Ashworth 1 Teaching Side Labs

Several additional teaching activities (chemical, biochemical and microbiological) will be possible, alongside existing activities (mostly, observational, and microscopic analysis).

The works will upgrade the containment level of the labs from CL1 to CL2. This will allow the BTO to widen the teaching activities possible in the Ashworth side labs to include:

• bacteriology,
• molecular biology,
• DNA analysis,
• protein analysis and,
• immunological work.

Currently, these activities are only possible in the Rutherford, JCMB and Peter Wilson building teaching labs. This is problematic whilst running the required number of practical sessions for the large numbers of SBS students each year.

The improved space will also be suited to MSc level work, relieving pressures on the now often crowded Peter Wilson lab.

 A new accessible toilet will be created adjacent to Lecture Theatre 1 during these refurbishment works.

Together with the Accessibility upgrade, completed in 2018, the Ashworth Building accessibility has improved greatly.

Central wall removed

• The wall between 4A and 4B will be removed, transforming the area into a more open and flexible space.
• Teaching staff will be able to communicate with students in both 4A and 4B simultaneously, which is not currently possible.

Increased Containment Level

• Side labs will be upgraded to CL2, supporting a much broader range of teaching activities.
• Collaborative layout:
  • New lab benching features groups of eight benches facing each other in a line, making collaborative working easier for students and teaching staff.

Improved Audio-Visual facilities (AV)

• An additional large monitor in the overall space will ensure students can see information easily.
• The teaching desk will be able to project from a PC and associated devices, such as microscopes and digital cameras.

Extra storage

• Tall, built-in storage added to the side labs and the prep room, designed specifically for their contents, making the space more effective for teaching and support staff. 
• Improved prep layout:
  • The layout will be changed to make this a more flexible and usable space.

Summary

Drawings in the PDF indicate the future layout of the rooms. These include the proposed finishes for floors, benches, and cabinets, chosen from a limited range with the necessary biological and chemical resistance for lab work.