Help with Studying Decision

As some of you may know, I'm doing a BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology at Stellenbosch University. I'm starting second year and registration needs to be done quite soon.

My dilemma is having to choose between two elective modules, Biochemistry or Genetics. My eventual goal is to work in the research aspect of conservation, hopefully in freshwater ecosystems, but I understand that often what one studies leads to quite different things in reality.

I would like to ask those with an academic background or any knowledge in related fields as to which of these two electives would potentially be the best for me to pursue given my interests and goals?

Many thanks

 

Why Don't you ask the prof? he is probably the only one that can help you here.

 

I considered it but thought I'd make an open topic in case others have a different point of view.

 

Ditto!

 

Hi @Nirv ... All I can say is that you are VERY delicately poised on a cusp of 2 very important choices...

My history... Studied for my National diploma in Nature Conservation in '93 till '95 - was sorta being "groomed" for CNC position in riverine ecology... Unfortunatly/fortunately,the "new SA" came around and that was denied to me....Long story...

If I could turn back the clock now,knowing what I do,I would perseu a course of study that follows most closely on what your 1st year studies assimilates to... seeing how government is "waking up to" the environmental problems our country are facing - seems to me that this is the way to secure a lucrative future...
just a jaded individual's input....

 

Thanks for the info azurekoi, another example of how life is hardly predictable or easy

So the best course of action would be to re-post in the Prof's thread?

 

Hey Nirv, not sure if I'm a bit late to this thread but here it goes. I have done both genetics and biochemistry modules in the course of my studies. The decision is also dependent on what you will enjoy more because if you don't like what you are doing then youre going to hav a miserable time. I personally prefer biochemistry but given the education you have and the end result that you want I'd say that genetics may be more beneficial. That is just my opinion based on experience. I would suggest that you ask around at the respective departments at Stellenbosch. It may turn out to be worth the effort? Best of luck with your decision.