Making the most of your laboratory time

Laboratory sessions are an opportunity to turn ideas into working solutions. A little preparation can help you get more from each session.

Before you arrive

Review the topic, bring your notes and identify the concepts you want to practise. Keep your files organised so you can find earlier work.

Learn by doing

Work through each task carefully, test your assumptions and record what you discover. When a result surprises you, use it as a chance to investigate.

Keep learning afterwards

Summarise what worked, note questions for your lecturer and practise a small extension of the exercise. Respect shared equipment and follow laboratory instructions.