Emmatyrnauer Week 1

Emma Tyrnauer's Journal Week 1

Before Reading the Denning Articles

1. When I hear the term computer science I think of coding, making programs, software, websites, etc. I know very little about computer science in general, however recently I feel as though there has been a lot of buzz surrounding artificial intelligence.
2. When older relatives hear the term computer science I think they might be more familiar with the coding aspect and less so with aspects such as artificial intelligence. Major strides have recently been made in the advancement of technology and computer science--some of which I even have trouble keeping up with.
3. When younger relatives or friends hear the term computer science I think they mostly think about smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc.

Before Reading the Janovy Chapter

1. When I hear the term biology I think of cells with organelles that carry out specialized processes, as well as different groupings of specialized cells that make up complete organisms. I also think of genetic information being passed down from parents to offspring; specifically,how mutations in DNA and various steps in meiosis are responsible for the great diversity that is present on this planet.
2. Being a biology major, I do consider myself a biologist because I am constantly studying the different forms of life around me. Taking lab allows me to study different life forms, ask my own questions, and make predictions about biological processes. To me, being a biologist means being interested in and studying life around you.

After Reading the Denning Articles and Janovy Chapter

1. The purpose of these readings was to introduce and give a background on what it means to be a biologist and computer scientist. They offer insight into how we naturally participate in these fields in terms of our daily living, while also suggesting what it means to more actively contribute to the field.
2. The User in the Voices of Computing article seemed to appeal to me the most. I have never really been interested in constructing new forms of technology, or even interested in how they work. However, I have always been thankful for the life it has allowed me to live. I also recognize that the advancements that have been made in technology have allowed for advancements in medicine.
3. Hierarchical Aggregation: Can be thought of in terms of geography. For example, continents are divided into countries; countries are divided into states, regions, provinces, etc.; states, regions, provinces, etc. are later divided into counties; counties are made up of cities...
4. I found Thomas Kuhn's perspective about paradigms driving inquiry very interesting. I haven't considered it before but it's true that professions are limited by a few professionals in their respective areas determining what is and isn't worth studying. Science is driven by what is needed and relevant in society at any given point in time. Janovy mentions that because relevance directs what is studied, individuals entering into these professions are limited by these paradigms.
5. To be a biologist means to not only make observations about life and nature around you, but also to investigate. These observations are thoughtful in terms of their consideration of relationships, interdependency, and complexity. Investigation is based on previous knowledge, social paradigms, and other relevant data. After reading the article, I would consider myself an amateur biologist--while I do take part in both thoughtful observations and investigation, they are both mediated directly by my professors.