Finding a Major for Genetic Engineering & Cloning

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on selecting an academic major relevant to genetic engineering and cloning. Participants recommend starting with a general science major, encompassing foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. This approach allows students to explore various scientific disciplines before specializing, ensuring they align their studies with their evolving interests and strengths. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a broad educational base before narrowing focus to specific fields like genetic manipulation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic biology concepts
  • Familiarity with genetic engineering principles
  • Knowledge of cloning techniques and their implications
  • Basic skills in chemistry and physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research undergraduate programs in general science
  • Explore courses in molecular biology and genetics
  • Investigate career paths in genetic engineering and cloning
  • Learn about ethical considerations in biotechnology
USEFUL FOR

Students interested in pursuing careers in genetic engineering, cloning, or related fields, as well as educators advising on academic pathways in the biological sciences.

Nunchi
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Things that I say generally come out naive and cringe-worthy, so try not to die:

Alright, this is kind of embarrassing to ask, since it's comparable to someone watching a movie about astronauts (Gravity, perhaps? Though I've never seen it.) and instantly wanting to be an astronaut. Though these interests spawned from imagination and biology class, which I think are a bit more justified.

Lately I've been interested in genetic engineering/manipulation (or at least what I imagine it to be) and the general concept of cloning..
I realize something like "cloning" is partially impractical since that's not really something to get a major in but something to get a job doing.
Basically, I'm wondering what major(s) would give the skills necessary to get a job cloning a human or, say, an extinct animal back to life and to modify genes to said cloned animals (like they did to the Rhesus Monkey to give it green fluorescent protein derived from Jellyfish). Biology does interest me in general but biology IS general, so I figure if I went that route, I'd like to do it in something more specific that caters to my more extreme interests.
(Also I was an exchange student in Sweden and my host dad happened to be the top ID specialist in Västerbotten (and maybe all of Sweden), so now that interests me as well. P.S. Also interested in Astronomy/Cosmology.)

tl;dr I basically threw a bunch of random words at you and somehow I hope someone can gauge my interests and help me find a path to take.


Thank you for your time.:biggrin:
 
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One piece of advice I have would be to start general and move towards the specifics as you go.

You're interested in the biology behind cloning now. But there are a lot of ways to get into doing that kind of work. Starting out in a path that's specific to that field is likely to restrict other potential avenues.

Why not start out as a general science major? Take first year biology, chemistry, physics, and math and see what each subject is like at that level. Then make your decision for the next year based on what your interests and strengths are.
 
Choppy said:
One piece of advice I have would be to start general and move towards the specifics as you go.

You're interested in the biology behind cloning now. But there are a lot of ways to get into doing that kind of work. Starting out in a path that's specific to that field is likely to restrict other potential avenues.

Why not start out as a general science major? Take first year biology, chemistry, physics, and math and see what each subject is like at that level. Then make your decision for the next year based on what your interests and strengths are.
Simple yet persuasive in the fact that I don't need to plan my every move out at this very moment. Thanks.
 

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