Turro Home Page

Getting Started in the Turro Group

1. Glassware: Make a list of the glassware you need, then check the hall cabinets to see if what you need is there. Check in the drawers of the bench that you have inherited to see if a former group member left behind glassware that you might use. If you still need glassware, buy it at Chemstores or order it (see section on placing orders).

2. Lab notebook: See Sandy for your first lab notebook or buy it from Chemstores.

3. Chemicals: First consult the Group Inventory of Chemicals on the webpage (a work in progress as of April 2002) to see if the chemical you need is already in the lab. There are many inorganics around the labs (ie. hydroxides, sulfates, carbonates, etc.), so have a look around before you purchase these. Also, check the chemical storage room that holds all of the Turro Group organics: the chemicals are organized according to number of carbons. The general procedure and forms for ordering chemicals and other equipment is outlined on the Turro Group Server. Be sure to ask another group member for guidance before ordering something for the first time.

If you need a small amount of a chemical, consult the departmental list that is available on the web to see if another lab group has some you might use.

4. Safety: Click here to read departmental safety regulations (link).

5. Backing up Data: All of your data stored on your computer should be backed up regularly on the Turro Group Server. This is done automatically each day. You can arrange automatic backup by speaking to Zhiqiang.

6. Past Group Presentations and IRVs: If you are continuing work on a project that has already been done by a former group member, YOUR FIRST REFERENCE SOURCE SHOULD BE THEIR GROUP MEETING PRESENTATIONS AND IRVs. These are stored alphabetically by author in the cabinets on the 7th floor. This will give you a general idea about their progress and some of the problems they encountered before getting into the finer details of their lab notebooks. Also, the dates of their IRVs and presentations will narrow down your lab notebook search.

7. Using the instruments: Each Turro Group instrument is labelled with the person in charge of that instrument. Make sure you see the person labelled to get trained before using it.

8. Binders: Each person in the group has a collection of literature on certain topics that are stored in labelled binders (make link). This list might direct you to a Turro Group member that may have some key references for you.

9. Labels: Be sure to label your notebooks and other important items with your name and any other appropriate information. Sandy has a label maker.