Radiation course advice

[gimlipig]

Hi,

I am a molecular/cell biology and biochemistry double major. I want to go into one of either genetics/proteomics/bioinformatics.

My university is offering a course in radiation. It looks like it involves safety procedures/disposal/cleanup of radioactive materials. At completion of the course you also earn a radiation certification.

With my possible career fields, do you think it would be advantageous to take part in this course?

Thanks

[mith]

You might work in an area where that might be relevant. I got a gig at a computational chemistry lab and they suggested I take one of the radiation safety trainings just because I might walk into some restricted areas. It wasn't exactly a course though.

[LilKim]

In my humble opionion maybe you should choose another class that you're interested in.

Because, if you end up in a lab/job where you'll be working with radioactive materials... you 'employer' is required (by law) to ensure that you have taken a yearly radiation safety class ... REGARDLESS of if you've used radioactive materials before or taken a formal class that addressed radiation safety.

- KIM

p.s. It's the law were I live, in Rhode Island, USA .. and I think similar laws exist across the country.

[wbla3335]

Hi gimlipig,

I won't assume you are from the US of A, but look into the regulations from whatever country you are from. Only ten years ago, being able to work with radioactivity was a very valuable qualification. Then nonisotopic methods became more common, and people moved away from using radioactivity. But some are now returning to its use since it is superior in some assays. If this course is in addition to your regular courses I would suggest to take it. It won't be a disadvantage having it but could be an advantage some day. If you have to choose between this course and another, perhaps it would be better not to take it. You could always get certified later if the need arises.

[canalon]

Agreed with LilKim, the rules are the same in Canada and in some European countries.

Besides if I agree with wbla3335 about the interest in some assays, they are not the most frequent and you are likely never to use those techniques.

Now it is always interesting, and if you have the time, it will certainly not hurt.

[Darby]

If you get an opportunity to take a radiation biology course, it seems like that would be more useful to you.