Animal models are widely used in laboratory practicals in biomedical disciplines. However, experiments involving animal work are usually time-and-labor consuming. It is also costly to run an animal lab and the animal caring/holding request special training. Here we present a laboratory course design that provides students with wet lab experience…

Flow cytometry has become an important tool in the fields of veterinary, medicine, and biological sciences in general. However, in the introductory and even in advanced university degree courses, students do not have many opportunities to be in contact with this type of technology. This situation motivated us to design a simple and inexpensive…

The method for producing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) was first published in 1975. MAbs have revolutionised research, diagnosis, and disease treatment approaches. While students need a good understanding of MAb production, teaching the key steps via traditional methods can be challenging. Numerous resources exist, but these focus on hybridoma…

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the stay-at-home order implemented by the New York State Governor, the introductory undergraduate biology courses were changed to an at-home remote learning modality. To provide conceptual learning and hands-on experience, the second semester introductory biology laboratory course utilised a multi-modal learning…

Potential benefits of simulations and virtual laboratory exercises in natural sciences have been both theorised and studied recently. This study reports findings from a pilot study on student attitude, motivation and self-efficacy when using the virtual laboratory programme Labster. The programme allows interactive learning about the workflows and…

This paper reports on the contribution to biological knowledge of three different laboratory technologies and also endeavours to discover which technology students prefer the most. To examine differences in knowledge gained and learners' preferences for different technologies in biology laboratory work, we prepared three variants (triplets) of…

Describes two computer simulation programs, "Nerve Physiology" and "Frog Heart," as practical alternatives to the use of live animals in class experiments. Discusses the potential of computer simulation as a feasible alternative to experiments with animals in the classroom laboratory. (CW)

Described are two methods which use microcomputers to illustrate the use of the electrocardiogram and the function of the heart. Included are a simulation and a method of collecting live electrocardiograms. Hardware, software, and the use of these systems are discussed. (CW)

The assumptions common to all capture-recapture models for estimating population size are reviewed. A simulation using either a playing board, counters, and dice or computers is described. Classroom implications of using the board game are discussed. (KR)

Summarizes the animal rights argument that objects to the use or killing of animals for educational purposes. Reviews and evaluates alternative approaches that include the nonanimal options of videotaped experiments, self-experimentation, and computer simulations. (MDH)