WEEK

DATE

                        TOPIC

1

26 & 28 August

Logistics: 

Obtain lab coats and notebooks

2

2 & 4 September

Chemical analysis:

Introduction to spectrophotometry

3

9 & 11 September

Chemical analysis:

Determining protein quantities by spectrophotometry

4

16 & 18 September

Analysis of insect lipids I: 

Total lipid extraction

5

23 & 25 September

Analysis of insect lipids II: 

Isolating lipid fractions by thin-layer chromatography

6

30 September &

2 October

Analysis of insect lipids III: 

Fatty acid analysis by gas-liquid chromatography

7

7 & 9 October

Insect immunity: 

Hemocyte identification

8

14 & 16 October

Insect immunity:

Cellular reactions to bacterial infections

9

21 & 23 October

 Fall break - no laboratory 

28 & 30 October

ESA Meeting - no laboratory

10

4 & 6 November

Radioactivity in biological research:

Introduction, safety and measurements

11

11 & 13 November

Radioactivity in biological research:

Tracer studies

12

18 & 20 November

Natural products chemistry:

Product purification

13

25 & 27 November

Thanksgiving holiday

No laboratory this week

14

2 & 4 December

Natural products chemistry:

Product identification by GC-MS

15

9 & 11 December

Dead week - no laboratory

General Guidelines

1.

Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.

2.

Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory.  Do not use glassware as containers for food or beverages.

3.

Perform only those experiments authorized by the instructor. 

4.

Know the locations and operating procedures of safety equipment including, eyewash station, safety shower and fire extinguisher.  Know where the fire alarm and exits are located.

5.

Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Never mix chemicals in the sink drains.  Solid chemicals, metals, matches, filter paper, and all other insoluble materials are to be disposed of in the proper waste containers, not the sink.

6.

Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth and body while using chemicals.  Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments.  Clean, rinse and wipe dry all work surfaces at the end of the experiment.  Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area.

7.

Know what to do if there is a fire drill during the laboratory period; containers must be closed, gas valves turned off, fume hoods turned off, and any electrical equipment turned off.

Clothing

8.

Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used, students will wear laboratory goggles.

9.

Dress properly during a laboratory activity.  Long hair must be tied back and dangling jewelry and loose clothing must be secured. Shoes must completely cover the foot.  Sandals are not allowed.

10.

Report any accident or injury to the instructor immediately.

11.

If a chemical should splash in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water from the eyewash station or safety shower for at least 20 minutes.  Notify the instructor immediately.

Handling Chemicals

12.

All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous.  Do not touch, taste, smell any chemicals unless specified by instructor to do so.

13.

Never return unused chemicals to their original containers.

14.

Acids must be handled with extreme care.  You will be shown the proper method for diluting strong acids.  Always add acid to water, swirl or stir the solution and be careful of the heat produced, especially with sulfuric acid.

15.

Never remove chemicals or other materials from the laboratory area.

Handling Glassware

16.

Never handle broken glass with your bare hands.  Use a brush and dustpan to clean up broken glass.  Place broken or waste glassware in the designated glass disposal container.

17.

Examine glassware before each use.  Never use chipped or cracked glassware.  Never use dirty glassware

18.

If you do not understand how to use a piece of equipment, ask the instructor for help.

Heating Substances

19.

Never leave a lit burner unattended.  Never leave anything that is being heated or visibly reacting unattended. Always turn the burner or hot plate off when not in use.

20.

Do not point the open end of a test tube being heated at yourself or anyone else.

21.

Heated metals and glass remain hot for a long time.  They should be set aside to cool and picked up with caution.  To determine if an object is hot, bring the back of your hand close to it prior to grasping it.