Each year, groups of MIT freshmen are introduced to MIT's laboratory environment through a four-week January course called 5.301 Chemistry Lab Techniques. In January 2012, we followed 14 students as they struggled to complete experiments required in the class. The stakes are high—students who pass the class are guaranteed a job in an MIT research lab. This fall, MIT OpenCourseWare will share videos that follow these students as they face the challenges of learning chemistry the MIT way through a unique series called ChemLab Boot Camp.

The experiments described in these materials are potentially hazardous. Please read our warning notice.