How Virtual Labs Enhanced Learning in Veterinary Science Education
Veterinary students gave Labster virtual labs an 8/10 rating while learning complex immunology concepts
What happens when veterinary students tackle one of their most challenging subjects through virtual labs? Researchers from the University of Extremadura in Spain found out when they introduced Labster virtual labs to their immunology courses.
Their research was published as "Implementation of LABSTER virtual lab in immunology for innovative teaching and improved learning in veterinary degree" and appeared in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
The team studied 90 veterinary students and 32 biochemistry students, introducing three Labster simulations: "Organs and cells of the immune system," "Immunoassay to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies," and "Antibodies: Why are some blood types incompatible?" The results were impressive across multiple measures.
Students rated their Labster experience highly, with veterinary students giving it an average score of 8.0 out of 10, and biochemistry students rating it even higher at 8.3 out of 10. More importantly, 86.7% of veterinary students and 97% of biochemistry students agreed that Labster was beneficial for learning immunology concepts.
One unexpected benefit emerged: students felt significantly more confident with information technology after using Labster. Students showed measurable increases in their self-perceived IT skills, suggesting that virtual labs serve a dual purpose in building both subject knowledge and digital literacy.
Perhaps most significantly for veterinary education, 94.4% of veterinary students and 93.9% of biochemistry students believed that Labster could help reduce the number of animals used in teaching and research. This aligns with the "3 Rs" principle (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) that guides ethical animal use in biomedical education.
Students recognized the professional value of their virtual lab experience. 77.8% of veterinary students and 81.8% of biochemistry students agreed that Labster helped them develop practical skills needed for their future careers.
The researchers recommend using virtual labs as a complementary tool rather than a complete replacement for hands-on experiences. Virtual labs proved particularly valuable for:
While students appreciated these benefits, they also noted some limitations. Most students were hesitant about fully replacing traditional hands-on labs with virtual alternatives, with 47.8% of veterinary students and 70% of biochemistry students opposing the complete replacement of physical lab practices.
While virtual labs can't fully replicate the tactile experience of working with real specimens, they offer something equally important: the opportunity for students to build confidence and understanding in a risk-free environment before moving to live animal work.
The study confirms that Labster virtual labs can effectively help veterinary students develop practical skills and prepare for their future careers, while supporting the ethical principles that guide modern veterinary education.
This open-access research article is available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1603469/full
Casado, J. G., Tarazona, R., & Cordero, H. (2025). Implementation of LABSTER virtual lab in immunology for innovative teaching and improved learning in veterinary degree. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12, 1603469. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1603469
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