The undergraduate laboratory work: an improvement

Abstract

Laboratory work in undergraduate degrees have been a hot topic in recent years. The argument against is that the actual learning taking place during the lab is outweighed by the financial resources needed. Studies have shown that for labs to still have a place in today’s
universities a structural change is often required. The lecture material and the practical work need to be more synchronized along with mandatory preparatory work. Furthermore, there is a need for an increasing level of difficulty in the lab throughout the degree for students to gain relevant practical experience as they progress through their programme. In this report, issues surrounding the laboratory work are raised and suggested solutions are given.