Careers in the Pharmaceutical Sciences
Roshan Tolani asked:
The pharmaceutical sciences have saved millions of lives and improved quality of life by playing an important role in the discovery and development of new drugs and drug therapies. As science and medicine evolve and discoveries are made at an astonishing rate, the pharmaceutical industry continues to generate billions of dollars and employ top researchers and professionals.
With accelerating advances in science and technology, the pharmaceutical industry has entered its most promising period yet for new drug development. Pharmaceutical companies are using new knowledge and techniques to attack the root causes—rather than just the symptoms—of diseases and thus are revolutionizing the ways in which new drugs are discovered and developed.
The Disciplines of the Pharmaceutical Sciences
The pharmaceutical sciences can be broadly categorized according to the following disciplines:
* Drug discovery: This discipline deals with the design and synthesis of new drug molecules and includes medicinal chemistry, combinatorial chemistry, and biotechnology.
* Drug delivery: This discipline deals with designing the forms of drug dosages and their delivery to patients. Those involved in drug delivery work to determine the best concentrations of and schedules for drugs. Sciences related to this field include pharmaceutics, biomaterials, and pharmacokinetics.
* Drug action: This discipline examines the actions of drugs in living systems. Sciences dealing with drug action include molecular biology, pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, toxicology, and biochemistry.
* Clinical sciences: This discipline deals with the use of drugs to treat diseases. Drugs’ properties, such as efficacy, adverse effects, drug-to-drug interactions, and bioavailability, are tested in clinical trials.
* Drug analysis: This discipline deals with the separation, identification, and quantification of components of drugs.
* Cost effectiveness: This discipline deals with the economics of drug usage.
* Regulatory affairs: This discipline deals with the coordination of academia, industry, and regulatory bodies.
Careers in the Pharmaceutical Industry
The research-based pharmaceutical industry is one of the strongest components of the American economy and leads the world in discovering and developing innovative new life-saving medicines.
Almost half of the most important global drugs developed between 1975 and 1994 originated in the U.S. U.S. companies developed 370 new medicines to fight dreaded diseases during this period. In 2000, the market value of the industry was greater than $379 million. The field offers a myriad of opportunities to pharmaceutical scientists.
Pharmaceutical companies employ several hundred thousand professionals in a variety of jobs in the U.S. In view of the demand for well-trained professionals, the earning potential of pharmacists is very high. According to an American Pharmaceutical Association report, pharmacists’ salaries range from around $40,000 to $70,000.
Is a Career in Pharmaceutical Sciences Right for Me?
The pharmaceutical field is a good choice for those who:
* want to work in laboratories
* desire to contribute to the health and well-being of society
* love science and excel in the subject
* enjoy professional challenges
* enjoy finding solutions to medical problems baffling scientific communities
How Can I Become a Pharmaceutical Scientist?
Get an undergraduate or advanced college degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, medicine, or a related field. There are many who became pharmaceutical scientists after obtaining degrees in economics, marketing, business, or other non-scientific subjects. To work as a registered pharmacist, one needs to satisfy both national and state licensing requirements. Some states require fulfillment of a certain number of continuing education credits annually to stay abreast of developments in the field.
The pharmaceutical sciences have saved millions of lives and improved quality of life by playing an important role in the discovery and development of new drugs and drug therapies. As science and medicine evolve and discoveries are made at an astonishing rate, the pharmaceutical industry continues to generate billions of dollars and employ top researchers and professionals.
With accelerating advances in science and technology, the pharmaceutical industry has entered its most promising period yet for new drug development. Pharmaceutical companies are using new knowledge and techniques to attack the root causes—rather than just the symptoms—of diseases and thus are revolutionizing the ways in which new drugs are discovered and developed.
The Disciplines of the Pharmaceutical Sciences
The pharmaceutical sciences can be broadly categorized according to the following disciplines:
* Drug discovery: This discipline deals with the design and synthesis of new drug molecules and includes medicinal chemistry, combinatorial chemistry, and biotechnology.
* Drug delivery: This discipline deals with designing the forms of drug dosages and their delivery to patients. Those involved in drug delivery work to determine the best concentrations of and schedules for drugs. Sciences related to this field include pharmaceutics, biomaterials, and pharmacokinetics.
* Drug action: This discipline examines the actions of drugs in living systems. Sciences dealing with drug action include molecular biology, pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, toxicology, and biochemistry.
* Clinical sciences: This discipline deals with the use of drugs to treat diseases. Drugs’ properties, such as efficacy, adverse effects, drug-to-drug interactions, and bioavailability, are tested in clinical trials.
* Drug analysis: This discipline deals with the separation, identification, and quantification of components of drugs.
* Cost effectiveness: This discipline deals with the economics of drug usage.
* Regulatory affairs: This discipline deals with the coordination of academia, industry, and regulatory bodies.
Careers in the Pharmaceutical Industry
The research-based pharmaceutical industry is one of the strongest components of the American economy and leads the world in discovering and developing innovative new life-saving medicines.
Almost half of the most important global drugs developed between 1975 and 1994 originated in the U.S. U.S. companies developed 370 new medicines to fight dreaded diseases during this period. In 2000, the market value of the industry was greater than $379 million. The field offers a myriad of opportunities to pharmaceutical scientists.
Pharmaceutical companies employ several hundred thousand professionals in a variety of jobs in the U.S. In view of the demand for well-trained professionals, the earning potential of pharmacists is very high. According to an American Pharmaceutical Association report, pharmacists’ salaries range from around $40,000 to $70,000.
Is a Career in Pharmaceutical Sciences Right for Me?
The pharmaceutical field is a good choice for those who:
* want to work in laboratories
* desire to contribute to the health and well-being of society
* love science and excel in the subject
* enjoy professional challenges
* enjoy finding solutions to medical problems baffling scientific communities
How Can I Become a Pharmaceutical Scientist?
Get an undergraduate or advanced college degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, medicine, or a related field. There are many who became pharmaceutical scientists after obtaining degrees in economics, marketing, business, or other non-scientific subjects. To work as a registered pharmacist, one needs to satisfy both national and state licensing requirements. Some states require fulfillment of a certain number of continuing education credits annually to stay abreast of developments in the field.
Science Teacher Resources: Things Many Science Teachers Can’t Live Without
Christopher Cameron asked:
Science teachers have resources that they use all the time for teaching their students and also for educating themselves on certain scientific subjects. A science teacher will often be required to know far more about the subject matter that they are teaching than the students who are being taught. This makes them more effective, by having a complete understanding of their subjects. This also allows them to answer almost any questions that their students may have. These teacher resources are often in the form of books, peers, or websites. There are also scientific products and supplies that they can buy, which come complete with a lesson guide.
