During my time as a biology student, I participated in the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) program, which required me to complete a technical report on my experience. This report serves as a reflection of the knowledge and skills I gained during the six-month program. The SIWES program is designed to provide students with practical experience in their field of study, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting.
In this report, I will discuss the objectives of the SIWES program, the bodies involved in its management, and the organization where I received my training. I will also describe the tasks I performed during the program, the challenges I faced, and the knowledge and skills I acquired. Through this report, I hope to provide insight into the benefits of the SIWES program for biology students and highlight the importance of practical experience in the field of biology.
Objectives of Biology SIWES
During my Biology SIWES program, I had the opportunity to learn and gain practical experience in various areas of biology. The objectives of the program were to:
- Provide a platform for students to gain practical experience in the field of biology
- Expose students to real-life situations in the biological sciences
- Enhance the skills and knowledge of students in biology
- Bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of biology
- Provide an opportunity for students to develop their research skills
- Familiarize students with laboratory equipment and procedures
- Enhance students’ understanding of the scientific method and its application in biology
Through the program, I was able to achieve these objectives and gain valuable experience in various areas of biology. I was exposed to different laboratory techniques and procedures used in biology, which helped me to develop my skills in handling laboratory equipment and conducting experiments.
Furthermore, the program provided me with an opportunity to work on different research projects and develop my research skills. I was able to apply the scientific method to solve problems and conduct research in biology.
Overall, the objectives of the Biology SIWES program were well-structured and provided a comprehensive learning experience for students in the field of biology.
Biology SIWES Placement Firm
During my SIWES program, I was placed at a reputable biology firm that specialized in research and development. The firm had state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that enabled me to gain hands-on experience in the field of biology.
The firm’s research and development department focused on various areas of biology such as microbiology, genetics, and biochemistry. I was assigned to the microbiology department where I worked on several projects that involved the isolation and identification of different strains of microorganisms.
The firm had a team of experienced and knowledgeable scientists who provided me with guidance and support throughout my SIWES program. They were always available to answer any questions that I had and provided me with valuable insights into the field of biology.
One of the highlights of my placement was the opportunity to work with advanced laboratory equipment such as PCR machines, spectrophotometers, and gel electrophoresis systems. I was able to learn how to operate and maintain these machines, which gave me a deeper understanding of the techniques used in modern biology research.
Placement Duration
During my Biology SIWES report, I spent a total of six months on placement. The placement duration for SIWES varies depending on the institution and course of study. For Biology students, the duration is usually six months.
Start Date
My placement started on the 1st of February, 2023. The start date for SIWES placements may vary depending on the institution and course of study. It is important to confirm the start date from the SIWES office in your institution.
End Date
My placement ended on the 31st of July, 2023. The end date for SIWES placements may also vary depending on the institution and course of study. It is important to confirm the end date from the SIWES office in your institution.
During the placement, I was able to gain practical experience in the field of biology. I was able to apply the theoretical knowledge I had acquired in the classroom to real-life situations. The placement also helped me to develop my interpersonal and communication skills as I had to work with a team of professionals.
Overall, the placement duration was adequate for me to gain valuable experience and skills in the field of biology.
Daily Activities and Experiences
During my SIWES experience, I was assigned to work at a research laboratory where I was involved in various activities related to biology. My daily activities included conducting experiments, data analysis, and literature review. I was also tasked with maintaining laboratory equipment and ensuring that the laboratory was clean and organized at all times.
One of the most exciting experiences I had during my SIWES was working with live organisms such as fruit flies, bacteria, and plants. I was responsible for feeding and caring for these organisms, and I learned how to identify different strains of bacteria and how to propagate plants using different techniques.
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I also had the opportunity to work with advanced laboratory equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, and spectrophotometers. I learned how to handle these instruments properly and how to interpret the data obtained from them. I also gained experience in using software programs such as Excel and GraphPad Prism for data analysis.
