CHEM 1505: Chemistry Laboratory I

• Demonstrate and have an appreciation of basic laboratory safety concepts.
• Assemble and operate experimental apparatus.
• Demonstrate basic chemistry lab techniques such as weighing samples, reading scientific scales, performing accurate measurements, pipetting, titrating, using volumetric glassware, and using a colorimeter.
• Demonstrate basic handling and cleanup of chemicals.
• Demonstrate organized recording of experimental and observational data.
• Display data results in a graph.
• Use experimental data to construct calibration curves, perform dilution calculations, and calculate the amount of unknown compounds in a sample.
• Use appropriate references for obtaining information about a chemical.
• Cite literature references properly.

• Safety
• Experiment 1: Observations of Chemical Changes  
• Experiment 2: Laboratory Techniques and Measurements
• Experiment 3: Separation of a Mixture of Solids
• Experiment 4: Identification of Gases
• Experiment 5: States of Matter
• Experiment 6: Acid-Base Chemistry
• Experiment 7: Stoichiometry of a Precipitation Reaction
• Experiment 8: Caloric Content of Food 
• Experiment 9: Determination of Water Hardness Using a Titrator

The following material is required for the course:

1. CHEM 1505 Lab kit from LABPAQ

The lab kit provides equipment, chemicals, and anything else that students will need to do the experiments and can’t provide for themselves. Some common materials, like vinegar and other household items, students may need to supply. 

Digital Camera: Students will need to have access to a digital camera during the experiments to take photos and videos of their progress.

Web-cam: Students will need a computer web-cam in order to demonstrate their work in the practical component of the final exam.

Microphone Headset: To communicate with their Open Learning Faculty Member during the practical component of the final exam, students will need computer speakers or headphones and a microphone. (A computer headset should be sufficient.)

Skype Account: Students will need a Skype account in order to demonstrate their work in the practical component of the final exam. Skype accounts are free, and students can register for an account at skype.com. If students are unable to use Skype, please contact Open Learning Faculty Member to make an alternative live audio-visual arrangements.

Calculator: This course requires a non-programmable, single-numeric line calculator, such as the Casio fx-260. This course does not permit textual input calculators, electronic devices, paper dictionaries, or translation devices to be used on the final exams. We reserve the right to inspect any student calculator during the final exams.

Graphing Program: Students will be required to generate graphs using an electronic graphing program, such as Microsoft Excel. 

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the mandatory Final Laboratory Exams and obtain a grade of 50% overall.

An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.