Development of a web-based teaching resource for analytical science practitioners

This paper describes the production of multimedia teaching material aimed at working analysts in the water industry who are studying the Open University‟s Foundation Degree in Analytical Sciences. In collaboration with staff at Scottish Water, Edinburgh laboratories, audio and video materials were produced which demonstrate a number of basic laboratory techniques routinely carried out in chemistry and microbiology laboratories. Teaching laboratory techniques (and associated safety procedures) is by its very nature a visual process, and requires the cultivation of a skill base and good practice that can only be gained by repetition. However an initial „show and tell‟ stage is required. This is extended to coverage of aspects of laboratory management, and how analysts work in teams to produce analytical data for the customer.