Centre for Science – Chemistry labs
| Course title | Type of lab* |
|---|---|
| CHEM 217: Chemical Principles I | Home Labs (10 experiments) |
| CHEM 218: Chemical Principles II | Supervised Labs (8/2) |
| CHEM 311: Analytical Chemistry I | Supervised Labs (9/3) |
| CHEM 345: Organic Chemistry I and II (closed) | Supervised Labs (17/8) |
| CHEM 350: Organic Chemistry I | Supervised Labs (9/3-4) |
| CHEM 360: Organic Chemistry II | Supervised Labs (8/4) |
Lab schedules
CHEM 217 labs are offered as a home lab course. Currently home-lab kits cannot go outside of Canada. Students residing outside Canada need to either visit us for face-to-face labs or arrange for themselves an equivalent lab session at another institution to obtain a lab exemption.
CHEM 217 home lab kit request form is available onlineChemistry labs are usually offered as back-to-back lab sessions, where a student can take multiple lab components in one trip. Permission is required from the Chemistry Course Coordinator and Lab Development Specialist for back-to-back labs.
Science lab dates may be cancelled due to insufficient enrolment, adverse weather conditions, etc. Please email us to confirm your attendance 2 weeks before travelling to the lab location.
| Date | Course(s) | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 6-8 | CHEM 350 (Fri evening + all day Sat, Sun) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| Feb. 14-15 | CHEM 218 (2 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| Feb. 16-18 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| Feb. 19-22 | CHEM 360 (4 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| Apr. 17-19 | CHEM 350 (Fri evening + all day Sat, Sun) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| Apr. 25-26 | CHEM 218 (2 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| Apr. 27-29 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| Apr. 30 - May 3 | CHEM 360 (4 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| June 20-21 | CHEM 218 (2 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| June 22-24 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| June 25-28 | CHEM 360 (4 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| July 3-5 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| Aug. 1-2 | CHEM 218 (2 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| Aug. 3-5 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| Aug. 6-9 | CHEM 360 (4 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| Nov. 7-8 | CHEM 218 (2 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| Nov. 13-15 | CHEM 350 (Fri evening + all day Sat, Sun) | Edmonton (NAIT) | |
| Nov. 18-23 | CHEM 360 (Wed, Thurs, Fri evenings + all day Sat, Sun) | Edmonton (NAIT) |
Science lab dates may be cancelled due to insufficient enrolment, adverse weather conditions, etc. Please email us to confirm your attendance 2 weeks before travelling to the lab location.
| Date | Course(s) | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 17-19 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Feb. 20-23 | CHEM 360 (4 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| April 21-23 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| April 24-27 | CHEM 360 (4 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| June 20-22 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| June 23-25 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| June 26-29 | CHEM 360 (4 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Aug. 8-10 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Aug. 11-13 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Aug. 14-17 | CHEM 360 (4 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Nov. 7-9 | CHEM 350 (Fri evening + all day Sat, Sun) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Nov. 14-16 | CHEM 350 (Fri evening + all day Sat, Sun) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Nov. 19-23 | CHEM 360 (Wed, Thurs, Fri evenings + all day Sat, Sun) | Edmonton (NAIT) | AVAILABLE |
Science lab dates may be cancelled due to insufficient enrolment, adverse weather conditions, etc. Please email us to confirm your attendance 2 weeks before travelling to the lab location.
| Date | Course(s) | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 17-18 | CHEM 218 (2 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Feb. 19-21 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Feb. 22-25 | CHEM 360 (4 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Mar 16-17 | CHEM 218 (2 full days) | Calgary (BVC) | COMPLETED |
| Apr 20-21 | CHEM 218 (2 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Apr 22-24 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Apr 25-28 | CHEM 360 (4 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| May 30-31 | CHEM 218 (2 full days) | Athabasca (ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓmain) | COMPLETED |
| June 24-26 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| June 27-30 | CHEM 360 (4 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Aug 10-11 | CHEM 218 (2 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Aug 12-14 | CHEM 350 (3 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Aug 15-18 | CHEM 360 (4 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Nov 09-10 | CHEM 218 (2 full days) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Nov 15-17 | CHEM 350 (Fri evening + all day Sat, Sun) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
| Nov 20-24 | CHEM 360 (Wed, Thurs, Fri evenings + all day Sat, Sun) | Edmonton (NAIT) | COMPLETED |
Lab exemptions
Laboratory fees (on-site labs, lab kits, and virtual labs) are mandatory and cannot be waived. These non-refundable fees also apply to students with lab exemptions.
