Laboratory safety course in the chemistry curriculum

Abstract Although laboratory safety is considered an important component of undergraduate training, less than 5% of U.S. colleges and universities offer a required course for chemistry majors. A successful one-credit Laboratory Safety Course has been instituted with the objective to develop skills and attitudes for working with chemicals in a safe and responsible way. The general design of the course including topical information, demonstrations, student projects, and other unique course requirements will be discussed. Outcomes of the course include positive student evaluations, and an increased student awareness for applying safety practices in the laboratory.