Research question: How does undergrads behave when there is no senior around in lab?
Materials and methods:
(a) sampling sites: a few labs around molecular biology department
(b) samples: final year biotech students
(c) data collection methods: random sampling (seniors pop in and out the lab suddenly spying on them; or away for sometime performing experiments and come back suddenly)
Observations:
1. Undergrads eating mandarin oranges near the computer area facing the front door
2. Undergrads loaded their samples into gel wells but not run electrophoresis (leaving the samples 'swimming' in TAE buffer), when asked by seniors, they answered 'we are waiting for 4pm when the senior finish running her gel, then we run our gel.'
Discussion:
1. Although there are rules and regulations written on the notice board in lab, and briefings had been given out + they had undergone many practical classes in their previous years, still cannot figure out why they cannot get the messages into their mind? Is it due to different mind frequencies or that we are from different species? My lab is quite lenient in the sense that my boss close one eye about us drinking in lab at our reading benches (strictly not working benches). There are labs that students have to go out the lab to have a gulp of water. But even when I drink in lab, I also hide under the table and not too openly. Canned drinks and water are to be hidden in my own cabinet at my reading bench.
2. The funniest thing I ever heard during years in lab monitoring undergrads. Can be ranked No. 1 so far in my 'top 10 funniest things happening in lab' (No. 2 goes to some undergrads wearing heels in not sure which lab, guess are from other department, carrying heavy water or chemical tanks. Heels in lab? For me it's like wearing bikini to court.)
Conclusion:
I'm not sure what conclusion can I make. Are they too young? Err, aren't final year students about the age of 22 years old? Legally, they are considered 'adults' and can vote to determine who goes into the parliament. Are they too naive? 2 years of kindergarten + 6 years of primary school + 5 years of secondary school + 1-2 years STPM + 3 years of university education is not enough to train someone into a more logical and sensible person?
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