Lab focused on the introduction to organic reactions and modern spectroscopic techniques used in the design and synthesis of interesting organic compounds. This course will acquaint the student with the basic techniques used in a wide variety of research laboratories. Co-requisite: CHEM 2310; Prerequisites: CHEM 1220 and CHEM 1225; Min. Grade: C

“Making the Connections: A How-to Guide for Organic Chemistry Lab Techniques” 4th edition (Padis)

ISBN 978-1-64565-215-1

• Apply critical thinking and chemical principles to explain and apply proper organic laboratory techniques
• (ELO: Inquiry, Critical Thinking, Integrative Learning)
• Demonstrate the laboratory skills required in the synthesis and purification of organic molecules
• (ELO: Inquiry, Analysis, Critical Thinking, Teamwork)
• Demonstrate the application of basic chemical principles in describing organic reaction mechanisms
• (ELO: Inquiry, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)
• Develop logical process skills for identifying organic molecular structure from spectra
• (ELO: Inquiry, Analysis, Creative Thinking, Problem Solving)
• Demonstrate understanding of the principles relating to the structure and reactivity of organic molecules
• (ELO: Inquiry, Analysis, Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Problem Solving)

Assessment Policy

Distribution of Course Points

To determine % points for an assignment: (Achieved points) / (Points possible) × 100 = % pts

The instructor’s goal is to complete the grading of assignments and exams within 1-week week of when they were turned in. Scores are posted using Canvas (). Ensure the assignment/assessment score recorded is the one earned. Inform me of any discrepancies.

Grading Scheme

Grades are assigned upon the comparison of the percentage of points earned to the total number possible.

Note: If you are not performing at the level you desire, seek help early to maximize performance on assignments. Do Not ask how to get ‘extra’ points, or for grade bumps, even if you are ‘so close’. This is an especially egregious action in the last couple of weeks of a semester. Final grade curving may occur but doing so after a student’s request raises issues of ethical misconduct. Individuals are not provided opportunities for credit the entire class does not have. These situations lead to loss of employment.

I WILL NOT do that for you! BUT: I will do everything I can, ethically, to assist you in achieving your academic goals.

Exams and Quizzes

One regular exam worth 100 pts will be given approximately halfway through the semester. A comprehensive final exam worth 200 points will be given as the conclusion of the course. These exams are composed of questions requiring short answers. Tentative exam dates are identified on the Laboratory Schedule.

A quiz may be offered at the beginning of class to ensure you are familiar with the experimental procedure. Be prepared by reading and completing assignments beforehand and ensuring you know what is being done and why!

Homework/Laboratory Reports

Ensure you read the laboratory description, procedure, and background BEFORE the lab. Reports are due at the next lab meeting at the start of class. Assignments must be on 8½ x 11 paper, stapled, and in the correct order.

Letter Grade Scale

Late Work

Late work (excluding in-class quizzes and exams) is accepted for up to 3 days after the original due date upon agreement to a 30% deduction. If you don’t agree, then please don’t ask me to accept your late work. Assignments more than 3 days late will receive a score of zero.

Extra Credit

There isn’t any, so don’t ask. I understand people learn and express understanding differently. If you are struggling, I may be able to assist and offer valuable advice, but you need to initiate contact and be willing to follow the suggestions. The later help is sought, the less effective it will be.

––I do not give individuals opportunities for points that the entire class does not have––

Attendance

It is strongly recommended that students make every possible effort to attend lectures. Consequences of being absent from class may include missing the following: information presented, application problems/quizzes, alteration of assignment due dates, etc. Inform me ASAP upon missing a class due to unforeseen events.

Missing class is a choice that you make. The consequences of this include missing information presented, unannounced quizzes, alterations of due dates for assignments, etc. Accepted excuses for missing class include University excused absences and medical emergencies. I need proof and should be made aware of these in advance or ASAP. Unacceptable excuses include your wedding, being locked out of your house, sleeping in, and any other creative excuse that doesn’t fit the above, accepted excuses.

[1 Credit | $14.50 fee]

Your course fee covers only chemicals and general lab maintenance; you will be charged for any losses or breakages you incur. All fees must be paid before you can receive a grade!

