Being good at the bench - (May/23/2009 )

Hey guys,
Being a relatively new graduate student in a big lab where people do not have time to train me, I wanted to train myself. I read this book "At the bench" by Kathy Barker and wrote down things which were important for me. But nevertheless I thought it might be useful to somebody else also. I've attached the document with this post.
Enjoy!

jangajarn on May 23 2009, 11:06 AM said:

Don't adhere too much to the rules though. 50 times or not , sometimes variation from the standard protocol gives u what you want. Bioforum is made for this.

jangajarn on May 23 2009, 08:06 PM said:

training you is part of THEIR training, never feel guilty about asking - a good scientist will always help you out.
books can only give you so much - one on one training is the cornerstone of good experimental technique

if someone is too busy to let you watch while they explain what they are doing - then they are crap scientists

d

jangajarn on May 23 2009, 11:06 AM said:

it's a very good start to read up on the basics, however never solely rely on manuals etc to 'teach' you everything you need to know these manuals will give you the background knowledge and fundamentals.. but being a truly competent scientist in the lab is achieved by practice and making a lot of mistakes! don't be afraid to ask questions. i know exactly how you feel. even if you think you might feel stupid for asking too many questions - it will help both you and the person teaching you! always make the most of the scientist that is there - ask lots of questions and jot down whatever you can. each individual scientist will give you certain handy points you might not get from one.. so yeh.. ask whoever you can! Also, make sure that when you're reading about methods/protocols.. you ask yourself why they are doing it a particular way and try to find out how it can be performed easier and cheaper. adapt what you read in manuals to suit your needs.
I think the most important part of being a scientist is to never stop asking why. once you find out all the answers to the 'whys', it is only then where you can start to improve yourself as a scientist and the techniques which you employ.

woah ive talked too much!

The main advise I have given to anybody I've supervised is to be prepared for interruption. whether you're handling 3 or 300 tubes it should not matter if someone comes into the lab and interrupts you. You should be able to go back exactly at the correct tube to add 2µl of a reagent. This is mainly done by using different positions for the tubes:
1:Before adding -it's in this rack.
2: when adding the reagent, add it, close it and place the tube in another rack.

If someone drops by, the phone rings or anything and you have to focus on that it's no problem to know where you were once you're back with your experiment.

Hi all !

I'm new member and I'm new to do research ! The content of this book must be very good ! Have you had this ebook ? If so, can you share me ?

Thank you in advance !

my email : kimhao0904@gmail.com

I agree with all above. Should add:
1. Make sure besides yourself another person (not working on the project)reads and signs your notebook.
2. line out and intial corrections.

always always ask questions you are not a robot.

Don't be interrupted during an intricate experiment; time can be a factor in the reaction.

Hi everyone, base on my experience whether you're handling many tubes it should not matter if someone comes into the lab and interrupts you. You should be able to go back exactly at the correct tube to add 2µl of a reagent. This is mainly done by using different positions for the tubes

Dominic on Fri Jun 12 15:28:02 2009 said:

training you is part of THEIR training, never feel guilty about asking - a good scientist will always help you out.
books can only give you so much - one on one training is the cornerstone of good experimental technique

if someone is too busy to let you watch while they explain what they are doing - then they are crap scientists

d