FAQ CATEGORIES:
-Start Of Term
Q: When Do General Chemistry Labs Start?
A: The General Chemistry lab courses (CHY 123 and 124) do not start until the second week of classes.
Q: I seem to learn differently than other people. Can I learn more about this?
A: Yes, people have different learning styles. You can get feedback on your learning style by taking a simple learning styles quiz. You get access it by following these links:
The Maine InterChemNet webpage: InterChemNet Home
Follow the Links button (on the upper right hand side of the webpage)
Hit the "Learning Style Quiz" button
Q: Are there recitations during the first week of classes?
A: No, during the first week there will not be any recitations scheduled.
Q: How can I get off to a great start in chemistry?
A: By looking over chapter 1 before class begins on Tuesday. Start by reading over "What's Ahead" on page 1 ? a summary of what the chapter will cover. Then look at the Summary on page 28 at the back of the chapter. It contains Key Terms in bold that you should keep a look out for when you attend class and read the chapter. Look at the assigned Homework problems these are some of the problems that have been suggested to you for understanding the chapter material. Finally, look at the pictures, figures, and tables in the chapter. Read the captions for anything that looks interesting. Beginning each chapter like this accomplishes several important goals like identifying key terms - understanding the structure of the material covered in the chapter, and seeing what types of problems you want to learn how to solve.
Q: I am retaking lecture. Do I need to retake the lab?
A: Students who have taken the general chemistry laboratory in the last four years and have gotten a grade of C or better do not need to retake the lab if they retake lecture.
-What to do if? questions
Q: I missed or will miss a lab. How can I make it up?
A: The procedure for making up a lab is as follows:
1. You should schedule and complete the makeup lab any other lab period of the week of the lab experiment or the next week at the latest.
2. Be sure to complete the pre-lab assignment for the lab.
3. Initiate your request by showing up promptly at the beginning of another lab period (see course schedule for times) within the two week period. (See 1. above)
4. Identify yourself to Bob Kirk (Laboratory Manager; Robert Kirk (First-Class), 1-1183, 230 Aubert Hall).
Please Note:
(a) Due to the large number of students enrolled in lab classes, a request to make up a lab during any given lab period is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the Lab Manager,
(b) Lab instructors in whose lab you will be making up the lab must be agreeable to accepting you during your make-up lab,
(c) If you attempt to make up a lab during a week in which the lab is not offered, you may have to help prep the lab (make up solutions or find equipment).
Q: I'm having trouble viewing the film clips. What should I do?
A: This could be a broken link or that your security on your computer has been set too high. If you are using Windows XP, before reporting a possible broken link, first try the following: go to Control Panel, SecurityCenter, Internet Options, Security, Default Levels, move the slider from High to Medium. Then try the Movie.
-Lab Safety
Q: Can I wear contact lenses in lab?
A: No, because it is not safe. In lab, there can be very low concentrations of chemical gases that normally are drawn out of the room by fans. At these low concentrations, the gases are safe. However, if you wear contact lenses, since they are (usually) gas permeable, the moist interface between the contact lens and your eye can become an area that concentrates the chemicals - leading to an unsafe condition. There are additional reasons. For example, even though you wear protective goggles - there is always a chance that you may not wear the protective goggles and that a chemical solvent can get into your eyes. Wearing contact lenses if this happpens can complicate washing out your eyes. Even if you do wear the protective goggles there is also a very small chance that a chemical solvent can get into your eyes. Hard contact lenses also have safety issues. Thus, our rule is based on safety considerations. Please wear your glasses in lab - it is really for your protection.
-Dropping either lecture or lab
Q: I am doing poorly in lecture and want to drop it, can I stay in lab?
A: No, for safety reasons we do not allow students who withdraw from lecture to continue in lab.
However, we can offer to facilitate your completion of the lab when you retake the lecture course. If you have received six or more lab grades of at least 90% you can request to be excused from these experiments when you take the course again. We will need to see all your graded lab reports and your lab notebook.
Contact the lab manager, Robert Kirk, at the beginning of the semester you retake the lecture and lab, and he will be able to help you.
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