Pharmaceuticals. What comes to mind when you see it? Well, perhaps a couple of drugs. This is the specialty of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the company we visited today. Like all the other visits, we started off with a brief introduction, before we donned on safety lab coats and safety goggles, proceeding to their Technical Development (TD) lab. TD lab, is where most of the "magic" happens. Armed with a team of professional chemists/ pharmacists with an arsenal of advanced lab equipment at their disposal, different tests on drugs are carried out.
Our SRC labs look really small and limited when compared to GSK's. Lots of machines, such as the XRD and SEM, were seen up-close, which was indeed a rare opportunity for secondary school students like us.
We were then introduced to Dr. Philips, who did his doctoral thesis on synthetic organic chemistry. (Really impressed and a little surprised by all the organic reaction mechanisms scribbled in his workplace. He was really friendly and answered some questions on how GSK separates enantiomeric drugs. Apprently they try to keep their reagents enantiopure from the start. but if a racemic mixture results, GSK would use selective precipitation or the use of a chiral HPLC to separate the drugs.
This ties in to the concept of chirality in Organic Chemistry. Since chiral compounds have the same chemical formula, differing only in the "handedness" of the molecule, it has proved to be a challenge for chemists for years on the best way to separate enantiomeric compounds. GSK's adopted method of separation really showed how advanced our technology in tackling conundrums in Chemistry.
Later, we were introduced to the manufacturing plant. Wow. Just wow. It has a Hulk-like (or even larger, though not green) machine that has a height of about 4 storeys. Every floor we visited just showed us a part of the machine, and showed us how effective and efficient GSK is in terms of it's manufacturing. This is, in part, due to its usage of gravitational force which will minimise the use of pumps to manufacture their drugs, thus saving on costs and time.
After the tour, we gathered back in their meeting rooms. There, some questions were answered by the staff of GSK. We were told about the life of workers in GSK. We discovered as with all the other major STEM industries, there was great mobility in terms of career positions. For example, a chemist-by-training may move on to being management, or quality control. Thus, everyone's abilities are maximised and help to advance the quality and the impact which the company has on the rest of the world.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Life Technologies
What is life? What is the meaning of life? Nope, I can't and won't answer these questions. Life Technologies focuses more on life sciences rather than the philosophy of life. For a non-Biology student like me, it is definitely a tall order trying to understand whatever is being taught in Life Technologies. After a short introductory presentation and briefing, we were arranged to visit the labs. The four labs had a common goal: To teach us about PCR machines. It is at this point I start to get lost. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a process whereby a small sample of DNA is amplified by a series of reactions at variable temperatures to provide a more substantial DNA sample such that tests that required DNA would only require a small sample to obtain the desired results. (Took me a while to understand that). To enhance our knowledge of PCR, we also learnt about gel electrophoresis (before qPCR was invented, that was the way to check DNA samples) and micropipetting. Although I have done micropipetting in school, this is the first time I pipetted 10 samples in one go. Seems like industries do have all the benefits.
After the tour (which was actually understandable and interesting for a non-Biology student like myself), we had lunch. Lunch there was like any other lunch, we still ate, but it was the programs after lunch which were more enjoyable.
As an extension of the work we did under Mr Ronian Siew from Qioptiq, we were given a talk and brainstorming session by Ms Ivy Wang on product development. We had a mock session on developing the dental imaging product, and each group experienced variable success in this endeavour. Having a business-inclined talk in a scientific environment really showed that STEM industries is not just about science. Everyone with different skill sets have to come together, for without a certain skill set, the entire system upon which the company is run will crumble.
Next, we had the really memorable career talk. It was held in a meeting room. My first thought was how comfortable the chair was. I didn't want to get up. Later on, after a few career sharing, there were questions being asked and from the responses, we learned that we are now learning to learn. Whatever we learn now, or even in university, is not that important. What is important is to be able to learn. I strongly agree with this point (not out of political correctness), as it is true that in this rapidly developing world, any knowledge learnt now is either already obsolete or will be. So, from this enriching (and really entertaining) talk, we were given some useful advice that may help us in the future. It also strengthened my belief that we should be majoring in subjects of interest to us, so even if we don't work in a job that requires our major, the years spent in University would not only still be useful, but meaningful.
Lastly, we had a short tour around the plant where they assembled their machines. It is really interesting to see how many people when grouped together can perform such incredible tasks, much like how in a play, everyone's role (no matter how small), is crucial to the quality of the entire performance.
