We have learned a lot together on this channel, regarding general chemistry and organic chemistry.
But we have focused predominately on concept-based learning rather than practical knowledge. While it
is certainly extremely important to understand what molecules are and how they behave on a
conceptual level, one can never have a true understanding of chemistry until they get into
the laboratory and do some chemistry themselves. In this series, we will take the chemistry we have
learned together and see exactly how it can be applied in order to do empirical science. We will
learn how to perform chemical reactions, as well as a variety of analytical techniques. We will
learn how to interpret data and solve problems. Since doing chemistry requires a wide variety
of specialized instrumentation, this series will be most useful for undergraduate students
and advanced high school students who are taking chemistry courses with laboratory components for
the first time. Together we will discuss the most commonly performed techniques in such courses
so that you can approach your assignments with clarity and confidence. But even those who are
not formally studying chemistry may find this series worth watching, as it is fascinating
to learn about the precise methods we use to discern knowledge about the molecular world.
How can we know the identity of a substance on the molecular level? How do we know when
a chemical reaction is finished? How do we perform chemistry that is air-sensitive? Once a competency
in the laboratory is gained, a grander context for chemical knowledge opens up like an oyster, and an
appreciation for the astounding contributions of the chemists who came before you becomes apparent.
Whatever your intent is in learning about chemistry laboratory techniques,
it goes without saying that my general chemistry and in some cases my organic chemistry tutorials
are a prerequisite for this content. We will not be pausing to deliver lectures about conceptual
topics, it will be presumed that the relevant areas of chemistry are already well-understood.
And indeed if they are not, most of these tutorials will be quite perplexing,
although potentially still entertaining, as we will be using a lot of neat gadgets and gizmos.
But be sure to do the necessary review prior to watching, including my lecture-based tutorials
on laboratory techniques such as extraction, chromatography, and distillation. In this series
we will be performing these techniques firsthand, but the earlier tutorials will still be extremely
useful for context. And once we get through these simple and ubiquitous techniques that all
students must learn, we will begin to examine some more niche practices within the organic
chemistry laboratory, including a few important synthetic techniques we have learned together.
By the way, since I do not personally have access to a laboratory any longer,
these techniques will be performed by friend to the channel, Djamali Muhoza. Wave hello to the
nice people, Djamali! Djamali is an assistant professor of biochemistry at the University of
Arkansas. He does chemistry every day, so he certainly knows his way around a laboratory,
and he will have plenty of wisdom to dispense in helping to produce this content.
So without further delay, let’s learn how to do chemistry!