Virtual Biology Laboratory (New ed)

Virtual Biology Laboratory (VBL) is a series of 30 exercises, organized into 10 modules.

These online laboratory simulations enable students to make comparative observations, set up experiments, acquire data, and draw conclusions on a variety of topics.

Each exercise is accompanied by suggested activities, a worksheet, a self-test for each exercise and module, and an instructor's answer key.

This set of on-line laboratory experiments is designed within a simulation format to enable students to actually "do" science by acquiring data, performing experiments, and using that data to explain biological concepts or phenomenon.

Students can do all this while working from their school's computer lab, dorm room desk top, or home computer.

Instructors can use the virtual lab experiments to supplement the experience of a "wet" lab and to introduce biology students to the same techniques and equipment currently being used in many research laboratories.

Online labs allow students to "use" expensive or otherwise unavailable laboratory equipment or supplies.

VBL is also available via WebTutor where follow-up questions for each exercise and module are submittable to the Blackboard or the WebCT system.

This allows instructors to evaluate the student's understanding of the lab they have completed.

VBL does not need to be purchased in addition to Blackboard or WebCT--buying just the Blackboard version or the WebCT version provides access to all the modules and their content.

There is no price difference to add WebCT or Blackboard.

To see descriptions and/or demos of the 10 modules, visit http: //www.brookscole.com/biology_d/vbl/.

Visit the link to see the Genetics module in WebCT (http: //thomsondemo.webct.com/public/0534464955demo/index.html) This breakthrough combination of current technology and traditional laboratory is a "virtual" experiment that can serve as either an alternative or a supplement to the traditional wet laboratory.