Some experiments have links to Prelab Videos. Watch them before you come to lab.
You will need Quicktimeto view the videos.

Lab Sections
The rooms and times for the various lab sections can be found on the main class webpage and they are posted on the door of Cook A109.

Attendance
You must attend the lab section to which you are assigned. The laboratory is a key part of the class.  Grade of F for the laboratory is a fail for the entire class. The instructor should be notified at least a week in advance of any scheduling conflicts. Unexcused absences from the lab will result in a grade of zero for the missed lab. Two or more missed laboratory sessions without prior approval of the instructor will automatically result in a grade of F for the laboratory, and hence the class.

Breakage Card
A breakage card ($40) must be purchased from the 1st floor stockroom, Cook A143, prior to the first lab. The purchase price will be refunded at the end of the semester less any breakage costs. Always bring your breakage card to lab - you'll need it to check out equipment for experiments.

Safety Eyewear
OSHA approved safety glasses or goggles must be worn by everyone as soon as experiments are underway. Students not observing this rule will grade zero for the lab. Safety eyewear can be purchased at the UVM Bookstore in the Davies Center. Contact lenses are a hazard, as they can trap corrosive vapors next to the eye. Only wear lenses if you don't have eyeglasses. If you must wear lenses, you must also wear safety goggles and you must inform your TA.

Laboratory Safety

General
The organic laboratory is a safe place in which to work, provided everyone observes reasonable safety precautions. Hazards have been minimized in the design of experiments, but organic chemistry involves the use of flammable, corrosive, and toxic materials. The key to working safely is to be aware of the hazards before you enter the laboratory.  Careful thought and knowledge of the characteristics of the chemicals you're working are essential to avoid accidents and injuries. Your TA will let you know any specific hazards prior to each experiment.

Protective Clothing
If you value your clothes, a lab coat is a good investment. Even if you take good care and work safely, someone else may splash you. It doesn't have to be concentrated acid - many common solvents will damage synthetic fibers, or discolor fabric dyes.  A lab coat will also protect what's underneath your clothes - you.  Protective gloves are recommended, and they are provided for your use.  Don't regard gloves as anything more than temporary protection. If you spill chemicals on your gloves, discard and replace them as soon as is convenient. Sandals and open-toed shoes are not permitted in the laboratory. And of course, safety glasses are compulsory.

Fire
Your safety is the main concern. Leave the room and the building.  Only after everyone is safe shold the fire be extinguished. If a person's clothing catches fire they need immediate help.  Prevent them from running. Douse them under the safety shower, which works better than a fire blanket. Under no circumstances should you discharge a fire extinguisher at another person, even if they are on fire. Pressurized CO₂ or water can cause more damage than the fire.

Chemicals
Chemical contamination of clothing should be dealt with by immediate dousing using the safety shower. If chemicals are spilled on skin, wash immediately with large volumes of water. If chemicals are spilled in the eyes, wash immediately in the eye wash fountain.

Injuries
All injuries must be treated immediately by competent medical staff at the University infirmary. Report the injury to your lab instructor.

Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, or suspect that you might be pregnant, stay out of the laboratory. We don't have enough information about the chemicals we use to be able to guarantee the safety of your child. Contact the course instructor to discuss laboratory alternatives.

Laboratory Grading

The laboratory is a key part of the class. Grade of F for the laboratory is a fail for the entire class. Two or more missed laboratory sessions without prior approval of the instructor will automatically result in a grade of F for the laboratory, and hence the class.
After the lab you should write up a full report.  Write a prelab in your report before the lab.  Record your data and observations in your notebook during the lab.  Analyze your data (if necessary) after the lab. Each finished lab report should have a prelab and a results/observations section, and should be handed in to your TA for grading at the beginning of the next lab.

Quizzes
At the beginning of the lab period the TA will present a short overview of the experiment. Key theoretical concepts, practical considerations, hazards and waste management will be explained. After the presentation there will be a short quiz. Preparation by reviewing the experiment in the lab manual and viewing the accompanying video will be sufficient preparation to score highly on the prelab quiz.

At the end of the lab the TA will assign a few questions to be completed and returned with your lab report.

Prelab
Use the information in the Chem141 Laboratory Manual to write a few notes outlining your plan for the lab period. The prelab should be the first part of your lab Report and should include the objectives of the lab and a few bullet points explaining the step-by-step process. 

Results
Your data will depend on the particular lab.  You should pay attention to the quality of your data.  If the lab involves quantitative measurement you should estimate errors. If the lab is a chemical transformation, you should report the yield (as a percentage of the maximum theoretical) and the purity, as judged by an analytical technique (melting point, boiling point, chromatography or spectroscopy).

You should include any relevant observations in this section.

Calculations and Conclusions
Describe your results and explain how they relate to the objective of the lab. Discuss whether your experiment was successful, and what improvements could be made.

Lab Technique
Lab technique is assessed according to general neatness, cleanliness, appropriate use of glassware and instrumentation, and appropriate handling of chemicals.  General laboratory attitude and the legibility of your notes will be assessed as part of your lab technique.

Grading
Prelab quiz 3 points, Prelab notes 2 points, Report 10 points, Postlab quiz 3 points, Technique 2 points = 20 points for 10 labs = 200 points.

Back to Main Page