Guidelines for carrying out lab rotations in the Masters Course

Nanobiophysics

Written by Prof. Petra Schwille, July 29th, 2008, updated 2012

Three lab rotations, each of two weeks, in Biophysics, Nanophysics and one other subject of
choice have to be carried out in the 3rd semester of the MC Nanobiophysics.

In what labs will the rotation take place?

The students select one lab working on biophysics subjects, one lab working on nanophysics
or nanoscience, and one lab of free choice (within the life or physical sciences). The lab head
must agree to the choice and delegate a lab member to supervising the student. The lab head is
responsible for ensuring proper working conditions, and for proof-reading the protocol to be
written by the student.

When will the rotations take place?

The exact date has to be agreed on between the student and the lab head. The only
requirement is that the rotations have to be finished before starting the Masters Thesis.

Can I take lectures during the lab rotations?

Yes, the rotations will most likely overlap with some of the teaching. The missing hours in the
lab will be caught up on after the two-week period, if no other solution (late work-hours etc.)
can be found.

Can I go to other labs (outside Dresden) for the lab rotations?

Yes, however you will have to ask for permission to go abroad. Also, the lab head will have to
agree to the terms of supervision. It is also safe to ask for advice if the lab head of choice is no
member of the Dresden teaching faculty.

What kind of certificate do I get for the lab rotation?

For every lab rotation, the students are requested to write a protocol. The protocol should be
written in the style of a short research paper, featuring Abstract, Introduction, Materials and
Methods, Results, and Discussion (see template). The length should not exceed 5 pages
including images and references. The protocol has to be printed out, rated and signed by the
laboratory head, and handed in to the responsible faculty (Jochen Guck for Biophysics and the
rotation of choice, Giovanni Cuniberti for Nanophysics/Nanoscience).

When is the deadline of handing in the protocols?

Before the begin of the Masters Thesis, usually at the end of the winter term. The exact date is
to be inquired from Ms. Flockerzi.
 Protocol for Lab Rotation in MC Nanobiophysics

Denomination of Lab Rotation (Biophysics/Nanophysics/Other):

Name of Student:

Name and Address of Supervisor:

Title of Research Project:

Abstract (up to 100 words):

Try to be concise in giving a motivation for the project you are doing

Introduction:
Give a short summary of the research in which context you are carrying out the project
(maximum of 10 citations)

Materials and Methods:

This is an important section, but only mention the materials and methods which you actually
worked with!

Results:
Two weeks are a short time, and we acknowledge that there can hardly be any definite results.
Nevertheless, try to summarize the findings that you actually made yourself, not the ones that
others did. You will not be rated for the scientific impact, but for the way how you can
display and illustrate your (minor) results.

Discussion:
Give an outlook of the possible (surely moderate) impact of your study to the ongoing work in
the lab, or, if you like, to the field in general. Remember that negative results can also be
beneficial for science.

Acknowledgments:
Allowing a student into active research and supervising him/her for two weeks is not a little
thing for a buzzing scientific lab. If you were very well treated by the lab head or his/her team,
this is the chance to express your gratitude.

Assessment of Lab Head:

Short statement of the lab head to your performance, possibly along with a mark.

Signature of Lab Head