What lab techniques are most crucial for a college graduate?

Hey all, as I'm looking towards the future and potentially going into a science-related field after graduating college, I'm trying to plan ahead. I'd love to hear from recent grads or current students about which laboratory techniques you've found to be the most important in your coursework or early careers?

Hi there! As you prepare for a future in a science-based field, indeed, having a strong command over certain laboratory techniques can make you more appealing to potential employers and provide a solid foundation for your work.

So let's look at some of the foundational lab techniques that are generally quite valuable:

1. Microscopy: This includes the use of different types of microscopes, like light microscopes and electron microscopes, to study cells, microorganisms, thin slices of organs, etc.

2. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): A widely used technique in biomedical research. It’s employed to amplify a copy of DNA or particular gene. This is especially crucial if you are interested in genetics or molecular biology.

3. Gel Electrophoresis: This involves the separation of nucleic acids or proteins based on the size and electrical charge and can be applied in fields such as biochemistry and molecular biology.

4. Cell Culture: This is an essential technique in cellular and molecular biology, providing excellent models for studying the ordinary physiology and biochemistry of cells.

5. Centrifugation: Often used in clinical labs, this method separates components of a complex mixture.

6. Spectrophotometry: This technique measures the amount of light (Photons) absorbed by a solution and is mainly used in physical and analytical chemistry.

Remember, the importance of these techniques varies depending on your specific field. For example, a student focusing on clinical research might find cell culture and PCR techniques most valuable, while a student focusing on organic chemistry might find techniques related to distillation, extraction, and chromatography more important. It is key to identify which techniques align with your future career goals and then leveraging your coursework and potential lab positions to gain experience in those areas.

And lastly, apart from these technical abilities, having a strong understanding of laboratory safety protocols and Good Lab Practices (GLPs) is crucial to work effectively in any lab setting. Best of luck with your studies!