The University has created exciting new laboratory space in the Chemistry Department to teach organic chemistry this fall. An especially novel feature of the new lab is the incorporation of designed discussion space within the lab. The space will be used to facilitate collaborative, students discussions on the planning, execution, and analysis of experiments. The new lab is equipped with modern chemistry instrumentation, including a capillary gas chromatograph and two Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometers. The lab was specifically designed and equipped to streamline workflow, allowing students to spend their time in lab more productively.
The lab is outfitted with modern multimedia capabilities, including two 70 inch LCD screens, a high resolution LCD projector, and a 10 foot drop-down screen, which will allow students to view instructional videos and to display real-time experimental data. The lab also features state-of-the-art "green" fume hoods for students to work in. In addition to creating a safer work environment, the green hoods use high-tech filters to clean and recirculate the lab air, reducing energy costs by as much as 96% relative to conventional (ducted) fume hoods. Additional green features include an in-house vacuum system, which will save tens of thousands of gallons of water each year that would otherwise be used to operate water aspirators, and high efficiency LED lighting.