CompSci or math for computational/mathematical medicine

mexmath
Thu, 09 May 2013 14:33:00 +0000

Hello everybody! I’m new on this forum. I’ve seen some posts already and I realized this is a very nice community.

I have a very specific question about what major should I choose. Computer science or math; I already know what they are and what can I do with each degree, but my doubt is different. I’m interested on focusing my career on computational or mathematical medicine. I recently came across some topics like “Mathematically modelling the heart activity” and “Computational cardiology” and I realized that’s what I wanna do. The idea of applying computer science or math in the clinical sciences is just beautiful. I’ve always liked medicine too but I’m more of a STEM guy. So this different approach to the clinical sciences is perfect for me.

Now, say, if I’d like to develop mathematical models about brain activity during different situations, or, dunno, develop some kind of software that simulates and models brain activity, which major would be best for me to take? Oh, and I obviously know just a BS isn’t enough, I’m planning on going all the way up to a PhD. The tricky part is right now, choosing the right major because I’m one of those guys who thinks your major is really important if you’re later going for specific research. I see it as the backbone of all my knowledge.

Anyway, I hope you could help me, it would be nice! Oh, and I’m really really sorry for the long post.