Hey guys
I came across this website; fastbleep biology. It has short descriptive texts on biology, chemistry and physics topics for Alevel and undergraduate students. These short texts on selective topics are designed for revision notes, may be useful for you.
In addition, it also contain revision notes for medical students.
You can also write your own science topic if you feel fastbleep has not cover your topic, or you think you can improve on a science topic already on the website.
Check it out! its a useful revision tool
http://www.fastbleep.com/
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Freshers week
Hey guys
This week has been a hectic and very busy week for Manchester. Freshers and returning undergraduate students in Manchester. The last few months have been very nice on the roads and in shopping malls, libraries and on public transport but now that the freshers back, this place is live 24/7.
Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about freshers entering Manchester. In fact, if anyone who is a fresher, Welcome to Manchester. I am sure you will have a fab time at university as much as I enjoyed my undergraduate. However, it now takes twice as long on the bus, the roads are packed, there is an enormous queue for food at the canteen. Shopping in the local supermarket now takes twice as long and all the toilet rolls are sold out :-)
Generally speaking, the place feels more like a community now with students returning. Everyone seems to be in a cheeri mood which makes me smile in the mornings too. Just last night, I was talking to a completely random girl studying English and Spanish. Talking on the bus to strangers is normally a no no but students know no bounds and its actually quite refreshing to talk to a nice and friendly stranger.
Going out in Manchester will be more lively so I suppose the more the merrier. Local business seem to be benefitting from the student influx and I have also been picking up a few good student deals myself. Fresher's goodies are being given away at the Manchester student union.
All I can say is, welcome to those students new to Manchester and welcome back returning students. The town has been quiet without you guys!
This week has been a hectic and very busy week for Manchester. Freshers and returning undergraduate students in Manchester. The last few months have been very nice on the roads and in shopping malls, libraries and on public transport but now that the freshers back, this place is live 24/7.
Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about freshers entering Manchester. In fact, if anyone who is a fresher, Welcome to Manchester. I am sure you will have a fab time at university as much as I enjoyed my undergraduate. However, it now takes twice as long on the bus, the roads are packed, there is an enormous queue for food at the canteen. Shopping in the local supermarket now takes twice as long and all the toilet rolls are sold out :-)
Generally speaking, the place feels more like a community now with students returning. Everyone seems to be in a cheeri mood which makes me smile in the mornings too. Just last night, I was talking to a completely random girl studying English and Spanish. Talking on the bus to strangers is normally a no no but students know no bounds and its actually quite refreshing to talk to a nice and friendly stranger.
Going out in Manchester will be more lively so I suppose the more the merrier. Local business seem to be benefitting from the student influx and I have also been picking up a few good student deals myself. Fresher's goodies are being given away at the Manchester student union.
All I can say is, welcome to those students new to Manchester and welcome back returning students. The town has been quiet without you guys!
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Work experience/opportunities
Hey Folks
Today I received some great news that I have been accepted into a secondary job position as an editor of a charitable organization, who aim is to write articles and promote science & medical professions within schools. The level is mainly aimed at GSCE and A Levels. I am excited about this opportunity and it has got me thinking about what other secondary roles is possible during your PhD.
Obviously you don't want to do anything extra that hinders your PhD work but you wouldn't mind boosting a bit of your income.
The jobs market is increasingly competitive these days and obvious qualifications/experience may not be enough to land the job you want so badly. Below are a few suggestions from me as to where I think you can gain that bit more of an advantage over others.
Demonstrating opportunities
Most universities will have this opportunity for PhD students to spend 3 or 4 hours demonstrating for undergraduate labs. For some reason, I had this idea before I started doing it of running experiments for undergraduate students while they sit in the labs eating and drinking. The dream seems a bit horrible but in reality, they are a lovely bunch and you can easily chat with them about science (and other things) whilst taking a break from your PhD project and earning a bit of cash.
Universities jobs
Universities are always advertising for jobs, especially over the summer break. Most of them will be working at a bar or at the student union shop. The hours and times are very flexible and most of the jobs are run by former students for students. Jobs can range from working as a temp library staff to more exotic night-time life bar staff. They are generally very good with giving students opportunities so just pop down to your local student job center.
Volunteering Opportunities
For sure volunteering is always look good on your CV. Everyone’s short on time these days, it’s true, but if you are really honest, you’d find that you may be a bit free after all and all you may need is an hour or two on a weekend working on a local charity or community project. It's social but also looks great on the CV. Give it a go!
Feel free to recommend any other opportunities I have not mentioned.
Today I received some great news that I have been accepted into a secondary job position as an editor of a charitable organization, who aim is to write articles and promote science & medical professions within schools. The level is mainly aimed at GSCE and A Levels. I am excited about this opportunity and it has got me thinking about what other secondary roles is possible during your PhD.
Obviously you don't want to do anything extra that hinders your PhD work but you wouldn't mind boosting a bit of your income.
The jobs market is increasingly competitive these days and obvious qualifications/experience may not be enough to land the job you want so badly. Below are a few suggestions from me as to where I think you can gain that bit more of an advantage over others.
