Empowering Practical Chemistry Learning with Virtual Labs towards PAKETH compliance

The General Chemistry Practical Course is mandatory for approximately 280 First-Semester students from the Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Interdisciplinary Sciences, and Biochemistry-Chemical Biology study programs at D-CHAB. It introduces basic chemical synthesis and essential experimental skills. However, the course currently faces challenges, such as non-compliance with PAKETH (e.g., lab courses during the winter break will no longer be possible), an outdated syllabus, and a lack of modern educational practices. The reform will focus on aligning the course with all PAKETH requirements, balancing preparation with hands-on lab work, and ensuring scalability for increasing student numbers. This will be supported by a modernized didactic approach, incorporating guided self-study in virtual lab tools. Overall, the reform will not only ensure PAKETH compliance but will create a more engaging and effective learning environment. These improvements will enhance students› understanding of practical chemistry and prepare them for advanced courses and future careers in academia or industry, where high-quality practical education at ETH is highly valued by employers.

The project goals for the reform of the course focus on improving the course 529-0011-04 structure, sustainability, and educational effectiveness. The course 529-0124-00 for BCB students will be transferred to the LOC responsibility domain after the transition phase in 2025/26. Key objectives of the project include:
(i) Transition to the PAKETH academic calendar (13 weeks in the fall Semester);
(ii) Overall workload reduction by 37 % for CH, CE, and IN students; 50 % laboratory time reduction as a result of facilitated preparation and elimination of low-level questions;
(iii) Introduction of a virtual lab (LabBuddy) for at least 6 experiments to promote self-study via guided development of the protocol by students instead of following the instructions;
(iv) Introduction of a transparent continuous performance assessment with intermediate grades for each experiment and assessment work;
(v) Alignment of the course with the curriculum of the ACAC1 lecture block.

• Students
The project introduces innovative virtual labs and emphasizes self-study, enhancing the learning experience while reducing workload. Virtual labs allow students to engage with experiment design and protocols before entering the laboratory, improving understanding and reducing cognitive overload during hands-on work. This, in turn, allows students to focus on the appropriate execution of the experimental techniques and safe behaviour in the laboratory. This approach ensures more efficient use of lab time and promotes deeper comprehension through active learning.
• Faculty
The reform enables more sustainable planning of laboratory resources and better allocation of Teaching Assistants (TAs). With reduced lab time, faculty can more effectively manage lab space to accommodate the growing number of students. Additionally, the reform allows for more meaningful roles for TAs: those with limited experimental experience will support theoretical seminars and virtual lab training, while those with stronger experimental skills will guide students in the laboratory, thereby ensuring educational discussions about experimental setups, reaction pathways, safety, and best practices in the laboratory. Furthermore, the results of this project will be of interest to other practical chemistry courses taught in D-CHAB, especially for the first Semester students from other study directions.
• The entire degree programme
Aligning the course with PAKETH requirements will ensure a more balanced workload for CH, CE, and IN students, improving their ability to comprehend the entire degree program. This course forms the foundation of students’ experimental skills, preparing them for future practical courses in the program. As the first hands-on chemistry experience for First-Semester students, it shapes their initial perception of the degree. A well-structured, innovative course will foster greater engagement, strengthening the overall quality of the degree programs.