Hey there, as a fellow Chem major who just started college I was wondering if you could maybe break down the most important things to do / remember when going into a lab... my first lab (ever!) starts in a week and I’m really freaked out bc I’ve never done this before and I’m afraid I might fail 😱 what would you say to the freshman so that they don’t feel completely stupid? 😅 thanks for taking the time, I appreciate it! 🧪
Oh hey there as well! Thanks for your ask. I hope I can help you ^^
First of all don't stress yourself! Most people start from zero in their first lab and the ones telling you they already know how everything works, are mostly lying (except that one superbrain...). The best thing you can do is being prepared. When you have a script for the lab read that in advance. In the lab i did last semester we had the opportunity to ask questions before the lab on that day started. Use that opportunity! Know before each lab day what you're going to do. What you need, in which order, how your going to dipose the chemicals (!!!). Have in mind with what you are working. Know when to use gloves or the flue. Write important stuff down (preferably in the script). Wear clothes that are long enough to cover your arms and legs and don't wear your favourite pants! Always wear your overalls and eye protection (ok, that's obvious). After each lab work through your notes. You will probably have to write a lab report so keep that in mind when you're jotting down your observations. And a lot of the things you learn in the first weeks are also important later! I think that's all for the moment. I'm actually no real expert ^^ I just had 1 and 1/2 labs to be honest. Maybe @andidjkasv can give you more information. Oh yes, and try to have fun! Help the others out when they have problems and you're going to find a bunch of new friends!
I'd say there are three important points, 2 were already mentioned:
1. Don't stress yourself
I totally agree with @marie-curie . Most errors happen when you're stressed and you don't take your time for handling the chemicals.
2. Preparation and well structured notes
Without the propper preparation you actually shouldn't be in a lab. You could be a danger to you and to others. You don't have to know everything concerning theory but it's really helpful in order to later on keep the stuff in mind. That's also the reason why i mentioned 'take notes'. You'll forget almost everything you ever did in a lab if you don't have a script to look it up.
3. ASK!
That's the most important thing. You can't know everything! You just started. I've had like 5 different labs and the only time I made an error was when I didn't ask although I wasn't 100% sure. I'm not gonna lie: it can be difficult to ask. Our assistents for example were.. pretty pissed when we asked them something.. but that isn't your problem or your mistake! It's theirs. So ask! Everytime you're not sure. You're there to learn something.
At last: you're gonna make it. I had no experience at all. All I had was interest in the subject and believe it or not: I think I became a pretty okay labratory worker along the way.
