve always wanted to live, there probably is a biotech job available for you there.
- Opportunities for advancement: The biotech sector offers several prospects for progress for anyone with the appropriate training and credentials. If this is a topic that interests you, you can even find leadership development programs at some businesses.
Cons:
- Less job security
Jobs in biotech rely significantly on technology, which is always developing. If your business can’t keep up, they risk falling behind. Additionally, the sector is continually evolving, which might occasionally result in spending reductions and job losses.
- Emphasis on deadlines
In the biotech sector, deadlines are a major component of many employments. In a predetermined amount of time, businesses must develop medicines or other products. This frequently results in a stressful work atmosphere.
- Expensive travel
Travel may occasionally be required for biotech careers. This might be costly and stressful for your personal life. You should thus inquire about the necessity of travel for the positions you are interested in.
Biotechnology career outlook
Median Annual Wage (2021):
- mean = $78,340
- median = $74,1424
Employment Change (2021-2031):
- mean = 12.67%4
Job Openings due to Growth and Replacement Needs (2021-2031):
- sum total = 71,4004
Outlook of Computer Science career
Median Annual Wage (2021):
- mean = $99,857
- median = $96,7104
Employment Change (2021-2031):
- mean = 12.17%4
Job Openings due to Growth and Replacement Needs (2021-2031):
- sum total = 298,4004
Both the CS branch and the Biotechnology branch are the best in their own regards, but what is better for you might not be best for others, so it depends on your interests. There are many job opportunities available after having completed a BTech in one of these branches, but I advise you to choose the branch in which your interests lie. Comparatively, the branch of CS has more job opportunities than branch of the biotechnology, so on evaluating the two CS branch is better than biotechnology, in the perspective of job opportunities.
References
BHATT, K. (2021). 12 Pros and Cons of Biotechnology. HPC.
Christian. (2022). Computer Science Major. My Majors.
JOHNSTON, M. (2022). Should You Go Into Biotech or Computer Science? Investopedia.
The Differences Between Biotechnology And Computer Science. (2019). The Sass Way.
