Virtual Lab Environment
The environment
The students in the case studies will be attending undergraduate lab classes which are timetabled to run for 6 hours a day (11 am – 17 pm) in the space below. The main entrance is a double door, with a single door at the back of the room leading to an area with an emergency shower, and fire exit down a spiral staircase.
The space is designed to accommodate 110-120 students, two academics, graduate teaching assistants and it is possible that during sessions cupboards, shelving and the two preparation areas will be accessed by technical staff.
Students are expected to do the practical in pairs.Items students need will be provided on their benches, but they may need to move around to access fridges/freezers, microwaves and other equipment, fume hoods, dustbins etc.The room has windows which cannot be opened, so there are air con units around to maintain temperature. Students are expected to manage their own comfort breaks, not seek permission or work to a strict timetable.
Standard laboratory rules involve using PPE(gloves, lab coat, glasses as needed), no eating, drinking taking medication or using a phone whilst in the lab.Students are also discouraged from touching their faces/hair/ears due to risks of contamination.
Some features you may wish to consider:
·Air conditioning
·Door location/fire exit.
·Sinks
·Seating types
·Availability of a computer
·Where students are likely to congregate during a teaching session.
·Equipment noise.
Virtual lab image 1
Virtual lab image 2
