CHEM 1811

i definitely agree with everything the other reviewer from this semester said. i loved being challenged this semester with this lab, as i had never written a lab report before taking this class; however, keep in mind that grading varies heavily based on your ta. in the end zhang curved our grades to even out each class average (if that makes sense), and almost everyone i know made an a or a-, but it was very easy to get caught up in how badly i did on a single report. i spent at least 15 hours outside of lab working on the last lab report, and i ended up writing around 4k words, but that was by far the most difficult assignment that we were given. on average i'd say i spent about 4 to 5 hours per week on this lab outside of class, as we didn't have reports due every week. when reports weren't due i spent around 2 hours on the post-lab and an hour on the prelab. also, zhang also likes to promise extra credit for certain things like participation and such, but i doubt the points were actually added to the gradebook.

This lab is challenging. It is much more work than the 1411 lab, as there is a lab session every week as opposed to every other week. The labs themselves are not hard, but writing good reports requires some practice and going to office hours to find out exactly what the TAs are looking for. The grading rubric and the formatting rubric are very helpful, so use them greatly. The class grade consists of pre-lab assignments, which take a little time but are not challenging, and lab reports. Attending the lecture is not mandatory but very helpful for both understanding the lab better as well as learning how to write the report for the class. Overall, it is not a terrible class and you certainly get used to a rigorous lab setting. However, if you even remotely feel overwhelmed by it, do not take the next accelerated lab (CHEM 1821). It is much more effort, much more time, full 5 page lab reports every week, and not for the feint of heart. In all, a good experience to get ready for subsequent semesters, the TAs are very helpful and friendly, but only take it if you truly enjoy chemistry. There is no shame in taking 1810 with the 1411 lab, your free time will thank you.