These types of teacher resources end up being incredibly useful. In the end it means that the teacher can spend more time on other things, rather than trying to come up with a lesson on their own. These types of ready made science lessons are a wonderful resource for teachers, particularly those teaching physical science or physics. The best part of these science products is that they come with full instructions, not only on how to make the demonstration work, but also include a detailed explanation on how and why it works as well. This type of hand-on science learning provides a great tool for teachers of all grade levels, starting from a very young age. It has been well demonstrated that when learning becomes more interactive, retention levels increase exponentially.
The instructions and explanations that come with these scientific products and supplies simply mean that the teacher won’t have to spend precious time researching the subject for explanations on why each part of the experiment works. Teachers are also free to utilize these demonstrations as they see fit, using as much or as little of that information as they would like to. For example, when dealing with higher grade levels, they can be very detailed and study the phenomena with great detail. Alternately, when teaching younger children, a more simple explanation will do fine.
These types of teacher resources also come in a huge range of complexity and price. You can find experiments and demonstrations that use advanced physics like a Planck’s Constant measuring device, which demonstrates that energy isn’t a matter of intensity, but rather frequency. You can also find much more simple devices like magnets, color wheels and tape measures. No matter what grade or age the children are you are working with, you can find a suitable science product. The visual and hands on science experience often remains with people for years after their education is complete. In fact, if you ask most people about the things they remember from science class, often times it is only the hands-on experiments that they can clearly recall.
Each science classroom will have different needs, depending on the age level of the students and their individual abilities. In using these science products to teach physical science and physics, teachers can adjust the lessons, adapting them as they see fit for their students. A good science teacher will always have a variety of resources available to them, including hands-on science teaching products and supplies. Students will develop a better understanding of physical science and physics through the use of these hands-on science products.
Science teachers have resources that they use all the time for teaching their students and also for educating themselves on certain scientific subjects. A science teacher will often be required to know far more about the subject matter that they are teaching than the students who are being taught. This makes them more effective, by having a complete understanding of their subjects. This also allows them to answer almost any questions that their students may have. These teacher resources are often in the form of books, peers, or websites. There are also scientific products and supplies that they can buy, which come complete with a lesson guide.
These types of teacher resources end up being incredibly useful. In the end it means that the teacher can spend more time on other things, rather than trying to come up with a lesson on their own. These types of ready made science lessons are a wonderful resource for teachers, particularly those teaching physical science or physics. The best part of these science products is that they come with full instructions, not only on how to make the demonstration work, but also include a detailed explanation on how and why it works as well. This type of hand-on science learning provides a great tool for teachers of all grade levels, starting from a very young age. It has been well demonstrated that when learning becomes more interactive, retention levels increase exponentially.
The instructions and explanations that come with these scientific products and supplies simply mean that the teacher won’t have to spend precious time researching the subject for explanations on why each part of the experiment works. Teachers are also free to utilize these demonstrations as they see fit, using as much or as little of that information as they would like to. For example, when dealing with higher grade levels, they can be very detailed and study the phenomena with great detail. Alternately, when teaching younger children, a more simple explanation will do fine.
These types of teacher resources also come in a huge range of complexity and price. You can find experiments and demonstrations that use advanced physics like a Planck’s Constant measuring device, which demonstrates that energy isn’t a matter of intensity, but rather frequency. You can also find much more simple devices like magnets, color wheels and tape measures. No matter what grade or age the children are you are working with, you can find a suitable science product. The visual and hands on science experience often remains with people for years after their education is complete. In fact, if you ask most people about the things they remember from science class, often times it is only the hands-on experiments that they can clearly recall.
Each science classroom will have different needs, depending on the age level of the students and their individual abilities. In using these science products to teach physical science and physics, teachers can adjust the lessons, adapting them as they see fit for their students. A good science teacher will always have a variety of resources available to them, including hands-on science teaching products and supplies. Students will develop a better understanding of physical science and physics through the use of these hands-on science products.
Proposed Guidelines for Science Teachers
Synapse India asked:
Science and technology education are co-related with each other and cannot be separated to gain the real meaning and essence of science education. From last many years, science education has seen numerous changes and transformations to pass on the true value of scientific theories and strategies.
It is very true that the science is nothing without the study of technology. In other words, it is not wrong to say that the combination is just like soul without the body. Interestingly, major accomplishments in science are always accompanied by right usage and applications of technology. As a result, for getting a complete science education, a person needs to be committed towards gaining the right knowledge, content and processes of the subject.
Generally, science education involves teaching of the scientific body of knowledge, the processes and activities of scientific work. Therefore, for imparting the right knowledge and educations, science teachers must be clear about the concept. Also, they need to be influenced by several teaching techniques including the learning capabilities of students while interacting with physical materials.
An expert science tutor is the one who keeps a close eye on the digital development and the growing scientific nuances. He or she should have a formal education, training and qualification in formal science teaching and its techniques. These experts should have analytical ability and possess evaluation powers on developing information technology in the science curriculum.
Find a Science Tutor:
In this growing competitive world, science education has become really necessary. The subject has emerged as the backbone of the overall growth of a person and in order to earn a leading edge. Finding a good science tutor is not difficult at all. You can browse through the internet and find many tutors of different subjects. Try to know your child’s difficulty and problems while finding the most appropriate help for him or her.
Science and technology education are co-related with each other and cannot be separated to gain the real meaning and essence of science education. From last many years, science education has seen numerous changes and transformations to pass on the true value of scientific theories and strategies.
It is very true that the science is nothing without the study of technology. In other words, it is not wrong to say that the combination is just like soul without the body. Interestingly, major accomplishments in science are always accompanied by right usage and applications of technology. As a result, for getting a complete science education, a person needs to be committed towards gaining the right knowledge, content and processes of the subject.
Generally, science education involves teaching of the scientific body of knowledge, the processes and activities of scientific work. Therefore, for imparting the right knowledge and educations, science teachers must be clear about the concept. Also, they need to be influenced by several teaching techniques including the learning capabilities of students while interacting with physical materials.
An expert science tutor is the one who keeps a close eye on the digital development and the growing scientific nuances. He or she should have a formal education, training and qualification in formal science teaching and its techniques. These experts should have analytical ability and possess evaluation powers on developing information technology in the science curriculum.
Find a Science Tutor:
In this growing competitive world, science education has become really necessary. The subject has emerged as the backbone of the overall growth of a person and in order to earn a leading edge. Finding a good science tutor is not difficult at all. You can browse through the internet and find many tutors of different subjects. Try to know your child’s difficulty and problems while finding the most appropriate help for him or her.
Science Jobs in UK
December 7, 2009 by admin
Filed under Recruitment
Amarendra asked:
If you ask for the job stream that assures utmost growth professionally, then undoubtedly the answer will be Science Stream. Science stream is an umbrella term referred for all sorts of the subjects linked with the science, research and analysis. Science jobs really acquaint thousands of scopes to make career. Commencing with the medical sector to the food science, science jobs are available in the widest of array. The finest thing is that each and every sector enables one to mold his career in the best of ways.