Certainly, it has been a trip where I learnt a lot, and broadened my horizons. This is the 3rd program of Engineering Week, and I have not regretted it thus far.
After the tour (which was actually understandable and interesting for a non-Biology student like myself), we had lunch. Lunch there was like any other lunch, we still ate, but it was the programs after lunch which were more enjoyable.
As an extension of the work we did under Mr Ronian Siew from Qioptiq, we were given a talk and brainstorming session by Ms Ivy Wang on product development. We had a mock session on developing the dental imaging product, and each group experienced variable success in this endeavour. Having a business-inclined talk in a scientific environment really showed that STEM industries is not just about science. Everyone with different skill sets have to come together, for without a certain skill set, the entire system upon which the company is run will crumble.
Next, we had the really memorable career talk. It was held in a meeting room. My first thought was how comfortable the chair was. I didn't want to get up. Later on, after a few career sharing, there were questions being asked and from the responses, we learned that we are now learning to learn. Whatever we learn now, or even in university, is not that important. What is important is to be able to learn. I strongly agree with this point (not out of political correctness), as it is true that in this rapidly developing world, any knowledge learnt now is either already obsolete or will be. So, from this enriching (and really entertaining) talk, we were given some useful advice that may help us in the future. It also strengthened my belief that we should be majoring in subjects of interest to us, so even if we don't work in a job that requires our major, the years spent in University would not only still be useful, but meaningful.
Lastly, we had a short tour around the plant where they assembled their machines. It is really interesting to see how many people when grouped together can perform such incredible tasks, much like how in a play, everyone's role (no matter how small), is crucial to the quality of the entire performance.
Certainly, it has been a trip where I learnt a lot, and broadened my horizons. This is the 3rd program of Engineering Week, and I have not regretted it thus far.
3M
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) Company is a well-established company that is known for its ceaseless innovation, generating new products that make our lives more convenient by the day. After my visit to 3M, my view has not changed.
The first thing that caught my attention was the shoe-cleaner that 3M possesses. This is to keep their interior facilities clean and provide everyone with an enjoyable work experience. Judging from the floors, I would say that the shoe-cleaner does work quite well. Then, we were given an introduction to 3M before the short tour around the 3M facilities.
In 3M, there was a long stretch of laboratories whereby researchers are synthesising new products and knowledge. Some of their technologies were put on display and I was truly impressed by the technological advances contributed by 3M.
An interesting thing to note is that the top of their lockers are not flat, unlike conventional ones, but rather at an angle. This is done such that workers would not be able to deposit their things on top of these lockers, which will make the place look cleaner and tidier. This is an example of how tiny details in engineering could impact something greater, such as the image of a company.
Another fascinating fact about 3M is the presence of the "Clean Room". The clean room is highly complicated, with many minute details to take care of. For example, the apparatus used in the room are all made of Stainless Steel with no paint. The air flow is also specifically controlled such that the amount of dust inside the room is minimised. As such, the products would be able to maintain high quality and maximise precision during the engineering of such products.
Lastly, it is worth noting that they have a "Kenzai" room, which is a Japanese term for "Modification" (translation may not be accurate due to my poor language ability). In this room, workers are given the freedom and space to contribute to other departments that they do not work in. This maximises the amount of inventions that 3M can have as it allows everyone to contribute as long as they have a good idea. It is this culture for innovation which helped 3M stay competitive.
In conclusion, the trip to 3M has been an eye-opener for me. Material science is a unique blend of all the different sciences and it is the epitome of science applied to real-world problems.
Qioptiq
For the whole of this year as I was studying for Physics, flipping through the notes relentlessly in hopes of scoring the high grades. It wasn't that easy to draw a connection between Physics and fun, at least not in the conventional classroom setting.
Well, the Qioptiq course, despite having Physics-inclination, is not conventional.
This year we learnt in more detail about lens and optics. I may have the rudimentary knowledge in this topic (in terms of theory anyway), but I am in no way competent in this topic. Hence, it has certainly came as a shock that immediately after the introduction, we have to create a dental imaging prototype with real lenses (which costs a lot, and this might be an understatement). So, we fumbled with the delicate glassware and tried to piece something together.
In the end, our "invention" was simply to use the strong light from our phones as an illuminating source to light up the mouths and then use a lens which is connected to our phone camera to take a picture of the image in the mouth. Well, theory always sounds better than how it works in practice. Our invention failed. However, to be fair, the other groups had astounding inventions, and how they thought of those ideas remains a mystery to me till now.
