Ask HN: Any “Teach Yourself CS”-like guides for other fields?

#1

Post by dho » Mon, Apr 12, 2021, 1:23 PM UTC

Hi HN,

Are there any resources for self learners similar to "Teach Yourself CS", but for other fields (for example, biology or physics)?

Thanks.

Re: Ask HN: Any “Teach Yourself CS”-like guides for other fields?

#2

Post by the_only_law » Mon, Apr 12, 2021, 7:06 PM UTC

I’ve heard the following multiple times from different people, mostly in regards to other engineering and science fields. I can’t speak to how effective it is personally, though.

It roughly boils down to find a good degree program in subject and try to get information on the curriculum, books involved, etc. and follow it on your own.

Assuming this is all for personal reasons, as there’s no way you’re getting into these fields without having paid up.

Re: Ask HN: Any “Teach Yourself CS”-like guides for other fields?

#3

Post by otras » Mon, Apr 12, 2021, 7:59 PM UTC

Here's a guide on learning physics, aptly titled "So You Want to Learn Physics...": https://www.susanjfowler.com/blog/2016/8/13/so-you-want-to-l...

Here are some old HN discussions about it as well:

8 months ago: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24088985

2 years ago: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18374994

5 years ago: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12691963

Re: Ask HN: Any “Teach Yourself CS”-like guides for other fields?

#4

Post by yur3i__ » Mon, Apr 12, 2021, 10:06 PM UTC

I'd certainly be interested in one for mathematics, as i only really have a secondary (middle) school education

Re: Ask HN: Any “Teach Yourself CS”-like guides for other fields?

#5

Post by giantg2 » Mon, Apr 12, 2021, 10:30 PM UTC

yur3i__ wrote: post #4

I'd certainly be interested in one for mathematics, as i only really have a secondary (middle) school education

Usually secondary school refers to high school.

Re: Ask HN: Any “Teach Yourself CS”-like guides for other fields?

#6

Post by giantg2 » Mon, Apr 12, 2021, 10:32 PM UTC

If you're interested in finance, the CFA has a Foundations course. I think it's online and free now.

Re: Ask HN: Any “Teach Yourself CS”-like guides for other fields?

#7

Post by [deleted] » Mon, Apr 12, 2021, 11:35 PM UTC

yur3i__ wrote: post #4

I'd certainly be interested in one for mathematics, as i only really have a secondary (middle) school education

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: Any “Teach Yourself CS”-like guides for other fields?

#8

Post by brudgers » Tue, Apr 13, 2021, 12:54 AM UTC

Not really I think.

The tools to experiment and apply contemporary computer science to useful ends are accessible.

Biology and physics lack this property.

You can get book learning in them. But not hands on experience solving real world problems. Too many gate keepers.

Re: Ask HN: Any “Teach Yourself CS”-like guides for other fields?

#9

Post by Shindi » Tue, Apr 13, 2021, 1:17 AM UTC

Request for one of these for genetics. I want to be able to play with genes or genetics, even if it's in a sandbox.

Re: Ask HN: Any “Teach Yourself CS”-like guides for other fields?

#10

Post by iobt92 » Tue, Apr 13, 2021, 1:19 AM UTC

brudgers wrote: post #8

Not really I think. The tools to experiment and apply contemporary computer science to useful ends are accessible. Biology and physics lack this property. You can get book learning in them. But not hands on experience solving real world problems. Too many gate keepers.

I agree, but which fields would you say (within and outside computing) one can dive pretty deep into via both books and hands on experience?