MIMBUS CHEMISTRY - User Guide

When the application is launched, the user is in a corridor called the "Welcome Hall" where a screen displaying the main menu of the simulator is located.

The main menu allows the user to authenticate themselves and to select the exercise to be performed. At the end of each exercise, the user will be teleported back to this screen.

The main menu is organized as follows:

First, the user should select their class.

This menu is only displayed when the simulator is connected to the Vulcan platform.

A first click allows the user to select the class, a second allows them to confirm the choice.

Once the class has been selected, the user must be authenticated. Clicking on the user’s name will bring up a window where the user’s PIN code, a four-digit number configured on Vulcan, must be entered. Users who are not assigned to a Chemistry learning path will appear in grey. It will not be possible to log in as them on the simulator.

In offline mode, a demo user will be automatically selected.

Once the user is authenticated, the module selection menu is displayed.

The available modules are "Tutorial", "Free laboratory visit", "Safety in the laboratory" and "Manipulations". A first click allows to select and see the description of the module while a second click allows to confirm the choice.

The tutorial allows you to familiarize yourself with the controls using a simplified scenario.

On this page, the exercises corresponding to the previously selected module are displayed. A first click on an exercise displays a description of the selected exercise, a second click allows to confirm the choice.

On this page the difficulty levels are displayed: Beginner, Advanced, and Expert. Depending on the exercise, the difficulty changes the instructions and objectives. A double click on the difficulty level will start the exercise.

Objective: to learn how to move around the virtual world and recognize markers that indicate a specific location.

The user will learn to move by teleportation. To leave this first room, the user will be asked to teleport to the next room.

By pressing the "Teleportation" button, it is possible to initiate a teleportation. As long as the button is held down, you can choose the teleportation destination. When you release the button, the teleportation will be performed.

A parabolic pointer coming out of the controller will then be visible, symbolizing the path taken during a teleportation. If teleportation is possible, this pointer is violet; if not, it is red.

Objective: To learn to pick up an object, release it and place it on a magnetized area, and to recognize the associated visual feedback.

The user will be invited to bring their hand close to an object, visualize the associated visual feedback (blue outline), then pick up the object using the associated button and drop it onto a designated area on a second display.

Once this action is completed, the user will be prompted to exit the room by opening a door, giving them the opportunity to use the "Grab an item" interaction again on the handle.

Objective: To learn how to interact with tools or buttons, and recognize the associated visual feedback.

The user will be asked to interact with an object on a display (the object will be surrounded by a yellow outline indicating the possibility of activating it) and activate it using the associated button.

To exit the tutorial, the user will have to move to the back of the room and press the elevator button using the "Interact" button. A fade to black will return the user to the lobby.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) must be equipped in most exercises before entering the laboratory, otherwise the score will be lowered.

Nitrile gloves, goggles and a lab coat must be fitted.

Several exercises will take place under a fume hood. To open a fume hood, the user must grab the glass of the fume hood and move it upwards from below, then let go of the glass so that it opens. It can be opened halfway or fully. If the fume hood is fully open, there are more safety risks. If the fume hoood is left open too long, an audible alarm will sound. The user must close the fume cupboard to stop it.

The user can also switch on the fume cupboard light by pressing the green button on the control panel.

During some exercises, the user will be in a dangerous situation and will have to use the telephone to call a colleague or the security station. To do this, the user must pick up the phone and with the other hand select the corresponding button with the laser and click on the interaction button.

In several manipulative exercises, the user can find their laboratory notebook in the form of a tablet. Depending on the exercise, different information will be presented, and from time to time the user will have to confirm steps on this tablet.

To complete the exercise, the user should follow the following instructions:

In front of each piece of equipment there is an icon indicating a point of interest.

Point in the direction of a point of interest with one hand. A laser is activated.

The user must press the interaction button on the hand controller to display a pop-up window containing the name, description, and classification of the equipment.

When the user feels that they have seen enough, they can leave the exercise by exiting the laboratory.

To complete the whole exercise, the user must follow the following instructions:

The user starts the scenario with the following briefing:

The user must equip their PPE, then enter the laboratory. They must identify all safety-related equipment. Point in the direction of the equipment with one hand. A laser is activated.