In country like UK, science stream has emerged as the most promising job sector. At present, majority of UK natives’ first choice for job is going to be the science sector for sure. Countries like UK confer the amplest growth opportunities and better work ambiance for science jobs.
What makes UK the aptest place for Science Jobs?
Science jobs in UK get simpler due to the modern technologies, equipments and infrastructure available here.
World’s most illustrious science institutes are sited in UK and that’s why science scholars from all round the globe gather here.
All the science firms / organizations in UK offer a good pay package to the professionals including the fresher levels. And pound being one of the most powerful currencies in the world, lets you earn additional benefits.
Also, UK policies are very liberal and friendly for Science Sector!
Loads of vacancies and job openings in the science sector inspire young generations to enter into the field.
After reading above benefits, you must be curious to know about the highest earning sectors from science stream. Here are some of the most significant streams:
Biology Jobs
Biology sector has been all alone endowing with the maximum science recruitments. Biology stream offers a huge array of jobs. In the recent developments, new genres in the stream have just boosted the biology sector. Molecular biology, environment biology, marine biology and many others have prime sectors gaining popularity. Also, frequent modernizations have enhanced the job securities in the field of biology.
Professionals from biology field are highly demanded in the Health, agriculture, medicals, pharmaceuticals, chemical industry and so on; list is endless.
In addition, this sector offers loads of job profiles. Whether be a doctor to a MR; biology sector comprises every individual of the science streams.
Biotechnology Jobs
Biotechnology is the blend of biology and technology; is one of the most prospering sectors. In conjunction with day after day new discoveries and researches, this sector has been victorious in drawing maximal notice of young generation. Also, molecular biology, molecular genetics and many more streams have played major role in popularizing this sector. No wonder, presently maximum students are opting for the biotechnology courses.
Biotechnology jobs encompasses following industries: Agriculture, Health, Medicine, Engineering, Chemical and many more.
Qualifications required for Biotechnology Jobs: To be a biotech professional one needs to be graduate in this course. However, different organizations have different criteria of recruitments. Having a masters and PhD degree, sure going to boost your chances of growth in this sector.
Forensic Science Jobs
Forensic Science is one of the most talked about streams in science sectors. Shows like Medical detectives, crime files and others have already shown how forensic science has been the key in solving the most riddling crime scenes. For being so different in work fashion, forensic science can be termed as the most glamorous and challenging streams. However, one can not deny that though being very challenging; forensic science jobs are really high paying. Also, people in this job enjoy a distinct gravity in terms of positions that is somewhat not possible in other streams.
Forensic Science professional are recruited in the followings: Police, Private research and analysis organizations, judiciary, etc.
Attributes required for forensic science jobs: Sharp minded, ability to find minutest details, present observations and researches with loads of proof. Since, these professionals’ words play major in solving crime cases; they must be flawless at their skill.
If you ask for the job stream that assures utmost growth professionally, then undoubtedly the answer will be Science Stream. Science stream is an umbrella term referred for all sorts of the subjects linked with the science, research and analysis. Science jobs really acquaint thousands of scopes to make career. Commencing with the medical sector to the food science, science jobs are available in the widest of array. The finest thing is that each and every sector enables one to mold his career in the best of ways.
In country like UK, science stream has emerged as the most promising job sector. At present, majority of UK natives’ first choice for job is going to be the science sector for sure. Countries like UK confer the amplest growth opportunities and better work ambiance for science jobs.
What makes UK the aptest place for Science Jobs?
Science jobs in UK get simpler due to the modern technologies, equipments and infrastructure available here.
World’s most illustrious science institutes are sited in UK and that’s why science scholars from all round the globe gather here.
All the science firms / organizations in UK offer a good pay package to the professionals including the fresher levels. And pound being one of the most powerful currencies in the world, lets you earn additional benefits.
Also, UK policies are very liberal and friendly for Science Sector!
Loads of vacancies and job openings in the science sector inspire young generations to enter into the field.
After reading above benefits, you must be curious to know about the highest earning sectors from science stream. Here are some of the most significant streams:
Biology Jobs
Biology sector has been all alone endowing with the maximum science recruitments. Biology stream offers a huge array of jobs. In the recent developments, new genres in the stream have just boosted the biology sector. Molecular biology, environment biology, marine biology and many others have prime sectors gaining popularity. Also, frequent modernizations have enhanced the job securities in the field of biology.
Professionals from biology field are highly demanded in the Health, agriculture, medicals, pharmaceuticals, chemical industry and so on; list is endless.
In addition, this sector offers loads of job profiles. Whether be a doctor to a MR; biology sector comprises every individual of the science streams.
Biotechnology Jobs
Biotechnology is the blend of biology and technology; is one of the most prospering sectors. In conjunction with day after day new discoveries and researches, this sector has been victorious in drawing maximal notice of young generation. Also, molecular biology, molecular genetics and many more streams have played major role in popularizing this sector. No wonder, presently maximum students are opting for the biotechnology courses.
Biotechnology jobs encompasses following industries: Agriculture, Health, Medicine, Engineering, Chemical and many more.
Qualifications required for Biotechnology Jobs: To be a biotech professional one needs to be graduate in this course. However, different organizations have different criteria of recruitments. Having a masters and PhD degree, sure going to boost your chances of growth in this sector.
Forensic Science Jobs
Forensic Science is one of the most talked about streams in science sectors. Shows like Medical detectives, crime files and others have already shown how forensic science has been the key in solving the most riddling crime scenes. For being so different in work fashion, forensic science can be termed as the most glamorous and challenging streams. However, one can not deny that though being very challenging; forensic science jobs are really high paying. Also, people in this job enjoy a distinct gravity in terms of positions that is somewhat not possible in other streams.
Forensic Science professional are recruited in the followings: Police, Private research and analysis organizations, judiciary, etc.
Attributes required for forensic science jobs: Sharp minded, ability to find minutest details, present observations and researches with loads of proof. Since, these professionals’ words play major in solving crime cases; they must be flawless at their skill.
Learn Science With the Best Online Science Tutors
November 16, 2009 by admin
Filed under College And University
Avinash Smith asked:
When we talk about science, two basics come in our mind: theory and experiment. To know and interpret phenomena, you should involve the theory in your mind. Without understand theory of science you can not do any experiment. Human can get a lot of information from the science. Science can introduce us about certain theory that arranges something. By the science human can control or explore something.
Science is a very difficult subject which requires lots of concentration. Some concepts are easy to understand but some are very confusing. The concept of science which is difficult to understand requires help from other, but every one is not familiar with every concept of science. To solve these difficulties students requires tutors. It is difficult to get a good private tutor for science because every tutor is not perfect in science. Private tutors demand very high fee for a particular subject, everyone cannot afford that fee.
