Blair Hamilton's Response

Before reading the Denning articles

When I think about computer science the first thing I think about it coding. Coding something very cool, like an app or website, to which everyday people can use and benefit from.

When older relatives or friends hear the term computer science, what do you think comes to their minds?

Friends and family probably believe computer science is a scary word for strange "nerds" who sit in dark rooms coding apps or hacking into secret data.

When younger relatives or friends hear the term computer science, what do you think comes to their minds?

Younger relatives and friends probably believe computer science is the reason why their mom or dads iPhone is so fun, or they would only understand computer and science as individual concepts.

When I think of Biology I think of life. Biology is the study of things that are living around us, in which there is a variation of complex components within each system.

No, I would consider myself a mathematician. Rather than focusing on living beings, I focus on numbers and ways to utilize those numbers to benefit others around me.

These readings allowed for a deeper understanding of computer science and biology. Computer Science is made up of different fields, ideas and parts, such as math, users and engineers. While biology explains the importance of understanding the world around us.

Which of the voices in the Voices of Computing article seem to appeal to you the most?

Being a math major, I would say the mathematics voice appealed to me the most. One of the best things about math is its ability to be applied to anything and everything and make a huge impact. For example, in hospitals math is constantly used to decide correct doses, or for businesses what equation is the fastest way to find their return on investment. Mr. Denning describes math perfectly when he says "I love mathematics. I know mathematics sounds pretty abstract to a lot of people. It’s not for everyone." This is the epitome of being a math major and having to explain why you chose to dedicate your life to numbers and proofs. Although choosing a subject "not for everyone" the ability to be fluent in a universal language is unparalleled to any other academia.

Apply one of the seven principles from the Computing is a Natural Science article to something as "non-computer-science"-y as possible, either from other subjects or your daily life.

The Search or Automation principle can be applied to the idea of Sorority recruitment. As a potential new member, someone can be provided with lots of information such as sorority life, philanthropies, sisterhood and numbers like dues or national chapters. Being able to take in this information and condense it into an organized list of pros and cons, likes and dislikes with any sorority allow a new member to find a pattern that align best with their values and/or goals.

Janovy discusses the idea that social climate is an important factor no matter the time period, including during Darwin's time. The idea that not only are biologists worried about learning and discovering new beings, diseases, cures, etc. but also need to account for outside forces, such as politics or religion. Janovy describes how although biology is described as a neutral field of study, outside forces always affect the outcome. For example, although medicine is quite advanced it's ability to adjust and/or predict modern medical calamities is insufficient and therefore requires social climate to allow it to progress.

What does it mean to be a biologist? Do you consider yourself a biologist? Why or why not?

To be a biologist means to have a drive to learn about the world around us. Studying living beings causes a spark and fascination to learn more and understand how that being functions and survives. By this definition, I would say I am not a biologist as my drive to learn about living things does not steam from intellectual curiosity. Rather, my drive is directed towards preconceived ideas and processes, and figuring out how to apply those to everyday life.