The user must press the interaction button on the hand controller to identify the equipment. A pop-up window appears describing the equipment.

After identifying an item and closing the pop-up (or identifying a new item), an icon appears in place of the pop-up.

Equipment identified but not classified:

Equipment identified and classified:

On their tablet, the user can see the number of items they still have to find. They can also click on the help button to make an unidentified equipment light up in yellow.

To complete the exercise, the user must follow the following instructions:

The user starts the scenario with the following briefing:

The user must equip their PPE (Equipping PPE), then enter the laboratory. They will have to pick up the beaker placed on the edge of the drainer. As the hand approaches, the beaker automatically falls and breaks. A danger zone appears and the user must move to get out of it.

Depending on the level of difficulty, the user must classify the danger by selecting the pictogram corresponding to the type of danger. Here there is a risk of cut

If the user brings one of their hands close to the broken beaker, they will cut themselves and their hand will start to bleed. At this point, they should use the first aid kit to treat themselves and use the telephone to call a colleague (Use of the telephone).

With the help of the broom, the user should clean up all the glass fragments. They should grab the broom with one hand and the shovel with the other and use them to slide all the pieces of glass into the shovel. Then they need to bring the shovel close to the bin to throw away the glass.

At this point, the user will be teleported to the reception area in front of the assessment screen.

To complete the exercise, the user should follow the following instructions:

The user starts the scenario with the following briefing:

The user must equip their PPE, then enter the laboratory.

In order to carry out the procedure correctly, the user must transport the tiophenol into a fume cupboard, together with the beaker and the pipette. At this point, the exercise is automatically completed.

However, if they opens it outside a fume cupboard, they will inhale chemical and put themselves in danger.

The user must put the cap back on the bottle and transport it into a fume cupboard.

Depending on the level of difficulty, the user must classify the hazard by selecting the pictogram corresponding to the level of the hazard zone. Here, there is a risk of toxicity

Then, they must use the telephone to call the safety post.

Once the steps have been completed, the user will be teleported to the reception area in front of the assessment screen.

To complete the exercise, the user must follow the following instructions:

The user starts the scenario with the following briefing:

The user must equip their PPE (Equipping PPE), then enter the laboratory. They will have to approach the fume cupboard, open it halfway (Use fume cupboard) and shake a decanter. The ampoule opens and liquid spills in the fume cupboard. A danger zone appears. The user must replace the ampoule on its stand and move away from the danger.

Depending on the level of difficulty, the user must classify the hazard by selecting the pictogram corresponding to the type of the hazard zone. Here, there is a risk of harmful or irritating substances.

If the fume cupboard was half open and the bulb was shaken inside, the user has splashed on their gloves. They have to throw them away, so they have to go to the waste bin and click on the "waste bin" icon. Then they have to go to a sink, turn on the tap, and wash their hands for 10 minutes.

If the fume cupboard was fully open or the bulb was shaken outside of the fume cupboard, the user’s eyes will be splashed and their vision will turn blue.

The user must approach the eyewash station and activate it by pressing the button on the right. Then they should remove their glasses and wash their eyes for 10 minutes by moving their head towards the eyewash station.

They must collect the soiled coat and put it in the appropriate bin.

The user must then use the telephone to call the safety post.

The user must put on new PPE if it has been soiled. This PPE is located in the laboratory.

The user should take a paper towel to completely clean up the spills on the bench (all stains should be wiped up), and then dispose of the paper towel in the waste bin.

Once the steps have been completed, the user will be teleported to the reception area in front of the assessment screen.

The procedure is the same for each user, regardless of the chosen difficulty level. Only the aids are different.

In Advanced Difficulty, on the companion screen, the user can click this icon to request help..

The user starts the scenario with the following briefing:

The user must put on their PPE (Equipping PPE) and then enter the laboratory. An alarm goes off, and they can see that the oil bath in the fume cupboard is on fire. They must approach to observe the situation.

The user’s first response should be to call the safety station (Using the phone).

Then they must turn off the power to avoid electrocution. If the user touches the electrical sparks, they will be electrocuted, which is a fatal error that will end the exercise.