The advancement of science and technological development has greatly revolutionized communication. This has facilitated the growth and development of online education by means of various online educational institutions provide virtual learning environment for the students to study. The most significant role is case of imparting knowledge through online education is played by tutors. Now it is possible for student to engage in live chat with tutor to ask their difficulties.
You do not need to run into difficulties with homework or classroom assignments on a schedule. You may need immediate homework assistance that a parent can’t provide. Not everyone familiar with physics, chemistry or biology. You are accustomed to computer and to the internet, it makes sense to capitalize upon the familiarity. You may enjoy the interaction via chat with online tutors as this kind of interaction is apart of their life experience. Tutors on online services are masters in their field they can easily solve your problem.
Online science tutoring and homework help available with EduwizardS registered and reviewed group of science tutor, is the most effective and productive way to tackle Science Homework. EduwizardS also have chemistry tutor and biology tutor specializing in the specific field of science.
When we talk about science, two basics come in our mind: theory and experiment. To know and interpret phenomena, you should involve the theory in your mind. Without understand theory of science you can not do any experiment. Human can get a lot of information from the science. Science can introduce us about certain theory that arranges something. By the science human can control or explore something.
Science is a very difficult subject which requires lots of concentration. Some concepts are easy to understand but some are very confusing. The concept of science which is difficult to understand requires help from other, but every one is not familiar with every concept of science. To solve these difficulties students requires tutors. It is difficult to get a good private tutor for science because every tutor is not perfect in science. Private tutors demand very high fee for a particular subject, everyone cannot afford that fee.
The advancement of science and technological development has greatly revolutionized communication. This has facilitated the growth and development of online education by means of various online educational institutions provide virtual learning environment for the students to study. The most significant role is case of imparting knowledge through online education is played by tutors. Now it is possible for student to engage in live chat with tutor to ask their difficulties.
You do not need to run into difficulties with homework or classroom assignments on a schedule. You may need immediate homework assistance that a parent can’t provide. Not everyone familiar with physics, chemistry or biology. You are accustomed to computer and to the internet, it makes sense to capitalize upon the familiarity. You may enjoy the interaction via chat with online tutors as this kind of interaction is apart of their life experience. Tutors on online services are masters in their field they can easily solve your problem.
Online science tutoring and homework help available with EduwizardS registered and reviewed group of science tutor, is the most effective and productive way to tackle Science Homework. EduwizardS also have chemistry tutor and biology tutor specializing in the specific field of science.
Science Vs Religion
November 7, 2009 by admin
Filed under Self Improvement
Andrew asked:
In the frames of this article we are going to condemn science and the persons who work on this field, and the wrong statements made by the scientists. Then, we are going to point out the resemblance of art and science and their differences. It goes without saying that criticism is obvious for any science and, specially, for art. But not any critics can be accepted, it is very important to prove the facts and be ready to explain all the points. So, in the article we try to propose the elements of critics and the facts.
First of all, science mistakably regarded as religion and with time got the same status and the same rights to influence on people. On the day of its birth science supposed to develop and become a theory and, by the way, to get the necessary qualities in order to replace the religion and to be ready to give the answers on the questions on which religion could not answered. Using different methods and techniques in XXI century science had enough powers to stand on the place of religion, it turned to be the issue for faith and even for devotion. Such situation developed very quickly and the trust in science turned into unquestionable correctness.
Emile Durkheim was first who stated the science as the theory. Such theory had the opportunity to provide with enough time and proposed official religion but the base for it was science. The presence of great number of science permit the belief in the facts which were proposed by them and it was the reason for quick replacing of the religion on the second place even in the questions concerning the creation of the world. But such unquestionably facts were of double nature. First of all, science is grounded on the experience and it is certainly impossible to make any experiences on the creation of the world and the correct facts are still unknown. Secondly, science and religion are very different in structure and size, so it is wrong to stand these two things as science and religion into one row.
In the frames of this article we are going to condemn science and the persons who work on this field, and the wrong statements made by the scientists. Then, we are going to point out the resemblance of art and science and their differences. It goes without saying that criticism is obvious for any science and, specially, for art. But not any critics can be accepted, it is very important to prove the facts and be ready to explain all the points. So, in the article we try to propose the elements of critics and the facts.
First of all, science mistakably regarded as religion and with time got the same status and the same rights to influence on people. On the day of its birth science supposed to develop and become a theory and, by the way, to get the necessary qualities in order to replace the religion and to be ready to give the answers on the questions on which religion could not answered. Using different methods and techniques in XXI century science had enough powers to stand on the place of religion, it turned to be the issue for faith and even for devotion. Such situation developed very quickly and the trust in science turned into unquestionable correctness.
Emile Durkheim was first who stated the science as the theory. Such theory had the opportunity to provide with enough time and proposed official religion but the base for it was science. The presence of great number of science permit the belief in the facts which were proposed by them and it was the reason for quick replacing of the religion on the second place even in the questions concerning the creation of the world. But such unquestionably facts were of double nature. First of all, science is grounded on the experience and it is certainly impossible to make any experiences on the creation of the world and the correct facts are still unknown. Secondly, science and religion are very different in structure and size, so it is wrong to stand these two things as science and religion into one row.
Behavioral Sciences: One Degree, Many Job Options
October 31, 2009 by admin
Filed under Career Management
Kelli Smith asked:
What Exactly Are the Behavioral Sciences?
The behavioral sciences fall somewhere between social sciences and natural sciences, absorbing some components of each. It’s a big category, so it typically gets broken down into two smaller ones: Neural-Decision Sciences and Social-Communication Sciences.
Neural-Decision Science studies the relationship between biology and decision-making, and disciplines in that field include psychology, ethology, psychobiology, social neuroscience, and management science.
Social-Communication Science focuses on communication. Specifically it deals with how both language and communication can affect the individual, relationships, and social interaction in general. A common discipline in this field is anthropology, but other disciplines include organizational behavior and behavior finance.
What Can You Do With a Behavioral Sciences Degree?
Here are just some of the careers you can choose to pursue and, briefly, what’s involved in each:
Anthropology: Anthropologists study the physical, social, cultural development, and behavior of human beings. Within anthropology several specialties exist such as sociocultural, linguistic, or biophysical. A bachelor’s degree in the behavioral sciences can be a strong starting point to continue on to a master’s degree or PhD in anthropology.
Ethology: A zoological science, ethologists study animal behavior, specifically instinctual rather than learned behavior. Ethology, as a part of behavioral science, instead looks at instinctual behavior in humans.
FBI Behavioral Science Unit: You can work for the FBI with a degree in this field. It typically does involve criminal profiling, made popular by TV and films, but it also has several other components, including studying the behavior of criminals in general and even working to better the operational effectiveness of the FBI itself.
