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.