This study assesses the satisfaction and perceptions of first-year students in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program at Universitat Jaume I regarding a preliminary Biology (BI2201) laboratory manual developed to support their introductory lab experiences. Given the challenges many students face in adapting to laboratory practices, this research builds on previous findings that highlighted gaps in current resources, including insufficient guidance on laboratory instruments, methodologies, and tools, as well as language-related difficulties due to the English content of the manuals. An anonymous survey was conducted with 52 students, asking them to evaluate the manual across several aspects on a scale from 1 (very dissatisfied) to 5 (very satisfied). The students reported high overall satisfaction, rating the manual’s usability at 4.44, clarity of illustrations at 4.37, content organization at 4.46, and format satisfaction at 4.48. Additionally, the manual was considered clear in concept explanations (4.33) and useful for conducting laboratory exercises (4.33). Despite these positive evaluations, certain areas showed lower satisfaction levels, particularly in perceived academic performance improvement (3.96) and ease of understanding English content (3.15), emphasizing language comprehension as a notable barrier for some students.

Open-ended feedback provided by students highlighted several recommendations for enhancing the manual, including:
(i) Adding a glossary of technical terms and lab instruments in Spanish to improve comprehension for students who find English challenging;
(ii) Integrating practical examples demonstrating the relevance and application of each exercise, which could help students better connect theoretical concepts with laboratory practice;
(iii) Expanding the number of images for procedural steps to aid visual learners and ensure clarity in the instructions.

These results reveal both the strengths and areas for development in the manual. The data indicates that, while the current structure and format provide a valuable learning resource, certain modifications could further support students' academic success and enhance their laboratory experience. We conclude that incorporating these enhancements would improve accessibility and comprehension, helping first-year students to build foundational skills essential for their academic and professional journeys in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Our recommendations, based on student feedback, provide actionable steps for refining this educational tool, supporting an inclusive and effective learning environment.

Keywords: Biology, Laboratory, Manual, Guidance.