Hello po, to people experienced in science and research, I have a question about how you properly and efficiently research factual questions that require credible citations.

For example, if I were asked to differentiate between metamorphic and igneous rocks, would I simply search keywords on Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed/PMC, etc., and go through the results until I find something relevant? I usually do this, but I feel like I am doing it inefficiently. I often find articles that are either too broad, too specific, outdated, or only indirectly related to what I need. I end up spending a lot of time reading titles, abstracts, and sections just to determine whether a source is useful.

I experienced this when researching the nutritional needs of elephants for a one-page essay. It took me almost an entire day to gather enough relevant sources, while a friend was able to find around 20 useful articles within five minutes. It made me wonder what I am doing wrong. Is it mainly my choice of keywords, how I use research databases, my ability to skim papers, or simply my lack of experience?

I also struggle with deciding whether a source is appropriate for a specific claim. For example, if I need a basic definition of a tendon but find an article about the relationship between muscles and tendons that only briefly defines tendons, is that sufficient to cite? Or should I look for a source specifically focused on tendon structure and function? Likewise, how broad or narrow can a source be compared with the information I actually need?

Basically, I want to understand how experienced researchers efficiently go from a question, to search terms, to relevant sources, and finally to evidence that properly supports their claims. I feel like I spend far too much time searching for information that should be relatively straightforward, so I would really appreciate some practical advice on how to improve this process.

Hi! I am thinking of taking MSc in Biology (Microbiology track) hopefully next year at DLSU or UST and with that I would like to ask for some insights regarding my situation.

I graduated Medical Biology last 2025. I graduated cum laude, was a DOST scholar, and had stellar academic and leadership background. However, I didn't really prioritize research, and my thesis wasn't related to microbiology at all. I dedicated my 4 years in college to be the perfect candidate for med school. I did get into med school and spent 2 months at a top medical school only to realize that medicine was not for me, so I dropped out. I did not incurr any failing grades while I was there and I was able to secure an honorable dismissal.

After dropping out, I started working as a clinic assistant at a known HMO company. I do not find this fulfilling as I don't feel challenged to think or be curious. I miss studying and knowing that I have contributed to science. So, I decided that I wanted to pursue further studies and take a masters degree related to Microbiology as this subject really sparked my interest in college.

With that, I would like to clarify some things:

1. How competitive is the admission process for UST and DLSU MS Biology?
2. Does having little to no research experience matter?
3. Do you need to already prepare thesis concepts during admissions or connect with professors in your preferred field in the university?
4. Do they really care about your undergraduate thesis and would rather have you pursue further studies related to it?
5. Can I take the RMicro certification exam if I gain enough units from my masters or is the exam only for undergraduate students?

Any insight, advice, or shared experience would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for answering!

hi po! im an undergrad student about to start on my undergraduate thesis, and it involves using cell lines (?), specifically L6 rat skeletal cells.

im currently exploring the assays i can do with the titles i have prepared, so i wanna know where i can buy cell lines like these, preferably those of a low price range (think 200-300 usd). tyia!

Drop your most effective and beneficial tips for those who will take the Chemist Board Exam 2026. Let’s Go!!!!!

Hi RMicros and Future RMicro, On a scale of 1-10 how much did MicroCore helped you in reviewing for the PAM Certification Exam for Registered Microbiologist. I need your opinion on this because I am planning to go with MicroCore for my Review center. Thank you!

Hi! I’m 26F and I’m planning to apply for the MS Microbiology program at UPLB. Wala kasi akong mapagtanungan personally, so I decided to ask here.

I’m a graduate of BS Biology from a state university in Region V. I graduated cum laude, but I don’t have much research experience beyond my undergraduate thesis, and I don’t have any published papers. I’m worried that this might affect my chances of getting accepted.

I also don’t have much of a network in the field since I’m quite introverted. After graduating, I worked as a VA for around 2 years, so my work experience isn’t related to microbiology or research.

I really want to pursue my master’s because I want to get back into my field and build a career related to biology/microbiology. I also feel that having a master’s degree would help me with long-term career growth and stability. However, I’m not sure if my current background is enough to get me into UPLB, especially since I’ve been away from the field for a couple of years.

For those who are currently taking or have completed MS Microbiology at UPLB:

- How competitive is the admission process?

- How much does research experience/publications matter?

-Also, may mga applicants ba na narereject? huhu

I’m also planning to apply for a DOST graduate scholarship, so I’d really appreciate any advice on how I can prepare and make myself a stronger applicant.

Thank you so much!

hello! is it hard to get into these programs? i have a life science degree from UP (not diliman/mnl, and hindi po sya bs bio pero medj malapit na rin HAHAHA) my grades are not that impressive… like average lang sya. 2.0 GWA in the UP system. tho may exp ako sa research na very MBB leaning

fresh grad here so im planning to apply maybe in 2 yrs pa naman and i plan to work muna

how competitive is it?

may mga bridging ba if medj malayo undergrad course mo?

tyia :)

Hi poe hehe pwede po bang magtanong, PLEASE

If ever we have access to some accredited laboratories (i think we have naman po, provided links by our school), would the topic/draft working title “[fruit waste extract] potential as natural adjuvants to resensitize antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria” be workable and a good topic to look into? Do we need specific changes in the title? I’m not sure po kasi sa “resensitizing” aspect

Another question po, which fruit po would be best? I have looked into mangosteen(not novel daw but has most potential) na po and Calamansi(more novel) kaso not exactly sure po. Thank you

Good day po! We are graduating students currently looking for chemist for our product development po. Specializing in natural, botanical products po sana.

