CHEM 131 Lab

 

General Lab Information

    • Lab write-ups are generally due during the next lab session after the experiment is completed.. This means that you should tie up any calculations, conclusions and discussions quickly. It is best to tie them up in a time frame close to that of class time, as the tendency to forget makes it more difficult with time.
    • All labs will be collected, though not all may be graded extensively. Those labs which are not graded extensively may be reviewed and some comments given.
    • Those labs that are graded extensively may have different point worth assigned for different sections; however, your Data and Results sections will generally carry the greatest point worth.

Lab Notebook Comments:

I expect that you will read and follow the guidelines outlined in “The Laboratory Notebook” section of your lab manual.  Please be sure to keep the following items in mind as you complete your notebooks.

  • Very clearly label each of the individual sections in the notebook. There should be only one procedural section including all subsections grouped together. There should only be one data section, etc…
  • Write all information into your notebooks directly using permanent ink, making sure that a duplicate copy is made. Do not transfer information into the book from pieces of paper towel or the margins of your lab manual.
  • Do not erase any information or use white-out. Instead, if you make an error, correct it by drawing a single bold line through the error and initial it. A comment on why the correction was made often helps you remember
  • Clearly label all entries in the notebook. Be certain to include units with all numbers and measurements. Also be aware that every graph and table needs to be titled and any graph axes must be appropriately labeled.
  • Affix all graphs and loose pages that are generated in the laboratory or by using spreadsheets directly into the results section.
  • If a calculation is made to arrive at an answer, show one example of each calculation in a clearly labeled fashion.
  • Sign and Date each page when completed.
  • All sections are to be written in your own words.

Lab Schedule

Date Exercise
8/19–8/23 NO LABS (free add/drop)
8/26–8/30 Check-in, training, safety paperwork due on Blackboard by 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 29
9/2-9/6 Synthesis of Coordination Compounds (Coordination Chemistry week 1)
9/9–9/13 Hydrolysis Kinetics of a Cobalt Coordination Compound (Coordination Chemistry week 2)
9/16–9/20 Analysis of Ferric Oxalate (Coordination Chemistry week 3)
9/23–9/27 Molecular Models
9/30–10/4 Computational Chemistry
10/7–10/11 Fall Break 10/18-10/19, NO LABS
10/14–10/18 Gas Chromatography
10/21–10/25 Qualitative Analysis
10/28–11/1 Qualitative Analysis
11/4–11/8 Qualitative Analysis
11/11–11/15 Electrochemistry
11/18–11/22 Environmental Chemistry (sample collection and lab work, planning done beforehand)
11/25–11/29 Thanksgiving Break, NO LABS
12/2-12/6 Environmental Chemistry (presentations), check-out