The user must cut the power by pressing the circuit breaker button in the electrical cabinet. The lights go out and the sparks disappear.

The fire remains. If the user touches it with their hands, they will be seriously burned; this is a fatal error that will end the exercise.

To safely extinguish the fire, there are several ways, and only two of them are correct:

Once the fire is out, if the user was too close to the flames, burning oil will be sprayed onto their hands. There is a 50/50 chance that flames will appear on the hands.

Once the steps are completed, the user will be teleported to the lobby in front of the score screen.

To complete the exercise, the user must follow the following instructions:

The user starts the scenario with the following briefing:

The user must equip their PPE (Equipping PPE), then enter the laboratory. They will approach the scales and switch on the analytical scale. Then, they will open the analytical scale airlock by pulling the door, and place an empty and clean ramekin in it. They will close the door and perform the tare.

Next, the user must transfer 188 mg of 4-hydrazino benzenesulphonic acid into the ramekin that they have just tared. When opening the bottle, care should be taken to place the cap the correct way up on the work surface.

They must use the spatulas to transfer the product (Spatula and syringe).

They must not put a sampled product back into its original container. If too much product has been taken, the powder must be put into the waste beaker.

The user must transfer product into the ramekin outside the scale, otherwise powder may fall onto the scale pan, which will distort the weight. At this point, they should take the brush to clean it.

When the user is sure of the quantity of product weighed, they will confirm by pressing the 3rd button (which will write the result in their laboratory notebook), then put the container aside.

The user will perform the same manipulation to weigh 218mg of 2,2,3,3-tetrahydroxysuccinic acid with a second clean ramekin.

When the user has confirmed the two weighings, they must use the pencil to identify the weighed products by writing on the sticker of the ramekins. The user must place both ramekins in the fume cupboard (Using the Fume Hood) in preparation for the next exercise.

They should then tidy up their work area. The product containers should be closed and put away, the soiled material should be put in the bin for dirty containers on the right, and the scales should be switched off.

To complete the exercise, the user must exit the laboratory. They will be teleported to the reception area in front of the assessment screen.

To complete the exercise, the user must follow the following instructions:

The user starts the scenario with the following briefing:

The user must equip their PPE (Equipping PPE), then enter the laboratory. They will have to approach the fume cupboard, open it halfway (Using the Fume Hood) and position the laboratory lift, magnetic stirrer and Heat-On on the work surface. They must position the probe correctly on the Heat-On, put the appropriate stirring rod in the body of the triple-neck flask and fix the latter to the wire mesh. Then place the funnel on the left-hand mouth of the triple-neck flask.

They must transfer all the powders weighed in the previous exercise into the triple-neck flask using spatulas: 188 mg of 4-hydrazino benzenesulphonic acid and 218 mg of 2,2,3,3-tetrahydroxysuccinic acid (Spatula and syringe).

Next, the user should remove the funnel and transfer 0.56 ml of H₂SO₄ using the glass syringe into the triple-neck flask (Spatula and syringe). When this is done, they must throw the syringe into the syringe bin on the right and remember to close the bottle. They must place the cap on the left-hand mouth of the triple-neck flask.

The user must interact with the laboratory lift to adjust the height of the stirrer until the Heat-On touches the triple-neck flask.

The user will continue with the set-up: the reflux column should be positioned on the center mouth of the triple-neck flask, the guard on the reflux column and the thermometer on the right mouth of the triple-neck flask.

The user will set the parameters of the set-up: they will adjust the control temperature on the blue probe to 65°C by clicking on the arrows. The longer they press the arrows, the faster the control temperature will change.

The magnetic stirrer should be set to a speed of 350-500 rpm and a heating temperature of 60°C. To do this, the user must select the interaction button near the knobs and rotate their wrist to change the values.

Next, the user should record the temperature of the solution in the laboratory notebook by clicking on the icon next to the thermometer. A fade to black and a timer appear to simulates the user waiting 2 hours.

At the end of the timelapse, the user can observe steam forming on the walls of the triple-neck flask if the instructions have been followed correctly.