Please comment or contact this email po (morrigan.ellis20@gmail.com). Preferably po yung kayang makipagmeet f2f para mas maayos yung communication po.

Hello, my groupmates and i are inquiring for Bacillus cereus strain? San pede makahanap other than PNCM and hospitals? Thank u!

Things about me:
Almost a decade into graduate school.
Almost a decade as an RA.
Carries most workloads as the most “dependable”.
Salary does significantly increase per project.

Contexts into my feelings (as described by the title):
Most peers from graduate school have graduated, proposed, or are just finishing their thesis.
Some peers have even been accepted to PhD, done with PhD, are in post doc, or have own established careers.

And here I am.
More than work, life happenings (personal, mental, health, and financial) has taken a toll on me.
I feel left alone. Yes, I have friends, helpful workmates.
But here I am.

If anyone has been in the same shoes as mine or are currently feeling the same, how did you save yourself from this quagmire?

Hi! I have a BS in Entrepreneurship and currently work in a corporate setting, but I’m thinking of switching fields and pursuing an MS in Biology because I’m really interested in science and research. I might eventually pursue a PhD as well.

I know my undergrad degree isn’t related to Biology, but I’m willing to take prerequisite/deficiency courses in Biology, Chemistry, or other science subjects if needed. I’m just hoping I won’t have to take another full 4-year bachelor’s degree.

Does anyone know of universities in the Philippines that would accept a business graduate into an MS Biology program as long as they complete the required prerequisites?

Would really appreciate any recommendations, especially if you or someone you know has taken a similar route. Thanks!

Hello po may mga research assistant po ba rito sa Academia Sinica or Taiwan in general. Pwede po ba magtanong about oec processing or kung need pa po ba.

Hi im currently a student reseacher, and we need to use an antibiotic which is gentamicin as our control. Can anyone tell me where does one aquire a lab/analytical/standard grade gentamicin?

Hello everyone! I'm currently a 2nd-year Marine Biology student, and I've recently become very interested in pursuing a Master's degree in Marine Geophysics.

The problem is that I noticed there are not many (or possibly no) universities in the Philippines offering a specific Marine Geophysics program. I'm wondering if anyone knows of universities nearby (such as in Asia) or even abroad that offer this field.

Since my parents are currently supporting my education, I'm also trying to be realistic about costs. I would love to pursue this path, but I don't want to put too much financial pressure on my family. Are there affordable universities, scholarships, or pathways that would allow me to further develop my Marine Biology background while specializing in Marine Geophysics?

For context, I'm interested in the physical side of the ocean such as seafloor processes, plate tectonics, underwater mapping, and how geological processes interact with marine environments.

I would really appreciate any advice from students, researchers, or anyone working in this field. Thank you!

Hello po need po namin ng onhand items for (filtered tips, pcr plates, microcentrifuge tubes), may marecommend po ba kayong physical store within Metro Manila? Or online stores na fast delivery (less than 2 weeks) thank you so much

Micromanaged for 3 years and burned out. Sobrang gulo ng project dahil sa PL. Ang dami niyang gusto, ang daming pinapabago. Hindi na rin nasusunod ang protocol. It’s really frustrating na there’s no more integrity and consistency in the process anymore. I wish I never met my PL. Nag-iba na tingin ko sa research and sa kanya lol. I’ve been carrying so much for so long huhu gusto ko ng umalis pero hindi ko alam ano mangyayari sakin. I’m so lost. Let me know if may hiring kayo please 😭

Hiii everybody, do you know of trusted online stores where (Feather R35) microtome blades can be purchased? The ones I found on shopee and laz didn't have any reviews or seemed kinda sketchy. Thank you for your time :)

Hello! Are there any papers that have GC-MS analysis of the Philippine blue sponge? We’re struggling trying to find a list of its bioactive compounds. We’re wondering if there’s anybody here who knows someone who have studied this (jic it hasn’t been uploaded online). Thanks!

Were in need of reagents for our thesis, any recommendations for shops here in the Philippines that offers cheap products and fast delivery.

Hi! I am a BS Pharmacy graduate and plano ko po sana na itake yung CTLE before PHLE. Kaya po ba sya as someone na very average na student lang? May tips po ba kayo for CTLE? Thank you! :)

Hi! May mga nagwo-work po ba dito as Quality Assurance/Quality Control sa food manufacturing? I’m considering applying for a QA role and I’d love to hear your experiences.

• How much was your starting salary and how much are you earning now?
• Usually ba talaga 6 days a week ang schedule? How many hours per day?
• How stressful is the job, especially for someone starting out?
• Ano usually ginagawa niyo day-to-day? More on production floor, lab work, documentation, audits, etc.?
• Okay ba ang work-life balance?
• Worth it ba siya as a long-term career, or better gamitin muna as a stepping stone then lumipat ng industry/company?
• How is the salary growth after 1–3+ years?
• Any red flags I should watch out for when evaluating a QA job offer?

I’m a fresh grad with a BS /Medical Biology background, so I’m also wondering if this is a good career path for someone from a Biology background.

Would really appreciate any honest experiences, especially from people currently working or who have worked in food manufacturing. Thank you! 🙏