Chemistry
A $32 million renovation to the Cooper Science Center has enhanced the Chemistry Department at PennWest Edinboro, adding new, state-of-the-art equipment and work areas to ensure student safety and facilitate hands-on learning and research.
Extensive recent additions and renovations have transformed Cooper Hall into one of the most technologically advanced laboratory environments in the region. The building has been the University’s primary science building since its construction in 1965, and is home to the PennWest Edinboro planetarium, greenhouse and science museum and the departments of Chemistry, Biology and Health Services, Physics and Technology, and Geosciences.
Extensive recent additions and renovations have transformed Cooper Hall into one of the most technologically advanced laboratory environments in the region. The building has been the University’s primary science building since its construction in 1965, and is home to the PennWest Edinboro planetarium, greenhouse and science museum and the departments of Chemistry, Biology and Health Services, Physics and Technology, and Geosciences.
The Department of Chemistry at PennWest Edinboro maintains nine laboratories. Two are used primarily for first-year courses, such as General Chemistry and Principles of Chemistry I and II. Another laboratory is designed specifically for organic chemistry coursework, complete with individual hood space for each student. Laboratories for biochemistry and quantitative analysis, physical chemistry and analytical instrumentation, as well as three designed for faculty research, provide extensive areas for hands-on instruction, experimentation and research.
Major instruments, such as the department’s nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, GC-MS QP2010 Ultra, IR, centrifuge, and many others, are available in a common instrument area, which is readily accessible from all laboratories.
The department has two general purpose classrooms. The larger of the two seats 48 students, and the smaller accommodates 24 students. The Chemistry Department also shares other large lecture halls with other academic departments.