Other What Are the Best Summer Activities for Aspiring Biochemists?

[ProfuselyQuarky]

This will be the summer between sophomore and junior year for me and I want to do something good. I’ve got Pinter’s "A book of abstract algebra" waiting for me to play with and a video course for inorganic chemistry, too.

But . . . I don’t think that’s enough. I’m not taking any of my school’s math courses because my parents/teacher think that I’ve been cramming too much math the past year. I’m also planning on volunteering at a marine biology institute. I want to go into biochemistry, so although that’s not too specific to what I want to do, it’ll be a good and something I can do while still being <18. Any ideas? No way am I going to spend my precious summer months binge watching TV. I want to be productive . . . .

 

[micromass]

This will be the summer between sophomore and junior year for me and I want to do something good. I’ve got Pinter’s "A book of abstract algebra" waiting for me to play with and a video course for inorganic chemistry, too.

But . . . I don’t think that’s enough. I’m not taking any of my school’s math courses because my parents/teacher think that I’ve been cramming too much math the past year. I’m also planning on volunteering at a marine biology institute. I want to go into biochemistry, so although that’s not too specific to what I want to do, it’ll be a good and something I can do while still being <18. Any ideas? No way am I going to spend my precious summer months binge watching TV. I want to be productive . . . .

Get an extensive chemistry kit to do experiments with. This can be pretty expensive though if you want a good one.

Can you tell us your current knowledge of math, physics, chemistry and biology?

 

[phinds]

This will be the summer between sophomore and junior year for me and I want to do something good. I’ve got Pinter’s "A book of abstract algebra" waiting for me to play with and a video course for inorganic chemistry, too.

But . . . I don’t think that’s enough. I’m not taking any of my school’s math courses because my parents/teacher think that I’ve been cramming too much math the past year. I’m also planning on volunteering at a marine biology institute. I want to go into biochemistry, so although that’s not too specific to what I want to do, it’ll be a good and something I can do while still being <18. Any ideas? No way am I going to spend my precious summer months binge watching TV. I want to be productive . . . .

Jeez ... what ever happened to sex, drugs and rock and roll as summer pastimes ?

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Get an extensive chemistry kit to do experiments with. This can be pretty expensive though if you want a good one.

I can probably get one of those if I convince some people . . .

Can you tell us your current knowledge of math, physics, chemistry and biology?

I'm currently in Pre-Calc A. My school breaks down math into halves per semester, so I'm currently finishing the first half. I'm also taking basic physics right now. My physics covers the elementary stuff like velocity and acceleration, basic thermodynamics, and fundamentals of particle physics. I took biology last year and that extensively covered everything having to do with DNA, proteins, amino acids, cells, biodiversity, etc. I have absolutely no formal experience with chemistry. My school lacks a chemistry course so everything I do is self-study. Actually, most the things I know is from studying on my own. I can balance equations and synthesize basic chem. equations quite easily.

 

[berkeman]

I’m also planning on volunteering at a marine biology institute.

Very cool, that should be fun!

 

[micromass]

I can probably get one of those if I convince some people . . .

I'm currently in Pre-Calc A. My school breaks down math into halves per semester

Come on, don't lie. You obviously know some calculus already! So what math do you know?

Anyway, you could try to study evolution and genetics. It's extremely exciting to learn about these things. Better yet, get Biology from Campbell and read through it.

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Jeez ... what ever happened to sex, drugs and rock and roll as summer pastimes ?

Oh, phinds That's horrible! However, I also intend to skate a lot . . . polish my digital art . . . make lux popsicles

Very cool, that should be fun!

Yes, it will be! I’m looking forward it greatly

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Come on, don't lie. You obviously know some calculus already! So what math do you know?

Haha. That’s not what it says on my transcript . . . but, really, I can do much of calculus

Anyway, you could try to study evolution and genetics. It's extremely exciting to learn about these things. Better yet, get Biology from Campbell and read through it.

Thanks! I look into that.

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Anyway, you could try to study evolution and genetics. It's extremely exciting to learn about these things. Better yet, get Biology from Campbell and read through it.

Are there any experiments in that book that I can do as I read through it?

 

[micromass]

Are there any experiments in that book that I can do as I read through it?

