Bioethics vs Anthropology Major

[Guest mindteaser]

Hi,

 

I'm currently doing a life science major at UofT and in the process of choosing my second major. I'm considering either a bioethics or an anthropology major.

 

At UofT, the bioethics major offer courses quite relevant to individual considering working in the medical field (e.g. Ethics of Death and Dying, Medical Research etc.). Anthropology also offers a few courses such as anthropology of health, Genetics and society etc. Taking anthropology would mean I have more varieties of courses to take, since this major allows you to take any courses offered in this department (ie. I could do anthropology of health, gender, globalization and underdevelopment etc.). However, I worry that med school might not look very kindly on such a variable major. Furthermore, if I was to take anthropology, it seems the option for a career outside of medicine is rather slim (since my majors are not specialized in any particular field).

 

That being said, would bioethics and life science be a better combination (i.e. both as preparation for med school and/or preparation for an alternative career)?

 

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Guest aneliz]

I don't think that med schools will look down on a less specialised program (like anthropology). They are usually looking for diversity and breadth of interest...there are people in my class with just about every undergrad major you can think of...from comparative religion to engineering. (Yes, both are represented in UWO Meds 2006!)

 

You need to take what YOU feel that you will be most interested in and will do the best in. Don't make a decision based solely on how you think it will look on your application. Most of all, this is what med schools are looking for...to see that you have at least considered other areas before deciding on medicine and that you have a wide range of experiences from which you have learned. I think it is important to take courses from as many different fields as possible...this can only strenghten your application....as long as you have some semblance of an overall plan in your studies (ie they aren't completely random courses).

 

As for a 'back up' career....I really don't think that one would give you an advantage over the other...A science degree with a second major in an art or social science is essentially the same regardless of what either the science or the arts major is. I really don't think that either decision would have a significant impact either way in terms of finding an 'alternative' career.

 

So, pick what you think that you would enjoy the most...and I personally would go with the one that will give you the most freedom and electives to explore as many different things as possible. Enjoy the variety available now...because once you get in, you can kiss electives and all 'non-med related' studies goodbye....

[Guest Kirsteen]

Hi there mindteaser,

 

aneliz has some wise words for you there. The only thing I would add is that you might want to be mindful of research opportunities in the future as well. Your choice of program may influence your ability to gain entry to do research in either of these areas. For example, if you take courses in anthropology, you might be more likely to land research positions within that area than in bioethics if you didn't have any courses in the latter. This is not necessarily the case, but it's something to consider. Also, it can be a bit of a cart before the horse situation given that you may not know which of the fields you prefer at this point, if you have had limited exposure. No matter, something else to think about.

 

Good luck with your decisions.

 

Cheers,

Kirsteen