Objectives for the Laboratory

Laboratory Objectives

The general and specific objectives that we hope will be instilled in laboratory include, but are not limited to, the ability to:

  1. Locate valid scientific information
    1. find, access, and use relevant information of historical, contemporary, and future oriented types in appropriate print and electronic media
    2. use experimental equipment and materials safely and to conduct experiments to completion by following both written and verbal instructions

    3. Additionally, students should have:
      1. a working knowledge of scientific methodology in general, and hypothesis testing in particular;
      2. an understanding of the relationship between observation/experiment and hypothesis formation;
      3. the ability to represent observations and results graphically, as well as the ability to interpret such graphs;
      4. an understanding of the role of controls in experiments and the ability to use them correctly;
      5. familiarity with the role of models in scientific studies;
      6. sufficient experience with lab equipment, standard procedures, and basic principles to allow students to explain unexpected results;
      7. the ability to interpret results of experiments in the context of broad principles."

        (Kilburn & Hutto. "Process-Oriented Lab Exercises: Learning How to Learn in the Lab," Discovery Notes, Fall 1992, No. 3, D.C. Heath & Company)

  2. In addition to the previously mentioned skills are some equally important interpersonal skills necessary for success in all fields:
    1. the ability to work effectively as a member of a team
    2. the ability to effectively manage a personal calendar/schedule,
    3. understand the importance of personal reliability, responsibility, professional ethics and consideration for others





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