CHEM-151: Chemical Instrumentation and Laboratory Techniques

This course is INACTIVE
School
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Division
Science - DNU
Department
Chemistry
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Chemistry
Course Number
151
Course Title
Chemical Instrumentation and Laboratory Techniques
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
CHEM-141 with a grade of C or better
Catalog Course Description

Presents fundamentals of chemical laboratory measurements and techniques. Includes collection and interpretation of meaningful data, statistical analysis of data, and documentation; proper use and calibration of glassware; preparation of solutions, including buffers. Emphasizes use and calibration of instruments, including analytical balances, pH meters, conductivity meters, spectrophotometers, and high-performance liquid chromatographs (HPLC). This course is designed to satisfy the requirements of the Biotechnology Program; a grade of C or better is required to satisfy the requirements of the Biotechnology Program. Four hours of integrated lecture and laboratory per week.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. Introduction to quality systems in various work environments: regulations, quality standards
  2. Dimensional analysis: unit conversions, metric system, percentages
  3. Significant figures and measurements
  4. Error and uncertainty: precision, accuracy, statistical analysis
  5. Methods and method validation: sensitivity, selectivity, detection limit, linearity, calibration methods
  6. Measurement of weight: using various types of balances, calibration
  7. Measurement of volume: using various types of glassware, micropipettors, calibration
  8. Preparation of solutions: calculations, techniques
  9. Measurement of pH: using and calibrating a pH meter
  10. Use and calibration of spectrophotometers
  11. Absorbance spectroscopy: basic principles, Beer's law
  12. Introduction to theory of advanced analytical instrumentation: such as mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, gas chromatography
  13. Use and calibration of additional analytical instrumentation (e.g. HPLC, GC)
  14. Biotechnology laboratory skills, including following written protocols, SOPs, GLPs; specimen handling and storage; laboratory recordkeeping; laboratory safety; communication; professional behavior; teamwork
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Demonstrate proficiency in the proper use or generation of laboratory documentation of a variety of types, including laboratory notebooks, reports, and SOPs.
  2. Identify the elements of a quality system, and the roles of regulations and standards in various work environments.
  3. Report measurements and calculations with appropriate significant figures.
  4. Describe the types of error and identify their common causes.
  5. Perform various statistical analyses of data.
  6. Identify the principles of method validation.
  7. Demonstrate proficiency in the use, calibration, and maintenance various types of balances.
  8. Demonstrate proficiency in the use and calibration of various types of laboratory glassware.
  9. Demonstrate proficiency in the preparation of solutions using appropriate techniques and express the concentration using various units (e.g., molarity, ppm, etc.).
  10. Demonstrate proficiency in the use, calibration, and maintenance of a pH meter.
  11. Demonstrate proficiency in the use, calibration, and maintenance of a conductivity meter.
  12. Demonstrate proficiency in the use, calibration, and maintenance of a spectrophotometer.
  13. Apply Beer’s Law.
  14. Describe the fundamental principles of chromatography.
  15. Describe the use, calibration, and maintenance of a high-performance liquid chromatography system (HPLC).
  16. Describe the fundamental principles of mass spectrometry.
  17. Demonstrate proficiency in the use and calibration of additional selected analytical instrumentation.
  18. Use environmentally sound chemical laboratory practices.
  19. Apply the scientific method; design and perform experiments according to accepted methods.
  20. Demonstrate laboratory safety skills, including identifying safety hazards, employing preventive safety measures, complying with safety and emergency procedures, and demonstrating appropriate care and use of equipment and facilities to ensure safety; demonstrate appropriate handling and disposal of chemical and biological materials in keeping with MSDS and worker protection standards (WPS).
  21. Demonstrate scientific accountability and ethical behavior.
  22. Demonstrate effective teamwork skills and coordinate tasks with lab partners.
  23. Display professional behavior, courtesy, and attitude.
  24. Troubleshoot laboratory problems and apply decision-making and problem-solving techniques in the laboratory.
  25. Demonstrate the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
  26. Communicate in a professional manner.
  27. Comprehend and use a technical vocabulary.
  28. Integrate relevant information from diverse sources.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

Students will be assessed using exams, quizzes, reports and a cumulative final. The overall course grade is determined using the categories and values listed below.

Category Percentage
Exams 40%
Laboratory (reports, quizzes) 35%
Final Exam (cumulative) 25%

No student will receive a passing grade in CHEM 151 unless that student has earned at least a 60% in the laboratory.

The final exam must be taken to earn at least a 60% in the course.

Outcomes

General Education Categories
  • Natural Sciences
Institutional Outcomes
  • Scientific Reasoning
MTA Categories
  • Category 6: Natural Sciences (Lecture and Lab)
Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No

Approval Dates

Effective Term
Fall 2023
Deactivation Date
ILT Approval Date
AALC Approval Date
Curriculum Committee Approval Date