How to keep refreshing your Science based knowledge?

Sometime people work within the same fields for years which could possibly lead to them becoming complacent and unaware of the latest tools in their fields. It is utmost important that one should keep refreshing and updating their basic concepts of their backgrounds. For example some Chemical Engineering tends to forget some basic knowledge in Chemistry such as a simple reaction of Oxidation of primary Alcohols? Or they find it hard to explain to others some fundamental rules of Chemistry.  Likewise there are many other professions within scientific field where the people tend to forget the simplest concept and could benefit from refreshing their basics.

Attend Seminars

The best way is to look out for any Seminars that are being held in your field. This is the quickest way of getting to know any updates within your fields. It also puts you in contact with many other likeminded people. And sometime it is good to meet up with people who are from similar fields but not exactly from your work place. It is also a good way to enhance your information about the current advances.

Read Articles and Books

Sometime it is not so easy to take time out to attend seminars. In that case it is advisable to read current articles relating to your filed or any book that can provide you mental stimulation and keep your concepts refreshed.

Join an on-line discussion groups

If reading is not one of your fortes after a long hard day’s work, then going on-line and participating in a forum or a discussion is also helpful in updating your basic knowledge.

Private Tuition

If it is difficult for you to grasp some concepts on-line then perhaps getting a private tutor to refresh your basics can be a good idea. Make sure to make a list of concepts that you need refreshing before you get a private tutor. Make use of your private tutor by asking anything that you don’t understand and need explain.

Day Courses

It is also helpful to attend day courses which are especially designed to refresh the basics in your chosen field.  You get to lean whole subject in a day or few days. It also takes you away from your work and puts you in touch with likeminded people. So you don’t just refresh your concepts but also get refreshment mentally as well.

Build your CPD

It is a good idea to list your efforts as part of Career Professional Development. Sometime you may not get your CPD points from any particular activity but if you come out of it by refreshing your basic knowledge or improving your concepts then it is definitely a worthwhile exercise.