Biochemistry laboratory of the future

A new design for an 18‐student 40′ by 28′ biochemistry laboratory has been constructed in a new science wing to facilitate collaborative group learning. The 3‐foot by 5‐foot rectangular pedestal with a hemispherical 21” overhang bench design allows plenty of space for three students to perform their experiments, with the usual assortment of glassware, in the presence of a Genesys spectrophotometer, a pipet stand containing 6 pipets, a Vortex mixer, and a wireless enabled Apple Powerbook computer. In addition to the pedestal drawers and cabinets, additional storage space is located around three peripheral walls of the laboratory. These bench tops accommodate 2 thermal cyclers, a research grade UV/Vis spectrophotometer, an incubator shaker, a tabletop autoclave, 2 tabletop centrifuges, 3 water baths, a photo‐documentation station, three sinks, a microwave, and gas/vacuum lines. Two Class II Type A2 biological safety cabinets provide protected workspace when warranted. Groups email their data to one another and to the instructor's IMP station computer through an Apple Airport wireless network connected to the internet. The instructor displays collected data in real‐time on a screen for class discussion. The advantage of this design over traditional long rectangular workbenches is that the students can work around the bench facing each other thus facilitating better communication within the group and access to instruments. Additionally, the students are seated facing forward with their note taking materials properly orientated unlike the long benches in which these materials are offset awkwardly to one side. So far, nine weeks into the fall 2005 semester, students have universally praised this new design.