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Relevant to: students, faculty, staff
This article contains information considered accurate at the time of publishing. Technology updates, changes in University security practices, and/or policies and procedures may affect the information in this article - updates to articles are scheduled on a periodic basis and will address any required changes.
Introduction
This guide explains the difference between hands-on and virtual labs in online science courses and outlines the types of experiments each format supports.
Hands-On Lab Courses
Courses labeled “with Lab” include a hands-on kit for at-home experiments, such as:
- Chemical experiments
- Microscope examinations
- Bacterial growth on agar plates
- Dissection of preserved specimens
- Mechanical physics demonstrations
- Geological specimen analysis
Virtual Lab Components
Courses without “with Lab” may include virtual labs, such as:
- Virtual fruit fly genetics
- CRISPR technology simulations
- Gel electrophoresis
- Evolution simulations
- Dissection videos
- Organic chemistry simulations
- Astronomy night-sky simulations
Comparing Lab Types
Hands-on labs provide real-world manipulation of equipment, while virtual labs allow in-depth exploration of methods and data interpretation without the need for expensive apparatus. Field residency courses combine in-person and remote fieldwork to meet course requirements.
Note: Any required lab kits will be listed with your course materials on the university bookstore’s site.