Evaluating the effectiveness of virtual laboratory simulations for graduate-level training in genetic methodologies.

ABSTRACT: Virtual Labs (vLabs) have been gaining popularity in high school and undergraduate education, but there are few studies looking at their use in graduate-level courses. In this study, we investigated the use of six Labster vLabs assigned as homework in a graduate-level in-person Genomic Methodologies course at the University of Toronto. This course teaches the theory and practice of molecular biology relevant to genetic testing, focusing on computational techniques used to analyze genetic data. The course does not contain a wet-lab component; therefore, we evaluated whether vLabs could complement the dry-lab course components to provide a realistic experience of laboratory techniques and improve content understanding. We evaluated the addition of vLabs with one cohort of 14 students using a

SUBMITTER: Carroll JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12290252 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature