CHEM 316

CHEM 316: Scientific Glassblowing

Credit Hours: (1) One hour lab.  

Prerequisites: CHEM 301 or permission of instructor.

CHEM 316 is a laboratory-based course with the goal of teaching the fundamentals of Scientific Glassblowing. One-hour lab.

 

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

Topics may include:

1. Safety, Equipment Orientation, Fundamentals of Lampworking
2. Cutting Rod, Tubing, Fire Polishing, Shaping, and Fusing Glass Rod
3. Project: making a set of glass stirring rods.
4. Bending Rod and Tubing
5. Project: Construction of Test Tubes and Round Bottom Flasks
6. Straight Seals
7. Side Seals
8. Project: Construction of a t-tube and/or a y-tube
9. Ring Seals/Operation of a micro-lathe
10. Project: Construction of an Oil Bubbler
11. Glass Rod to Tubing Connections
12. Glassware Repairs

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The students will learn new techniques each week.  During the semester they will demonstrate that they have mastered those techniques.  As the course progresses projects that require multiple scientific glassblowing techniques will be assigned.  For example, the construction of an oil bubbler requires multiple seals (straight, side, and ring) in its construction.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of CHEM 316 Scientific Glassblowing, the student will:

1. Have a working understanding of the techniques listed above.
2. Be able to safely operate bench and hand torches.
3. Be able to repair, modify, and construct scientific glassware.

 

Assessment Measures

The students will be graded on course participation, following laboratory safety procedures, their ability to demonstrate glassblowing techniques, and their ability to apply those techniques to glassblowing projects.

 

Other Course Information

N/A

 

Review and Approval

February 12, 2026