Tools Of Science, The: The Handbook For The Apprentice Of Biomedical Research

by Jose Russo

Overview

This book aims to provide useful tips for the understanding of scientific research processes and practical advice for people engaged in this field. It is a reflection of the author's more than 40 years of experience in medical and cancer research, and is written in a colloquial style to reach not only the young audience who are considering devoting their lives to biomedical research, but also to those who are already engaged in this field. The author emphasizes the unique traits and qualifications required for performing scientific research and also describes the different modalities which can be performed in our actual scientific environment. There are numerous practical advices in this book, such as guidelines on writing a grant proposal and the first peer-reviewed manuscript, the selection criteria of the training laboratory and mentors, as well as experimental record The author also provides his insight on the personal inner drive and motivation critical for conducting scientific research, as well as the importance of working on a problem without losing the human perspective of this specific and unique human endeavor.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789814293167
Publisher:	World Scientific Publishing Company, Incorporated
Publication date:	12/15/2010
Pages:	228
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgment ix

Chapter 1 Profile of a Scientific Researcher (Per scientiam ad sapientiam) 1

Introduction 1

Profile of the Research Scientist 4

Curiosity and Urge for Rational Understanding 8

Vocation 12

Ratio of Individuality to Teamwork and Solitude 13

Scholarship 16

Concluding Remarks 19

References 19

Suggested Readings 20

Chapter 2 Research Ideas 23

Introduction 23

The Birth of a Research Idea 23

Reading 24

Writing 28

Experiments and Benchwork 29

A Formula for Daily Practice in Research 30

Training Grounds for Developing and Testing Research Ideas 33

The Evolution of a Research Idea 34

Final Remarks 46

References 46

Suggested Readings 48

Chapter 3 The Paper 51

Introduction 51

Selecting the Journal 53

Authorships 55

Writing the Paper 56

Materials and Methods 57

Results 60

Preparation of figures and tables 63

Introduction 65

Discussion 68

The Title and the Abstract 72

Acknowledgments 75

References 75

The Role of the Reviewers 76

Plagiarism and Copyrights 77

References 78

Suggested Readings 82

Chapter 4 The Grant Application 85

The Apprentice's Path to Writing a Grant Proposal 85

Reasons Why the Scientific Apprentice Needs to Write Grant Applications 86

Matching the Research Idea with the Objectives of the Granting Agencies 86

How to Write a Grant Application 88

How I Wrote My Grant Application 89

Specific Aims 89

Background and Significance 96

Preliminary Studies 106

Experimental Design and Methods 119

References 125

Chapter 5 What is a Research Laboratory? 133

Definition of a Research Laboratory 133

The Laboratory as a Unit of Work with a Defined Leadership and Goal 134

Maintaining a Sense of Individuality and Uniqueness is the Overall Goal of the Laboratory 138

The Laboratory as a Source of Fulfillment 141

References 142

Suggested Readings 144

Chapter 6 Interactive Groups in Scientific Research 147

The Individual Exchange 147

The Interactive Groupings 152

The Scientific Apprentice as Part of the Research Team 152

Dynamic of the Research Team and Grantmanship in Interactive Groupings 155

How Successful are Interactive Groups? 156

References 158

Suggested Readings 158

Chapter 7 Laboratory Protocol Books 159

Defining a Protocol Book 159

The Simplest Experimental Protocol 161

Example of a Complex Experimental Protocol 163

Chapter 8 The Ten Fatal Mistakes 173

1 Underestimating the Mentor 173

2 Sloppy Work 177

3 Falsifying Data 178

4 Jealousy 180

5 Vandalism 181

6 Cynicism 181

7 Postponing Deadlines 182

8 Underestimating Your Peers 183

9 Overconfidence 184

10 Indifference 185

Suggested Readings 186

Chapter 9 What is Expected of the Scientific Apprentice? 189

Good Work, Technically Perfect and Well Planned 189

Critical Analysis of the Data Collected 190

Drive for Excellence 192

Clear Verbal Communication 193

Suggested Readings 193

Chapter 10 Reflections 195

Do Not be Afraid of Criticism 195

How do We Take Critiques? 196

Are All Critiques Justified? 197

Why are Critiques so Important? 198

Do Critiques Have a Long-Term Effect on the Scientific Apprentice? 198

What Do Critiques Say About the Mentor? 199

The Workplace 200

Is the Facility Well Maintained? 200

Are the Laboratories Well Occupied or Simply Vast Spaces Dotted With a Few Human Beings? 201

What is the Cultural Composition of the Lab? 203

The Offer 203

Suggested Readings 204

Index 207