The Reality of Scientific Laboratory Utilization in Medical and Applied Colleges at the University of Derna: An Analytical Study of Educational, Research, and Equipment Dimensions

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the level of utilization of scientific laboratories in university education at the University of Derna through three main dimensions: the educational dimension, the research dimension, and the equipment dimension. The study adopted the descriptive-analytical approach and used a questionnaire as the data collection tool. The questionnaire was administered to a proportional stratified random sample consisting of 51 faculty members from the Faculties of Science, Medicine, and Pharmacy. The results related to the educational dimension showed that the majority of faculty members link theoretical content with laboratory activities, while a weakness was observed in training students to use modern devices and technologies. Regarding the research dimension, the results indicated that faculty members contribute to transforming laboratory activities into research projects; however, there was a low level of suitability of the available equipment for the requirements of advanced scientific research. Concerning the equipment dimension, the results revealed that faculty members participate in identifying priorities for laboratory equipment, while the availability of modern devices was rated low. The results also showed no statistically significant differences among colleges in the level of utilization of scientific laboratories and their various dimensions. Likewise, no statistically significant differences were found among colleges in the level of laboratory use. The study recommends updating laboratory equipment in the faculties of science, medicine, and pharmacy to align with modern research requirements and enhancing practical training programs for students on modern technologies.