No, I'm afraid not. Perhaps there are other biology books that are more focused on such things though...

Another idea, you could try programming!

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

No, I'm afraid not. Perhaps there are other biology books that are more focused on such things though...

Too bad . . . but perhaps that’s in the greater interest for the neighbors.

Another idea, you could try programming!

I tried that before . . . Visual Basic and Windows’ Notepad ++? I attempted to design my own blog template, but didn’t get very far. HTML and CSS are not my friends. Although, perhaps I should spend some time polishing my ability to work on a LaTeX editor. Thank you, micromass, for the ideas. If you lived nearby, I’d invite you over to one of my summer popsicle parties**

**kidding about those!

 

[phinds]

Oh, phinds That's horrible! ...

I know. I AM horrible. Actually, it's good to hear from someone who plans on bettering themselves. My wife teaches middle school and none of her students would even DREAM of doing something like that. 'Course they're a couple of years younger than you and have raging hormones so it's somewhat understandable, but I remember getting up at that age to watch a 6am TV show on lessons in statistics (this was WAY before the internet and the ready availability of such things).

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

I know. I AM horrible.

You didn't actually do those things, did you?

EDIT: Okay, bad question. You don't have to answer

I remember getting up at that age to watch a 6am TV show on lessons in statistics (this was WAY before the internet and the ready availability of such things).

You nerd. I like YouTube channels like Sixty Symbols, Numberphile, Periodic Videos, and ViHart.

 

[phinds]

You didn't actually do those things, did you?

In the interests of not being a bad influence on you, I'll pass on that one.

You nerd. I like YouTube channels like Sixty Symbols, Numberphile, Periodic Videos, and ViHart.

Yeah but the CHOICES you've got. There was next to nothing available back then that you could do at home and for free (and that had a teacher) so that statistics course was a rare opportunity for me even thoough I didn't get to ask questions, of which I had lots.

 

[phinds]

OOPS ... I just realized that this thread is in Academic Guidance. I was thinking it was in General Discussion or I would not have derailed it with my flippancy. Sorry.

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

OOPS ... I just realized that this thread is in Academic Guidance. I was thinking it was in General Discussion or I would not have derailed it with my flippancy. Sorry.

No need to apologize . You are quite entertaining regardless and my question has been answered already.

 

[berkeman]

Speaking of derailing the thread, how did you come up with your username? It's quite unique and fun.

 

[JorisL]

Regarding the programming (the web dev bit that is), I can recommend freecodecamp.
I've done quite a bit of the "lessons" they provide as a refresher last summer. It keeps on growing and is a great community.
Also it's nice to see how an open-source community grows (great people).

I like to do some gardening as well while the weather's nice. It could be fun to combine with some biochem ideas ( why does such and such fertilizer work that well, why does that herbicide work for that plant but not the other, ...).

Have fun and don't forget to relax :-)

 

[cpscdave]

Get yourself an Arduino or a Raspberry Pi and build something.
Give you a chance to learn some programming and circuitry.

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Speaking of derailing the thread,

From a mentor!

how did you come up with your username? It's quite unique and fun.

Thanks There's really no story to it. I like puns,science, and word "profusely" profusely. I've always been told I'm strange and peculiar so it seemed just right. When you make an account to PF, there's a warning that you can't change your name once the account is made, so I thought about it for a couple days so I won't regret it. I came up with it waiting for my math final to be handed out in class.

I like to do some gardening as well while the weather's nice. It could be fun to combine with some biochem ideas ( why does such and such fertilizer work that well, why does that herbicide work for that plant but not the other, ...).

Oh, that's a good idea! Thanks, JorisL. I might be able to try a small veg. garden and some food in the process?

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Get yourself an Arduino or a Raspberry Pi and build something.
Give you a chance to learn some programming and circuitry.

Uuughh, computers . . .

That's a great idea, cpscdave, thanks! It's just that I'm not so crazy for that type of stuff (wish I was) And, although it'd be probably definitely rewarding to try, it wouldn't probably wouldn't benefit me considering I trying to go towards biochem.? Or am I wrong . . . ?

 

[cpscdave]

trying to go towards biochem.?

