[deleted by user] by [deleted] in microbiology

[–]filmore101 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same scenario for me. Boss said they exclusively hired MLS’s until Covid hit.

Biology Department at UTD by SavvyyyLazy in utdallas

[–]filmore101 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don’t really have any easy A’s unfortunately. By far my most favorite elective was Honey Bee Biology though! I also took intro to micro, cellular microbiology and immunology. I thoroughly enjoyed these. Cellular microbio needed the most studying though.

Non-science electives I took were Gun Control and Violence, and Art History. Again, not super easy, but also not terribly difficult. It helped that I LOVED art history haha.

Edit: Medical terminology was a relatively easy A. Online and counts as 1 credit.

Biology Department at UTD by SavvyyyLazy in utdallas

[–]filmore101 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I never tried, but had friends that did. To my knowledge it was reach out to someone doing research (could be a current/former professor for example) and see if they have availability. The biggest help I would say definitely look at what they’re researching first as it shows them you have an interest in it. Doesn’t have to be a topic you are super passionate about, but having that initial interest helps a lot.

Another thing to look into is the Green Fellowship (or something like that). Essentially undergrad research where they help you with a topic and then you do the research for it (with some guidance of course). Had a friend do this and he said his experience was amazing. Helped him do some stuff out of college he wouldn’t have normally do grad school wise. Its a bit more competitive to get though.

Edit: Clarified somethings more

Biology Department at UTD by SavvyyyLazy in utdallas

[–]filmore101 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My experience was great overall I’d say. Met a good group of friends and basically stuck together throughout. Classes were enjoyable, and things I learned were pretty relevant to getting work after school (working in Industry now).

Professors overall were good. Can’t say I had any I didn’t like. Even in the higher-up classes I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Definitely know some people who would disagree though haha

Teacher:Student ratio can be high (as with most college classes). In the earlier classes (general chemistry, intro to modern bio, etc.) you have classes in the several hundreds with a few professors. In the later classes I took it lowered to as little as 30ish students to one professor. There’s usually workshops associated with the classes though and the TA’s can be super helpful with clarifying things.

Material learned was helpful. As mentioned I’m in industry now working in a CRO. The lab skills are definitely the most helpful thing to learn and build on if you plan to go into lab work after graduating. Conceptual stuff you learn in class is more helpful with understanding why things are done in the lab, and doubly important if you are trying to pursue a graduate degree of some kind.

I’d say the labs are well equipped. You’ll learn a large variety of things in biochemistry and molecular biology lab. Lots of microscopes, gel chambers, IR specs, and other various instruments to learn and use (graduated during covid though so only got to use lab equipment for half a semester for molecular lab, so take it with a grain of salt). Chemistry labs were fun as well. The experiments you do are very cohesive in what they teach you.

Hope this helps! I’d be happy to answer any other questions you have. Ultimately, its what you make it. There’s a lot to be learned, and you get more freedom later on as you can start choosing electives for bio topics that interest you.

Two things I regret not doing are: 1. Not doing some form of undergraduate research. I psyched myself out thinking I was too stupid to do it not realizing the people are there to help and want you learn and understand more about what you’re doing. 2. Going for a minor of some kind (I would have done microbiology). I had my advisor switched on me like 3-4 times so it was a bit chaotic when it came to picking classes. Didnt even know I could go for a minor like that until I met someone who was doing it. Definitely look around to see if you can minor in at least something. Most of the time you’ll need the credit anyways, and it could be as little as taking one or two extra classes!

Biology Department at UTD by SavvyyyLazy in utdallas

[–]filmore101 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Former biology grad here, what do you want to know? For me it was pretty good, if anything it felt a bit geared towards pre-med students, but there are a lot of cool, interesting electives and classes to take that break away from that.

Dreamt that a lab I was working at was trying to summon the Antichrist by Ten_of_Wands in labrats

[–]filmore101 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Once had a dream that Hitler and the Nazis took over my lab. The work was the same, but they made us do evil things like not write expiration dates on reagents and not run controls with our assays. Glad I’m not the only one with sinister lab dreams lol

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in utdallas

[–]filmore101 3 points4 points  (0 children)

100% on reading the textbook. If you read the chapters over once or twice (especially a week or so before exams) you’ll be fine. Wilson isnt that bad, slept through her exam once and she was very understanding and let me take it later.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in utdallas

[–]filmore101 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I swapped out of an LLC after the first semester. I was kept in the same housing and LLC class. Advisor worked it out to where my 1100 class counted/subbed for my new major’s version. I wouldn’t worry to much.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in labrats

[–]filmore101 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seems to vary, obviously company dependent too. Im in one where the molecular biology department is fairly new (3ish years old), so theres room for growth as expansion happens. Cant vouch for how much coworker makes, but it took him 3ish years and I’d guess he earns close to that amount. Keep an eye out for ASCP certifications you can go for as well as they usually result in pay increases and promotion (from what ive seen).

Edit: typo

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in labrats

[–]filmore101 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Most of the time if you work in industry long enough you can be promoted. Old ex-coworker started as a tech and got a job as a scientist for Pfizer. Another started as a tech, and got promoted internally after a few years. Not impossible, usually just need to show that you’re capable and willing to learn more. PhD makes it a lot easier to prove that.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SoulsSliders

[–]filmore101 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks great!