CH105 –GENERAL CHEMISTRY LAB SYLLABUS
Instructor: Tristan Jenkins
Phone. 503 244-6111 x3189
Office: Bldg 7 Room 202
email: tristan.jenkins@pcc.edu
I. Introduction:
Students in Chemistry spend as much time in the lab as they do in lecture. Lab
courses provide hands-on opportunities to practice lab techniques, work with special
equipment, observe the chemical and physical properties of matter, and reinforce
concepts in the brain.. The lab experience is an essential part of this chemistry course.
II. General Learning Objectives
Students are expected to attain proficiency in the following areas:
a) Safe conduct of chemical experiments.
b) Accurate records of measurements and observations.
c) Names and proper uses of glassware and instruments.
d) Collaborative work.
e) Calculations, graphs, and organized presentation of results.
f) Effective written communication.
g) Making direct connections of chemical concepts with daily life.
III. Materials needed
a) The student is required to purchase safety glasses. Some are available in lab in
emergencies. The sanitation of these shared goggles is not guaranteed.
b) No purchase of a lab manual is required. Handouts will be provided for the lab
experiments
and
will
be
accessible
on
line
at
myPCC
or
http://www.spot.pcc.edu/~tjenkins/genchem.htm
IV. Evaluation
• Lab reports are worth 20 points each, according to the following breakdown:
Pre-lab (turned in before lab work starts) 5.0 pts
Data record and observations 5.0 pts
Analysis and questions 5.0 pts
Conclusion and results 5.0pts
Total 20.0 pts.
• Grades are based on organization and content.
• Completed reports are due the beginning of the following lab.
• Late work is fined 10% per week.
• One excused absence is permitted in the lab course with no effect on the grade.
• Two absences from lab result in receiving a zero for one lab.
• Three absences from lab result in an “F” grade for the course.
• The lab final examination is waived if all labs are completed.
V. Procedures for Labs requiring a Lab Report
A. Before Lab:
1. Prelab Prep: a. Read the lab handout, and if a pre-lab exercise is required,
write it up and turn it in at the beginning of lab.
B. During Lab:
2. Wear proper clothing and observe safety procedures.
3. Data record and Observations:
• All data entries should be made in ink on the handout.
• Data record will include measurements and observations of what occurs.
• Cross out mistakes with a single line.
• This is a rough format. Can be “messy,” as long as it is legible.
• Obtain instructor’s initials before leaving lab.
C. After Lab:
4. Analysis and questions:
• Organize data and observations into the data table.
• Show sample calculations when necessary.
• Organize final results into the results table.
• Graphs should be at least half a page in size, in appropriate format.
• Answer the questions using full sentences. Indicate which question you are answering.
5. Conclusion and results statement:
• Write on separate paper and attach to the handout.
• State how you met each point in the “Purpose”, using specific examples from
your work.
•. Do NOT re-summarize the procedure.
• Make specific mention of techniques learned.
• Describe any difficulties encountered and how these may have affected your
results.
CH 105 LAB TENTATIVE LAB SCHEDULE -- FALL 2006
See also http://www.spot.pcc.edu/~tjenkins/genchem.htm
Week Date
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
9/26
10/3
10/10
10/17
10/24
10/31
11/7
11/14
11/21
11/28
12/5
Lab Title
Synthesis of Aspirin
Gas Law Applications
Specific Heat and Cooling Curves
Solutions
Colligative Properties
Titrations
Chemical Equilibrium
Intermolecular Forces
Nuclear Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Lab Final