Higher education is an incredible place for students and faculty to come together in the name of learning and research. This couldn’t be more true in the sciences, where every experiment or research project delves into something new, adding to the vast nebula of scientific achievement. As you seek to inspire and instruct your students, follow these three tips for managing a university lab.

Plan Ahead

Every good leader plans beyond the immediate. Without a vision for the future, your work today lacks direction. If you neglect to anticipate your student needs, lab inventory, or class design, you will have serious problems as the semester goes on. Consider items such as the number of students you will have across each class and what accommodations you will need. Coordinate with campus offices to reserve lab space for the semester and order equipment before students arrive.

You should also write out your syllabus and plan each experiment in advance. Stick to what you already know. If you want to stray from your routine, throw in a research project for students to conduct and present at the end of the semester. This way, you engage them pedagogically while contributing to the scientific community.

Set Your Expectations

University students attend your lab to learn, but you must establish your expectations. Stress to your students that the first order of business is learning. Though science labs are fun and exciting, they aren’t places to fool around. You should emphasize the importance of safety, especially considering collegiate science courses work with dangerous substances.

You should also set expectations regarding the lab tools. If you want to extend the life of your lab equipment, you need the students to know how to handle it with care. The last thing you want is a bunch of broken instruments that need replacing.

Try To Inspire

Science is an exciting endeavor, so focus on inspiring your students above all else. You don’t want to quash students’ vocational dreams of medical school or scientific research. Give your pupils opportunities to shine and encourage them in the field you are passionate about. While you shouldn’t give out As for enthusiasm, a little inspiration can go a long way.

Utilize these tips for managing a university lab as you dive into your next semester. No matter where you teach, a science lab should be a place of academic discovery and passion. With these methods in mind, you can lead the next generation into groundbreaking work.