Integrating theory (whatever we have learnt in class, such as the thin-lens equation, ray diagrams, etc) into practical proves to be quite a challenge. It points out to us the deficiency in our learning curve, how we lack the experience to do something innovative with the knowledge and skill sets we acquired in class. This is what industries do, apply knowledge to the real-world. Thus I find it appropriate that such a creative and enriching class is placed as the first program, giving us an insight as to the creative process needed for industries to succeed.
Addendum: This is one of the few Physics lessons that I am actually enthusiastic about.
Well, the Qioptiq course, despite having Physics-inclination, is not conventional.
This year we learnt in more detail about lens and optics. I may have the rudimentary knowledge in this topic (in terms of theory anyway), but I am in no way competent in this topic. Hence, it has certainly came as a shock that immediately after the introduction, we have to create a dental imaging prototype with real lenses (which costs a lot, and this might be an understatement). So, we fumbled with the delicate glassware and tried to piece something together.
In the end, our "invention" was simply to use the strong light from our phones as an illuminating source to light up the mouths and then use a lens which is connected to our phone camera to take a picture of the image in the mouth. Well, theory always sounds better than how it works in practice. Our invention failed. However, to be fair, the other groups had astounding inventions, and how they thought of those ideas remains a mystery to me till now.
Integrating theory (whatever we have learnt in class, such as the thin-lens equation, ray diagrams, etc) into practical proves to be quite a challenge. It points out to us the deficiency in our learning curve, how we lack the experience to do something innovative with the knowledge and skill sets we acquired in class. This is what industries do, apply knowledge to the real-world. Thus I find it appropriate that such a creative and enriching class is placed as the first program, giving us an insight as to the creative process needed for industries to succeed.
Addendum: This is one of the few Physics lessons that I am actually enthusiastic about.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Questions
"The important thing is not to stop questioning." -- Albert Einstein. Questions are imperative to the quality and efficacy of our learning in this journey. As such, some questions have been listed for future references.
1. Qioptiq
What are the current developments in the field of optics that Qioptiq is
working on?
How are the optical materials (e.g. Liquid lens) developed?
How did their ideas for innovation come about?
What drives them in a pursuit to enhance photonics?
2. 3M
What is the technology behind the “unbreakable glass”?
How are the wastes treated in the production plant such that it does not hurt the eco-environment?
What is the direction for 3M's future growth?
3. Life Technologies
How did they carry out their plans towards sustainable growth?
What are examples of current research undertaken by Life Technologies?
As a company that works on biotechnology, how do they carry out experiments to meet ethical standards?
4. GlaxoSmithKline
By what process is your enantiomeric drug separation carried out?
If the answer to the above question is by crystal seeding, why?
What are the current R&D projects to enhance efficiency
Are gases used in the manufacturing process and how to procure/control
gases
How long does it take for the development of synthesis routes for
pharmaceutical drugs
What are the current solvent recovery jobs done?
What are the emerging frontiers in Chemistry which GSK can take
advantage of?
1
Pre-learning Research
In the words of Louis Pasteur, "Chance favours only the prepared mind." While the visits during the course of Engineering Week has no relation to chance, it does demonstrate the momentousness of background research. Prior to our visits to the esteemed companies, it seemed prudent to gather at least a modicum of knowledge with regards to the places we were about to visit.
The following (in order of day of visit) will outline the research that was done before the visit:
1. Qioptiq
As from their website, "Qioptiq designs and manufactures photonic products and solutions", which will benefit many areas from medicine to defense. It is a well-known company that produces high-quality standard components, products and instruments and many more products which are manifestations of the cutting-edge technology that the company has. The wide range of sectors it caters to augments the impressiveness of Qioptiq. For example, for industrial applications, it has developed diode lasers and fiber optics. For medicine, it produces endoscopes, X-ray imaging technology and DNA analysis, among many others. It also provides a comprehensive range of products for the defense sector, such as surveillance technology and infrared detection equipment.
2. 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company)
Post-It notes have become a common commodity, yet few know about the other 55,000 products they have, and perhaps only a minuscule amount know of their rich history. Founded in 1902, 3M manufactured sandpaper and the "Scotch Tape", along with other innovative products, paving the way for their eventual business operations in other countries worldwide. As a company with a strong culture of innovation, it exhibits tenacity in introducing neoteric products that improves our quality of life. Some of its current innovations includes flexi-circuits and privacy filters.