CHEM217/218/350/360 lab exemptions at Athabasca University can be granted only if:
- an equivalent chemistry course has been taken (*),
- the course was taken within the last 5 years, and
- the student obtained a clear pass (greater than 60%) on the lab component.
CHEM311/313 lab exemptions at Athabasca University can be granted only if:
- an equivalent course has been taken that includes a minimum of 35 hrs of lab instruction (*), and
- the experiments cover an equivalent breadth of techniques (see below for details), and
- the lab grade was at least 75%. If you have a grade less than 75%, Course Coordinator approval is required.
^Equivalent to 311 must include titrations (acid/base, complexation and redox); gravimetric analysis; and use of a pH meter or other ISE. Optional: Molecular Spectroscopy (UV-VIS, Fluorescence, FTIR and/or Raman).
^Equivalent to 313 must include LC and GC; AAS and/or ICP; and Electrochemistry (2 or 3 of: Voltammetry, Coulometry, ISE). Optional: Molecular Spectroscopy (UV-VIS, Fluorescence, FTIR and/or Raman) and/or Mass Spectroscopy.
If you meet all three criteria, fill out the .
To complete this form, you need to gather the following:
- If not listed in our the lab syllabus or a list of experiments of the lab you took, and
- proof of successful lab completion within the past 5 years. This must include
- an official transcript that shows a separate grade for the laboratory component of the course, or
- an official letter or email from the lab instructor or course professor that includes
- your full name, and
- the name(s), code(s), and credits of the course(s) taken, and
- the date when you took the course(s), and
- your lab mark.
The external laboratory grade will not be imported. Your final mark will be determined by coursework done with Athabasca University.
Lab exemption information must be received BEFORE the student's course contract end date.
Once you are lab exempted there is a course mark redistribution so that your final mark is determined only by course work done with Athabasca University.
For more details on the course mark redistribution, please contact fstsupport@athabascau.ca.
* labs modified due to circumstances such as Covid-19 or labour action may not be considered equivalent and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓlogin required to access lab equivalents.
Labs experiments list
| Experiment | Description |
|---|---|
| Block A | |
| Lab Safety | Safety pledge. |
| Candle Experiment | Practice making scientific observations, following procedures, and writing lab reports. |
| Experiment A1: | Mass and volume measurement. |
| Experiment A2: | The use of a commercial spectrophotometer to measure the amount of ASA (acetylsalicylic acid) in an Aspirin tablet. Preparation of stock solutions and dilutions. |
| Experiment A3: | Acid–base titrations. Standardization of a sodium hydroxide solution and the subsequent measurement of the amount of ASA in Aspirin tablets. |
| Experiment A4: | The determination of the universal gas constant. |
| Block B | |
| Experiment B1: | Solutions and solubility. Learn different factors affecting the the solution process and solubility (stirring, temperature, diffusion, saturation, colligative properties). |
| Experiment B2: | The determination of an enthalpy change that cannot be measured directly. Use of a simple calorimeter and study of Hess’s Law. |
| Experiment B3: | The reactions and identification of some common cations. Test for the presence of certain cations in a substance; net ionic equations and line spectra. |
| Experiment B4: | Quantitative gravimetric determination of phosphorus found in plant fertilizer. |
| Block C | |
| Experiment C: | The stoichiometry of an oxidation–reduction reaction using titration. Reaction of potassium iodate and potassium iodide to produce iodine. |
| Experiment | Description |
|---|---|
| Lab Safety | Part of the CHEM218 Lab Orientation at the start of Day 01 of the lab session. |
| Block D | |
| Experiment D1: | Reaction Kinetics I: Effect of concentration on the rate constant. |
| Experiment D2: | Reaction Kinetics II: Effect of temperature on the rate constant. |
| Experiment D3: | The determination of an equilibrium constant. |
| Experiment D4: | Le Chatelier's Principle. Four reactions are observed for their responses to change to the concentration of reactants and products. |
