Development of Standard Operating Protocols: an Innovative way to the Practice of the course Analytical Methods of Quality Control

The present work proposes the use of autonomous learning for students through the elaboration of standard operating procedures (SOPs). This experience is carried out within the course Analytical Methods for Quality Assurance of the majors Chemical Engineering and Technical Industrial Engineering in Chemistry at the University of Huelva in Spain. The preparation of the SOPs and the working instructions make that repetitive actions are performed in the same way regardless of the person who performs the tasks. Therefore, SOPs represent a good tool in the practical formation of students. The degree of satisfaction of the students in using this method of autonomous learning has been evaluated through individual interviews, group tutorial and opinion polls. The results have been satisfactory and the activity has resulted to be a motivating agent for the learning process.