Demonstrating opportunities
Most universities will have this opportunity for PhD students to spend 3 or 4 hours demonstrating for undergraduate labs. For some reason, I had this idea before I started doing it of running experiments for undergraduate students while they sit in the labs eating and drinking. The dream seems a bit horrible but in reality, they are a lovely bunch and you can easily chat with them about science (and other things) whilst taking a break from your PhD project and earning a bit of cash.
Universities jobs
Universities are always advertising for jobs, especially over the summer break. Most of them will be working at a bar or at the student union shop. The hours and times are very flexible and most of the jobs are run by former students for students. Jobs can range from working as a temp library staff to more exotic night-time life bar staff. They are generally very good with giving students opportunities so just pop down to your local student job center.
Volunteering Opportunities
For sure volunteering is always look good on your CV. Everyone’s short on time these days, it’s true, but if you are really honest, you’d find that you may be a bit free after all and all you may need is an hour or two on a weekend working on a local charity or community project. It's social but also looks great on the CV. Give it a go!
Feel free to recommend any other opportunities I have not mentioned.
Saturday, 31 August 2013
the aftermath of the postgraduate society night out
Hey all
This post will be a short post because I am hoping to tell the stories from all the pictures of the night :-). Pictures will come as soon as it will be verified, but in general I just wanted to say it was such a cracking night out. The fancy dress party was awesome and my favourite dress of the night has got to be a person dressing up as a tea cup. That's it for another year from the post-graduate society night out.
Weebster
This post will be a short post because I am hoping to tell the stories from all the pictures of the night :-). Pictures will come as soon as it will be verified, but in general I just wanted to say it was such a cracking night out. The fancy dress party was awesome and my favourite dress of the night has got to be a person dressing up as a tea cup. That's it for another year from the post-graduate society night out.
Weebster
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Postgraduate society Bar crawl
Hey all
Just to prove/show that scientist do know how to relax and have a good time out. I will be attending a pub crawl organized by the post-graduate society and our team will be dressing up. The dressing up theme for tonight is cartoon characters so we decided to go as a bunch of Where's willy. If you see 50-60 funny looking cartoon characters around Manchester tonight, that will be us! I know, partying hard on a weekday when you still got experiments to do the next day seems to be the new norm at the minute. Probably because most of our supervisors are away on holiday.
Hopefully, I won't get to drunk tonight but looking forward to it. Oh, and there will be a science pub quiz tonight- so we can't entirely forget about science :-)
I update you tomorrow if I'm not too hung-over.
The Scitax.
Just to prove/show that scientist do know how to relax and have a good time out. I will be attending a pub crawl organized by the post-graduate society and our team will be dressing up. The dressing up theme for tonight is cartoon characters so we decided to go as a bunch of Where's willy. If you see 50-60 funny looking cartoon characters around Manchester tonight, that will be us! I know, partying hard on a weekday when you still got experiments to do the next day seems to be the new norm at the minute. Probably because most of our supervisors are away on holiday.
Hopefully, I won't get to drunk tonight but looking forward to it. Oh, and there will be a science pub quiz tonight- so we can't entirely forget about science :-)
I update you tomorrow if I'm not too hung-over.
The Scitax.
Monday, 26 August 2013
A bit about me
Hey everyone
Over the next few months or so, I will be blogging about my PhD studies, my life in Manchester, and the work/study/life balance that comes with studying a PhD. I hope to share my ideas and I also hope you will enjoy reading these blogs as I enjoy writing them.
Firstly, I feel that I should introduce my background and so here are a few words about me. I am 24 and have been in Manchester for almost 3 years. I came to Manchester on the back of an amazing summer placement working for a science institute (PSI) in Switzerland. Anyone thinking of going to work aboard, do it! It looks good on your CV and it will give you a fresh perspective on science in a different country. My undergraduate degree was in Biochemistry with a professional placement at the University of Birmingham.
My professional year in industry was at GSK and it was such a life-changing experience. The experiences into how science operate in big pharmaceutical company was very useful and valuable for me. I learnt how to balance several science projects and how to drive results.
When I’m not studying, reading or working, I like to relax by going to the gym and play as many sports as I can. I’m also a big fan of quizzes, even though we never win, it’s nice to take part. Living in the city centre of Manchester means I have a lot of opportunities to experience Manchester’s excellent social and nightlife scenes, which I do. I'm still looking out for a good Jazz club in Manchester city centre so any suggestions are most welcomed.
Quite a few people have asked me why I wanted to do a PhD. Taking up postgraduate study is a challenging and it is not for all. It can be long hours, weekend holidays even festive holidays, you find yourselves writing reports or reading literature. There are also a plus side to a PhD. Firstly, you get called a Doctor if you make it. Secondly, you pay no council or income tax. Last but not least, you get to control a project and take it from the start to make it your own project with your own stamp. If successful, you will get most of credit as well.
Right, that’s about enough from me for now. I’ll be posting a new blog every week or so (or more often if anything exciting happens to me!) and I’d love to field any comments or questions from those who are thinking of doing a PhD or is currently one.
