Experimental Chemistry

Chemistry is an experimental science. The purpose of this laboratory module is to illustrate, through experimentation, a number of theoretical concepts covered in the Bachelor’s program in Chemistry (specifically in the second year [L2] and early fifth year [S5]), as a complement to the other experimental chemistry modules offered in the first and second years [L1 and L2] of the Chemistry program.

Building on the experimental chemistry modules offered in the first and second years of the Chemistry program, the objective of this module is to train students in good laboratory practices (covering health and safety aspects and the organization of experimental work in small groups), the proper implementation of undergraduate-level experimental techniques, and the analysis of results and their synthesis and presentation in the form of lab reports.

A specific program for each track (SCV, SCM, and DNO preparatory program) is offered with the aim of ensuring the greatest possible consistency in line with the educational objectives of each thematic track within the L3 Chemistry program. 

For the SCV track, the focus will be primarily on organic chemistry, incorporating complementary approaches from physical chemistry and macromolecular chemistry.

For the SCM track, the curriculum will incorporate numerous subdisciplines: inorganic chemistry, inorganic materials, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and macromolecular chemistry, with the aim of fostering interdisciplinary approaches across most of these subdisciplines.  

For the DNO preparatory track, the areas of inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry will be emphasized; preparatory tutorials will supplement the lab sessions.

• Theoretical concepts in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, macromolecular chemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry acquired during the Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry (L1, L2, early S5).
• Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) skills acquired in the first and second years of the Chemistry program.
• Strong writing and analytical skills for drafting lab reports.
• Ability to work in a team (in pairs or groups of three).

Continuous assessment (evaluation of lab reports, practical skills exam, final written exam)

For the SCV course:

• implementation of reliable procedures for certain major organic chemistry reactions covered in class (for example: Cannizzaro, Beckmann, Fisher, Friedel & Craft, Mitsunobu, etc.), with particular attention paid to understanding the various stages of synthesis and characterization (reaction, processing, purification, ^1Hand ^13CNMR, and mass spectrometry analyses);
• additional examples in the fields of physical chemistry (calorimetric and kinetic monitoring of organic chemical reactions) and macromolecular chemistry (polymer synthesis, kinetic monitoring of polymerization, and characterization of polymers in solution).

For the SCM and DNO Prep tracks:

• Mineral Chemistry track (SCM and DNO preparatory program): solution synthesis and characterization (UV/vis spectroscopy, FTIR) of mineral products;
• Inorganic Materials Section (SCM): synthesis and characterization (ATG, XRD, SEM-EDX) of inorganic materials;
• Analytical Chemistry (SCM) module: examples of ion chromatography, atomic absorption, and UV/Vis spectroscopy techniques;
• Physical Chemistry Track (SCM and DNO Prep): calorimetric and kinetic monitoring of chemical reactions; thermodynamic analysis of liquid-liquid extraction in an experimental organic chemistry setting;
• Macromolecular Chemistry (SCM) track: synthesis and characterization of polymers in solution.

The sequence and level of integration of these various components will be optimized (in particular, a common thread centered on_CuSO₄ is being considered) with the aim of raising students’ awareness of the connections between the various subdisciplines of chemistry.