Psychology: Since psychologists study human behavior, it makes sense that this field fits neatly within the behavioral sciences category. To become a practicing psychologist, you almost always need to have a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or PhD. All states traditionally require psychologists who see patients to have a license or certification.
Sociology: Sociologists look at society and social behavior. Sociology examines groups and organizations, different cultures, and social institutions. A master’s degree or PhD. in sociology is usually necessary, but majoring in behavioral sciences at a university can provide a solid educational beginning.
Interestingly, significant job growth has occurred in surprising areas that either didn’t previously exist or weren’t traditionally linked with the behavioral sciences:
Neuromarketing: This new field uses neuroscience to study consumer behavior, but it’s extremely small in the private sector at this time.
Public-Opinion Research: Behavioral science can better explain influences on public opinion and how it forms.
Health Education/Public Health: Behavioral science comes into play here in helping people make healthier choices for themselves. This can often involve community-wide education initiatives on topics as diverse disease prevention, nutrition, drugs and alcohol abuse, or even the quality of life for senior citizens.
Job Prospects and Salaries for Behavioral Scientists
Salaries vary throughout behavior sciences, however in 2007 these occupations earned the following annual median salaries:
• Sociologists: $61,140
• Anthropologists: $53,080
• Clinical Psychologists: $62,210
• Health Educator: $42,920
With so many career options, you should have plenty of job prospects with a behavioral science degree.
What Exactly Are the Behavioral Sciences?
The behavioral sciences fall somewhere between social sciences and natural sciences, absorbing some components of each. It’s a big category, so it typically gets broken down into two smaller ones: Neural-Decision Sciences and Social-Communication Sciences.
Neural-Decision Science studies the relationship between biology and decision-making, and disciplines in that field include psychology, ethology, psychobiology, social neuroscience, and management science.
Social-Communication Science focuses on communication. Specifically it deals with how both language and communication can affect the individual, relationships, and social interaction in general. A common discipline in this field is anthropology, but other disciplines include organizational behavior and behavior finance.
What Can You Do With a Behavioral Sciences Degree?
Here are just some of the careers you can choose to pursue and, briefly, what’s involved in each:
Anthropology: Anthropologists study the physical, social, cultural development, and behavior of human beings. Within anthropology several specialties exist such as sociocultural, linguistic, or biophysical. A bachelor’s degree in the behavioral sciences can be a strong starting point to continue on to a master’s degree or PhD in anthropology.
Ethology: A zoological science, ethologists study animal behavior, specifically instinctual rather than learned behavior. Ethology, as a part of behavioral science, instead looks at instinctual behavior in humans.
FBI Behavioral Science Unit: You can work for the FBI with a degree in this field. It typically does involve criminal profiling, made popular by TV and films, but it also has several other components, including studying the behavior of criminals in general and even working to better the operational effectiveness of the FBI itself.
Psychology: Since psychologists study human behavior, it makes sense that this field fits neatly within the behavioral sciences category. To become a practicing psychologist, you almost always need to have a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or PhD. All states traditionally require psychologists who see patients to have a license or certification.
Sociology: Sociologists look at society and social behavior. Sociology examines groups and organizations, different cultures, and social institutions. A master’s degree or PhD. in sociology is usually necessary, but majoring in behavioral sciences at a university can provide a solid educational beginning.
Interestingly, significant job growth has occurred in surprising areas that either didn’t previously exist or weren’t traditionally linked with the behavioral sciences:
Neuromarketing: This new field uses neuroscience to study consumer behavior, but it’s extremely small in the private sector at this time.
Public-Opinion Research: Behavioral science can better explain influences on public opinion and how it forms.
Health Education/Public Health: Behavioral science comes into play here in helping people make healthier choices for themselves. This can often involve community-wide education initiatives on topics as diverse disease prevention, nutrition, drugs and alcohol abuse, or even the quality of life for senior citizens.
Job Prospects and Salaries for Behavioral Scientists
Salaries vary throughout behavior sciences, however in 2007 these occupations earned the following annual median salaries:
• Sociologists: $61,140
• Anthropologists: $53,080
• Clinical Psychologists: $62,210
• Health Educator: $42,920
With so many career options, you should have plenty of job prospects with a behavioral science degree.
Liberty Science Center: Reinventing the Science Museum
October 12, 2009 by admin
Filed under Destinations
Ann Knapp asked:
From its unique approach to engaging people in real science, to its goal of positively influencing communities to take action to improve our world, the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City has been re-invented to enhance educational travel and inspire student groups in scientific literacy and understanding.
Science museums first appeared in the early 1800s, with a focus on collecting, researching, and presenting artifacts in an attempt to understand the past. In the 1960s, science museums sought to entertain and engage their audiences – increasing scientific literacy and understanding. Today, many science centers are focused solely on interactivity. The newly reinvented Liberty Science Center has placed its efforts on encouraging actual science activism, acting as a resource and catalyst to advance the realm of science, technology, and society.
Enhanced by its historic and cosmopolitan location, which overlooks Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Science Center strives to inspire student tours in understanding the continuing connection between scientific advances and how they improve the human condition.
For instance, the center’s “Live From Robotic Surgery” program uses live teleconferencing to take students into the O.R. where they interact directly with surgeons and witness how the advances of science and technology benefit humans. Program offerings include topics on cardiology, neurosurgery, and kidney transplant. Other programs include lab workshops in a state-of-the-art laboratory where students embark on an interactive learning experience led by a knowledgeable science educator.
As students explore the new Liberty Science Center, they encounter “Skyscraper!”, an unprecedented look at the planning, design, and technology of these amazing structures. Whether walking a steel girder high above the exhibit floor, facing down jet-powered hurricane force winds to test a building design, or taking a quiet moment to reflect on the destruction of the World Trade Center, “Skyscraper!” leaves students with a new appreciation and altered view of the impressive skyline that surrounds the center.
“Infection Connection” describes how the choices we make on a daily basis contribute to the rise and fall of infectious diseases. In this exhibit, students explore interactions between humans and microbes, learn about emerging diseases, and see how science develops tools and technologies to prevent and treat infections. Student tours can even conduct microbiology and epidemiology experiments in the center’s own laboratory.
While most of the exhibits in the center are brand new, students can still see some familiar favorites from the earlier days in “Wonder Why: Observe, Imagine, Create.” Exhibits highlights include the fossil-studded Rock Climbing Wall, observing the attributes of air at the Bernoulli Blower, or creating a masterpiece in the Digital Darkroom.
Science comes to life in demonstrations offered live in the center’s exhibition galleries. Student group travelers have the opportunity to participate and ask questions of a science educator on topics that correlate with the exhibits. For instance, students learn how to be an amateur surveyor using actual surveying equipment or learn the steps required to create a sterile environment in the operating room while performing live surgery on a (vegetative) patient. Or, they may experience first hand how lasers work and discover some of the ways lasers are used in daily life.
