Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: bmc on September 18, 2004, 03:00:46 PM
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My first semester of organic lab only teaches microscale lab techniques. Is this the current trend, or should it also include macroscale techniques ???
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I'm not a chemistry major. I've no idea, but please refrain from typing in capitals in future. It's equivalent to shouting. Please observe internet ettiquette.
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That seems to be the current trend for a multitude of reasons;
1): It's cheaper that way. If only tiny mL quantities are used, the supply can last much longer and the university doesn't have to buy as much. Cheaper methods = better looking for the accounting sector of the university.
2): Safety. It has become a sad trend in society today whereby safety is taking a backseat to stupidity. Even worse, if someone makes a mistake they claim that it's not their fault and sue whomever's residence they are in. By performing reactions on a small scale, the chances of a big accident happening and the school getting sued because of it goes down. Again, cheaper = better for the school.
Those really are the two big reasons why microscale labs are preferred nowadays over larger scale labs. Sad but true.