As part of the College's move to remote learning, XX MSc Molecular Biology & Virology students are trialling remote research in a 'virtual lab'.
Students and staff in the Department of Infectious Disease are exploring the new format of teaching and learning over the course of the summer, while laboratory access continues to be limited.
The 'virtual, remote research projects' will now take the place of the remaining five months of the 'Laboratory Based Research Project', the final module on the programme.
From the outset the Department wanted to create an experience, at pace, that contrasted to the less interactive learning experience offered by a literature review.
Reflecting on the shift to virtual labs, Martin Lupton, Vice-Dean (Education) in the Faculty of Medicine, said: "Now more than ever the world needs experts in the medical field to tackle current and future global challenges. This means that lab work cannot simply 'pause', but needs to continue in a format that works well for our students.
"We are making plans to deliver programmes in a number of ways, dependent on progress in the fight against COVID-19. Through our campuses and our remote and online offerings we look forward to providing current and new students fresh perspective in their chosen disciplines."
Ready for the real lab
Delivering engaging and impactful research projects without easy access to a laboratory is a challenge, but one embraced by the Department. Students' projects would always have taken place through conversation and supervision, including technical training, application of techniques in the lab, proper construction and design of experiments, and students' interpretation and presentation of data.
This practical experience of learning in a physical lab setting is a 'gold standard', according Mr Lupton and colleagues. Yet, it is possible in a virtual lab to create an environment where students gain the skills needed for working in a real lab.
XXX XXXX, an MSc student who is taking part in the virtual lab, said: ""
After being provided with direct, online training from research group leaders, and setting their key objectives, students are expected to:
- Tackle a series of research technique-oriented assignments.
- Write a report on the technique involved, and interpret raw data provided by their supervisor.
- Discuss their findings with their supervisor and decide whether they will attempt new experiments with the same technique, or thoroughly research another related and new technique.
A greater sense of independence
Chair in Virology, and the originator of the idea of a 'virtual lab' for the programme, Professor Peter O'Hare, said: "Until we have a clearer sense of when and how it may be possible to return to on-campus labs, it's important that our students can tackle a range of research projects even if we must continue to be creative with a remote format.
"By offering a 'virtual lab' the team hope to equip students with practical techniques and skills in data handling, interpretation, and critical evaluation. Bringing this all together as Remote Research Reports will prove to be an unexpected but hopefully interesting challenge.
"Just like any normal lab meeting or interaction, support and guidance will be on-hand for all students."
Complementary to this supportive environment research group leaders do also want to emphasise the benefits of independent learning, and participants having confidence in their own abilities. Students will still be expected to investigate research techniques independently and work closely with staff to recognise when they should move onto their next assignment.
