Topic outline

    • This course provides an overview of general laboratory safety and chemical safety.

      Learning outcomes

      After the course you are able to:

      • work safely in the laboratory
      • choose appropriate personal protective equipment and use laboratory safety devices
      • identify potential risk factors in laboratory work
      • handle laboratory waste correctly

      Course outline


      • This is an online course with five (5) modules.
      • You can complete the modules at your own pace.
      • Each module contains learning materials in a virtual laboratory.
      • In the end of each module, you will take a module exam.
      • Once you have completed the module exam, the next module will appear. 
      • Course ends with a final exam.

    • Module 1: Introduction

      (estimated time to complete the module: 1-2 hour)

    • URL icon

      Please study the learning materials of this module in the virtual laboratory and then proceed to the module exam below.

      Instructional video: We also have a Video Guide that introduces the virtual laboratory (takes about three minutes).

      If you encounter technical issues with the virtual laboratory, please try first using a different web browser. If the problems persist, you can ask for help by sending email to aaltolab@aalto.fi (in English or in Finnish).

    • Quiz icon

      You may keep the virtual laboratory open while you take the exam. There is no time limit in the exam and you may take breaks during the exam.

      1) You need to answer all questions in the exam. Click "Check" after each question to get immediate feedback on your answer. Incorrect answers may lead in minus points.

      2) The exam will be graded automatically after you have finished it. Passing the exam requires at least 75% of the total points. 

      3) You may re-take the exam as many times as you like. Every attempt will have a different set of questions.

    • Module 2: General safety

      (estimated time to complete the module: 2-3 hours)

    • URL icon

      Please study the learning materials of this module in the virtual laboratory and then proceed to the module exam below.

    • Quiz icon
      Module 2 Exam Quiz
    • Module 3: Chemical safety

      (estimated time to complete the module: 2-3 hours)

    • URL icon

      Please study the learning materials of this module in the virtual laboratory and then proceed to the module exam below.

    • Not available unless: The activity Module 2 Exam is complete and passed
      Quiz icon
      Module 3 Exam Quiz
    • Module 4: Physical safety

      (estimated time to complete the module: 2-3 hours)

    • URL icon

      Please study the learning materials of this module in the virtual laboratory and then proceed to the module exam below.

    • Not available unless: The activity Module 3 Exam is complete and passed
      Quiz icon
      Module 4 Exam Quiz
    • Module 5: Waste management

      (estimated time to complete the module: 1-2 hours)

    • URL icon

      Please study the learning materials of this module in the virtual laboratory and then proceed to the module exam below.

    • Not available unless: The activity Module 4 Exam is complete and passed
      Quiz icon
      Module 5 Exam Quiz
    • Final exam

      To complete the course, you need to get pass the final exam below.

      There is also a version of the virtual laboratory, where all activities and rooms are immediately available (in the bottom menu). This version can be helpful if you have already studied the learning materials, and come back to the exam later.

    • Not available unless: The activity Module 5 Exam is complete and passed
      Quiz icon
      Final Exam Quiz