Technology Resources

Computer Resources

Undergraduate Chemistry and Biochemistry majors are given access to technology resources and facilities to fulfill their Chemistry coursework requirements. The department has two computer laboratories that may be used by undergraduates.

  • McPherson Laboratory 2047: The Analytical/Physical Chemistry Computer Lab has 23 Dell computers with Intel i7-4770 CPU at 3.40 GHz, 8 GB RAM running Windows7.
  • McPherson Laboratory 0008: The Computational Chemistry Instruction Facility (CCIF) has 28 Dell computers with Intel i7-4790 CPU at 3.60 GHz, 16 GB RAM running Windows7. A video projector is available for lecture or software training. 

In addition to MS Office 2013, both computer laboratories have the following software packages available. Access to some programs is restricted due to liscensing agreements. 

  • Molecular Modeling software: Gaussian 09W multi-processor and Gaussview5, Spartan 16, HyperChem8, AutoDock Vina (and AutoDock Tools), MacroModel (and Maestro), Gromacs for Windows, ChemOffice15 (including ChemDraw and Chem3D), Yasara
  • Crystollography Inorganic software: Diamond 3, CrystalMaker suite
  • General Purpose Chemistry sofware: openBabel, Spectra Suite
  • Math & Statistics software: MathCAD 15, MathCAD Prime, Mathematica 10-4, MATLAB R2016a, IBM SPSS Statistics 24
  • Visualization software: POV-ray for Windows V3.6, Mol Pov 2.0, VMD, Chimera, IQmol, Jmol, PyMol, Python molecular viewer, Swiss PDB viewer, wxMacMolPlt

All undergraduate Chemistry and Biochemistry majors may also apply for after-hours access to the Learning Resource Center (LRC) in Celeste Laboratory 170. When not occupied by general chemistry tutoring, this space may be used by approved students for study purposes. It includes 12 computers with the same software packages above.

Access and Requirements for use of Resources

There are a number of policies concerning the use of department computers and computer labs. Adherence to these policies is required in order to maintain access, and abuse of these policies will result in the loss of technology privileges. 

  • Use of CBC computing resources implies agreement and adherence to University Computing Policies and Standards.
  • Do not share your account or password with anyone! In addition to the loss of your CBC account, an occurance will be reported to the Committee of Academic Misconduct.
  • Do not open the door to the computer labs for anyone.
  • Do not change any default settings, hardware configurations, or attempt to add, remove, or copy any software.
  • No food or drink is allowed in the computer labs.
  • The computer labs are provided for students to use software not available elsewhere, i.e. Spartan, Gaussian, or other computational software. Priority use of the limited computing resources should be given to those completing chemistrycourse assignments. If another student requires specific chemistry related software for an assignment, relinquish the computer.
  • Keep the labs clean and tidy.
  • The computer lab is a shared work area. Treat others with respect and work quietly.
  • Do not remove reference materials from the lab.
  • Personal laptops may be used only on the OSU Wireless network. Do not connect them to the Chemistry network. 
  • The computer lab is monitored by security cameras. Inappropriate behavior will result in the loss of access to the labs and may result in further disciplinary action. Note: Surveillance monitoring does not occur in real time. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
  • At all times, you are expected to conform to the Code of Student conduct [pdf] including all University policies concerning Academic Misconduct.
  • By using this account and room access, you agree to be bound by these and any other policies deemed reasonable by the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Access to these resources is coordinated by Dr. Richard Spinney. Report any problems or loss of your BuckID card to Dr. Spinney as soon as possible. 

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