John Booth

Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) — Laboratory Placement
Department of Wildlife and Molecular Biology | 6-week full-time placement

Undertook practical lab and administrative duties under direct supervision, focusing on bioprospecting nitrogen-fixing endophyte bacteria for potential use in fertilizer development. Responsibilities included sterilization and serial dilution of plant samples, microbiological plating and restreaking on nitrogen-free media, followed by PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing.

Developed strong pipetting technique, lab etiquette, and contamination control practices. Gained firsthand experience in professional lab standards, documentation, and equipment use. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, consistently meeting project deadlines with minimal supervision

Graded Units – HNC/HND Science Projects

• Graded Unit 1 (A Grade): Completed an independently researched scientific report on the use of CRISPR technology in treating neurological diseases. Project involved structured planning, in-depth theoretical analysis, critical evaluation, and full academic referencing, all within a strict deadline.
• Graded Unit 2 (B Grade): Designed, planned, and executed a 40-hour independent lab experiment investigating the effects of variables on Daphnia heart rate. Responsibilities included developing a detailed timetable, conducting COSHH and risk assessments, collecting statistically significant data, and submitting a full scientific report with underpinning theory.

Completed an in-depth unit covering key industry standards such as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), employee and employer health and safety responsibilities, and quality control principles.

Participated in a site visit to Charles River Laboratories, gaining practical insight into the enforcement of health and safety standards in a professional setting. Developed a strong understanding of COSHH and risk assessments, including interpreting safety data sheets to ensure workplace safety and regulatory compliance.

Learned the critical importance of adhering to procedures to maintain both safety and consistency of results, emphasizing transferable skills applicable across various industries and roles.