In addition to laboratory work, I attended seminars and workshops organized by the research laboratory. These events provided me with the opportunity to learn about the latest research in the field of biology and to interact with other researchers and students.
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Overall, my daily activities and experiences during my SIWES provided me with valuable hands-on experience in the field of biology and helped me to develop my laboratory skills.
Skills Acquired
During my SIWES program in biology, I acquired both technical and soft skills that have been beneficial to my personal and professional growth.
Technical Skills
Through my SIWES program, I gained hands-on experience with various laboratory techniques and equipment. I learned how to properly handle and maintain laboratory equipment, as well as how to conduct experiments and analyze data. I also gained knowledge of different laboratory protocols and safety procedures.
Furthermore, I was able to develop my skills in data analysis and interpretation. I learned how to use software programs like Excel and SPSS to analyze and present data effectively. Additionally, I gained experience in scientific writing, which has improved my ability to communicate scientific ideas and findings.
Soft Skills
In addition to technical skills, I also developed several soft skills during my SIWES program. These skills include:
- Time management: I learned how to prioritize tasks and manage my time effectively to meet deadlines.
- Teamwork: I worked alongside other students and professionals in the laboratory, which helped me develop my teamwork skills.
- Communication: Through presentations and discussions with my colleagues, I was able to improve my communication skills and learn how to effectively convey scientific ideas to others.
- Adaptability: I was exposed to new laboratory techniques and procedures, which helped me develop my adaptability skills and learn how to quickly adjust to new situations.
Challenges Encountered
During my biology SIWES report, I encountered several challenges that affected my work experience. Some of these challenges include:
- Inadequate Equipment: One of the major challenges I encountered during my SIWES was the lack of adequate equipment. The laboratory where I worked did not have enough equipment to carry out experiments effectively. This made it difficult for me to carry out some experiments, which affected the quality of my work.
- Poor Supervision: Another challenge I encountered was poor supervision. My supervisor was not always available to guide me through some of the experiments. This made it difficult for me to understand some of the concepts, which affected the quality of my work.
- Lack of Access to Relevant Materials: I also encountered challenges with accessing relevant materials. The laboratory where I worked did not have access to some of the materials needed to carry out some experiments. This made it difficult for me to complete some of the experiments, which affected the quality of my work.
- Time Constraints: Another challenge I encountered during my SIWES was time constraints. I had a limited amount of time to complete my experiments, which made it difficult for me to carry out some experiments thoroughly. This affected the quality of my work.
- Lack of Communication: Finally, I encountered challenges with communication. There were times when I could not communicate effectively with my colleagues, which affected the quality of my work. This challenge was particularly difficult because it affected my ability to work collaboratively with my colleagues.
In conclusion, while my biology SIWES report was a valuable learning experience, I encountered several challenges that affected the quality of my work. These challenges included inadequate equipment, poor supervision, lack of access to relevant materials, time constraints, and lack of communication.
Recommendations
Based on my experience during my SIWES program in biology, I have come up with some recommendations that can help improve the program for future students.
Firstly, I recommend that the SIWES program should be extended to a longer period of time. Six months is not enough time for students to gain a thorough understanding of the industry and its operations. Extending the program to one year will provide students with more time to learn and apply their skills in a real-world setting.
Secondly, I suggest that the SIWES program should include more hands-on training. While the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom is important, practical experience is equally important. The program should provide more opportunities for students to participate in practical exercises and experiments to gain practical experience.
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Thirdly, I recommend that the SIWES program should be made more flexible to accommodate students’ needs. Some students may have other commitments such as part-time jobs, family responsibilities, or academic work that may conflict with the program’s schedule. The program should be designed in such a way that it can be adapted to meet the needs of individual students.
In addition, I recommend that the SIWES program should be more inclusive. The program should be open to students from different backgrounds, including those with disabilities, to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate.
Finally, I recommend that the SIWES program should be evaluated regularly to ensure that it is meeting its objectives. The feedback from students, employers, and other stakeholders should be taken into consideration when evaluating the program. The evaluation should be used to identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to the program.