Wider use for virtual laboratories

DLMs support undergraduate laboratory-based teaching

15 May 2013

Dynamic Laboratory Manuals, the innovative, web-based teaching aids, developed by Bristol’s ChemLabs and eBiolabs, have now been rolled out across the Faculty of and to the Faculties of Science, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and Dentistry.

Dynamic Laboratory Manuals (DLMs), the innovative, web-based teaching aids, developed by Bristol’s ChemLabs and eBiolabs, have now been rolled out much more widely across the Faculties of Science, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and Dentistry.

DLMs offer undergraduate students the chance to practice laboratory techniques online before they carry out these techniques in the lab. Specifically, by using video and fully interactive simulations of laboratory equipment and instrumentation, DLMs enable students to become familiar with the equipment/instrumentation they will be using and thereby prepare thoroughly for the practical classes before arriving in the lab.

First used in 2007, DLMs have now completely replaced the traditional printed laboratory manuals in Chemistry and Biochemistry practicals and have radically changed the teaching experience for both students and staff.

Recently, DLM software was runner up in the Teaching Excellence category of the Guardian’s first University Awards, and in 2010 the ChemLabS DLM won the Times Higher Education (THE) Award for ‘Outstanding ICT Initiative of the Year’.

DLM-style products branded as 'LabSkills' have already been developed with Bristol-based e-learning company Learning Science Ltd and is being used schools and universities in more than 30 countries worldwide.