Chemistry Lab Techniques 5.301

An IAP Chemistry Laboratory Course for First-Year Students only

The aim of this IAP course is to provide first-year students with intensive practical training in basic chemistry lab techniques, including:

  • Transfer and manipulation of small quantities of organic and inorganic compounds
  • Purification methods for liquid and solid substances (distillation, recrystallization, chromatography)
  • Structure and determination by NMR, infrared, UV spectroscopic analysis, and Mass Spectroscopy
  • Quantitative analysis of biochemical, organic, and inorganic substances by spectroscopic and chromatographic methods

“Chemistry Laboratory Techniques” is intended to provide first-year students with the skills necessary to undertake original research projects in chemistry. Students selected for this course are guaranteed a UROP in the Department of Chemistry for the Spring or Summer 2024, however, this course is not a Prereq for a Chemistry UROP.

The 5.301 lab will meet throughout IAP. Students will be expected to spend from 10:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday in the classroom and lab Monday, January 8 to Monday, January 29, 2024, with a final paper due on February 1, 2024. Please do not apply for 5.301 if you have a scheduling conflict with any of the laboratory/lecture times, including Fridays.

Enrollment in Chemistry 5.301 is limited and requires permission of the instructor.