Why should we care about Bc. students?
Since the beginning of July 2020, as we gotten back to full-speed mode in the lab, I have been supervising 2 Bc. students. My perspective on why this work is challenging, but also rewarding. Learning the basics There are typically lab assignments each lab member is given. Cleaning chores, solvents preparations on weekly basis, massive Christmas clean-up just to name a few. Part of PhD. Studies is to supervise a Bc. or MSc. Student over few weeks, teach him/her the basics of working in the lab including correct techniques used in my case in the field of organic chemistry. Weighting the compounds, looking for the safety and correct use of the chemical, planning and setting up the reaction, running TLC plates in right eluent systems, quenching the reaction, water-orgo extractions, column purifications. Surely, these things could be learnt on his/her own, but it cannot compare with having a more experienced chemist on your side, guiding you through these first days in the lab. TIME y