Lab Necessities for Undergrad

As it stands, the Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics series have labs associated with each lecture. Often lab is between 2-3 hours long. Depending on the institution and the class expectations of. Some are memorization heavy, while others are experiment and practical heavy.  Although I have yet to complete the chemistry and physics series entirely, I have noticed some trends and have come up with a few tips that I wish I had known before entering the term.

Lab Tips

Tip 1.

If you can, try to coordinate lab after lecture. While this is not a crucial, much of the expectations of you are gone over in lecture will help prepare you for lab. While I wish I had done this for every term, I thought it was most important during Animal Biology. Animal Biology is heavily based on dissection and understanding the anatomy and physiology of the primary animal phyla (Porifera, Cnidarian, Platyhelminthes etc.).

Tip 2.

This might seem obvious, but go over the lab (and lecture) information prior to attending class. As a student, I find myself on top of things only during the first few weeks of the term. It is easy for me to get out of rhythm as other assignments start stacking up. It’s also easy to listen to the professor and rush through lab. However, it is not making the most of your time. Plus, you wont be able to absorb as much information if your confused about the instructions. Learn to maximize your efficiency by prioritizing the information you need to know before class. Plus, knowing what you are going to be getting into can help desensitize you.

Tip 3.

Each persons experience with the cadaver lab is unique. If you don’t know how your body will react, its important to prepare beforehand. Making sure you’ve hydrated and eaten well before class. Also, make sure to breathe if your anxious.

Tip 4.

Never move an organ or cut an organ out until you are confident in your ability to 100% identify what it is and it’s correct location in the specimen.

Tip 5.

If you are going to be in the cadaver lab long, its important to remember that the smell will transfer on your clothing. So, if you have plans after class, (like a dinner) it may be beneficial to bring a clean change of clothing.

Tip 6.

Everyone talks about the smell. It’s not pleasant, and there’s no way to avoid it besides not attending lab. I thought it was helpful to have a roller scent that minimized stress and anxiety that I rolled on my upper lip. It seems silly, but it helps. I would exit to the hallway and reapply the scent during longer labs. People are often sensitive to headaches which often come along with strong perfumes so it’s not safe to spritz perfume everywhere. I’m obsessed the Vitality Extracts Stress Ease roll-on scents.  They have many refreshing and calming scents that can mask the smell. Recently I received a gift from Lotus Natural Bend that I also enjoyed during dissection; here is a link to the Etsy shop.  My favorite:  “Awaken Your Intuition”

Tip 7.

It will be crucial to slow yourself down. Be precise in all of your work, labeling, and excel charts.

Tip 8.

Find a reliable lab partner who works at the same pace as you and is willing to put the same amount of effort as you. Sometimes our friends aren’t as reliable as we wish of them. If your serious about your grades, be serious about your lab partner.