Facilities

Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BCMB) is located in Cline, Harvey Ingham and Olin Halls. Our program has a philosophy of hands-on and collaborative learning and our spaces reflect that.

Our students can be found in an array of spaces for studying, collaborating, researching and learning. Drake's sciences are well equipped and are continually being renovated, including the organic chemistry and introductory biology laboratories. BCMB dedicated facilities include renovated biochemistry lab, virology lab and Ceiley Resource Room (student resource room). Plans are also underway for a new building to include BCMB teaching and research laboratories.

Spaces for Students to Learn and Research

Biochemistry Laboratory

The Biochemistry Laboratory was recently renovated and provides dedicated space for biochemistry experimental education. Students taking Biochemistry Laboratory, Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory or Biochemistry Research use this space. It includes equipment including a refrigerated centrifuge, microfuges, electrophoresis equipment, microtiter plate reading UV-VIS, and PCR thermocycler. It is well-located for additional experimentation near other chemistry equipment, including the GC, IR, Fluorimeter, Mass Spectrometer, and Capillary Electrophoresis.

Cell Culture Facility

The cell culture facility is used in both laboratory classes and student research. The facility contains a biosafety cabinet for proper handling of animal cells as well as incubators for maintaining and growing the cell cultures. There is also an inverted microscope with camera for recording digital images of cells living and moving.

General Chemistry Laboratory

The general chemistry laboratory is where students begin to learn about how scientific knowledge is acquired, tested and modified. Recent acquisitions of data collection and analysis probeware will help us achieve our goal of creating and sustaining a laboratory environment in which students can perform open-ended "what if"-type explorations that lead them to discover and synthesize patterns of chemical behavior for themselves.

Introductory Biology Laboratories

Our most recent renovated labs are primarily designated for introductory biology labs, but a mix of upper level courses are also taught in these spaces throughout the academic year, including J-term. They were intentionally designed to maximize student learning and exploration of cell/molecular biology, microbiology, botany, ecology, evolution, and anatomy and physiology. The student workstations around the perimeter and in the center of the room provide the perfect environment for students to collaborate on projects and inquiry-based labs in the same way as “real” scientists.

Organic Chemistry Laboratories

The current organic laboratories provide a much safer environment for our students and include features that enhance the educational experiences for our students. The instructor’s station area and the glass wall board make the communication between faculty and students much easier and the flat bench area with stools, and the additional laboratory space helps students easily perform their experiments and to engage with one another. This is a great advantage compared to previous organic labs, where students had to stand for a period of 3+ hours and perform their experiments in a congested tight space in the labs. Renovation of Organic Chemistry laboratories in 2013 were made possible by the generous support of Cathy and Steve Lacy.

Molecular Biology Core Equipment Facility

The molecular biology core equipment facility contains modern molecular biology equipment for use in both laboratory classes and student research. Our equipment includes technology for DNA amplification (thermocyclers ) and imaging (gel document station), detection and measurement of proteins or other compounds from samples (fluorescent plate reader, nanodrop spectrophotometer, chemiluminescent documentation station), and visualization equipment (fluorescent microscope).

Spaces for Students to Gather and Study

Ceilley Resource Room

The Ceilley Resource Room is a learning community space for students in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology. The room is equipped with projection devices, television screens and computers to allow students to work and share individually, or in groups. It is a bright, welcoming and informal space where students enjoy professional meetings, refreshments between classes, or a shared study space for independent and mentored activities.

Morgan E. Cline Atrium of Pharmacy and Science

Morgan E. Cline Atrium of Pharmacy and Science was dedicated in April 2013. Morgan C. Cline generously donated the funds for this connection between the Morgan E. Cline Hall of Pharmacy and Science and Harvey Ingham Hall. The main floor of the Atrium is home to the Hy-Vee Student Learning Commons providing student study spaces, small group meeting places, and high tech collaboration areas.

Open Study Spaces in Olin Hall

Open study areas on each floor offer glimpses onto campus and a comfortable space to do some last-minute studying before an exam, relax between classes, or meet with friends for a focused study session. Each features an assortment of seating and large white board with large windows providing natural lighting and views of campus life.