Using a physiology virtual laboratory to explore vascular reactivity: feedback from undergraduate biology students in...

The evolution of European and French regulations regarding animal experimentation in higher education has prompted universities to develop alternative methods to animal testing. The University of Angers (France) has created a web-based virtual lab (VL) called ExAVir (https://labua.univ-angers.fr/Projets/exavir/) designed to simulate practical lab work in animal physiology and pharmacology. In this study, we evaluated the perception of ExAVir among third-year undergraduate physiology students at the University of Lyon, France, as a tool for studying vascular physiology. Students completed the VL activity independently and were then asked to fill out a postcourse survey. Of the 268 students enrolled in the course, 197 completed the questionnaire (73.5%). Most students appreciated the VL (65%) and valued the fact that it avoided the use of laboratory animals (90%). A majority (69%) believed that the VL could effectively replace one session of lab work, although 88% stated that it should not replace all hands-on lab activities, as it does not engage the same practical skills. Nevertheless, 71% of students reported a significant improvement in their perceived level of vascular physiology through the use of the VL. We believe that the targeted use of VLs such as ExAVir can be a powerful educational tool, particularly when integrated with traditional wet lab practicals.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Facing evolving European regulations on animal experimentation, universities are turning to innovative teaching tools. Our study explores ExAVir, a virtual lab developed by the University of Angers, used by physiology students at the University of Lyon to learn vascular physiology without animal testing. Most students found the virtual lab engaging, effective, and ethically valuable, highlighting its potential to complement, but not replace, traditional hands-on lab work.