3. Life Technologies
Established by the merger between Invitrogen Corporation and Applied Biosystems Inc, Life Technologies is a gobal biotechnology tools company dedicated to improving the human condition. Life Technologies have an incredible array of fields that they specialise in, and can be broadly classified into Research Sciences, Applied Sciences and Medical Sciences. For a company that has merged recently in 2008, it has several products worth noting, such as the Dynabeads and FLoid, which had positive impacts on both the scientific community and the public. In addition, Life Technologies had sales of $37 billion (as of 2011), with more than 4000 patented products.
4. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
"Do more, feel better, live longer," is an eye-catching phrase adopted by GSK as their philosophy. As a thriving pharmaceutical giant, it has noble goals to enhance the standard of living of everyone through the use of medicine. One of the most common example is the household brand, "Panadol", manufactured by GSK. Yes, it indeed came as a shocking realisation to me that GSK, a name I've previously unheard of, have been churning out drugs I have taken since young, among many others. The operations of this company piques my interest owing to my ardour in Chemistry, since it represents the unique blend of both pure and applied Chemistry, by using chemical theories via their Research and Development (R&D) programs to save the lives of many, and at the same time profit (revenue of 27.387 billion pounds as of 2011), establishing itself as one of the world's largest pharmaceutical company.
The following (in order of day of visit) will outline the research that was done before the visit:
1. Qioptiq
As from their website, "Qioptiq designs and manufactures photonic products and solutions", which will benefit many areas from medicine to defense. It is a well-known company that produces high-quality standard components, products and instruments and many more products which are manifestations of the cutting-edge technology that the company has. The wide range of sectors it caters to augments the impressiveness of Qioptiq. For example, for industrial applications, it has developed diode lasers and fiber optics. For medicine, it produces endoscopes, X-ray imaging technology and DNA analysis, among many others. It also provides a comprehensive range of products for the defense sector, such as surveillance technology and infrared detection equipment.
2. 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company)
Post-It notes have become a common commodity, yet few know about the other 55,000 products they have, and perhaps only a minuscule amount know of their rich history. Founded in 1902, 3M manufactured sandpaper and the "Scotch Tape", along with other innovative products, paving the way for their eventual business operations in other countries worldwide. As a company with a strong culture of innovation, it exhibits tenacity in introducing neoteric products that improves our quality of life. Some of its current innovations includes flexi-circuits and privacy filters.
3. Life Technologies
Established by the merger between Invitrogen Corporation and Applied Biosystems Inc, Life Technologies is a gobal biotechnology tools company dedicated to improving the human condition. Life Technologies have an incredible array of fields that they specialise in, and can be broadly classified into Research Sciences, Applied Sciences and Medical Sciences. For a company that has merged recently in 2008, it has several products worth noting, such as the Dynabeads and FLoid, which had positive impacts on both the scientific community and the public. In addition, Life Technologies had sales of $37 billion (as of 2011), with more than 4000 patented products.
4. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
"Do more, feel better, live longer," is an eye-catching phrase adopted by GSK as their philosophy. As a thriving pharmaceutical giant, it has noble goals to enhance the standard of living of everyone through the use of medicine. One of the most common example is the household brand, "Panadol", manufactured by GSK. Yes, it indeed came as a shocking realisation to me that GSK, a name I've previously unheard of, have been churning out drugs I have taken since young, among many others. The operations of this company piques my interest owing to my ardour in Chemistry, since it represents the unique blend of both pure and applied Chemistry, by using chemical theories via their Research and Development (R&D) programs to save the lives of many, and at the same time profit (revenue of 27.387 billion pounds as of 2011), establishing itself as one of the world's largest pharmaceutical company.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Introduction & General Thoughts
I am Nicholas Lee from Hwa Chong Institution. Hwa Chong offers a dynamic range of programs to cater to the talents and abilities of every student. Enthralled by the vast yet intricate nature of Science, I am part of a program known as the Science and Math Talent Program (SMTP). SMTP exposes us further in the realm of science, both in theoretical and industrial aspects. The Engineering Week program is a splendid example of how students can be exposed to science in the real world. As a student, I am fascinated with Chemistry, and have been consistently perusing through tertiary level textbooks on this subject matter, aspiring to know as much as I can while I am still in Secondary School. Despite this, it has always been an enigma to me as to why I express such a degree of interest in Chemistry. My simple answer is: I just do.
With regards to the myriad of activities planned meticulously for Engineering Week, I am sanguine about learning more about science-related industries in the weeks ahead.
With regards to the myriad of activities planned meticulously for Engineering Week, I am sanguine about learning more about science-related industries in the weeks ahead.
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