Introductory Chemistry Laboratory Course (3ECTS)

Objective

The student is able to work safely in a chemical laboratory according to given work instructions. The student knows how to handle common laboratory equipment and chemicals. The student understands the risks involved in handling of chemicals and working in a laboratory and is able to adapt safety measures, working practice and personal protection accordingly. The student is able to use the laboratory notebook, work safely according to given instructions, analyze experimental data and report results.

Content

1. Laboratory and chemical safety

2. Good laboratory practice: Experimental techniques and handling of laboratory equipment, handling of chemical waste, cleaning of laboratory equipment

3. Preparation and planning of laboratory experiments, use of laboratory notebook

4. Analysis of experimental data and reporting of results

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

1. The student is able to handle chemicals and work in a laboratory without being a risk to himself/herself or others.

2. The student needs some guidance and help in the correct handling of laboratory equipment.

3. The student needs the teacher’s guidance in implementing the work instructions. The student keeps a notebook on the experimental work.

4. Experiments have been reported according to given instructions.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

1. The student is able to read and interpret MSDS and other instructions independently.

2. The student is able to handle chemicals and equipment correctly according to given instructions.

3. The student has prepared well in advance for the laboratory work and is able to work independently following the given work instructions. The notebook is kept updated so that the progress of the work can be followed and reproduced using the notes at any time.

4. The experimental work has been analyzed and reported. The safety procedure and measures have been analyzed and listed. The report contains critical evaluation of the progress of the work and comparison of results with reference data and theory.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

1. The student is proactive in analyzing risks involved in the experimental work and procedures. He/she is able to promote laboratory and chemical safety by reading MSDS, and other instructions and is able to adapt safety measures, working practice and personal protection accordingly.

2. The student is able to treat and handle chemical waste and clean equipment and laboratory ware.

3. The student knows the theoretical background of work and techniques, and is able to calculate the required amount of reagents and chemicals independently.

4. The report contains detailed analysis of experimental work and theoretical background; sources of error and analysis of possible near miss incidents during the work.