Introduction to Computer Controlled Experiments 'Lab in a Box'

Introduction to Computer Controlled Experiments 'Lab in a Box' for third-year undergraduate students, distributed by Imperial College’s Department of Chemistry to the homes of students during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020, containing 1 current / voltage data acquisition and control box, 1 pack of LEDs and resistor, instrument designed by Nick Brooks, built by Simon Turner and Elina Zalite, experiment designed by Nick Brooks and kit assembly and logistics by Simon Turner and Nick Brooks

In January 2021, the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College dispatched a Lab in a Box to their third year students across the globe. Using this kit, year physical chemistry students carrying out the same experiments at home that they would have done in the lab. The aim is to build Python programming skills and equipment control which they would continue to build upon during their studies. Through experiments, students learn to investigate the conductivity of simple electronic components, in this case a LED light.

Imperial College Chemistry staff designed and built much of the kit from scratch. Equipment was scarce due to the COVID-19 pandemic and importing materials was difficult due to Brexit.

Students were expected to watch the introductory lectures, read the lab manuals, and write risk assessments to ensure they carried out their experiments safely at home. Technicians checked these before students started their work. Staff were on hand via Microscoft Teams on the days students were conducting their experiments and daily Teams sessions meant they could talk to their peers. PhD student demonstrators were always available. Once they had conducted their experiments and recorded their results, they submitted their work online. After they were finished with the kits, they returned as much as possible for re-use.