The experiment continues: the user swaps the cap of the triple-neck flask with the funnel and then transfers 60 mg of soda (the entire contents of the last ramekin) into the triple-neck flask using a spatula. When this is done, they put the cap back on the funnel.

The user enters the reaction time by clicking on the button in the laboratory book. A new fade to black appears to simulate the 90 minute waiting time. The user can see that the solution has changed colour if they have followed the instructions.

Before leaving the laboratory to complete the exercise, the user should tidy up the work surface. The laboratory lift should be lowered, the stirrer wheels turned to stop the heating and stirring, the thermometer removed and all empty glassware and used utensils put away in the bin on the left.

Once in the corridor, the user will be teleported to the reception area in front of the assessment screen.

To complete the exercise, the user must follow the following instructions:

The user starts the scenario with the following briefing:

The user must equip their PPE (Equipping PPE), then enter the laboratory. They will have to approach the fume cupboard, open it halfway (Using the Fume Hood) and position the glass funnel on the separating funnel.

The user must check that the tap is closed, otherwise they will lose product and therefore points.

They must transfer the dye from the Erlenmeyer flask into the ampoule, and then do the same for the dichloromethane from the graduated cylinder (Liquid transfer).

They should replace the funnel with the stopper of the ampoule. They then have to pick it up and shake it upside down for a few seconds. Still upside down, they must open and close the tap to degas the ampoule (a gas noise can be heard at this point).

They must repeat the operation approximately 3 times until there is no more gas in the ampoule. To make it easier to understand, you can hear that there is no more gas noise when you open the tap, and the products inside the ampoule have changed color.

The user has to put the ampoule back on its stand and remove its cap. They must collect the dichloromethane phase from the ampoule in the Erlenmeyer flask by opening the tap. The liquid flows out more or less quickly depending on how far the tap is opened. Care must be taken to ensure that only the required phase is recovered, so it is better to go slowly for greater accuracy. The user must close the tap and release it to complete this step.

A fade to black and a timer appear to simulate the fact that the extraction is repeated twice automatically, with the other two graduated cylinders containing dichloromethane.

At the end of the timelapse, the quantities are adjusted. All the dichloromethane phase (yellow colour) is in the Erlenmeyer flask and the aqueous phase (white colour) remains in the separating funnel

The user must recover the aqueous phase from the funnel into the second Erlenmeyer flask (which is empty). The ampoule must be completely empty.

Place the plastic funnel on the first Erlenmeyer flask (containing the dichloromethane phase) and transfer a spoonful of magnesium sulphate (Spatula and syringe).

The plastic funnel should be removed from the Erlenmeyer flask and then picked up and shaken gently in a circular motion to mix the magnesium sulphate thoroughly.

On the right is a closed flask. The user should open the flask and place the funnel with the filter paper on it. They must use the wash bottle containing dichloromethane to rinse the filter paper. To do this, the user must grab the wash bottle and press the interaction button to spray a jet of dichloromethane, and aim it at the filter paper.

The user must filter the contents of the first Erlenmeyer flask into the flask. In the flask will be the filtrate, and the residue will be in the filter paper.

The user should remove the funnel and seal the flask with a stopper, then store all the empty glassware (including the separating funnel and its stopper) and used utensils in the dirty container bin on the left-hand side of the fume cupboard.

When they have finished, they must go into the corridor. The user will find themselves teleported to the reception area in front of the assessment screen.

To complete the exercise, the user should follow the following instructions:

The user starts the scenario with the following briefing:

The user must equip their PPE (Equipping PPE), then enter the laboratory and approach the rotary evaporator. The user should switch on the cooling bath, then the pump and the thermostat bath by pressing the buttons.

The user must then set the heating temperature to 40°C. On the display, the user can see a flashing text depending on the selected parameter (temperature or speed). By default, the temperature is selected. If they want to select the other parameter, they have to click on the corresponding button to change. When the correct parameter is active, they have to press the interaction button near the knobs and rotate their wrist to change the values.

The user must update the initial pressure by turning the knob to set the vacuum to 900 mb. The value changes from 100 to 100.

The user will then hook the non-return valve onto the motor. Then they take a clamp and attach it to the guard so that it attaches and holds it in place.

