Chem 492G Syllabus
FALL 2013
Faculty name: Robert Bahr
Course Number and Name: Safety Practices in the Chemical Research Lab Chem 492G in CH 202
WED. @3:30
Office Hours and Contact Information: Office Hours: 8-11AM MWF Room CH128
Contact: rr-bahr@wiu.edu or phone 298-1578
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is Mandatory. Excused absences will be handled on a per case basis
and make-up work will be the student’s responsibility STUDENTS WILL LOSE 10 POINTS FROM FINAL
POINT TOTAL FOR EACH UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
Definition of Excused Absence: Excused absences include: documented illnesses, documented family
medical emergencies, military commitments, WIU required athletic trips, and other absences excused by
the course instructor.
Detailed Grade Scale:
Quiz#1
Midterm
Quiz#2
Final
TOTAL
SCALE- 92-100%
88-89%
78-79%
68-69%
0-59%
Grading will be based on the following:
50 points (Quizzes will be posted online to be completed on scantron and brought to class)
100 points
50 points
150 points
350 points
A
90-92%
AB+
83-87%
B
80-82%
BC+
73-77%
C
70-72%
CD+
63-67%
D
60-62%
DF
Required Textbook: None
Additional Requirement
None
Outside work Requirements: students are expected to read ahead in the syllabus and be prepared for a
discussion on the topic for the week.
WIU Policies: It is the policy of Western Illinois University to accommodate individuals with disabilities
pursuant to federal law and the University's commitment to equal educational opportunities. It is the
responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any necessary accommodations at the beginning of
the course. Any student with a disability requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Disability
Support Services.
In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), academic
accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need for an
accommodation. It is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such needs to the instructor’s
attention, as he/she is not legally permitted to inquire about such particular needs of students. Students
who may require special assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) should contact the
instructor as to the most appropriate procedures to follow in such an emergency. Contact Disability
Support Services at 298-2512 for additional services.
Emergency Preparedness: The WIU Office of Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness
provides resources on how to respond to emergency situations. Please view the video resources at
www.wiu.edu/rmep/ (Click “Resources” on the right side of the page). If the fire alarms sound and/or
students are asked to evacuate the building all students should proceed immediately to the nearest exit
and gather at the southwest corner of the Higgins parking lot (near the fence) until the “all clear” is given.
The following action is prohibited under the Student Conduct Code: Disorderly Conduct: Any behavior
which disrupts the regular or normal functions of the University community, including behavior which
breaches the peace or violates the rights of others. Any student convicted of academic dishonesty, can
receive a failing grade and may be subject to further academic penalties. Web address for Academic
Integrity Policy (http://www.wiu.edu/policies/acintegrity.php)
Please find the web address for Student Rights and Responsibilities:
http://www.wiu.edu/provost/students/php
CLASSROOM POLICIES:
Cell phones, IPODs, and MP3 players are not allowed to be used in the classroom at any time!
No incomplete will be given to a student with a failing grade in the course. No incomplete will be given in
this course unless the student experiences a documented emergency that takes him/her away from the
university for at least two consecutive weeks and/or causes him/her to miss the final exam. The student
must notify the instructor of this emergency before the final exam.
TENTATIVE SYLLABUS FOR CHEM 492G
W8/21- Discuss syllabus and course requirements
The Culture of Research Lab Safety ( Bob Bahr)
W8/28- Legal Repercussions of Lab Accidents (Bob Bahr)
W9/4- Utilizing MSDS information ( Dr. Jack Huang)
W9/11- Government Regulations for Waste Disposal ( Dr. Scott
McConnell) QUIZ#1
W9/18- Proper Labeling and Consolidation of Waste ( Bob Bahr)
W9/25- Personal Protective Equipment (Dr. Brian Bellot)
W10/2- Safe Use and Storage of Acids /Bases (Bob Bahr)
W10/9- Safe Use and Storage of Heavy Metals and Toxins
( Dr. S Zhang) MIDTERM EXAM
W10/16-Safe Use and Storage of Volatile Solvents ( Dr. Jin Jin )
W10/23-Safe Use and Storage of Air Sensitive Chemicals(Dr. Jin Jin )
W10/30- Safe Use and Storage of Carcinogens and Mutagens
( Dr. H Guan ) QUIZ#2
W11/6- Safe Use and Storage of Compressed Gases (Bob Bahr )
W11/13- Evaluating Lab Procedures for Hazards ( Bob Bahr)
W11/20- Handling Accidents in the Lab ( Bob Bahr )
11/25-11/29 THANKSGIVING BREAK
W12/4- Safety Scenarios
W12/11- FINAL EXAM