Chemistry Facilities
The Department of Chemistry is located in the Natural Science Center, which opened in the fall of 2002. The center has several chemistry laboratories with modern instruments that our faculty and students use as learning and research tools.
These instruments include or interface with modern computers for data collection, analysis and display. Chemistry majors receive extensive training in instrument operation and theoretical aspects of instrumental techniques.
General Chemistry Labs
Two laboratories are used predominantly for the General Chemistry courses. Each lab is equipped with MeasureNet, a computer based data acquisition system. Undergraduates get hands-on experience with the Nicolet Protege 460 infrared spectrometer dedicated for use in the General Chemistry labs, GOW-MAC Model 350 gas chromatographs and analytical balances. There are also four PCs for writeups and an internet based multimedia system in each lab.
Organic and Inorganic Chemistry Labs
Two laboratories are used for organic and advanced inorganic chemistry laboratory courses. Each room has 16 fume hoods (one per student). One of the rooms is equipped with a vacuum / inert gas manifold in each hood. Each lab is also equipped with four rotary evaporators. Students also have access to balances, computers and an infrared spectromter in these labs.
Undergrad Research Labs
There are three laboratories dedicated to undergraduate research. Two laboratories used primarily for organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. Each laboratory has six fume hoods. The third lab is dedicated to biochemical research. All of the labs also have computer resources. The analytical equipment used in research is shared with the undergraduate laboratory courses and is found throughout the department.
Waters HPLC Lab
Through an agreement with the Waters corporation, the chemistry department houses much of Waters' state-of-the-art HPLC and MS equipment. When the equipment is not being demonstrated, it is can be used for research by NKU faculty and students in collaboration with Dr. Oehrle.
Laser Lab
This room contains instruments necessary for absorption, emission, transient absorption and Stark spectroscopic techniques. The equipment and instruments include a Nd:YAG Laser, Scanning UV-Vis spectrophotometer, emission spectrometer, and a liquid nitrogen optical cryostat (all shown below). These items are used in undergraduate courses as well as for undergraduate research. This lab is run by Dr. Walters.