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SED324Education2 Unitsintermediate

School Science Laboratory

This course introduces postgraduate students to the design, organization, management, and safety procedures of school science laboratories. It covers traditional and modern laboratory designs, safety protocols, hazard management, and the roles of personnel such as the head of department, science teachers, and laboratory technicians. The course also emphasizes the use of computers in laboratory organization, research report writing, and waste disposal methods, equipping students with the knowledge to propose new laboratory designs or improve existing ones.

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312h
Study Time
13
Weeks
24h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Science LaboratoryLaboratory DesignLaboratory SafetyLaboratory ManagementChemical Hazards

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Laboratory Organization

2

Laboratory Design

3

Laboratory Safety

4

Chemical Hazards

5

Electrical Hazards

6

Fire Safety

7

Waste Disposal

8

First Aid

9

Material Management

10

Human Resource Management

Total Topics10 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Laboratory Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Science Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Laboratory Technician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Safety Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Assistant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationResearchHealthcareEnvironmental ScienceManufacturing

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Laboratory Organization and Design

4h

Unit 1: Historical Background and Rationale for the Laboratory

2 study hours
  • Read about the historical context of science laboratories and their evolution.
  • Understand the rationale behind emphasizing science laboratories in schools.
  • Identify the link between the school curriculum and laboratory activities.

Unit 2: The Laboratory in School

2 study hours
  • Define what constitutes a laboratory and its functions within a school setting.
  • Differentiate between indoor and outdoor laboratories, considering the advantages and disadvantages of each.
  • Examine factors to consider when siting a school laboratory, including safety and accessibility.
Week
2

Module 1: Laboratory Organization and Design

4h

Unit 3: Existing Traditional Designs and Organizations

2 study hours
  • Describe the existing traditional designs and organization of science laboratories.
  • Identify the advantages and disadvantages of fixed and flexible laboratory designs.
  • Examine the laboratory space, surfaces, furniture, and service units in traditional laboratories.

Unit 4: The Modern Design of Laboratory

2 study hours
  • Describe the modern designs of laboratories, including the Power Lab 8 system.
  • Compare the flexible design with the Power Lab 8 design regarding laboratory space.
  • Examine the various configurations and arrangements in a modern laboratory.
Week
3

Module 1: Laboratory Organization and Design

4h

Unit 5: Design and Organization of the Preparatory Room

2 study hours
  • Explain the need for a preparatory room in a science laboratory.
  • List the essential components of a standard preparatory room.
  • State the need to control access to the preparatory room.

Unit 6: Design and Organisation of the Store

2 study hours
  • Distinguish between the main store and the bulk store in a science laboratory.
  • State the necessary requirements of a store, including ventilation and temperature control.
  • Explain why the flexible design is more appropriate for a store.
Week
4

Module 1: Laboratory Organization and Design

4h

Unit 7: The Use of Computers in the Laboratory

2 study hours
  • State three advantages of using computer software in the laboratory.
  • Outline two disadvantages of emphasizing the use of computers over hands-on activities.
  • State three advantages of using the computer in interpreting and recording students' practical results.

Unit 8: Research Report on Laboratory Organization and Design

2 study hours
  • Choose an appropriate topic for a research report on laboratory organization and design.
  • Consult related references appropriate to your topic.
  • Scale down your topic to your area of specialization and locally collect data on your topic.
Week
5

Module 2: Laboratory Safety

4h

Unit 1: Safety in the Laboratory

2 study hours
  • List four reasons why accidents occur in the laboratory.
  • State ways in which the institution or staff can be legally responsible for accidents in the laboratory.
  • List two preventive measures in ensuring safety in the laboratory.

Unit 2: Laboratory Rules and Regulations

2 study hours
  • Discuss the need for rules and regulations in the laboratory.
  • State the need for wearing appropriate protective clothing in the laboratory.
  • Explain the hazards of ignoring the rules and regulations in the laboratory.
Week
6

Module 2: Laboratory Safety

4h

Unit 3: First AID in School Laboratory

2 study hours
  • Define first aid and list its objectives.
  • List the contents of a first aid box.
  • Describe the general features of the first aid procedure.

