CHM 414 LABORATORY

Laboratory experiments will apply many of the instrumental methods covered in the class sessions. The purposes of the experiments are (a) to gain hands-on experience with the proper operation of a variety of laboratory analytical instruments, (b) to generate sets of data for analysis, (c) to gain experience analyzing laboratory data, with a particular sensitivity for limits of accuracy and potential sources of error, and (d) to gain experience writing up reports in standard scientific article format. In addition to the formal experiments, there will be (at least) three workshop/demonstration days introducing other aspects of instrumentation.

You will be expected to complete six formal experiments. Those experiments will be performed in teams of two, with one report expected from each team. Your list of experiments to be performed will be chosen during the first week of the semester, based on a review of your prior instrumental experience and your future plans and goals, with attention to breadth of coverage among the wide range of analytical instrumental techniques available within the department.

Much of your laboratory work will be performed during the scheduled Tuesday afternoon laboratory periods. However, since most of the experiments require use of specific individual instruments that must be shared with other users, each of you will work out a schedule with me listing times when you and your partners will have the use of the instruments you need for your work. To keep on schedule, you should plan to complete the first three experiments before spring break.

Laboratory reports for at least two completed experiments may be handed in any time up to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 8, our last class day before spring break. Two additional reports will be due no later than 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 26. The final two reports will be due no later than 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, the day of our last class. Laboratory reports submitted late will be penalized one letter grade (e.g. 10%) per day late unless an extension has been granted in advance for just cause.

You should purchase a laboratory notebook, and record all data and observations made in the laboratory in your (or your partner’s) notebook. You should append your notebook pages (either the carbon copy if you use a duplicating notebook, or a photocopy of your pages) to your laboratory report. Some advice based on past experience: placing a carbon copy or photocopy of your laboratory notes in a safe place immediately after recording them avoids the risk of losing important information if your notebook should stray.

The schedule of laboratory assignments/activities follows.

CHM 414  LABORATORY EXPERIMENT SCHEDULE