In the Liberty Science Center IMAX Dome Theater, student tours journey into ancient tombs or observe the surface of Mars during their scheduled film showings. In the Digital 3D Theater, the story of NASA’s Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory mission unfolds, told through the eyes of key NASA participants. The film features the first stunning 3D images ever captured of the sun and explains the vital knowledge the science community will gain from the mission.
The Liberty Science Center offers a variety of educational programs based on age and interest level. Some of the more popular choices include lab workshops, which are held in a state-of-the-art laboratory, where students embark on learning experiences, ranging from meteorology to New Jersey wildlife, with a science educator. Enhanced Experiences allows groups to choose an onsite experience and dig deeper into one of the center’s new exhibitions, or pick an outdoor experience and learn about the Hudson River estuary.
From its unique approach to engaging people in real science, to its goal of positively influencing communities to take action to improve our world, the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City has been re-invented to enhance educational travel and inspire student groups in scientific literacy and understanding.
Science museums first appeared in the early 1800s, with a focus on collecting, researching, and presenting artifacts in an attempt to understand the past. In the 1960s, science museums sought to entertain and engage their audiences – increasing scientific literacy and understanding. Today, many science centers are focused solely on interactivity. The newly reinvented Liberty Science Center has placed its efforts on encouraging actual science activism, acting as a resource and catalyst to advance the realm of science, technology, and society.
Enhanced by its historic and cosmopolitan location, which overlooks Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Science Center strives to inspire student tours in understanding the continuing connection between scientific advances and how they improve the human condition.
For instance, the center’s “Live From Robotic Surgery” program uses live teleconferencing to take students into the O.R. where they interact directly with surgeons and witness how the advances of science and technology benefit humans. Program offerings include topics on cardiology, neurosurgery, and kidney transplant. Other programs include lab workshops in a state-of-the-art laboratory where students embark on an interactive learning experience led by a knowledgeable science educator.
As students explore the new Liberty Science Center, they encounter “Skyscraper!”, an unprecedented look at the planning, design, and technology of these amazing structures. Whether walking a steel girder high above the exhibit floor, facing down jet-powered hurricane force winds to test a building design, or taking a quiet moment to reflect on the destruction of the World Trade Center, “Skyscraper!” leaves students with a new appreciation and altered view of the impressive skyline that surrounds the center.
“Infection Connection” describes how the choices we make on a daily basis contribute to the rise and fall of infectious diseases. In this exhibit, students explore interactions between humans and microbes, learn about emerging diseases, and see how science develops tools and technologies to prevent and treat infections. Student tours can even conduct microbiology and epidemiology experiments in the center’s own laboratory.
While most of the exhibits in the center are brand new, students can still see some familiar favorites from the earlier days in “Wonder Why: Observe, Imagine, Create.” Exhibits highlights include the fossil-studded Rock Climbing Wall, observing the attributes of air at the Bernoulli Blower, or creating a masterpiece in the Digital Darkroom.
Science comes to life in demonstrations offered live in the center’s exhibition galleries. Student group travelers have the opportunity to participate and ask questions of a science educator on topics that correlate with the exhibits. For instance, students learn how to be an amateur surveyor using actual surveying equipment or learn the steps required to create a sterile environment in the operating room while performing live surgery on a (vegetative) patient. Or, they may experience first hand how lasers work and discover some of the ways lasers are used in daily life.
In the Liberty Science Center IMAX Dome Theater, student tours journey into ancient tombs or observe the surface of Mars during their scheduled film showings. In the Digital 3D Theater, the story of NASA’s Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory mission unfolds, told through the eyes of key NASA participants. The film features the first stunning 3D images ever captured of the sun and explains the vital knowledge the science community will gain from the mission.
The Liberty Science Center offers a variety of educational programs based on age and interest level. Some of the more popular choices include lab workshops, which are held in a state-of-the-art laboratory, where students embark on learning experiences, ranging from meteorology to New Jersey wildlife, with a science educator. Enhanced Experiences allows groups to choose an onsite experience and dig deeper into one of the center’s new exhibitions, or pick an outdoor experience and learn about the Hudson River estuary.
Life Science Companies and the Fda: How Change Control Software Transforms a Combatant Fist Fight Into a Picnic in the Park
Marci Lynn Crane asked:
When you consider the relationship a life science company shares with the FDA it’s easy to visualize the love/hate kinship of a parent and child. It’s also simple to deduce who the parent might be. After all, the FDA Mama or Papa Bear has never been shy when it comes to playing by regulatory rules.
The Goals of Life Science and the Goals of the FDA: Mutually Compatible or Mutually Exclusive?
The goals of a life science company are likely to include the development, manufacture and sales of the best and most useful biotech equipment, medical devices, drugs, etc. The goals of the FDA include safety, the transparent communication of possible dangers or uncomfortable side effects, and the viable effectiveness of products produced. Each set of goals is noble and in theory supports the goals of the other. In practice however, the goals of these separate institutions seem almost mutually exclusive.
Change Control Software: Middle Ground for Two Separate Powers
Like most solutions to apparently irreparable problems, the solution that allows both life science companies and the FDA to find a cheerful middle ground is the solution that benefits both organizations. This solution includes the implementation and use of change control software. Change control software is valuable for the simple reason that it allows life science companies to artfully manage (without spending ridiculous man-hours) those changes that occur at any stage of a product’s development or manufacturing processes. Documentation, routing, tasks and employee accountability are also concerted via a solid change control software solution.
The benefits of a change control software solution are many but to truly understand these benefits it’s beneficial to first understand the problems that often maintain many life science professionals in a state of “regulated” frustration.
The Problems
Among the problems that lie within the walls of many life science companies is the problem of change management processes that are controlled 1) manually or 2) with a hybrid/decentralized solution. Most companies simply want to save their hard earned ROI, but when considered carefully it’s easy to see that manual and/or hybrid solutions won’t save companies money in the long run, and in addition, present a variety of problems that might have managed to stump even Solomon the wise.
Manual and Hybrid Solutions: Problems that Contribute to Greater Problems
Listed below are some of the problems that life science companies can avoid with a digitized and centralized change control software solution.
High Costs—Life science professionals may think they save money with a paper-based system but in all reality they spend a great deal to pay for the tedious man-hours spent on the manual routing of documents, the document approval process and on manual search and document retrieval (if the document can actually be found). A change control software solution however manages to automatically route documents, seek the appropriate approvals/electronic signatures, search for documents and retrieve them.
Validation Procedures—The FDA requires that processes (this includes change processes) be validated. If a life science company has to validate their processes manually it can be a far greater challenge than some companies care to undertake. Electronic validation presents a far more effective alternative that saves time, money, and effort. In the long run, manual validation can also cost more than a centralized solution. When searching for change control software, ask the software sellers if automated validation services are available.