Ohhhhhh you're one of those...

Programming however is still a skill that everyone can benefit from. Look at the push in the states to make CompSci part of K-12 grade schooling.

 

[micromass]

Programming really shows up everywhere in the sciences. If you decide you don't want to learn it, then you're closing a lot of interesting doors. As for biochemistry, thing about simulating chemical reactions or about folding proteins. Really, knowing programming is not a luxury anymore.

https://www.quora.com/As-a-student-of-biochemistry-what-programming-language-should-I-learn

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Ohhhhhh you're one of those...

What's that supposed to mean?

Programming however is still a skill that everyone can benefit from. Look at the push in the states to make CompSci part of K-12 grade schooling.

Understood and point taken.

Programming really shows up everywhere in the sciences. If you decide you don't want to learn it, then you're closing a lot of interesting doors. As for biochemistry, thing about simulating chemical reactions or about folding proteins. Really, knowing programming is not a luxury anymore.

https://www.quora.com/As-a-student-of-biochemistry-what-programming-language-should-I-learn

C or C++? Alright then. I thought it was something I could avoid . . . just goes to show how much I know!

Thanks everyone! Looks like I'll be opening Visual this summer after all.

 

[cpscdave]

C or C++?

Python might be a good place to start :)

I had to be the wet blanket here as well. But what about a part time/summer job?

Recently I went back to school to take engineering, part of which I did the coop program.
The younglings in the coop program who had 0 work experience had a really hard time finding placements. There was also a couple people who had no work experience AND didn't do the coop program. 2 years later those folks are working as a bartender and a landscaper.

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Python might be a good place to start :)

Okay, it's easier, then?

I had to be the wet blanket here as well. But what about a part time/summer job?

I might possibly start opening up art commissions in the summer. Numerous people have already asked for me to do them, but school is the priority currently. Does that count?

 

[cpscdave]

Okay, it's easier, then?

I don't know if its easier. They started teaching it to the first years when I was in year 4 of my Comp Sci degree. But that was a decade ago so I don't know what they do now.
I think its a good place to start. Its a nice balance between being a bit more flexible than C/C++ but still teaches you some good coding practices.

I might possibly start opening up art commissions in the summer. Numerous people have already asked for me to do them, but school is the priority currently. Does that count?

It's better than nothing at all :) When someone is looking to hire you especially as someone having more than just a high school education. They will want some proof that you can be a responsible worker.

You want to be able to answer the question "so what did you do with your summers" better than "I sat around on the beach and smoked pot all day" (a legit response I got from the now bartender lol)

 

[micromass]

I strongly advise not taking C or C++ as your first language. They are way too complicated for a beginner. My personal favorite is Lisp since that is what I started programming with, I still love it a lot. But many use Python as their first language nowadays.

 

[cpscdave]

https://xkcd.com/353/

Obligatory XKCD comic :)

 

[micromass]

Lisp > all

 

[axmls]

I absolutely second learning Python. The great thing is that you can quickly jump into writing simple programs to perform calculations for you.

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Okay, so which code? Python or Lisp? Two people apparently prefer Python, but micromass' little inequality is rather bold :)

It's better than nothing at all :) When someone is looking to hire you especially as someone having more than just a high school education. They will want some proof that you can be a responsible worker.

Yeah, doing art commissions wouldn't show how "responsible" I am. And I sure that university biochem. departments don't care if I can even draw a stick figure. I'll have to look into jobs more. How about tutoring? People are often asking me to help them clarify things and understand problems. Tutoring shows responsibility and care and I could easily tutor algebra or geometry or something of that sort.

The idea of working at a store or something isn't exactly appealing, but if it's necessary, I guess I'd have to (but only if necessary).

 

[axmls]

I strongly suggest Python, because my first programming language was Python. It's simple to start, you can write interesting programs right from the start, and it's actually pretty aesthetically pleasing as a programming language. I don't know much about Lisp.

All computer scientists and electrical engineers at my university start off with Python. As a language for mathematics, I have heard Python is becoming very popular, even if it's not quite as powerful as Mathematica or MATLAB.

The important thing isn't the language, though. Most concepts will be the same between languages, and if you know the concepts, switching between languages is just a matter of which words to use.

