Is it normal to change my major because of this

I was going to be a Biochem major, but the biology class, has become depressing- the last lesson, we learned about an experiment on mice (Obviously they do that) but seeing the picture of a dead mouse, even though it was just a drawing, made me want to cry... I started to think I would have to do that sort of thing to get a job in the field, even panicked a bit, same when i saw in the Lab portion, there were empty rodent cages lining the cabinets, just like the ones i had for my own pet rodents... I freaked out a little inside, worrying I would have to experiment on live animals... I suppose we wont just in first year... but now I want to change my major for this? I know I am overreacting but I am very sensitive about that sort of thing and I love mice and I cannot hurt any living thing with feelings. IIN.

Actually, I would much rather be a Chemist, but I don't think I was smart enough for that. Plus, I know when working with chemicals, elements, etc. it can have negative effects on humans too, and that made me sad as well. I started thinking, I can't do any job that has such an effect on people, it's too much responsibility... I don't know what to do...

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Based on 30 votes (23 yes)
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Comments ( 6 )
  • myboyfriendsbitch

    If there is no way to appease your morals in this field, it is normal to change majors for this reason. My morals are the reason I didn't pursue advertising, but fine art instead, because I couldn't stand the thought of taking away peoples' freedom of choice. Now I can make advert-like paintings that fight the system, if I choose to.

    If you can, choose a field that will allow you to stand up for you're beliefs. You may even be able to make changes within that field, if there is a way to reject those methods you despise. Just because things ARE a certain way doesn't mean they have to be.

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  • peterr

    Once you have gay sex you won't think about it any more. Sucking cocks is a form of therapy my boy!

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  • I have the same problem. I want to be something sciencey, but then three boys in my chemistry class thought it would be interesting to put a goldfish in oil and various other chemicals. I started to cry, and thought, I would probably have to do experiments on poor little animals. So yes, it's totally normal to change your major. I myself am conflicted :/

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  • RomeoDeMontague

    Yes this is perfectly normal. Also if you become a biochemist you might have to test on live animals. I could understand where the conflict lies though. Loving animals but loving science as well. I would not feel right testing on live animals either and I am against animal abuse. Though admittedly I did enjoy dissecting the pig in bio as awful as I think that might make me. This is what I think you could do however. Since you perused BioChemistry I would say drop the Bio part. As bio is often the field that is more involved in biology and dissections and chemistry is more focused on chemicals. So perhaps try to do Chemistry as your major and get a different minor like psychology or something. Also those chemicals are used for a vierity of things from making bleach(Cleaning supplys), to making drugs(to save people) and curing stuff like cancer. So I think Chemistry might be more up your ally. Or you could try being a doctor/nurse. They learn biology and chemistry but its mostly tailored to people so you would be helping people.

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  • Wuggums47

    If you're going to make an omelet, you're going to have to crack a few eggs, and if you're going to be a biologist you're going to have to take apart things internal organs to see how they work. Looks like you chose your major without thinking about it. When you choose a new one, look for one that doesn't offend your sensibilities, and preferably something high paying. I plan on becoming a psychiatrist, and I've already made my peace with having to learn how to suture flesh, and dissect a cadaver if I need to in order to get there. The thing is, in the field I'll never end up using those skills. That's why I'm okay with it. In the field of biology, there's a lot of animals involved, and usually they are dead because of you. Definately doesn't sound like your thing.

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  • tarikaybartugu

    If you can't do it you can't do it. Just focus on finding something new. I have a friend who graduated from aviation engineering from a leading school and started working in a major company and he now he is making hamburgers for a living because he understood that is not what he wanted to do. It took him 6 years of intense work to understand whereas you've already found a very legitimate reason not to pursue this career in a very early stage. From what I know, biochemists might need to work with dissecting little animals throughout their careers.

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