No Centralized Location—A paper-based system doesn’t allow life science professionals to maintain, protect and organize documents in one digitized and centralized location. A commendable change control software solution digitizes and centralizes information so that life science associates can find the organized information they need—when they need it. A good change control software solution will also manage almost any type of file required throughout any of the GxP processes.
Document Revision Processes—When change inevitably occurs the manual document revision process can be faulty in the extreme. Life science employees will unfortunately be subjected to manual searches for documents, and will be required to manually make changes on documents or SOPs. A good change control software solution however can provide revision control that is automatic and centralized so that once submitted, documents can be routed and approved quickly and effectually. Change tracking will also be automatic.
Also, when searching for the change control solution that will fit the needs of a life science company, professionals should look for a solution that is 1) customizable to their needs and that 2) require form explanations for changes that are being made. Accountability, after all should be an important aspect of change control.
A Picnic in the Park
Change control can take life science professionals one step further to a change management process that could potentially be compared to a picnic in the park.
When you consider the relationship a life science company shares with the FDA it’s easy to visualize the love/hate kinship of a parent and child. It’s also simple to deduce who the parent might be. After all, the FDA Mama or Papa Bear has never been shy when it comes to playing by regulatory rules.
The Goals of Life Science and the Goals of the FDA: Mutually Compatible or Mutually Exclusive?
The goals of a life science company are likely to include the development, manufacture and sales of the best and most useful biotech equipment, medical devices, drugs, etc. The goals of the FDA include safety, the transparent communication of possible dangers or uncomfortable side effects, and the viable effectiveness of products produced. Each set of goals is noble and in theory supports the goals of the other. In practice however, the goals of these separate institutions seem almost mutually exclusive.
Change Control Software: Middle Ground for Two Separate Powers
Like most solutions to apparently irreparable problems, the solution that allows both life science companies and the FDA to find a cheerful middle ground is the solution that benefits both organizations. This solution includes the implementation and use of change control software. Change control software is valuable for the simple reason that it allows life science companies to artfully manage (without spending ridiculous man-hours) those changes that occur at any stage of a product’s development or manufacturing processes. Documentation, routing, tasks and employee accountability are also concerted via a solid change control software solution.
The benefits of a change control software solution are many but to truly understand these benefits it’s beneficial to first understand the problems that often maintain many life science professionals in a state of “regulated” frustration.
The Problems
Among the problems that lie within the walls of many life science companies is the problem of change management processes that are controlled 1) manually or 2) with a hybrid/decentralized solution. Most companies simply want to save their hard earned ROI, but when considered carefully it’s easy to see that manual and/or hybrid solutions won’t save companies money in the long run, and in addition, present a variety of problems that might have managed to stump even Solomon the wise.
Manual and Hybrid Solutions: Problems that Contribute to Greater Problems
Listed below are some of the problems that life science companies can avoid with a digitized and centralized change control software solution.
High Costs—Life science professionals may think they save money with a paper-based system but in all reality they spend a great deal to pay for the tedious man-hours spent on the manual routing of documents, the document approval process and on manual search and document retrieval (if the document can actually be found). A change control software solution however manages to automatically route documents, seek the appropriate approvals/electronic signatures, search for documents and retrieve them.
Validation Procedures—The FDA requires that processes (this includes change processes) be validated. If a life science company has to validate their processes manually it can be a far greater challenge than some companies care to undertake. Electronic validation presents a far more effective alternative that saves time, money, and effort. In the long run, manual validation can also cost more than a centralized solution. When searching for change control software, ask the software sellers if automated validation services are available.
No Centralized Location—A paper-based system doesn’t allow life science professionals to maintain, protect and organize documents in one digitized and centralized location. A commendable change control software solution digitizes and centralizes information so that life science associates can find the organized information they need—when they need it. A good change control software solution will also manage almost any type of file required throughout any of the GxP processes.
Document Revision Processes—When change inevitably occurs the manual document revision process can be faulty in the extreme. Life science employees will unfortunately be subjected to manual searches for documents, and will be required to manually make changes on documents or SOPs. A good change control software solution however can provide revision control that is automatic and centralized so that once submitted, documents can be routed and approved quickly and effectually. Change tracking will also be automatic.
Also, when searching for the change control solution that will fit the needs of a life science company, professionals should look for a solution that is 1) customizable to their needs and that 2) require form explanations for changes that are being made. Accountability, after all should be an important aspect of change control.
A Picnic in the Park
Change control can take life science professionals one step further to a change management process that could potentially be compared to a picnic in the park.
Is Systems Development an Art or a Science?
September 3, 2009 by admin
Filed under Programming
Tim Bryce asked:
This is an important question which is ultimately at the heart of a lot of the problems in systems and software development. There is one camp that believes development to be an art form requiring free-spirited creative types of people, and another camp believing it to be a science requiring people that are more disciplined and organized.
The difference between an art and a science is subtle but significant. An art form is based on the intuitiveness of the person performing the work, something that is difficult, if not impossible, to pass on to another human being. For example, apprentices serving under an artist may try for years to emulate the master, but may never attain his level of skill and creativity. In contrast, a science is based on a governing body of concepts and principles and, as such, can be easily taught to others. From this perspective, programming can certainly be viewed as a science as it has certainly been taught and passed on to others for many years; further, it involves certain governing principles in terms of language syntax, approaches to defining program logic and construction. Some might argue the physical design of a report or screen requires creativity, and there is a certain element of truth to this as some look better than others. But even the design of reports and screens can be governed by certain principles in terms of layout, navigation, color schemes, etc.
On the systems side, there are governing principles as well which can easily be taught to others. It too requires a certain element of creativity for such things as analyzing and solving business problems and designing work flows. I guess what I’m driving at is that science is certainly not devoid of creativity. For example, consider the sciences of architecture and engineering, all of which are based on governing principles, yet offers channels of creativity in design. Music is another excellent example of a science involving creativity. In other words, art does not hold a monopoly on creativity.
In any form of development you can either build things one at a time or in volume. Artists are excellent for building unique works of art, but it is hardly an effective approach for corporations to take who tend to build things with many people. Consequently, they are more inclined to adopt a development approach based on science as opposed to an art form. Further, maintaining a product derived from a science is easier than one based on art as you can more readily reproduce the object according to specifications.
