A Lab Survival Guide

By Jennifer Li

When it comes to labs, there are some people who absolutely love them and others that completely detest them. Regardless, here are some tips that will make the experience a lot easier.

There are many other lab courses than the ones listed, however the following are the most common for science students. If there are any further questions, please feel free to ask.

Biology 1A03
Please take the “introductory” learning labs seriously.

Learning how to pipette correctly will make the rest of your undergraduate, and possibly graduate work a lot easier. The pipette has two stops. To suck in or aspirate liquid, push the pipette down to the first stop, insert the tip to the middle of the liquid and release the tip slowly. Then to dispense liquid, push the pipette down slowly to the first stop, then push down to the second stop to ensure that all the liquid is dispensed.

Make sure that you use the right pipette, if you’re dispensing 700 µL use the P1000 not the P200 – otherwise you’ll end up breaking it. The horizontal line on the pipette, represents a decimal. Always remember to change your tips between use.

For the lab test, don’t copy the entire protocol word for word. Ensure that you write down: how much of each reagent and the order of reagents in a simple flow chart with the basic details. Also, write down lot/product numbers, manufacturer details (location, brand) – they will be on the lab test for sure.

The key to the first year labs is following the directions exactly. Take your time to be accurate and it will save you headaches in the long run.

Biology 1AA3/1M03
This course has an emphasis in note taking. The first two labs are pretty easy and self-explanatory.
Once again, write down lot/product numbers and manufacturers – especially for the models. There is a lot of information about various phyla, but try not to get overwhelmed. You can talk to the TAs about what is useful or important to know. You should be able to differentiate between the types of species and classify species. Ask yourself, what makes X a part of Y? Also, it’s important to be very organized for the lab test.

Chem 1A03/1AA3
Try to do your prelabs ahead of the actual labs, or if you’re really struggling you can usually meet up with lab partners ahead of time to discuss questions. Just be sure that you don’t mooch. Make sure that you bring your lab-coat and goggles or you’ll waste time running back and forth.

The chemistry labs are fairly fool-proof. As long as you follow the instructions, there shouldn’t be any problems. Just make sure your glassware is clean otherwise you’ll end up with a lot of side reactions which will decrease your percent yield.

As for the write-up, many people get silly marks taken off because they either forget units or use the incorrect number of significant digits. Be sure that you understand how to calculate percentage yield and actual yield.

Physics 1B03/1BB3
Be sure to know your concepts beforehand or bring your textbook into the lab. I’ve found that working together with another group is a great way to get all of the questions solved. Also, the TAs are there to help you so don’t hesitate to ask. Also, for Physics 1B03, try not to destroy the carts or Alex will know.

Finally, don't forget your units and significant digits.

Chem 2OA3/Chem 2OB3
The same applies from 1st year chem. Follow instructions exactly and start with clean glassware. It is important that you understand the chemistry concepts before hand – especially NMR and IR. These labs should be fairly easy and will boost your mark.

Some more tips for Alex in the physics lab:

1. Do your prelab assignments before the lab. I told Alex that I thought they were dumb, now we have a tumultuous relationship.
2. The only reason you can ever wear earphones in the lab is if you're part of a government security agency, CSIS or the CIA for example.
3. Don't tell him that you think The Terminator is an overated movie, he doesn't like that either, trust me I know from experience.

Puppy!!!!

Lol, Alex is such a character.

Half the time I have no idea what he is saying >.<