| Experiment D5: | Acid Base Titrations. Use of a pH meter to follow the titration of a strong acid /strong base and a weak acid/strong base. |
| Block E | |
| Experiment E1: | Voltaic cells and use of standard electrode potentials. |
| Experiment E2: | Determination of a molar mass by electrolysis. |
| Block F | |
| Experiment F1: | Synthesis and purification of acetylsalicylic acid from salicyilic acid and acetic anhydride. |
| Computer Lab Sims | Computer Lab Sims. Contact the Lab Coordinator for more information about the availability of the lab simulations. |
| Experiment | Description |
|---|---|
| Experiment 1: | Calibration of Volumetric Glassware. |
| Experiment 2: | Gravimetric Determination of Calcium as CaC2O4· H2O. |
| Experiment 3: | Statistical Evaluation of Acid-Base Indicators. |
| Experiment 4: | Preparation and Standardization of Acid and Base Solutions, and Testing of Unknowns. |
| Experiment 5: | The Potentiometric Titration of an Acid Mixture. |
| Experiment 6: | Analysis of an Acid-Base Titration Curve: The Gran Plot |
| Experiment 7: | Analysis of a Mixture of Carbonate and Bicarbonate |
| Experiment 8: | The Determination of Amine Nitrogen by the Kjeldahl Method Using an NH4+- selective Electrode |
| Experiment 9: | EDTA Titration of Ca2+ and Mg2+ in Natural Waters |
| Experiment 10: | Determining Vitamin C Concentration |
| Experiment 11: | Potentiometric Halide Titration with Ag+ |
| Experiment | Description |
|---|---|
| Experiment 1: | Melting point determinations. Single and mixed melting point procedures are used to determine purity and identity of an unknown organic compound. |
| Experiment 2: | Recrystallization of acetanilide. Learn the steps of recrystallization and assess the purity of your crystals. |
| Experiment 3: | Simple and fractional distillations. Learn how to setup a distillation apparatus and use it to purify a liquid mixture. |
| Experiment 4: | Refractive index. The operation of a Abbe refractometer and its use in the assessment of a fractional distillation by use of mole fractions. For an online demonstration of the use of a refractometer, please go to University of Puget Sound's (by Dr. John Hanson). |
| Experiment 5: | For tutorial help, consult . Use of acid/base chemistry to perform an extraction on a mixture of organic acid, organic base and neurtal hydrocarbon. Operation and use of a separatory funnel. |
| Experiment 6: | Qualitative organic chemistry for functional groups. Alkanes, alkenes and alkynes. Plus an Infrared Spectroscopy Tutorial. For interactive tutorial help, consult . |
| Experiment 7: | Extraction of naturally occurring and optically active compound, usnic acid, from lichen and use of a polarimeter. |
| Experiment 8: | Acid-catalyzed dehydration of cyclohexanol to cyclohexene. |
| NEW Optional Experiment 8: | Acid-catalyzed dehydration of 4-methyl-2 pentanol to methylpentenes. Includes the Remote Lab operation of an online Gas Chromatograph (You must use Internet Explorer Browser to do the remotelab). |
| Experiment 9: | Nitration of acetanilide to p-nitroacetanilide. |
| Experiment | Description |
|---|---|
| Experiment 10: | Fischer Esterification. An ester from a carboxylic acid and alcohol. |
| Experiment 11: | Qualitative organic chemistry for functional groups. Alcohols and alkyl halides. SN1 and SN2 reactions. |
| Experiment 12: | Sodium borohydride reduction of benzophenone. Reduction of a carbonyl group to an alcohol and principles of thin-layer chromatography. |
| Experiment 13: | Aldol condensation reactions between aldehydes and ketones. |
| Experiment 14: | H-NMR Tutorial. Home lab exercise. For tutorial help, consult . |
| Experiment 15: | Qualitative organic chemistry for functional groups. Aldehydes and ketones. |
| Experiment 16: | Grignard Reaction. Synthesis of triphenylmethanol from bomobenzene and ethyl benzoate. |
| Experiment 17: | Multistep synthesis of benzocaine. |
Lab resources
General Chemistry I
- CHEM 217 experiments list
- CHEM 217 kit request (If you encounter an error in submitting your lab kit request form please refer to the following set of instructions)
- (password required)
- (password required)
- CHEM 217 lab quiz (available in Moodle as of...)
General Chemistry II
- CHEM 218 experiments list
- CHEM 218 lab manual v.2019
- CHEM 218 procedures only lab manual v.2019
- CHEM 218 lab quiz (available in Moodle as of...)
