Relevant to: students, faculty.
Introduction
This distinguishes how both a hands-on lab and a virtual lab are conducted as part of an online science course.
There are many different forms of online science labs. When an ESC course has “with Lab” in its title, it includes the use of a hands-on lab kit. Students use laboratory equipment at home to conduct real scientific experiments, such as:
· Chemical experiments
· Microscope examinations of commercially prepared slides or slides prepared by the student
· Growth and examination of bacteria on agar plates
· Dissection of preserved specimens
· Mechanical experiments that illustrate principles of physics
· Analysis of geological specimens
If an ESC online science course does not have “with Lab” in its title, it may still include virtual laboratory work. Many of our science courses require a virtual lab component, including experiments such as:
· Virtual fruit fly genetics
· CRISPR technology
· Gel electrophoresis
· Evolution simulations
· Dissection videos
· Organic chemistry simulations
· Astronomy simulations of the night sky
These virtual experiments lack the hands-on aspect of learning. If the student is entering a field requiring real experience with sophisticated laboratory machines, then virtual lab experiences may not be sufficient. If, however, the understanding of the functions of the apparatus and the manipulation of sample data is of most importance, then virtual labs can be more effective since they allow greater time for the student to spend understanding methods and interpreting results.
Virtual online science labs are proving to be extremely effective learning tools. They allow a level of sophistication difficult to attain in a brick and mortar science lab. Students may simulate the use of very expensive laboratory equipment and instantaneously generate vast amounts of experimental data. When students do not require hands-on experience with a complex scientific apparatus, a virtual simulation can be better than the real thing.
Field work is a key lab component in some science courses. Residency courses require attendance at a particular location, where students conduct work in the field or in a laboratory setting. Some courses require field work at a distance, where students go out on their own to identify organisms in the field and submit reports of observations.
NOTE: Any required lab kits will be listed with your other course materials on the university bookstore's site.