Transforming the lab practical for a new generation

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Learn how educators are designing innovative new styles of learning in chemistry lab practicals – join us 26 November

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26 November 2024, 14.00 GMT

The undergraduate chemistry lab practical has started to evolve. Thanks to the work of leading chemistry educators, some chemistry departments are seeing their traditional lab practicals undergo a transformation with the incorporation of more inquiry-based learning, allowing students to get creative and think about broader experimental design. These new-style practicals are better preparing students with the skills they need to take them further in science research, whether that be academia or industry.

Join us for this hour-long, interactive webinar as our expert speakers explore how they have designed research-orientated lab practicals that teach students critical problem-solving skills alongside core chemistry techniques. Key changes include pre-lab simulations and innovative virtual labs, with a move away from traditional ‘cookbook’ experiments. In addition, the introduction of more reflective practices has allowed students to critically assess their lab experiences.

This webinar will be of benefit to chemistry and Stem educators as well as chemistry students interested in the future of lab education and industry professionals seeking to understand the skills emerging graduates bring to the workforce.

Please note: Closed captions are available on this webinar.

Speakers

Portrait headshot of Michael Seery

Michael Seery

Michael Seery is deputy director and head of the International Foundation Programme at the Centre for Academic Language and Development, University of Bristol, UK. He is also a visiting professor at the School of Life, Health, and Chemical Sciences at The Open University, UK. He was previously a professor of chemistry education at the University of Edinburgh, UK. He has a long interest in researching learning in the chemistry laboratory, with a particular emphasis on curriculum design that promotes learning in the laboratory setting. His major work has focussed on framing how students can learn how to do chemistry within a laboratory context by building progressive curriculum frameworks that incorporate skills development and cognitive engagement.

Portrait headshot of Anna Bertram

Anna Bertram

Anna Bertram is director of laboratory teaching in the School of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham, where she focuses on crafting a cohesive strategy for the undergraduate practical curriculum. Anna leads the School’s Laboratory Development Team, which has been instrumental in advancing a skills-focused practical curriculum, encouraging students to develop a reflective approach to learning and highlighting how key skills link to employability. These innovations have enriched the student experience at Nottingham and earned recognition from the wider academic community, leading to Anna’s role as a key member of the National Chemistry Teaching in Practice network.