- Characteristic infrared absorptions of some functional groups
- Correlation of 1H chemical shift with environment
Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 350 experiments list
- CHEM 350 pre-lab questions (v. 2024)
- CHEM 350 lab manual (v. 2025)
- CHEM 350 lab manual (v. 2025)
- CHEM 350 experiment background information
- Exp 1: Melting-point Determinatio
- Exp 2: Recrystallization
- Exp 3: Distillation
- Exp 4: Refractive Index
- Exp 5: Extraction, separation and the use of drying agents
- Exp 6: Infrared Spectroscopy Tutorial
- Exp 7: Extraction of Usnic Acid from Lichen
- Exp 8: Preparation of Cyclohexene from Cyclohexanol
- Exp 9: The Nitration of Acetanilide
- CHEM 350 lab report guidelines
- Exp. 6 Infrared Unknown Downloads
Please right click on the PDF files to download the four assigned problems for experiment 6. Note that all downloaded files are in PDF format which require that you have to open them.- Unknown 350-6-1
- Unknown 350-6-2
- Unknown 350-6-3
- Unknown 350-6-4
- Unknown 350-6-5
- Unknown 350-6-6
- Unknown 350-6-7
- Unknown 350-6-8
- Unknown 350-6-9
- Unknown 350-6-10
- Unknown 350-6-11
- Unknown 350-6-12
- Unknown 350-6-13
- Unknown 350-6-14
- Unknown 350-6-15
- Unknown 350-6-16
- Unknown 350-6-17
- Unknown 350-6-18
- Unknown 350-6-19
- Unknown 350-6-20
- CHEM 350 SN vs. E Rxns
- CHEM 350 delta G help
Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 360 experiments list
- CHEM 360 lab manual
- CHEM 360 lab manual
- CHEM 360 pre-lab questions (v. 2025)
- CHEM 360 experiment background information
- Exp 10: Fischer Esterification: An ester from a carboxylic acid and an alcohol
- Exp 11: Reactions of the common functional groups Part II: Alcohols and alkyl halides
- Exp 13: An aldol condensation
- Exp 14: IR-NMR Exercise
- Exp 15: Reactions of the common functional groups Part III: Aldehydes and ketones
- Exp 16: Triphenylmethanol by a Grignard reaction
- Exp 17: multi-step synthesis: Benzocaine
- Exp. 14 H-NMR Downloads
Please right click on the PDF files to download the four assigned problems for experiment 14. Note that all downloaded files are in PDF format which require that you have to open them.- Unknown 360-14-1
- Unknown 360-14-2
- Unknown 360-14-3
- Unknown 360-14-4
- Unknown 360-14-5
- Unknown 360-14-6
- Unknown 360-14-7
- Unknown 360-14-8
- Unknown 360-14-9
- Unknown 360-14-10
- Unknown 360-14-11
- Unknown 360-14-12
- Unknown 360-14-13
- Unknown 360-14-14
- Unknown 360-14-15
- Unknown 360-14-16
- Unknown 360-14-17
- Unknown 360-14-18
- Unknown 360-14-19
- Unknown 360-14-20
- Unknown 360-14-21
- Unknown 360-14-22
Videos
| Video | Length | .mp4 format |
|---|---|---|
| Distillation | 8:43 | |
| Distillation Reduced Pressure | 10:50 | |
| Filtration | 12:00 | |
| Handling Chemicals | 10:58 | |
| Melting Point Determination | 5:22 | |
| Recrystallization Single Solvent | 13:12 | |
| Recrystallization Two Solvents | 6:49 | |
| Reflux | 6:32 | |
| Thin Layer Chromatography | 12:36 | |
| Using a Rotary Evaporator | 6:37 | |
| Using a Separatory Funnel | 12:04 |
Download , or for free to view the .mp4 file format.
Video credits
- Producer/Director: Lois M. Browne BSc, PhD
- Screen Play/Consultants: Craig Railton PhD, MD - Philip Wickens PhD
- Stage Hands: Neal Fong BSc, DC - Sandra Kenefick BSc, MSc - Minh Vo BSc, MD
- Actors: Jonathan Cartensen BSc, BEd - Timothy Van Vliet BSc, BEd
- Production - Media Masters: Nabeal Mansour
- Photography - Video Masters: Joey Dusseault
- Graphics: Marcia Anstee - Minh Vo BSc, MD
- Technical Consultants: Larry Coulson - Todd Demone - Ronald J. Gardner
Updated February 04, 2026 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)