Carlos..... Not trying to start a full-scale war here. Not trying to put You and anyone on the spot. You say:
Broadly speaking, I understand that biology is not physics or chemistry. Even in simple ways, Biology is Physics and Chemistry. I think about some things we know about Biology today. How much have we learned about Biology through all kinds of Chemistry, not sure where to start. When it comes to Physics and the like, how much Biology have we learned through things like Electron Microscopy. I think of a video I've seen many times by Doc Edgerton of MIT. He is credited by many for developing the very high speed strobe or flash for Photography. How much Biology have we learned from that? You can toss Math in there with the Photography as well. About language, I might even disagree with You about English being the language of Science. Things have or already changing, maybe not too many Papers you can't get in the language of your choice. I still know that at the 4 year undergrad school I went to....4 years of Latin were required, along with 4 years of another language. I am guessing here, but I have many more non-American friend and colleagues who speak English better than many Americans, and also have many friends and colleagues that are completely lost outside of the English language. Thanks, not picking on you. Mike Nolan Forgive me if I'm a bit simple but as I don’t have educational responsibilities allows me to be reckless (Unfortunately I have not any responsibility in science now too). Broadly speaking, I understand that biology is not physics or chemistry. Many physics study plays with the infinite term since its field of action is the universe, "infinites universes". So if something happens and it is shown mathematically, based on statistical probabilities, has to happen. The infinity has a very limited application in biology since their field is the life on earth. So if something happens and it is shown mathematically don´t have to occur in biology. Here acts the common sense and empirical experimentation. This has led, in my opinion, to some biologists and education systems to underestimate, stupidly, to mathematics. I say stupidly because mathematics is the language of science and the biological facts need besides common sense be refuted mathematically. I.e. The undergraduate study of biology in Spain mandatory had at first year with 12 credits of mathematics, 12 credits of chemistry, and 12 credits of physics (applied to biological processes). In recent years the studies have been adapted to "european system", seeking unification towards more practical and less theoretical. Currently undergraduate study of biology have 4.5 credits of math, 6 credits of chemistry and 6 credits of physics applied to biological processes. In my opinion to prioritize the practical knowledge reducing basic theoretical knowledge in undergraduate studies of biology is a mistake. To implement their practical knowledge the students could do a MS and PhD. Almost in Spain we have gone from a system with few practical knowledge to a system that prioritizes the practical over the theoretical knowledge. We tipped the balance the other side. Pd.- Regarding to teachers who don’t speak good English. I can understand to the students, but more difficult is having to explain and defend an idea in a language that isn’t your mother language. How many scientists English speakers have tried to defend his doctoral disertation or their results at a congress or journal in French, German or Spanish…? This could be a mandatory exercise in every good university UK, USA... I think that it would make to some ones more cautious, more understanding and more polite when listening to a non-English speaking or acting as referee. I know that English is currently the language of science. But the fact that science can not be done unless you have a good level of English is a huge handicap for many scientists who studied others languages as Spanish, French or German when they were child. I.e. for a Spanish who don’t studied English when was child is almost impossible to speak good English. It is a problem of brain. The Spanish language use 5 vowels and the English language12. How many great ideas and scientific have been lost because of that English is the only one language of science? All the best. Carlos ---------- If we are on another line or away from the phone, please leave your number, best time to return your call and your e-mail address. After hours and weekend phone appointments are available upon request. Sincerely, J. 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