Chemistry and biochemistry are experimental sciences and experience working in the lab is an essential part of most courses in our department. The particular focus of the Chem 130 lab is on linking our models of the structures of inorganic compounds to qualitative observations of chemical reactivity.
Weekly Schedule
The schedule below outlines the work we will complete during our lab sessions. Links are provided here to experiments; links to other materials that you will find useful when working in lab and when preparing written reports of your work are provided in the sections that follow. Due dates for reports are included with each experiment.
- January 28: case studies in inorganic chemistry
- February 4: check-in and chemical conundrum (experiment, report form)
- February 11: synthesis of alum (experiment, report form)
- February 18: reactions of copper and iron (cover sheet, copper series, iron series)
- February 25: developing a qualitative analysis scheme (experiment)
- March 3: using a qualitative analysis scheme to identify an unknown salt
- March 10: molecular modeling (experiment, using spartan)
- March 17: solid-state structures
- March 24:
spring break
- March 31: modern materials
- April 7: acid-base reactions
- April 14: oxidation-reduction reaction
- April 21: synthesis of metal-ligand complexes
- April 28: TBD
- May 5: check-out of lab
General Policies
- Laboratory Notebook. Experimentation is the framework on which we construct our understanding of chemistry and biochemistry. A proper framework, of course, must have a foundation and in the sciences that strong base is a laboratory or a field notebook. Our collective confidence in chemistry and biochemistry is built upon experimentation that is well documented; for this reason, you will maintain a permanent record of your work in lab; here are a few key ideas regarding your notebook:
- It must be a separate notebook not used for another purpose (as you will need to submit it for evaluation).
- You must bring your notebook to all lab sessions.
- Reserve the first page for a Table of Contents that lists each experiment and the page on which your work begins.
- Begin each experiment on a new page and include separate sections for the work you complete before you come to lab, for the work you complete in lab, and for the 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 written reports, the specific details of which are included with each experiment.
- Grading. The lab reports for each experiment is worth 50 points. In addition, your lab notebook is evaluated following the first experiment (10 points) and at the end of the semester (40 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.
Safety in the Laboratory
Although a chemistry or biochemistry laboratory experiment uses chemicals and equipment that can result in an injury, there is no reason that working in the laboratory inherently is less safe than other environments where one is exposed to caustic and/or reactive materials, to sharp objects, and to 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. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the department's safety guidelines