Chem 130 Lab Schedule

Chemistry and biochemistry are experimental sciences and experience working in lab is an essential part of most courses in our department. The particular focus of the Chem 130 lab is learning how to observe chemical reactions and to draw conclusions from your observations. We also will focus on learning some basic laboratory techniques.

Weekly Schedule

The schedule below outlines the work we will complete during our lab sessions. Each title is a link to a Google Drive folder where you will find a copy of the lab's procedure, details on preparing a report on your work, and, for some experiments, additional files with data or other details needed to complete your work.

• (2/1): Identifying Chemical Reactions

• • (2/8): Check-In to Lab & A Chemical Conundrum

  • (2/15): Synthesis of Alum

  • (2/22): Reactions of Copper and of Iron

  • (3/1): Qualitative Analysis

  • (3/8) : Qualitative Analysis

  • (3/15): Molecular Modeling Using Spartan

  • (3/22): No lab this week

  • (3/29): Spring Break

  • (4/5): Modern Materials

  • (4/12): Characterizing Acids and Bases

  • (4/19): Developing a Redox Reactivity Series

  • (4/26): Synthesis of Metal-Ligand Complexes

  • (5/2): Spectrochemical Series

  • (5/9): check-out

General Policies

Laboratory Notebook

Experimentation is the framework on which we construct our understanding of chemistry and biochemistry. A proper framework, of course, has a foundation and this foundation is a lab notebook or a field notebook. Our collective confidence in chemistry and biochemistry depends on experimentation that is well documented; for this reason, you will maintain a written record of your work in lab; here a few key thoughts regarding your notebook:

• it must be a separate notebook that you are not using for another, concurrent purpose (as you will need to submit it from time-to-time)

• you must bring your notebook with you to each lab session

• begin each experiment on a new page and include sections for (i) any work you complete before you come to lab, (ii) any work you complete in lab, and (iii) any work you complete outside of lab

• when you work with a partner, be sure that you each maintain an independent record of your work.

Lab Reports

You will present the results of your work in lab through a series of reports. Details are included with each experiment.

Grading

Each lab report carries a value of 50 points. Periodic evaluations of your notebook also carry a value of 50 points.

Making Good Use of Time

You can complete all laboratory work in the time available if you come to lab prepared. At a minimum you should read the experiment before coming to lab and think through what you need to accomplish during the laboratory period. You also should familiarize yourself with the instrumentation and software by reading the relevant materials included with the experiment.

Safety in the Laboratory

Although a chemistry or biochemistry laboratory is equipped with chemicals and equipment that can result in injuries, there is no reason that a laboratory inherently is less safe than other environments where one is exposed to caustic and/or reactive materials, sharp objects, and hot items. You can work safely in a laboratory if you pay attention to how you dress for lab, how you prepare for lab, how you work while in the lab, and how you clean up at the end of lab. You will receive a copy of the department's policy regarding laboratory safety.