Physical and Virtual Laboratories in Biochemistry Education

Stavroula Koulocheri, A.

Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece

Dr. Stavroula Koulocheri, A., Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece.

Keywords: Simulations; Virtual Laboratory; Hands-on Laboratory; Biochemistry Learning Strategies

Abstract

Laboratory exercises and experimental work traditionally play a very important role in all scientific educational programmes at different levels of education. In chemistry and biochemistry there is a long tradition of including laboratory practicals in higher education. Bringing such experiences virtually is not an easy task, however education-technology researchers have been making substantial progress over the past decade.
Generally traditional practical work in the lab is very costly to implement due to specialized equipment, materials and laboratory instruments. In a physical lab, laboratory procedures are often dangerous and time consuming. Years ago, in 1990 Lagowski J (Editor of Journal of Chemical Education) referring to lab work notes: The expository laboratory satisfies the need to minimize resources particularly time, space, equipment and personnel [1].

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