Columbia College Chicago offers top-notch facilities designed to help students explore their ideas, work on projects and collaborate with each other.
The Advanced Physics Lab is a fully computerized laboratory dedicated to the study of classical mechanics. In this modern environment, students conduct a variety of physics of motion experiments. The data is automatically recorded and interpreted by dedicated computers, thus allowing students to focus on the physical interpretation of results, rather than the tedious data collection and manipulation.
The Chemistry/Biology Lab houses courses in general chemistry and biology. It is a modern environment that entices students to explore relevant topics in chemistry and biology. Topics addressed include chemical reactions and solution stoichiometry, atomic structure and periodicity, DNA structure and replication, the chromosomal basis of inheritance, protein synthesis, and genetic engineering.
The Chemistry/Multipurpose Lab is a state-of-the-art facility supporting courses in biology, chemistry, forensic sciences, material science and physics of musical instruments. In addition, the department’s outreach programs use this lab.
The Earth Sciences Lab houses courses dedicated to studying the scientific principles governing Earth and its operation. It provides a rich collection of minerals and maps facilitating hands-on activities for students to explore Earth materials and how they form, surface processes and how they shape the land, and so on. Here, students become aware of geologic time, of the history of Earth and life on it, of climate and climate change, and of the impact of human activities on Earth.
The Environmental Sciences Lab is a multidisciplinary science lab housing biology, ecology and environmental sciences courses. Students learn through extensive, hands-on laboratory activities and studying contemporary issues such as air and water pollution; global climate change; ozone depletion; acid rain; hazardous and solid waste; alternative energy resources; soils; deforestation; overfishing; biodiversity; and endangered species, as well as their ecological, economical and human health impacts.
This lab supports faculty research, and it is used for community engagement activities.
The Organic Chemistry Lab is a state-of-the art facility dedicated to the hands-on study of carbon-containing compounds and their derivatives. Laboratory activities include micro-scale techniques, basic separations, purifications and syntheses, as well as infrared spectroscopy and instrumental analysis.
The Physics and Electronics Lab is dedicated to the hands-on study of phenomena from the unanimated world: acoustics, electronics, optics, lasers and holography. Students learn and explore fundamental concepts about sound, light and electricity. They also learn about quantum and optical phenomena leading to the creation and use of lasers, as well as the procedures for setting up simple holograms and electronic circuits.
The Science Visualization Laboratory (SciViz Lab) is a media laboratory where students can produce 2-D and 3-D projects on scientific concepts and processes. The lab is available to any Columbia student currently enrolled in a Science and Mathematics class for projects related to course material. The lab also serves as a support facility for the Science and Mathematics staff and faculty, and it is a key component to outreach activities spearheaded by the Science Institute.