Introductory Details and Lab Format

This is primarily an experimental chemistry course. Nine experiments are specifically designed for those who want to acquire basic knowledge and experimental stills in analytical and physical chemistry. Through this course, students will learn how to properly acquire and analyze data, and how to write standard lab reports. Lecture topics include: Data and error analysis, analog electronics, advanced solution equilibria, potentiometric analysis, chromatographic separations, optical (UV-Visible) spectroscopy, and lasers.

Laboratory Notebook

All data should be entered directly in a bound notebook. Do not use loose-leaf binders or water-soluble ink. To make corrections, draw a line through the text, DO NOT ERASE. For each experiment, you should enter the following into your laboratory notebook:

• The laboratory report should be written in the style of the Journal of the American Chemical Society. All reports must be typed. The length of the report, excluding the Appendix, should be between 5 and 10 pages (1.5 spacing). Pay close attention to grammar. You must use a word processor to write your report. All graphs should be plotted using either Excel or other graphing programs. The laboratory report must contain the following parts:
  • Note: Personal opinions or suggestions should be directed to the instructor.

    Laboratory Policies

    Pre-Laboratory Preparation

    Laboratory Technique and Cleaning Up

    Good laboratory skills require a person be not only efficient but also safe. Discretionary points are given to students at the end of the quarter based on their techniques. This means that those who are well prepared and well organized will be further rewarded. Cleaning up your area and making sure that the common areas remain clean are a part of good and proper laboratory techniques.

    Laboratory Make-Ups

    Due to the fact that many of the experiments require standard solutions and/or solutions of a limited shelf lifetime, it is absolutely essential that students make every effort to come to the required laboratory period to complete the experiment. In cases where the student cannot attend their registered laboratory period due to emergencies and sickness, the student must supply verifications to their TA. The TA will then write a letter of exception that the student can use to gain admittance to another upcoming laboratory period. Students will not be allowed to work in a non-registered laboratory period without such a letter. Only in verified cases, or in cases where a student makes a gross experimental error, will the TA write such a letter and the student must make-up the experiment as soon as possible. It is the student's responsibility to notify the stockroom of their intention to make-up an experiment so that all the needed chemicals are prepared.

    Late Reports

    Laboratory reports are due at the beginning of the period on the date specified by the TA. Arrangements for late reports must be made with the TA. It is the students’ responsibility that the reports are received by the TA. Late reports will carry a 5-point deduction for every day the report is late.

    Unknowns

    Students will obtain all unknowns from your teaching assistant. You must be explicit in your request for an unknown; that is, be sure you know the name of the experiment and unknown. A student may obtain extra unknown only once during the quarter without deduction. Any later requests for extra unknowns will be met with a 30% reduction in points.