What is the Difference Between Lab and No Lab

whenhen
Thu, 23 May 2013 00:35:48 +0000

It depends on the course. Most intro courses I’m aware of use a lab manual, which gives relatively specific instructions on how to set up an experiment. Some use both a lab manual and require students to design their own experiments. My geology class, and a second semester chem class at my school used this method.

Others, especially in the ecology section of your intro biology course, may require some field work and then a write up about your observations.

Most labs have a scheduled time, but if you went to a school on the block plan, like Colorado College, the labs might be whenever the professor finishes lecturing.

Typically labs are once or twice a week and might last for as little as one hour or as long as four hours. It depends on what you need to do during that particular period. Some professors, especially right before an exam, use lab to review concepts that will be covered. If you’re going to a major university, your labs will typically be run by graduate students.