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Home of the Happy Student UPEI Chemistry

by Steve Ellis

If you stroll into the lounge on the second floor of the KC Irving Chemistry Cen- tre at 12:45 p.m. on a Thurs- day afternoon, don’t expect to be able to hear yourself think. Don’t expect to be able to find a seat either. At this time, and at many other times during the week, the lounge is bustling with activity as people eat their lunches, swap stories and bicker over the answers of as- signments that are due for next class. In a way, it is reminis- cent of a family meal.

The scene inthe student lounge reflects the general atti- tude of chemistry students. They are happy and at home. Who wouldn’t be at home in the comforting environment of anew, well designed and spa- cious building?

Thereareso many things to be happy about in the new chemistry centre. The lounge is surely the envy of most other departments, with its lockers and beautiful view of the city. It seems to encourage a new spirit of camaraderie among chemistry students.

“T think, to a certain degree, that chemistry majors seem to be doing more things together than previous years.

[We] do our assignments to- gether and help each other out a lot,” relates Rochelle Baldwin, a third year chemis- try major.

The students appreciate even more thenew undergradu- ate laboratories and the im- proved research spaces for pro- fessors.

“T like the labs because they are big and there is lots of equipment,” says Baldwin. “They are more open too. You don’t feel like you are stuck in the lab because of the big win- dows.”

Stephen DeGrace, 21,a fourth year honours chemistry student, really appreciates his research space. “It makes my life so much easier,” he says with a smile.

Theonly thing thatcould

make life even better for chem- istry students is better instru- ments, especially a new, nu- clear magnetic resonance (NMR) instrument. “A reli- able NMR is critical for re- search in organometallic [and other disciplines of] chemis- try,” says DeGrace.

The new chemistry fa- cilities seem to be drawing stu- dents into chemistry as well. This year twenty-nine students are taking Chemistry 221, a

course generally taken only by chemistry majors. This is the highest enrollment ever. Kristian Macdonald, a second year chemistry major, explains his reason for taking chemistry: “When I found out they had anew building, [knew the facilities would be good. I heard that they were among the best in the Atlantic provinces.” It is not just those who are enrolled in chemistry who are enjoying the new building. Spots that are quite popular among other students of UPEI include the student computer laboratory and the lounging area just outside of the large lecture hall on the first floor. Both locations are often filled by students from a variety of

different faculties. If you have not had a

chance to view the new build- ing, the department will give you a chance to explore the facility this week on Friday, October 25 and Saturday, Oc- tober 26. In celebration of National Chemistry Week, an exhibition will take place from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. both days. Members of the faculty, staff and student body will be on hand to give guided tours and to do demonstrations of some colourful chemistry. All are welcome.

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Cancer Causing Agents | Used in Labs

By Anne Marie Vatcher The Muse, Memorial University

Science students at Memorial university are wor- ried about the potential dan- gers of using carcinogenic substances in science labs.

Recently, a student complained to the student council about the safety oflab environments and student ex- posure to potentially harmful chemicals while conducting experiments.

The student, who wanted to remain anonymous, specifically mentioned a Cell Biology lab that required stu- dents to handle xylene, a known carcinogen. Students were informed of the danger- ous nature of the chemical, and were instructed as to proper safety procedures which were to be exercised.

But the student's letter stated concern for personal safety because "due to the crowded conditions, and of- ten rushed deadlines for com- pletion of the experiments, not all students adhere to the rules."

Geraldine Kennedy of the university's hazardous ma- terials control department, does not feel the labs at Me- morial are overly dangerous.

"Most labs, when they're setting up experi- ments, are set up considering the factor that most students wouldn't have the expertise and the technical background as say, a science technician would," Kennedy said. "[Labs are] set up considering, 'What

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possibly could go wrong with this experiment?’ and are set up with safeguards in place."

Kennedy said Memo- rial meets safety standards, and when possible the least hazardous alternatives to dan- gerous chemicals are used.

"Any chemical carries some hazard with it," Kennedy said. But the stu- dent who wrote the letter doesn't agree with risking personal safety for an experi- ment.

"Ifa substance is a car- cinogen and is so dangerous that it can be absorbed by the skin and upon inhalation, there are no excuses for its use," the student's letter said.

The letter also states that "the crowded, hectic at- mosphere of these laborato- ries is simply not conducive to work with hazardous chemicals," and suggests in- structors provide alternatives to students who don't want to work with toxic substances, plus greater enforcement of safety precautions.

Kennedy says that all proper precautions are already being taken, and to her knowl- edge there has been no case ofa student encountering se- rious ill effects due to work- ing ina lab.

But Kennedy did ac- knowledge one of the stu- dent's concerns.

"You're going to have accidents and sometimes it can't be avoided, mostly be- cause of the number of stu- dents you have going through," Kennedy said.

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