CHEM 360LSenior Organic Chemistry Laboratory
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Science
- Subject
- Chemistry
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 4 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
Selected microscale synthetic experiments for students in year three chemistry and biochemistry programs, including spectroscopic identification of organic compounds.
Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- Enrolled in H-Biochemistry, H-Biochemistry - Biotechnology Specialization, H-Chemistry, JH-Chemistry, H-Chemistry - Computational Specialization, or H-Medicinal Chemistry
Corequisites
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- CHEM360 - Organic Chemistry 3 (0.50)
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
Fall 2026 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAB 001 | 7470 | 4 / 12 | M 14:30–20:20 |
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAB 001 | 6665 | 0 / 44 | M 14:30–20:20 |
| LAB 701 | 2497 | 34 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
80% liked it56% easy89% useful
From 20 ratings and 9 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
An introduction to more advanced chemistry lab techniques. If you plan to work in an organic chemistry setting this is absolutely a must-take course. The course is more of a pre-req to 382L but even stand-alone allows students to learn a lot of really fundamental skills.
Aug 2026 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
This is one of the most demanding 6 hour lab. The experiments are more complex, and you're expected to work with minimal guidance compared to earlier organic labs like 265L or 200.
The biggest challenge was the length and depth of both prelabs and postlabs — they were significantly longer and more open-ended, often requiring you to connect concepts without much background provided. Unlike previous organic labs where procedures and expectations were clearer, here you’re really pushed to apply your theoretical knowledge and think independently, almost like a mini research setting.
It's definitely a rewarding course if you're passionate about organic, but expect a steep learning curve and a…Apr 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Easier than the course at least...but that's not saying much.
Jul 2018 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
Fun and easy course. Like the previous orgo lab course, you spend a lot of time sitting around waiting for reactions to happen, so it's pretty relaxing. The lab reports aren't very fun to do though, they take forever.
Aug 2017 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
The organic labs are the only reason that I still love organic chemistry. The reactions chosen are interesting and challenging at times, but it's completely manageable. The lab reports aren't too difficult and personally I prefer them over 265L reports.
Mar 2017 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
5 posts and comments in 5 threads mention CHEM 360L, December 2012 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Spring 2024
CHEM 360L thoughts, advice 2 points, 2 comments
u/Creak_banana3646: “… I love orgo and have completed courses such as : 1) 264 (org 1) 2) 265 (org 2) 3) 265L (org lab 1) 4) 360 (org 3) 5) 400 (Physical organic chem) I want to know how chem 360L is though I obtained above an 80% for 265L , it still was a challenge and probably the toughest lab I did …”
Fall 2020
CHEM 494 2 points, 3 comments
“Can anybody speak about their experience doing a CHEM 494 project in either analytical or organic chem? …”
u/3point14luong: “… I do recommend taking the orgo labs (CHEM 265L and 360L, maybe 382L if you're in med chem or if you hate yourself) if you plan on doing your project in orgo. They cover very useful skills and concepts. …”
Winter 2018
So a lot of people complain the school is too hard whenever someone passes away 47 points, 32 comments
“A common thing I run into is that whenever someone passes away is that there will be a group of people who start complaining how their courses are too hard and how "hard courses" or "coop stress" …”
u/KateGosselin: “To be honest a lot of programs have gotten easier throughout the past 10 years (specifically science programs)”
u/WaterpooGod: “… I.e, a computational chemist doesn’t need to know synthetic chemistry (CHEM360L) while learning how to crunch data (CHEM350L) would be more useful. …”
Winter 2017
Best Biochem electives 6 points, 7 comments
“Are there certain Group A and B electives for 3rd and 4th year biochem that are easy/interesting. Also, are there any that are extremely hard and should be avoided at all costs? Thanks”
u/KateGosselin: “… so many more electives, and not having to take CHEM 209 and CHEM 360/360L seems weird”
Fall 2012
What courses are you taking next semester? 10 points, 107 comments
“Now that exams are finally over, we can starting thinking about the Winter 2013 semester. What courses will you be taking? Any that you're anticipating and/or dreading?”
u/Bipolar_Chemist: “CHEM 360/360L: Organic Chemistry 3 and Senior Organic Chem Lab CHEM 313: Inorganic Chemistry 3 CHEM 350: Kinetics CHEM 340: Computational Chemistry CHEM 313L: Inorganic Chemistry Lab 2”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them