The user opens the round bottom flask. With their left hand they must grab an unused clamp, with their right hand the round bottom flask and bring it close to the guard. The flask will automatically attach to the guard when the user is close to it. While holding down the button that allows the user to grasp objects with their right hand, the user must release the clamp between the round bottom flask and the guard to hold the round bottom flask in place.

While keeping their right hand under the ball, the rotation must be set to 200 rpm with the left hand. This is done by clicking on the rotation button and turning the knob (similar to the step where the user had to set the temperature).

The user will switch on the pumping system by pressing the start button on the pump control panel, then close the valve (by pressing the interaction button) to put the set-up under reduced pressure.

The flask must be lowered into the thermostat bath by pressing the arrows on the thermostat bath control panel.

The user will progressively lower the pressure by turning the knob to set the vacuum to 500 mb, then confirm on the laboratory notebook to begin a timelapse.

A fade to black and a timer appears to simulate the user waiting for 2 minutes for the solvent to evaporate into a receptacle flask. If the user has followed the instructions correctly, the inside of the flask is filled with powder.

Now it is time to put everything away. The pumping system must be stopped by pressing the start button on the pump control panel and the valve closed to break the vacuum. The thermostatic bath tank should be reassembled and the rotation stopped. The user must remove the clamp connecting the flask to the guard, recover the flask, place it on the jack and close it with its cap.

To complete the exercise, turn off the cooling bath, the pump and the thermostatic bath and leave the laboratory.

Once in the corridor, the user will be teleported to the reception area in front of the assessment screen.

To validate the whole exercise, the user must follow the following instructions:

The user starts the scenario with the following briefing:

The user must equip their PPE (Equipping PPE), then enter the laboratory. You will need to approach the fume cupboard, open it halfway (Using the Fume Hood) and observe the three graduated cylinders behind the chromatography tank.

These graduated cylinders each contain a different eluent, and the user must choose which one to use to perform the chromatography. If the user chooses the wrong eluent, the migration results will be different. To identify which cylinder contains which eluent, the user can see the name of the product by moving their hand towards it.

The chosen eluent should be emptied into the chromatography tank (Liquid transfer) and the tank closed so that the vapours saturate the tank.

Next, the user must grab the pencil and move it towards the chromatography plate to draw several features on it.

The user can see 3 test tubes on the left. These vials contain the products to be tested on the chromatography plate.

The user will pick up the pipette dipped in the first solution and place it on position A to make a deposit. They will do the same for the second solution on spot B and the third solution on spot R. On the fourth spot, the user must deposit a drop of each product A, B, and R (this manipulation is called co-spot).

Using the forceps, the user will pick up the plate from above the migration front. You must grab the tongs, bring them close to the plate, then press the interaction button on the controller so that the forceps grab the plate. To release the plate, release the interaction button. Then place the plate vertically in the tank and close the tank.

The user will click on the icon next to the tank to begin the timelapse.

After a fade to black, the rise of the solvent front can be observed. The eluent has reached the finish line (the plate has turned grey) and the deposits have moved.

The user must retrieve the plate (with the forceps) and shake it gently until it dries (it changes color).

The user must grab the pencil and move it towards the chromatography plate to circle the spots and identify them. The front ratio of each migration is written on the tablet.

Finally, the user will look at their lab notebook. If they are satisfied with the result, they must complete the exercise by exiting the lab, otherwise click on the button to start again.

Once the steps have been completed, the user will be teleported to the reception area in front of the assessment screen.

The procedure to follow is the same for the user, regardless of the chosen difficulty level. Only the aids are different.

In Advanced Mode, on the companion screen, the user can click this button to request help.

The user starts the scenario with the following briefing:

The user must put on their PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) (Equipping PPE), then enter the laboratory. They will have to approach the fume hood and open it halfway (Using the Fume Hood).

He must consult the thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plate of the product to be separated and choose the appropriate column to hang it on the grid. There are two columns: one thin and one thick. They must choose the thicker one. If they choose the wrong column, it is automatically replaced and the score will be affected.

The user has a 50/50 chance that their column will not be straight when they place it on the grid, which can cause errors later. To correct this, they must bring their hand close to the column and press the action button to straighten it.