 

[micromass]

Let's just say that people either absolutely love or absolutely hate lisp. With Python, I think most find it a good language. So are you up for a risky adventure, or do you want to go the path that has proven to work with most people.

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

So are you up for a risky adventure, or do you want to go the path that has proven to work with most people.

I secretly want risky adventure, but, practically, I want to go on the proven path since it'll probably waste less time.

Does that mean Python then?
EDIT: Yeah, I guess it means Python. Thanks for the insights :)
EDIT: and, gee, micromass are you on PF 24/7?

 

[micromass]

For the people who don't know lisp. In python and other language you have many operations such as defining a new variable, defining a new function, addition of numbers, lists, etc.
In lisp however, you just need the "define" operation. Every single other thing can be built from that. You can build lists, numbers, addition, multiplication, etc., etc. Isn't this amazing? The mathematics behind it is called $\lambda$-calculus.

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Okay, lambda calculus is more complicated, but that IS amazing. Ugh . . . I really want risky adventure. I want to do too many things.

Never mind, I'm just ranting. Thank you all for you're suggestions. It's really helped.

 

[ShayanJ]

Isn't this amazing?

If only we had the luxury of being able to pursue that sense of amazement...

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

If only we had the luxury of being able to pursue that sense of amazement...

What do you mean?

 

[ShayanJ]

What do you mean?

We don't!
And that seems tragic from time to time.

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

We don't!
And that seems tragic from time to time.

Ah, okay. My sense of amazement is usually diluted with a sense of confusion. So I get what you're saying now.

 

[cpscdave]

How about tutoring?

Tutoring would work as well.
If your program has coop/internship program strongly suggest you take it even if it delays competition of your degree by a 18 months.

I suppose I should also qualify that my points are mostly focused around industry. If you're planning on going academic route for a career. I cannot comment on what would or would not be important :D

 

[jedishrfu]

Lisp > all

True perls of wisdom here from God!

 

[cpscdave]

True perls of wisdom here from God!

Whoa! Wait a second. @micromass is god?
Man physics forums has some pretty sweet connections!

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Tutoring would work as well.
If your program has coop/internship program strongly suggest you take it even if it delays competition of your degree by a 18 months.

lol . . . I'm in high school, not college I've already looked for internships/programs at universities but the problem is that I have to be at least 16 by the time I turn in the application. If only I were born a few months earlier . .

I suppose I should also qualify that my points are mostly focused around industry. If you're planning on going academic route for a career. I cannot comment on what would or would not be important :D

I want to the academic route. From what I've been seeing, earning a phD and finding a good school to work at would offer more freedom to research or study what I want, right?

 

[jedishrfu]

To add to the programming discussion, I'd suggest looking at the Processing.org website and use the Processing IDE as the vehicle for learning either Java, Python, Javascript or Android.

Processing is:
- very easy to use,
- comes with many examples for each supported language,
- is designed for beginners to learn programming,
- has a modular structure (for future plugins for languages or tools)
- even allows them select which language to learn: Java, Python, Javascript and other third party.

I would advise against C/C++ for now unless you were going to program an Arduino in C.

The Processing IDE for Java comes with an extensive set of working examples and specializes in learning by doing graphical programming in the OpenGL standard.

www.processing.org

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

www.processing.org

Thanks, jedishrfu. I'll definitely look at it! *bookmarked*

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Hello again, sorry for another question after some time, but I’m not sure if it deserves its own thread.

Is it better to TA a class or tutor individual students? The former one would get me credit, but I’m not sure what tutoring would do aside from helping me relearn for myself? Opinions?

 

[jedishrfu]

Tutoring privately high school subjects and/or SAT testing skills can be quite lucrative. Some years ago my son had a professional tutor who charged $25 an hour and who worked from 3pm to 9pm everyday. You could look around to see what private tutors charge and start making some money.

Individual tutoring will really hone your skills of explanation and show you what you really don't know or took on face value from the teacher.

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Yeah, I’ve heard some students who’ve charged $15/hr, which I think is too much. My help is probably worth $5/2hr, but that’s just me …

But, seriously, I understand the benefits of tutoring completely. Which would look better on an application?