Couldn't even nab the 'A' in research for credit?

[Paramagnetic]

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Hello all,

This past semester I did research in a neuroscience lab for credit. I was there for 16 hours a week and had to write a 21 page, scientific-article style paper describing the project and results. In general, I've enjoyed the experience.

I 'thought' I had a strong relationship with the post doc I was working under. He had some troubles with the PI we were working in addition to family problems that kept him out of the lab for ~25% of the time I was there, so I did a lot of working independently. In comparison to him, I had strong social skills.

Anyway, he didn't give me an 'A' as a grade. He cited the quality of the paper as the main reason for this. Given the fact that I wrote 20% above the required length of the paper (in accordance with his revisions), I was pretty shocked at this. I just don't believe I was graded according to the 'level' I'm supposed to be working at (i.e., this was my first paper ever, first research work, I'm not a grad student). I know if I was putting 20hrs/week into a standard 3cr class, I'd be above and beyond obtaining an 'A' grade.

So, for next semester I can choose between continuing the lab work or switching it out for another class. Which do you guys think I should do?

Not looking for remarks speculating on the 'actual' quality of my paper or criticism of my dissatisfaction.

 

[kb1900]

Is the PI the grade decider or the post doc?

 

[JustAPhD]

Firstly, something to realize for the future is that the length of a paper does not equal quality.

Secondly, it's up to you whether or not you feel it's worth it to stick around the lab. What was your grade? Lower than a B and it might be worth it to either switch labs or just take another course.

Thirdly, if your grade is bothering you it's worth it to have a conversation with the post doc. Realize that it's not likely to change your grade, but receiving feedback as to why it wasn't A material is always a good thing.

 

[greenturtle22]

Firstly, something to realize for the future is that the length of a paper does not equal quality.

Seconded. This was a really hard lesson for me to learn when I started undergrad because I'm a person who always writes a lot.

 

[Mwooster]

In comparison to him, I had strong social skills.

😏

Time to use those social skills you claim to possess to good use and switch labs/opportunities

 

[deleted802724]

this happens when you get the wrong TA/whoever grades your course/paper
happened to spend 20 hours for some 1 credit lab class too and TA decided to give me a B explaining that it is my first time writing a scientific paper - well i've published twice by now

 

[Paramagnetic]

Is the PI the grade decider or the post doc?

The post doc

 

[Ismet]

Hello all,

This past semester I did research in a neuroscience lab for credit. I was there for 16 hours a week and had to write a 21 page, scientific-article style paper describing the project and results. In general, I've enjoyed the experience.

I 'thought' I had a strong relationship with the post doc I was working under. He had some troubles with the PI we were working in addition to family problems that kept him out of the lab for ~25% of the time I was there, so I did a lot of working independently. In comparison to him, I had strong social skills.

Anyway, he didn't give me an 'A' as a grade. He cited the quality of the paper as the main reason for this. Given the fact that I wrote 20% above the required length of the paper (in accordance with his revisions), I was pretty shocked at this. I just don't believe I was graded according to the 'level' I'm supposed to be working at (i.e., this was my first paper ever, first research work, I'm not a grad student). I know if I was putting 20hrs/week into a standard 3cr class, I'd be above and beyond obtaining an 'A' grade.

So, for next semester I can choose between continuing the lab work or switching it out for another class. Which do you guys think I should do?

Not looking for remarks speculating on the 'actual' quality of my paper or criticism of my dissatisfaction.

Did you talk to the post-doc or the PI to go over the grade on the paper and your feelings about how it was graded?

Either choice you make, you need to talk to the post-doc to go over the paper and get his feedback on what could have been improved. If you enjoy the research and working in that lab, then stick with it and use what you learned from writing the paper to improve next time. If you don't enjoy the research or the people, then look for a different gig. The choice is up to you. But either way, talk to the post-doc or PI and get their feedback on your work and your paper. This is a learning experience, even if you didn't get the grade you think you deserved.