Informational Technology
Informational technology impinges in all aspects of a scientific career,
from searching the literature, to doing the experiments, to publishing your
results. It's also pervasive no matter what career path you might choose.
The APS
and the Association of Chairs of
Departments of Physiology recommend that trainees understand the
importance of and work to develop the following informational technology skills:
|
a. |
Skill with computers, both software
(word processing, spreadsheets, databases, Internet, email) and basic
equipment setup |
|
b. |
Ability to select appropriate
graphical methods and appropriate use of graphical representations |
|
c. |
Proficiency in information storage
and retrieval |
|
d. |
Knowledge of and ability to use large
information databases, including ability to search databases effectively |
(from the APS/ACDP
List of Professional Skills for Physiologists and Trainees)
Here are
a variety of web sites with information that you
might find useful.*
Computer Skills
Software:
You need to be very proficient in the following application programs. Look
for classes at your institution, local computer store, or online.
Word or WordPerfect
Email program (Outlook, Groupwise, Lotus Notes, etc.)
Excel
PowerPoint
Web browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc.)
Adobe Acrobat
Other programs to consider learning:
Access
Project management software
Web editing software
Hardware:
You should have basic knowledge of how your computer works. This should
include:
-how to install a new computer, monitor, printer, mouse, etc.
-how to safely install and remove software
-how back-up your hard drive
-the best way to archive your data and records
-troubleshoot basic day-to-day problems
Look for classes at your institution, local computer store, or online.
Back to Index
Graphical Methods
Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Making Tables and
Figures
Gary Anderson, Bates College
The Evil Tutor's
Guide for Science Students.
How NOT to produce Scientific Graphs and Figures
Markus Weichselbaum, University of Western Australia
Graphic Publication for Biologists
Curtis Clark, CSU Pomona
Science NetLinks: What's in a Graph?
AAAS
The Visual Display of
Quantitative Information (ISBN: 0961392142)
Edward R. Tufte (2nd ed.), 2001, Graphics Press, Cheshire, CT
Back to Index
Information Storage/Retrieval
Information Retrieval
C. J. van Rijsbergen, University of Glasgow
Information Retrieval - When, Where, How?
Linköping University Library, Sweden
QuickStudy:
Library Research Guide
University of Minnesota Libraries
Supplemental Readings
(links to many online resources and databases)
ChemInfo, Indiana University
Back to Index
Information Databases
Depending on your field of interest, you will need to become proficient in
specific databases. Most databases will have their own search instructions
on their web site.
Here are some general databases you might want to use as well. A
subscription is needed for access, but your library should have one.
Biological Abstracts Biology
(incl. botany, zoology and microbiology, biochemistry and
biophysics)
Biological Sciences Database
(incl. biomedicine, biotechology, zoology, ecology)
Biology Digest
Ecology Abstracts
Environmental Science Database
ISI Web of Knowledge
Free access:
Biogate (Lund
University)
BiologyBrowser
(Thomson Scientific)
Entrez Genome Databases (NIH)
(The whole genomes of over 800 microorganisms)
NCBI Entrez Taxonomy (NIH)
(names of all organisms that are represented in the genetic
databases with at least one nucleotide or protein sequence)
Pubmed (National Library of
Medicine/NIH)
(searches MEDLINE and other life science journals for biomedical
articles)
Seven Resources for Young Scientists
Desmond Wong,
ScienceCareers.org, AAAS
See also specific organism genome databases
(e.g., human, mouse, yeast, etc.)
Back to Index
*APS does not endorse or assume responsibility for the information posted
on these web sites.
Back to Developing Your Skills
|
