Part of your education in chemistry, and chemistry lab, involves learning about and abiding by the Professional Standards that support a positive work environment for everyone and are imperative for the proper function of a research or academic lab.
In general, the practices included under the umbrella of professional standards include:
- Laboratory safety guidelines, appropriate laboratory practices, and good lab “citizenry”;
- Comportment appropriate to a professional setting, including attendance, punctuality, submitting work on time, and appropriate interactions with peers and course instructors;
- Appropriate preparation for working in a lab setting, including working through background material (reading, videos, and office hours), advanced preparation of lab research notebooks (before attending the lab), and being proactive in anticipating the expected results of the experiment and possible hurdles;
- Attention to detail in the lab, taking effective lab notes, professional and polished communication; and
- Ethical conduct in the lab and in working with data and assignments. All students at Boston University are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity.
As a student in our courses you will be expected to know and abide by the professional standards as they are outlined and explained in detail in the lab manual (posted on Blackboard).
A copy of these policies and standards can also be found here: professional standards.
All students are required to read through these standards before the beginning of lab work, and are responsible for following complying with the professional standards and course regulations at all times.
Questions about course policies, lab safety, or appopriate practices are best asked during office hours -- the complete list of these are posted here.