Is it possible to use my bio lab book from first year in second year bio courses (I used like 50 pages out of 102)? Or should I just start with a new one?

First term I have Bio 2L03, 2D03 and 2EE3. Do I need a different lab book for each course?

Yes, of course... use the same lab book. Thats what I've done for all my chemistry/bio courses

edit: yes, not no, haha

I have a question regarding the lab notebook/goggles/lab coat... They are all a "required course supply" while at the same time they are optional (according to titles) so which is it?

Originally Posted by philkolb31

I have a question regarding the lab notebook/goggles/lab coat... They are all a "required course supply" while at the same time they are optional (according to titles) so which is it?

They're optional for some courses and required for others.
For example, my first year chem labs required goggles but the lab coat was optional, and in first year bio the coat was required but you didn't need goggles.

Originally Posted by philkolb31

I have a question regarding the lab notebook/goggles/lab coat... They are all a "required course supply" while at the same time they are optional (according to titles) so which is it?

Exactly what Ramya said.

I would advise you wear the lab coat during the chem labs. One of the earlier labs involves some chemicals that stain a nice orange-brown colour. I have yet to get it out of my lab coat, despite numerous washes.

Alright, thanks!

Originally Posted by philkolb31

Alright, thanks!

No worries.

Never wash lab coats. They're meant to stay there, get splattered with chemicals and then replaced.
Source: Boss in Chem department.

Originally Posted by philkolb31

I have a question regarding the lab notebook/goggles/lab coat... They are all a "required course supply" while at the same time they are optional (according to titles) so which is it?

The Bookstore lists these kind of things as an optional or recommended items because in many cases the Instructors don't contact the Bookstore directly telling us when items are on course and if they are optional or required. We were erring on the side of caution here as we didn't want to list something as required if you didn't absolutely need it as these kind of items are all non-refundable.

However as I am looking at it now I can see that it is definitely confusing. I am going to see about having it removed for next semester to help clarify things.

In the mean time you need to refer to your course syllabus for the definitive list of books and supplies.

Always wear a lab coat. There is always stuff in labs you don't wanna get on your arms/clothes.

Originally Posted by goodnews.inc

Never wash lab coats. They're meant to stay there, get splattered with chemicals and then replaced.
Source: Boss in Chem department.

I didn't know that science song from frosh was an actual rule!

"Lab coats, they never get dirty, the longer you wear them the stronger they get!
Sometimes, I think I should wash it but something keeps telling me: no no not yet"

I tried washing mine once, the stain never came out. So I gave up.

Originally Posted by rkb12

I didn't know that science song from frosh was an actual rule!

"Lab coats, they never get dirty, the longer you wear them the stronger they get!
Sometimes, I think I should wash it but something keeps telling me: no no not yet"

I tried washing mine once, the stain never came out. So I gave up.

That song was about black socks at one point. It's a bit truer. I do wash my labcoats and they come out fine but my black socks tend to come out ripped whenever I wash them. I wonder sometimes if I should let them get stronger first.

I believe it's a safety hazard but I'm not sure of all the details.
http://www.utexas.edu/safety/ehs/lab/labcoat.html

That's the only thing I found. I never had time to ask for clarification

Originally Posted by goodnews.inc

I believe it's a safety hazard but I'm not sure of all the details.
http://www.utexas.edu/safety/ehs/lab/labcoat.html

That's the only thing I found. I never had time to ask for clarification

Hmmm my mom used to be a lab tech and she just does them in a separate wash.

Originally Posted by goodnews.inc

I believe it's a safety hazard but I'm not sure of all the details.
http://www.utexas.edu/safety/ehs/lab/labcoat.html

That's the only thing I found. I never had time to ask for clarification

I'm sure it's not that serious for lower years in undergrad. When you get to upper years and graduate school you may be dealing with higher levels biosafety or more dangerous chemicals. By that time you'd be working in a lab where there aren't hundreds of people passing through everyday. So you'd be keeping your lab coat and lab materials (lab book and pen) in the lab.