FINAL PROJECT: Abstract and Reader's Reponse > Surviving Quantum Chemistry Lab: An Annotated Quantum Kinetics Report

ABSTRACT: CHEM484 is an extremely challenging and tasking lab course. That being said, it is possible to succeed in this course if you are willing to be proactive and use all of your resources to the fullest. I have survived this course, and have had my fair share of mistakes and successes. This document that I have created for new students in CHEM484 is a copy of my Kinetics II Lab report, with added annotations detailing helpful tips that I have learned as a result of my time spent in the course and speaking with Dr. S. These annotations will include information about the most relevant sources that I found helpful, extra details regarding the methods that may not be apparent based on the supplements, difficult material and where to learn it, and the English mechanics that should be used with the ACS-style lab report. Following this annotated report will not necessarily guarantee you a perfect A+ paper, but what it will guarantee is a less stressful experience in this course, especially on the 2nd lab report. Dr. S expects a lot from his students, as this course is the highest level undergraduate Chemistry course. Developing your skills with conducting and formally writing up experiments is one of the chief concerns of this course, and this annotated report will explicitly highlight ways to do this.

WC: 224

READER’S PROFILE: A senior Chemistry student who is on the verge of graduating, and is experiencing a clinical case of “senioritis.” CHE484 is the last course that they need to graduate, and their GPA is virtually set in stone.

READER’S RESPONSE: “Okay, but why should I even try? Most people just get B’s in this class anyways, and I only need a C- to pass this course. This seems like a whole lot of work to just get maybe an A- or A. I’ve already been accepted to grad school, and there’s no chance that I will be trying to get my PhD in anything related to quantum chemistry. How would putting that amount of effort in this course help me later on?”
December 9, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterBR
B -- what length are you looking at now? Two columns? Be sure to see me about how to handle the design part of this.

AND, make sure you credit fully your lab partners, Dr.S, documents, manuals, lab assistants, etc. This is essential to using the document for both classes. See me.

Share with the chem fraternity on campus?
December 10, 2015 | Registered CommenterMarybeth Shea