Cheers
Weebster
Over the next few months or so, I will be blogging about my PhD studies, my life in Manchester, and the work/study/life balance that comes with studying a PhD. I hope to share my ideas and I also hope you will enjoy reading these blogs as I enjoy writing them.
Firstly, I feel that I should introduce my background and so here are a few words about me. I am 24 and have been in Manchester for almost 3 years. I came to Manchester on the back of an amazing summer placement working for a science institute (PSI) in Switzerland. Anyone thinking of going to work aboard, do it! It looks good on your CV and it will give you a fresh perspective on science in a different country. My undergraduate degree was in Biochemistry with a professional placement at the University of Birmingham.
My professional year in industry was at GSK and it was such a life-changing experience. The experiences into how science operate in big pharmaceutical company was very useful and valuable for me. I learnt how to balance several science projects and how to drive results.
When I’m not studying, reading or working, I like to relax by going to the gym and play as many sports as I can. I’m also a big fan of quizzes, even though we never win, it’s nice to take part. Living in the city centre of Manchester means I have a lot of opportunities to experience Manchester’s excellent social and nightlife scenes, which I do. I'm still looking out for a good Jazz club in Manchester city centre so any suggestions are most welcomed.
Quite a few people have asked me why I wanted to do a PhD. Taking up postgraduate study is a challenging and it is not for all. It can be long hours, weekend holidays even festive holidays, you find yourselves writing reports or reading literature. There are also a plus side to a PhD. Firstly, you get called a Doctor if you make it. Secondly, you pay no council or income tax. Last but not least, you get to control a project and take it from the start to make it your own project with your own stamp. If successful, you will get most of credit as well.
Right, that’s about enough from me for now. I’ll be posting a new blog every week or so (or more often if anything exciting happens to me!) and I’d love to field any comments or questions from those who are thinking of doing a PhD or is currently one.
Cheers
Weebster
Saturday, 24 August 2013
i was inspired
It was a warm sunny afternoon in 2006. I was a 16 year old boy stuck in a classroom readying myself for a 2-hour biology lesson. It is these two hours that made me fell in awe of science. Our biology teacher was merely explaining how the discovery of the DNA structure changed the world forever.
Genetics contains 4 simple codes; A,G, C and T and these four bases provided the foundations of human life. My 6th form biology teacher was talking about how Crick and Watson determined the structure of DNA. Their story into the discovery of the double-helix DNA structure was not only compelling and fascinating, but there was a sense of controversy into their life-changing proposal in 1953. Back in the early 1950's, Crick and Watson were not the only group trying to crack the structure of DNA. A talented scientist, Rosalind Franklin was also working on the structure of DNA and had in fact created a few images (from X-ray crystallography) of what DNA looked like in her lab book. With the help of Maurice Wilkins, who was the head of Franklin's lab, Crick and Watson saw the lab book without her consent or knowledge. It was widely acknowledge later in life Franklin unpublished data of the DNA structure provided a eureka moment for the two young scientists from Cambridge University. As you know, Crick, Watson and Wilkins won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1962. Franklin was not awarded the prestigious science honor due to the fact that she had passed away, probably as a result of the x-rays she was exposed to when working on DNA. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the structure of DNA has revolutionized modern science. Nowadays we are able to manipulate certain human genes, clone organs and even animals (remember Dolly the sheep!). We can screen those who may be prone to certain diseases as a result of their genetics and provide personalized medicines.
I was inspired after hearing the DNA story and how one single discovery can change the way we look at life. I was inspired how people are still learning about this single event as one of the most important events in the 20th century. I was inspired how a few scientists had crack one of the most important questions in life, how we are made.
Genetics contains 4 simple codes; A,G, C and T and these four bases provided the foundations of human life. My 6th form biology teacher was talking about how Crick and Watson determined the structure of DNA. Their story into the discovery of the double-helix DNA structure was not only compelling and fascinating, but there was a sense of controversy into their life-changing proposal in 1953. Back in the early 1950's, Crick and Watson were not the only group trying to crack the structure of DNA. A talented scientist, Rosalind Franklin was also working on the structure of DNA and had in fact created a few images (from X-ray crystallography) of what DNA looked like in her lab book. With the help of Maurice Wilkins, who was the head of Franklin's lab, Crick and Watson saw the lab book without her consent or knowledge. It was widely acknowledge later in life Franklin unpublished data of the DNA structure provided a eureka moment for the two young scientists from Cambridge University. As you know, Crick, Watson and Wilkins won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1962. Franklin was not awarded the prestigious science honor due to the fact that she had passed away, probably as a result of the x-rays she was exposed to when working on DNA. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the structure of DNA has revolutionized modern science. Nowadays we are able to manipulate certain human genes, clone organs and even animals (remember Dolly the sheep!). We can screen those who may be prone to certain diseases as a result of their genetics and provide personalized medicines.
I was inspired after hearing the DNA story and how one single discovery can change the way we look at life. I was inspired how people are still learning about this single event as one of the most important events in the 20th century. I was inspired how a few scientists had crack one of the most important questions in life, how we are made.
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