DAY 293/294

Jun 21 & 22

1) In the previous blog update I mentioned that we would conduct mass spectrometry to determine the identity of the second product that we created in the labs. So at 8.30am, Donal and I went over to York House, where he showed me how to use the mass spectrometer. After some initial dry runs, we inserted the sample into the machine and obtained the reading. Unfortunately, they did not match the product that we were looking for, much to our dismay.

2) So it was back to the drawing board. This time, I repeated the experiment, but followed an earlier (and similar) experiment carried out by Donal. We were half way through refluxing when we noticed something different about the DCM (dichloromethane/ methylene chloride) solution we were using. Strong hints of acetone were detected, suggesting that there were impurities present. This may have accounted for the change in mass spectra that we observed earlier in the morning. A quick TLC (thin layer chromatography) check confirmed that the product was indeed different, and hence we would have to (once again!) redo the experiment.

3) So I set up the experiment once more, making doubly sure to replace the tainted DCM solution with a fresh batch. We left the solution on low heat and reflux throughout the night. This morning, Donal had to present a research paper at DCU (Dublin City University), so I came alone to the labs to turn off the heating and carry out another TLC. This time things look a lot more positive. Hopefully our product will turn out fine, and we can proceed to the next step, which is to synthesize Deferasirox (DFX) from the two products that we have made.

4) In the afternoon, I went for my appointment with the Dublin School of Barbering, which offers free haircuts by their student barbers. To be honest, their quality is really good, and I can't really tell the difference haha. Anyway, I've spent the rest of the day back home, just contemplating life and wondering how to get everything packed up... That was today's blog update, and I hope you enjoyed it. Have a lovely day and thanks very much for visiting. Cheers!

That's a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) instrument, used to determine the physical and chemical properties of atoms or the molecules in which they are contained.

That's me after getting a haircut 

(unfortunately there's no me before getting a haircut XD)

Day 155

FEB 3

1) Today has been a pivotal day for me. For starters, we finally finished our first quiz! Any student studying here will tell you that the marks that this test contributes to the overall score, is so minuscule so as to be negligible, but I still wanted to prove to myself that I could do well if I tried hard enough. Now we'll just have to wait for the results and see :D

2) I have learnt that it is really difficult to achieve perfect scores in exams AND participate in all sorts of activities, competitions etc - a sacrifice has to be made somewhere. Last semester my focus was shifted more towards trying out new activities e.g. archery, squash, rock-climbing, table tennis etc and as a result there were gaps in my knowledge. So this semester I shall make it a point to focus a little more on my studies and less on extracurricular activities. Of course that doesn't mean I'll neglect them completely, just cutting down time spent doing them.

3) This semester has a lot going on; we have five modules - Health Behaviour and Patient Safety (HBPS), Fundamentals of Biomedicine (FUN2), Renal, Endocrine, Genitourinary and Breast (REGUB), Gastrointestinal and Hepatology (GIHEP) and Introduction to Clinical Practice (ICP1). In addition to this, we have one individual project, a team project, and individual portfolio to do. Not forgetting the GP visits, the Healthcare Symposia, and the Histology components, which we are expected to read up by ourselves. And we have but 4 months to accomplish all of this! P.S. This long paragraph is directed at those who think only their course is difficult. I'm not saying our course is the most difficult, but just so everyone is aware, we're all in the same boat...

4) As to how my day went, I can summarise it very simply; woke up really early to reach RCSI before 7.00am, did my last bit of revision before the 8.00am test, and then spent the rest of the day (until 4pm no less!) attending lectures one after the other. Went to the library, got some work done on my team project, before going to Dunnes to buy my groceries. I'm planning to cook tonight. The rest of the night was just me relaxing, contemplating on how to spend my weekend getting things sorted. And here I am, typing this piece of reflection out for my blog. I'm going home soon to cook, so I'd best get going. Thanks for reading as always, and have a great day. Cheers!

Baguette at AK. Henry's for lunch today :)

My last chicken dinner before I cook again

DAY 64

Nov 4

1) Today was a really hectic day. Woke up earlier than usual because of our second Mid-Term Quiz today. I won't lie; this quiz felt even harder than the previous quiz. I really did my best though. Afterwards, it was one lecture after another, with an Anatomy Practical and Respiratory Lecture thrown in for good measure.

2) For lunch, my friend and I went to AK Henry's and I got the baguette. Of late, we've noticed less people in AK Henry's, for whatever reason. Anyway, lessons were over, but I still had stuff to complete. Came back home to take my bath and had a short nap. Then, I had to contact the doctor for our team's GP Visits on Nov 15. I had messaged him previously but not received a reply yet.

3) Dinner time! Went downstairs to heat up the frozen meal I bought at Tesco's. Turned out that the Wi-Fi at my apartment was down, and this made me quite stressed, as I need the internet for both academic and leisure purposes. After some thought, I decided that I would change my phone's mobile data plan yet again, this time back to Three (with unlimited data).

4) Walked to Grafton Street and did exactly that, before going to Mercer Library to type this out. Next, I will be going to my friend's apartment to watch a movie, title yet to be decided haha. That's all for tonight, and thank you for reading. Cheers!

 Baguette at AK. Henry's!

 Dinner time!

First time at the library (yes, that is my blog on the computer XD)

DAY 49

Oct 20

1) Today was a full day for me. We had classes from 8a.m., so hurriedly had my breakfast before getting ready for class. Two lectures later, and it was time for lunch. Every student's favourite time of the day, apart from finishing time.

2) Went to AK. Henry's for my customary sandwich, but opted today for a baguette. I asked the server for extra fries, and he very generously piled them on for me. Service is top-notch over here hehe. Then it was two more lectures, including a small group tutorial at the Nightingale Lecture Theatre.

3) After lessons ended, I went directly to the Malaysian Hall to help my friends who were cooking for the PMCSA Sports Day event tomorrow, held in University College Dublin. I helped cut dice the carrots, while my friends chopped garlic and cooked rice together. More volunteers turned up later on.

4) At around 5pm, I decided to take a rest and came back to my apartment. Cooked some frozen stuffed mushrooms that I bought at Tesco for dinner. Turned out really great! Went to get the laundry done, and came back to type this out. I'm going out again for tennis practice at RCSI, since I will be representing for tennis tomorrow at UCD. That's all for tonight, and thanks for reading. Cheers!

 These bran flakes taste SOOOO good!

 Baguette with pesto chicken, egg mayo and stuffing,

with crisps on the side

View from across the canal near my house

 At the Malaysian Hall, Dublin

(to help my friends out)

View on my way back XD

 My apartment is the third one on the left

Two stuffed mushrooms for dinner

A light snack after a heavy workout at RCSI