Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program (UAP)

The RSRC Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program (UAP) provides structured, mentored laboratory immersion for BS Biology students (2nd–3rd year) in active research settings. Trainees gain hands-on experience in the Molecular Biology, Histopathology, and Natural Product Development (SalOkra) laboratories. The apprenticeship bridges classroom learning with practical research and contributes to thesis readiness, skill acquisition, and early research integration.

Program Goals and Objectives

Primary Goal:
To equip BS Biology students with laboratory competencies, research capabilities, and professional skills necessary for senior thesis work, research participation, and future scientific careers.

Objectives:

1. Provide supervised, hands-on training in cutting-edge biological research methods.

2. Strengthen student readiness for undergraduate thesis design and execution.

3. Support RSRC research projects through trained junior apprentices.

4. Cultivate laboratory professionalism, ethics, and scientific communication.

Laboratory Apprenticeship Tracks

A. Molecular Biology Laboratory Track

Focus: DNA/RNA workflows, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sample processing.

Supervision: molbio.rsrc@msugensan.edu.ph

Core Skills:

Molecular workflow execution (DNA extraction, UV quantification)
PCR setup, amplification, and gel documentation
Data recording and sample traceability

B. Histopathology Laboratory Track

Focus: Tissue processing, sectioning, staining, microscopy.

Supervision: histopath.rsrc@msugensan.edu.ph

Core Skills:

Tissue fixation and processing
Paraffin embedding and microtome sectioning
Histological staining (H&E, special stains)

C. Natural Product Development (SalOkra) Lab Track

Focus: Biodiversity sample extraction, natural compound processing, formulation.

Supervision: salokra.rsrc@msugensan.edu.ph

Core Skills:

Biological sample documentation and ethical collection
Extraction and fractionation
Product preparation (formulation basics)

Eligibility and Minimum Requirements

A. Academic Requirements

Enrolled as 2nd or 3rd year BS Biology student (Animal Biology, Plant Biology, Biodiversity, Microbiology).
Minimum GWA of 2.25 or better.
No failing grade in laboratory courses.
Completed at least two laboratory-intensive courses (e.g., Microbiology, Cell & Molecular Biology, Ecology, Animal/Plant Lab).

B. Application Requirements

Letter of Intent

a. Preferred laboratory track

b. Motivation and research interest

c. Career/academic goals

Faculty Endorsement from Program Adviser or Laboratory Course Instructor.
Completed RSRC Safety and Visitor Orientation (review of visitor’s guide and site policies).
Signed Laboratory Safety & Confidentiality Agreement.

C. Professional Readiness

Commitment of 6–10 hours/week minimum.
Demonstrated teamwork, professionalism, and adherence to laboratory protocols.

Apprenticeship Structure and Learning Components

A. Orientation (Week 1)

RSRC mission & laboratory tours
Laboratory safety & biosafety procedures
Documentation protocols (lab notebooks, digital records)
Ethical research practice and data management

B. Track-Specific Training (Weeks 2–12)

Phase 1 (Weeks 2–4): Foundational techniques within the chosen lab
Phase 2 (Weeks 5–8): Supervised participation in ongoing research tasks
Phase 3 (Weeks 9–12): Independent application and contribution to at least one research task relevant to RSRC projects or thesis preparation

C. Assessment and Feedback

Weekly supervisor check-ins
Mid-Term Evaluation (skills demonstration)
Final Competency Assessment
Apprentice Self-Reflection Report

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

A. Apprentice Deliverables

1. Training Record – logbook with competencies, hours, and supervisor sign-offs

2. Final Skills Report – summary of tasks performed and lessons learned

3. Presentation (optional) – 5–10 min summary at RSRC student seminar

B. Supervisor Deliverables

1. Competency checklist evaluation

2. Mid-term and final performance feedback

3. Recommendation status (if applicable)

Accomplishments, Recognication, & Benefits

A. Certificate of Apprenticeship

Issued by RSRC
Signed by the Center Head, Dr. John Paul S. Tosoc
Includes track, competencies demonstrated, and total hours completed

B. Training Record

Formalized documentation (Attestation Letter) of laboratory experience
Useful for practicum placement, thesis readiness, internships

C. Academic and Career Benefits

Priority support for RSRC research projects
Competitive advantage in thesis execution
Names eligible for acknowledgement in RSRC reports, posters, and publications
Access to letters of recommendation upon strong performance

D. Professional Development

Strengthened laboratory skills
Professional communication and teamwork
Early research culture integration

Mentorship and Supervision Model

Primary Mentor: RSRC Laboratory Supervisor
Secondary Mentor: Faculty Adviser
Coordinator: RSRC Apprentice Program Coordinator
Evaluation: Combined mentor and RSRC center assessment

Policies and Protocols

A. Safety and Compliance

Adherence to RSRC safety policies (PPE, waste management, biosafety zones)
Immediate reporting of safety incidents

B. Confidentiality

Data, sample, and protocol confidentiality agreement required

C. Attendance

Minimum attendance commitment and reporting of absences

D. Academic Integrity

Honest recording and reporting of experimental data

Program Administration and Contact

Apprenticeship Program Office (RSRC)

Email: rsrc@msugensan.edu.ph
Laboratory Contacts:
- Molecular Biology Lab: molbio.rsrc@msugensan.edu.ph
- Histopathology Lab: histopath.rsrc@msugensan.edu.ph
- Natural Product Development (SalOkra): salokra.rsrc@msugensan.edu.ph
Website: https://sites.google.com/msugensan.edu.ph/rsrc/home

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Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program (UAP)

Program Goals and Objectives

Laboratory Apprenticeship Tracks

A. Molecular Biology Laboratory Track

B. Histopathology Laboratory Track

C. Natural Product Development (SalOkra) Lab Track

Eligibility and Minimum Requirements

A. Academic Requirements

B. Application Requirements

C. Professional Readiness

Apprenticeship Structure and Learning Components

A. Orientation (Week 1)

B. Track-Specific Training (Weeks 2–12)

C. Assessment and Feedback

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

A. Apprentice Deliverables

B. Supervisor Deliverables

Accomplishments, Recognication, & Benefits

A. Certificate of Apprenticeship

B. Training Record

C. Academic and Career Benefits

D. Professional Development

Mentorship and Supervision Model

Policies and Protocols

A. Safety and Compliance

B. Confidentiality

C. Attendance

D. Academic Integrity

Program Administration and Contact

Regional Science Research Center