What Are the Best Summer Activities for Aspiring Biochemists?

[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?

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Making money is not my priority.