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Geophysical Sciences General Laboratory Information
General Laboratory
Information
The laboratory periods emphasize
empirical methods in the Geosciences. Numerous experiments, projects, and
field trips will give you an idea on the practical application of principles
learned in the lecture.
Safety
Safety is of paramount importance
in the laboratory. There will be some "workbook" labs where there are few
hazards. Most labs though, will be using experimental procedures where you
will want to be careful.
Some safety do's and don'ts:
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Do:
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work quietly
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wear goggles and gloves
when working with chemicals and flames
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clean your work area and
apparatus when finished
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turn off lights on microscopes
and other lab apparatus
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notify your instructor in
the event of any accident
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notice the location of fire
extinguisher eye wash station and exits
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Don't:
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leave microscope cords dangling
over counter sides
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place glassware on edge
of counters
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take food or drink into
labs when doing chemical experiments
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put hands over chemicals
or hot plates
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attempt to pick up broken
glassware with your hands
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allow garments or paper
near flames
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Remember:
IF YOU ARE NOT SURE
OF WHAT YOU ARE DOING IN THE LAB OR FIELD, THEN IMMEDIATELY STOP WHAT YOU ARE
DOING AND ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR FOR ASSISTANCE.
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's)
are available in the Geophysical Sciences office for you to examine on all
chemicals that we use.
- If you have a medical condition
that would prohibit you from participating in any lab activity please let
your instructor know so that an alternate activity can be arranged.
Food & Drinks in Lab
- Generally, you can take food
and drinks into the labs but you are responsible for cleaning up your mess.
There will some labs when you may be dealing with chemicals and food and drinks
will not be allowed. If there is a problem with trash, the instructors will
prohibit food and drinks in a particular lab.
- To get credit for taking a laboratory
course, you must be present for, and complete, at least 2/3rds of the scheduled
labs. A sign out sheet is available at the end of each lab period. Ensure
that you have your name on it to get credit for the lab. If you miss a lab
or think you will miss a lab notify your instructor and attend one of the
lab sessions for that week. Note: Any student missing 3 or more labs during
the semester will fail the entire course.
- To better understand the presentation,
read the assigned chapter before arrival in lab. Instructors can give brief
quizzes to ensure compliance. All assigned work is due by the next scheduled
lab. If you miss a lab, it is your responsibility to find out the assignment
and make up the lab by the assigned due date. All lab work must be completed
by the last day of classes for this semester.
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