Degree choice: Is IT and Science just too hard to even bother?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concerns of a participant regarding the choice of degree courses in IT and Science, particularly focusing on fears of failure due to perceived difficulties in mathematics. The scope includes personal reflections on academic capabilities, the relevance of prior subjects, and the potential for success in these fields versus humanities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses fear of failing in IT and Science due to difficulties with mathematics and suggests a preference for humanities instead.
  • Another participant questions the expectations of the original poster and emphasizes that success in science requires effort rather than innate genius.
  • A participant notes that while IT may not require much math, computer science does, and suggests avoiding physical sciences if math is a concern.
  • One reply highlights that a B in Maths is a good mark and reassures that it is possible to succeed in an IT degree with that academic background, advocating for pursuing interests.
  • A later response reflects on personal experiences teaching History graduates in IT, suggesting that a lack of strong math skills did not hinder their success.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the necessity of math skills for success in IT and Science, with some suggesting that hard work can compensate for difficulties in math, while others caution against pursuing fields perceived as too challenging without strong math abilities. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference varying experiences and backgrounds, which may influence their perspectives on the relationship between math skills and success in IT and Science. There is an acknowledgment of the subjective nature of academic capabilities and interests.

MeredithWolfe
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Hello ..
I'm currently trying to choose my degree course and I'm having difficulty in knowing what to do. I know this will sound stupid but I'm terrified of taking IT and/or Science in University and failing in it. Technology in particular because Maths is hard to me and many if not all IT courses requires one to actually have at least a strong interest in the subject.

Should I just stick with humanities? Is it even worth attempting to take any of those subjects when the chance of failure is high? No offence to anyone but my Maths teacher made a career in IT and Science sound like something only for really really smart people

Thank you for any and all answers/information you provide.

Edit: I realize I should have included my subjects in A Level.
History, Government and Politics and Maths with an AS in Business
 
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Welcome to the forums!

MeredithWolfe said:
Should I just stick with humanities? Is it even worth attempting to take any of those subjects when the chance of failure is high?

I don't know what you're expecting people to say..? It's a personal thing. How much work would you be willing to put in? Success in science needs some smarts, but you don't need to be a genius. Hard work can go a long way in the sciences.

MeredithWolfe said:
History, Government and Politics and Maths with an AS in Business

How did your maths A level go? No AS levels in any sciences?
 
How bad do you want it?
 
fasterthanjoao said:
How did your maths A level go? No AS levels in any sciences?

Thanks.

Sorry, I was sort of talking to myself there rather than it being an actual question.

ABB.
B in Maths
 
MeredithWolfe said:
Hello ..
I'm currently trying to choose my degree course and I'm having difficulty in knowing what to do. I know this will sound stupid but I'm terrified of taking IT and/or Science in University and failing in it. Technology in particular because Maths is hard to me and many if not all IT courses requires one to actually have at least a strong interest in the subject.

Should I just stick with humanities? Is it even worth attempting to take any of those subjects when the chance of failure is high? No offence to anyone but my Maths teacher made a career in IT and Science sound like something only for really really smart people

Thank you for any and all answers/information you provide.

Edit: I realize I should have included my subjects in A Level.
History, Government and Politics and Maths with an AS in Business
I don't think IT requires much math. But computer science does.

Although I must admit I've never done IT.

Anyway, if you're not good at math, I would avoid the physical sciences. And I think most life and social science program require you to take stats. Which probably isn't as bad.
 
B in Maths is good! You would have to try very hard to fail an IT degree with that set of marks. In any case - do what you're interested in. You only live once! I used to teach History graduates on an MSc IT conversion course and they didn't suffer much through lack of Maths skills (and I doubt any had a B at A level!) I've spent most of my career working in, or near, IT, and they certainly aren't, in general, the brightest people I've ever met. Some are. But most aren't - it doesn't take a genius IQ to nurse a UNIX server...
 

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