Experimental chemistry

Chemistry is an experimental science. The aim of this practical module is to illustrate through experimentation a number of theoretical concepts covered in the Bachelor's degree in Chemistry (particularly in the second year and early fifth semester), complementing the other experimental chemistry modules offered in the first and second years of the Chemistry program.

Following on from the experimental chemistry modules offered in L1 and L2 Chemistry, the aim 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 correct implementation of L-level experimental techniques, and the analysis of results and their synthesis/presentation in the form of reports.

A specific program for each course (SCV, SCM, and DNO prep) is offered with a view to ensuring the greatest possible consistency in line with the educational objectives of each thematic focus of 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 program, the curriculum will incorporate numerous sub-disciplines: inorganic chemistry, inorganic materials, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and macromolecular chemistry, with the aim of offering cross-disciplinary approaches between most of these sub-disciplines.  

For the DNO preparatory course, the focus will be on inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry; preparatory tutorials will complement the practicals.

• Theoretical concepts in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, macromolecular chemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry acquired in a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry (L1, L2, beginning of S5).
• Good laboratory practice skills acquired in Chemistry L1 and L2.
• Writing skills and ability to synthesize information for writing lab reports.
• Ability to work in a team (pairs or groups of three).

Continuous assessment (evaluation of practical work reports, practical handling exam, final written exam)

For the SCV course:

• Implementation of reliable operating procedures for certain major organic chemistry reactions covered in class (e.g., Cannizzaro, Beckmann, Fisher, Friedel & Craft, Mitsunobu, etc.), with a particular focus on understanding the different stages of synthesis/characterization (reaction, treatment, purification, ^1HNMR, ^13CNMR, and mass spectrometry analyses).
• Additional illustrations relating to physical chemistry (calorimetric and kinetic monitoring of organic chemistry reactions) and macromolecular chemistry (polymer synthesis, kinetic monitoring of polymerization, and characterization of polymers in solution).

For SCM and DNO prep courses:

• mineral chemistry component (SCM and DNO prep): solution synthesis and characterization (UV/vis spectroscopy, FTIR) of mineral products;
• inorganic materials (SCM): synthesis and characterization (ATG, XRD, SEM-EDX) of inorganic materials;
• Analytical chemistry component (SCM): illustrations of ion chromatography, atomic absorption, and UV/Vis spectroscopy techniques;
• Chemistry-physics component (SCM and DNO prep): calorimetric and kinetic monitoring of chemical reactions, thermodynamic treatment of liquid-liquid extraction in an experimental organic chemistry context;
• Macromolecular chemistry (SCM): synthesis and characterization of polymers in solution.

The chronology and degree of integration of these different components will be optimized (a common thread around_CuSO4 is being considered) with a view to raising students' awareness of the links between the different sub-disciplines of chemistry.