Not long ago I wrote an article on why it is necessary to record your time during the day, specifically as it applies for project management purposes. During the article, I mentioned there is often resistance to reporting time by those people who perceive themselves as free-spirited creative types who do not like to be encumbered by such discipline. Pursuant to the article, I received some interesting responses who felt it wasn’t necessary to impose too many management controls and discipline on such creative spirits, particularly programmers, that it would be viewed as a bureaucracy and nuisance as opposed to helping with their assignments. They also commented on their disdain for micromanagement; that they would prefer more freedom as it pertains to their work. Personally, I do not have a problem with this as I have always advocated worker empowerment (managing from the bottom-up). In other words, they want more decision making authority in the planning process of their assignments. This means they should also be participating in the preparation of estimates for their assignments and should be able to report back to management on the progress of their assignments. To do so, there should be something more substantial than vague generalities as to where they stand on an assignment, e.g.; “I’m 50% complete.” Because of the many people participating in today’s development projects, management can ill-afford to operate with vague generalities and instead needs to know early on if the worker is in trouble or will be delivering his work product early or late. This can be simply performed by recording time spent and estimating the amount of effort remaining on an assignment. This is particularly needed, if their assignment affects the schedules of others. If the worker is going to be given more freedom to layout and estimate his work, it seems perfectly reasonable to apply a little discipline and accountability regardless of the creative spirits involved, especially if other people are involved.
So, is systems and software development a science or an art? I contend that it is a science for the reasons already mentioned. As such, it can be taught and implemented in essentially the same manner as other sciences, such as architecture and engineering, who are basically in the same business as systems and software personnel except designing other types of products. True, we still have issues of creativity and managing complexity, but this is no different than the other disciplines as well. It also means imposing the same types of discipline, organization and accountability as found in the other disciplines. The problem though is this conflicts with today’s relaxed office mores. One has to question if we have become perhaps too lax in our corporate cultures to the point it is having an adverse effect on productivity; that maybe some discipline and accountability might produce positive results.
Younger developers might contend that I am out of touch with how systems and software is developed these days, that they need free reign to do what they want. I contend there will always be a place for management, otherwise we will end up with the “1000 Monkey Phenomenon” whereby people are permitted to do whatever they so desire and maybe, just maybe, something worthwhile will be produced. Companies can certainly not afford to operate in this manner and, because of this, we will always need management to orchestrate development efforts in a concerted manner.
One last note, an area that greatly concerns me is the lack of standards in this industry, particularly in the area of systems. Sure we have plenty of theories of what systems are, but no definitive body of knowledge that can be applied uniformly. This is one obstacle prohibiting us from becoming a legitimate science. As long as there are multiple interpretations of the same thing, we will never realize any consistency and management will continue to perceive developers as free spirited artists as opposed to disciplined professionals.
If you would like to discuss this with me in more depth, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail.
This is an important question which is ultimately at the heart of a lot of the problems in systems and software development. There is one camp that believes development to be an art form requiring free-spirited creative types of people, and another camp believing it to be a science requiring people that are more disciplined and organized.
The difference between an art and a science is subtle but significant. An art form is based on the intuitiveness of the person performing the work, something that is difficult, if not impossible, to pass on to another human being. For example, apprentices serving under an artist may try for years to emulate the master, but may never attain his level of skill and creativity. In contrast, a science is based on a governing body of concepts and principles and, as such, can be easily taught to others. From this perspective, programming can certainly be viewed as a science as it has certainly been taught and passed on to others for many years; further, it involves certain governing principles in terms of language syntax, approaches to defining program logic and construction. Some might argue the physical design of a report or screen requires creativity, and there is a certain element of truth to this as some look better than others. But even the design of reports and screens can be governed by certain principles in terms of layout, navigation, color schemes, etc.
On the systems side, there are governing principles as well which can easily be taught to others. It too requires a certain element of creativity for such things as analyzing and solving business problems and designing work flows. I guess what I’m driving at is that science is certainly not devoid of creativity. For example, consider the sciences of architecture and engineering, all of which are based on governing principles, yet offers channels of creativity in design. Music is another excellent example of a science involving creativity. In other words, art does not hold a monopoly on creativity.
In any form of development you can either build things one at a time or in volume. Artists are excellent for building unique works of art, but it is hardly an effective approach for corporations to take who tend to build things with many people. Consequently, they are more inclined to adopt a development approach based on science as opposed to an art form. Further, maintaining a product derived from a science is easier than one based on art as you can more readily reproduce the object according to specifications.
Not long ago I wrote an article on why it is necessary to record your time during the day, specifically as it applies for project management purposes. During the article, I mentioned there is often resistance to reporting time by those people who perceive themselves as free-spirited creative types who do not like to be encumbered by such discipline. Pursuant to the article, I received some interesting responses who felt it wasn’t necessary to impose too many management controls and discipline on such creative spirits, particularly programmers, that it would be viewed as a bureaucracy and nuisance as opposed to helping with their assignments. They also commented on their disdain for micromanagement; that they would prefer more freedom as it pertains to their work. Personally, I do not have a problem with this as I have always advocated worker empowerment (managing from the bottom-up). In other words, they want more decision making authority in the planning process of their assignments. This means they should also be participating in the preparation of estimates for their assignments and should be able to report back to management on the progress of their assignments. To do so, there should be something more substantial than vague generalities as to where they stand on an assignment, e.g.; “I’m 50% complete.” Because of the many people participating in today’s development projects, management can ill-afford to operate with vague generalities and instead needs to know early on if the worker is in trouble or will be delivering his work product early or late. This can be simply performed by recording time spent and estimating the amount of effort remaining on an assignment. This is particularly needed, if their assignment affects the schedules of others. If the worker is going to be given more freedom to layout and estimate his work, it seems perfectly reasonable to apply a little discipline and accountability regardless of the creative spirits involved, especially if other people are involved.
So, is systems and software development a science or an art? I contend that it is a science for the reasons already mentioned. As such, it can be taught and implemented in essentially the same manner as other sciences, such as architecture and engineering, who are basically in the same business as systems and software personnel except designing other types of products. True, we still have issues of creativity and managing complexity, but this is no different than the other disciplines as well. It also means imposing the same types of discipline, organization and accountability as found in the other disciplines. The problem though is this conflicts with today’s relaxed office mores. One has to question if we have become perhaps too lax in our corporate cultures to the point it is having an adverse effect on productivity; that maybe some discipline and accountability might produce positive results.
Younger developers might contend that I am out of touch with how systems and software is developed these days, that they need free reign to do what they want. I contend there will always be a place for management, otherwise we will end up with the “1000 Monkey Phenomenon” whereby people are permitted to do whatever they so desire and maybe, just maybe, something worthwhile will be produced. Companies can certainly not afford to operate in this manner and, because of this, we will always need management to orchestrate development efforts in a concerted manner.
One last note, an area that greatly concerns me is the lack of standards in this industry, particularly in the area of systems. Sure we have plenty of theories of what systems are, but no definitive body of knowledge that can be applied uniformly. This is one obstacle prohibiting us from becoming a legitimate science. As long as there are multiple interpretations of the same thing, we will never realize any consistency and management will continue to perceive developers as free spirited artists as opposed to disciplined professionals.
If you would like to discuss this with me in more depth, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail.
