As I'm selecting my courses for next year, I noticed some schools require a certain number of 'lab science' courses. Can someone explain what constitutes a lab science?
A lab science is a science course that includes a laboratory component in addition to the traditional classroom instruction. The purpose of the lab component is to provide students with hands-on, practical experience in the science they're learning, which allows them to apply the theoretical concepts taught in the classroom.
Typical lab science courses include subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science, though there could be more specialized options available at your school, such as environmental science or anatomy and physiology. Generally speaking, these courses require students to conduct experiments, observe scientific phenomena, gather and analyze data, and draw conclusions based on their findings.
When colleges specify a requirement for a certain number of lab sciences, they usually want to ensure that applicants have experience with the scientific method, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that come from participating in laboratory work, as these skills are applicable to the work you do in any discipline in college, even those outside of the sciences.
Best of luck with your academic pursuits!
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