I think flirting with your external examiners might be more worthwhile

If you don't realise you're doing it, and it's part of your character - just who you are, then I guess there isn't an issue BUT it sounds to me like you are setting out to flirt with your supervisor (or are you just anticipating problems?). You have NOTHING to gain from this, don't do it.

Hi!

I am currently doing a PhD in neuroscience (methods mainly: molecular biology/viral transfection/hippocampal primary culture/Immunocytochemistry/Microscopy/Mass spectrometry/HPLC/Western blotting). I am very enthousiastic about electrophysiology and like to change to this field after my PHD. Will I have any chance to find a postdoc position? Has anyone experience?
I know I should have done a PhD in Electrophysiology directly but when I figured out that I would like it more I had just done two years of my PhD.

Thanks!

I'm a bit of a flirt and don't often realise I'm doing it. I'm starting my PhD soon and one of my supervisors is HOT. Do you think academics would be averse to some light flirtation or should I start practising being prim and proper ?

It depends really. If the funding is from one of the research councils, then it is up to the university to stipulate the entry requirements from the course. They may just ask you to get your MA i.e. without specifying any grading. Or they might ask you to achieve a certain overall percentage in your masters (as happened to me).

Hey Katie, I agree really with what Lewis has said. Certainly no later than March as studentships often get filled by this point if you're looking for funding. But then again it depends on what area you are going for too. I applied in March as a masters student, had interview in April and was accepted in May so you have to be patient as well.

In terms of what to decide as a research topic, your masters could prove invaluable, mine certainly did. I changed my mind completely with what I wanted to do. And don't be afraid to ask your lecturers on your masters course if you learn something and want to know more about it as a possible direction - the more information you have, the better.

As with anything, it depends on WHERE it is being published. If the book is likely to be well regarded within your subject area then it will be rated highly. If not, then obviously publication within a prestigious journal would be better.

Ask what previous students are doing now, how many publications they had during the PhD, what support is available from the department, are there any people who don't complete it, and anything that shows you are thinking of the long term aspects of doing a PhD. Good Luck!!

Oh yeah, also try to talk to the other students from the lab on their own and ask how the supervisor is, and what problems they have come across. You need to make a good impression with them because the supervisor will ask what they think of you, and since you'll be working with them it helps if you get along.

One other thing..if I have an opportunity to ask questions, what should I ask about?

Yeah it's the not the new guy's fault! That's very true although I suppose if you are absorbed in your work it can be distracting to be constantly interrupted! But just think how of you felt when you first started and how awkward it was! Maybe they just want to make conversation and or maybe they are just interested in the technique/learning stuff! It would be alot easier if the student knew what they were doing but you don't always get those!

I completed a five year part time Masters in Business Administration (MBA) with Open University www.open.ac.uk. Distance learning course - highly recommended.

Personally I prefer two day weeks

You'll be carrying your baby around for a long time then!

E-mail is always good!

Or go online and discover the wonders of the web!