AcademicsCollege of Arts & SciencesAcademic DepartmentsChemistry and BiochemistryFacilities and Instrumentation
Facilities and Instrumentation
Mathile Center expands campus science-learning environment
The Mathile Center for the Natural Sciences at Ohio Northern University is a student-centered academic research and learning facility that blends hands-on teaching excellence with advanced technology in a functional modern environment.
Named for Clayton L., BSBA ’62, Hon. D. ’91, and MaryAnn Mathile, who initiated the campaign to construct the center by pledging $5 million plus an additional $5 million in matching funds, the 95,145-square-foot structure connects the Meyer Hall of Science with the Robertson-Evans Pharmacy building. Features include classrooms and offices for mathematics and statistics, biology and chemistry laboratories for student-faculty research, and classrooms and laboratories for the clinical laboratory sciences, forensic science and the new baccalaureate nursing programs.
According to Dr. Kendall L. Baker, ONU president, “The new building has become the cornerstone of our signature science programs, and it will continue to meet the needs of science as technology continues to evolve.”
Laboratories
The department of chemistry and biochemistry, housed on the second floor of Meyer Hall, features approximately 6,750 square feet of laboratory and lecture space. Three general chemistry laboratories, each with a maximum enrollment of 24 students, keep lab sessions small. For higher-level courses, two organic laboratories are reserved for 18 students each. Boasting approximately 3,000 square feet of research laboratory space, the department includes the following specialized facilities: synthesis, physical chemistry, and biochemistry laboratories. The department is equipped with ample storage space, a solvent storage bunker, and a preps room. Special lecture rooms, each with a maximum capacity of 48 students, are available for classroom demonstrations. A departmental computer lab gives students access to 10 computers, both Mac and PC, and a laser printer, while a student lounge area provides the perfect study and relaxation spot.
Instrumentation
The department has an excellent selection of equipment, including a 200 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance instrument (NMR) (upgraded in 2004), FT-IR, GC, GC-MS, HPLC, various lasers, and glass-blowing equipment. A detailed listing of the major equipment can be found on the instrumentation page.
Library Resources
Chemistry research builds upon the contributions of fellow scientists, making it vital for the chemist to have access to a wealth of published literature. ONU's Heterick Memorial Library subscribes to approximately 1,000 paper journals. Additionally, Ohio Link provides access to more than 3,000 electronic journals, including the 36 publications of the American Chemical Society. Students and faculty can utilize more than 100 online databases, including Chemical Abstracts Services (CAS) via Scifinder Scholar, Access Science, The Handbook of Chemistry & Physics, and the Science Citation Index.
