Describes the rationale and incentive for the development of investigative laboratories at the University of Nebraska. Details the training and continuing support system that allows the utilization of a largely undergraduate student teaching staff. Outlines problems created by the nature of the students enrolled in the course. (GS)

Describes a laboratory pretest giving samples of laboratory competencies, such as observing, interpreting, and calculating. Information from the test is related to student background and to overall success in the course. A test copy and tabulated data are included. (EB)

Describes a one-semester junior course with emphases placed on students' use of instructions designed by their peers in doing laboratory exercises, and indicates the feasibility of such a plan to a rather small range of group sizes. (CC)

Describes the laboratory portion of a biology course which has been changed to incorporate a self-paced concept allowing students to attend the laboratory at their own convenience. (EB)