Finding a Major for Genetic Engineering & Cloning

  • Programs
  • Thread starter Nunchi
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Major
In summary, the conversation is about the speaker's interest in genetic engineering and cloning, and their uncertainty about what major would lead to a career in this field. They mention biology as a general interest but are looking for a more specific path. The advice given is to start with a general science major and explore different subjects before making a decision.
  • #1
Nunchi
26
0
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:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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.
 

1. What is genetic engineering and cloning?

Genetic engineering is the manipulation of an organism's genetic material to alter its characteristics or traits. Cloning is the process of creating an identical copy of an organism by replicating its DNA.

2. What majors should I consider for a career in genetic engineering and cloning?

Some common majors for this field include genetics, molecular biology, bioengineering, biotechnology, and biomedicine. However, other related fields such as biochemistry, microbiology, and bioinformatics may also be relevant.

3. Are there any specific courses I should take for a career in this field?

It is recommended to take courses in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and statistics. Additionally, courses in bioethics, biotechnology, and bioinformatics can also be beneficial.

4. What skills are important for a career in genetic engineering and cloning?

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are essential for this field. Additionally, knowledge of laboratory techniques and equipment, as well as computer skills, are important.

5. What are the potential career opportunities in genetic engineering and cloning?

Some potential career options include working in research and development for pharmaceutical or biotech companies, academic research institutions, or government agencies. Other opportunities may include working in genetic counseling, healthcare, or agriculture.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
129
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
2
Views
807
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
6
Views
750
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
941
Replies
3
Views
854
Back
Top