OSHA-approved safety goggles, not safety glasses, are always required in the laboratory. You must provide your own goggles. Check with your laboratory instructor before purchasing goggles so that you will obtain acceptable ones.

General Use

Safety is the priority of everyone, including you. Please read the following rules thoroughly, sign, and return the Agreement Sheet (last page of the syllabus) to your instructor before beginning any work in the laboratory. Keep this document for your reference.

I. Personal Protection

• Eye protection is always required in the lab. Approved chemical splash goggles must be worn whenever chemicals are in use anywhere in the lab.
• Know where all the safety equipment is and how to use it: eyewash fountains, safety showers, fire extinguishers, etc.
• Wear appropriate clothing. Shorts or open-toed shoes are not allowed. Long hair should be tied back. Loose, dangly clothing or jewelry can present a hazard and should be avoided.
• If you get anything on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and warm water. Notify your instructor.
• Report any injury, spill, or breakage to your lab instructor, so that proper clean-up procedures may be followed.
• Do not perform unauthorized experiments or change the written procedure without your instructor’s approval.
• Never work alone in the lab.
• Do not bring food or drink into the lab.
• Keep the aisles clear and your work area uncluttered.
• Prepare for the lab. Read over the experiment beforehand and complete any pre-laboratory assignment.
• Be aware of your neighbors’ activities.
• Use fume hoods when necessary to avoid the accumulation of smoke or noxious vapors in the lab.
• Be cautious when using chemicals: read labels and understand hazards. If you are concerned about a reagent, ask to see its Material Safety Data Sheet, on file in the chemical stockroom.
• Wash your hands thoroughly upon leaving the lab.

II. Waste and Cleanup

• All waste must be disposed of properly. Some wastes are safe and may be washed down the drain with running water. Others must be collected for appropriate disposal. Each laboratory experiment has a written waste disposal procedure, and your instructor is responsible for making sure this is followed. It is your responsibility to follow your instructor’s instructions. Pay special attention to placing used regents in the proper collection container and not mixing them up. For example, pouring a toxic cobalt solution into an acidic solution that just needs to be neutralized makes the acidic solution toxic. Do not dump anything down the drain without clearing it with your instructor first!
• Proper waste disposal includes minimizing the volume of waste. When rinsing into waste containers, one or two small rinses with swirling will usually be sufficient to eliminate any contamination. After the low-volume rinses are placed into the waste container, the glassware is generally clean enough to wash in the sink. Do not fill the waste container with excessive amounts of rinse water.
• Broken mercury thermometers and any mercury spilled from them are to be cleaned up immediately and disposed of in a designated elemental mercury waste container. Contact your instructor, who will direct cleanup.
• All broken or chipped glassware must be disposed of in broken glass containers. Do not put glass in garbage cans.
• Return chemicals to their proper places immediately upon being finished with them.
• Return all lids to containers immediately after use. This reduces the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals and reduces the risk of cross-contamination of chemicals or degradation due to exposure to air.
• Keep the balances, fume hoods, and counter areas clean. Clean up any spills. Consult your instructor for proper cleanup procedures.
• Make sure all lights, ovens, hot plates, stir plates, computers, gas, water, etc. are off before leaving the lab.

* MTC = Making the Connections 4th Edition; K = Klein 5th Edition

Each Laboratory has a report sheet (except safety), which can be downloaded from Canvas. You are responsible for downloading these and completing the required portions before lab. The pre-lab assignments will be checked before you begin the laboratory experiment. The packet is due at the next meeting after the experiment is completed.

Agreement

I have read and agree with the safety rules set forth above. I realize that I must obey these rules to ensure my safety, as well as the safety of others. I am aware that any violation of these rules can result in expulsion from the laboratory and a zero on the day’s experiment, and that continued violation will result in receiving an F for the laboratory class.

Instructions

• Read the safety contract.
• Remove this page from the syllabus.
• Fill in the blank below with your name, sign, and date, and turn this page into your instructor.

Name:_______________________________________________

Signature:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________