Unit 4: Disposal of Waste Materials in the Laboratory

2 study hours
  • State the methods of disposal of waste materials in the laboratory.
  • Discuss the hazards involved in wrong procedures of disposing waste materials.
  • List the various types of waste in a laboratory.
Week
7

Module 3: Hazards in the Laboratory

4h

Unit 1: Glass Ware Hazards in the Laboratory

2 study hours
  • State the need to be careful in handling, using, and disposing of glassware.
  • Explain the hazards involved in handling large glass containers by the neck.
  • Explain why glass tubings are usually carried vertically, not horizontally.

Unit 2: Chemical Hazards

2 study hours
  • List the different classes of hazardous substances.
  • Explain handling aspects of hazardous chemicals substances like labels and packing.
  • Match the colors with the nature of the chemicals.
Week
8

Module 3: Hazards in the Laboratory

4h

Unit 3: Electrical Hazards in the Laboratory

2 study hours
  • Describe how the human body conducts electricity.
  • State the danger involved in having a wrong connection in appliances.
  • State the danger of color blindness.

Unit 4: Hazards In The Biology Laboratory

2 study hours
  • State the principal hazards of biology laboratory work.
  • Describe the ways to minimize the hazards.
  • Explain the necessity of using fresh needles, disinfectant, and gloves while studying blood samples.
Week
9

Module 3: Hazards in the Laboratory

4h

Unit 5: Fire Hazards

2 study hours
  • Explain the significance of the fire triangle.
  • List five common causes of fire.
  • Classify different types of fire.

Unit 6: Extinguishing a Fire in the Laboratory

2 study hours
  • List types of fire extinguishers.
  • Describe the use of different types of fire extinguishers.
  • List five principles to be obeyed in fire fighting.
Week
10

Module 3: Hazards in the Laboratory

2h

Unit 6: Research Report on Laboratory Safety and Hazards

2 study hours
  • Retrieve information from the library.
  • State the procedure of writing the research report.
  • Locate authors and subject matters through the author and subject index or the computer.
Week
11

Module 4: Laboratory Management

4h

Unit 1: The Head of Department

2 study hours
  • Discuss the major roles of the head of the department.
  • State the responsibility of the head of department as regards timetable, notice board, filing of information, and establishing resource centers.
  • Outline what the head of department should do to keep his/her members cooperative.

Unit 2: The Science Teachers

2 study hours
  • State the responsibility of the science teacher in the laboratory.
  • Discuss the role of the science teacher with the subject matter.
  • Explain other responsibilities of the science teacher as regards departmental meetings, science library, wall charts, examinations, safety, etc.
Week
12

Module 4: Laboratory Management

4h

Unit 3: The Laboratory Technicians and Assistants

2 study hours
  • State the need for adequate maintenance of the various equipment and services in the laboratory.
  • Discuss the importance of having well-trained laboratory assistants and technicians in the laboratory.
  • State the role of the teacher in helping to recruit the laboratory assistant and technicians.

Unit 4: Storage and Material Management in the Laboratory

2 study hours
  • State the importance of considering temperature in storage.
  • Discuss the importance of storage in laboratory material management.
  • State the need for orderly arrangement of materials.
Week
13

Module 1: Laboratory Organization and Design

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • Review all modules and units.
  • Revise all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs).
  • Prepare for final examinations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed notes for each unit, focusing on key definitions, procedures, and safety protocols.

2

Review all assignments and tutor-marked assessments (TMAs) to identify areas of weakness.

3

Practice writing research reports, focusing on clear and concise communication of findings.

4

Develop a comprehensive understanding of laboratory safety regulations and emergency procedures.

5

Create concept maps linking laboratory design, hazard management, and material storage principles.

6

Prioritize studying units related to chemical and electrical hazards, as these often require deeper understanding.

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