Prepare, do, review: A skills-based approach for laboratory practical classes in biochemistry and molecular biology

A new laboratory practical system is described which is comprised
of a number of laboratory practical modules, each
based around a particular technique or set of techniques,
related to the theory part of the course but not designed to
be dependent on it. Each module comprises an online
recorded pre-lab lecture, the laboratory practical itself and a
post-lab session in which students make oral presentations
on different aspects of the practical. Each part of the module
is assessed with the aim of providing rapid feedback to staff
and students. Each laboratory practical is the responsibility
of a single staff member and through this “ownership,” continual
review and updating is promoted. Examples of
changes made by staff to modules as a result of student feedback
are detailed. A survey of students who had experienced
both the old-style laboratory course and the new one provided
evidence of increased satisfaction with the new program.
The assessment of acquired shills in the new program
showed that it was much more effective than the old course.