[The thing is, Mordin could totally be a professor in this life, and actually was in a previous one.

Oh, yes - various animals also obtained network connection, became sapient and gained ability to speak. Still not sure how, but have gotten good at suspending disbelief.

Also, should mention: network code generally linked to some sort of alteration: physical change, discovering new item, or gaining new memories. Alterations occur often afterwards. Trend seems to be after contact with invader's tools and forces, such as grues, but not sure, only have self to examine. Have been called "Echoes" by others, theorized to be reflections of a past life. Still skeptical about that one myself, but seems to be catching on.