To prepare the column and prevent the stationary phase from leaking out, the user must first place a piece of cotton in the column. They can find cotton in a jar filled with it. Then, they must pack the cotton to the bottom of the column. They must then bring the glass rod close to the cotton and press the "action" button.

Then the user has to put either sand or eluent on the cotton (Product transfer).

If they choose sand, the user must place a plastic funnel on the column, fill a spatula with the sand, and pour it into the funnel.

If they chooses eluent, the user must take a Pasteur pipette, collect a little eluent in the graduated cylinder, and apply it to the cotton.

The user must then place the Erlenmeyer flask under the column to ensure that the contents of the column do not flow onto the work surface.

The stationary phase must be prepared by adding 25 to 35 ml of eluent (from the graduated cylinder) to the silica already in the beaker.

Then, the mixture must be mixed using a glass rod to obtain silica gel (the product changes color). Next, the user must place a glass funnel over the column and pour in the prepared silica gel.

Now the user needs to pack the silica gel, removing the excess eluent.

They can then open the column’s tap; liquid flows very slowly when the tap is open.

The user must always remain vigilant to avoid drying out the silica gel: there must always be eluent in the column. If the column is dried out, it is an error and the silica gel resets to avoid having to repeat the exercise.

To speed up the flow, the column must be pressurized. First, the user must connect the compressed air hose to the column head and open the blue compressed air valve. Next, they must place the column head on the column, then press the "action" button on the column head to close the valve with their finger.

The user must maintain pressure on the column to compact the silica gel more quickly, leaving a little eluent (at the level of the gel), without drying out the column.

Once this is done, the user is advised to close the column stopcock to avoid inadvertently drying the column.

Now the product must be added. A clean Pasteur pipette will be used to collect all the product to be separated.

Using the pipette, the user must delicately deposit the product to be separated in a circular motion, as close as possible to the gel.

Then the user must open the tap to allow the product to penetrate 2 mm into the silica gel.

Next, the user must use another Pasteur pipette to take a large sample of eluent and gently place it on the product ring, reproducing the same circular movement. This step is repeated until there is approximately 2 cm of eluent (the equivalent of 2 full pipettes).

The valve must be opened again, then the column pressurized to allow the eluent to penetrate 0.5 cm into the silica gel.

Then, the user must place a plastic funnel on the column and pour at least 1 cm of sand using a spatula (the equivalent of two full spatulas). This step makes it easier to add eluent later by pouring with a glass funnel rather than a pipette, since the layer of sand protects the product film.

The user can now top up the eluent level to just below the column head, either using a pipette or pouring with a glass funnel.

The user then moves on to the component collection stage. But before that, the user can evacuate the dead volume to avoid filling graduated tubes unnecessarily, but this is optional. If they wish to do so, they must evacuate the contents of the column into the Erlenmeyer flask, until the product components are well advanced in the silica gel.

To collect the components, the user must place the test tube rack under the column and ensure that tube A1 is directly underneath (an arrow appears above the tube directly under the column). They must keep the column under pressure to fill the test tube 3/4 full. The test tubes must not be filled to the brim.

They must continue to fill the other tubes, from A2 to A10 and then from B10 to B1, until the product is completely evacuated. They will have to regularly reload the column with eluent.

After a few tubes are three-quarters full, the user can click "wait" on the instruction screen to pass the time. The screen fades to black, the equipment is put away, and the user is presented with a properly filled test tube rack.

Using the chromatography plates, the user must place the tubes containing pure product B in rack F1 (left) and the tubes containing pure tartrazine in rack F2 (right). Tubes A3, A4, and A5 go into F1, and B8, B9, and B10 go into F2.

When finished, the user can click on the "validate" button to end the exercise and they will be teleported to the lobby in front of the scoring screen.

The procedure is the same for the user, regardless of the difficulty level chosen. Only the help options are different.

In Advanced Mode, on the companion screen, the user can click this button to request help.

The procedure to follow depends on the level of difficulty chosen.

In Advanced Mode, on the companion screen, the user can click this button to request assistance.

The procedure depends on the chosen difficulty level.