Perhaps a distinction should be made here between *types* of "labs." There are lab courses exactly as Dude described, scripted to provide a different perspective on core concepts. But there are also design courses (I am thinking engineering, here) that are not so scripted, where students face real-world constraints with the support of instructional staff. And then there are research labs - the undergrads who seek opportunities to work in them get to experience the real mccoy.