Facilities & Instrumentation
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Auburn University provides faculty and students with access to advanced instrumentation and specialized research facilities that support discovery across the molecular sciences. These shared resources enable researchers to investigate chemical systems ranging from small molecules to complex biological structures while gaining hands-on experience with modern analytical tools.
Laboratories and research facilities are located primarily in the Chemistry Building, with additional space in Extension Hall and the Sciences Center Laboratories.
Core Instrumentation
Researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have access to advanced instrumentation that supports discovery across the molecular sciences. These shared facilities provide powerful tools for molecular characterization, materials analysis and biochemical investigation.
Key instrumentation available to faculty and students includes:
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High-field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers for structural analysis of organic, inorganic and biological molecules
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High-resolution mass spectrometry systems, including Orbitrap instruments, for molecular identification and protein characterization
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Single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction systems for determining atomic and molecular structures
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Infrared and UV-visible spectroscopy for studying molecular composition and chemical interactions
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Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy for investigating paramagnetic species and metal-containing systems
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Chromatography systems, including GC and HPLC, for separation and analysis of chemical compounds
These facilities support research across analytical, inorganic, organic, physical and biological chemistry while providing students with hands-on experience using modern scientific instrumentation.
Structural & Molecular Characterization
The department maintains facilities that support the identification and structural analysis of chemical and biological molecules. These tools allow researchers to determine molecular structures, investigate chemical interactions and analyze the composition of complex materials.
Key instrumentation includes nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers, X-ray diffraction systems and mass spectrometry platforms, which together provide powerful capabilities for molecular characterization and structural analysis.
Researchers use these tools to study topics ranging from synthetic molecules and catalytic systems to biomolecules and advanced materials.
Spectroscopy Analytical Instrumentation
A wide range of spectroscopic and analytical instruments support research and teaching throughout the department. These tools allow scientists to measure chemical composition, study molecular behavior and investigate chemical reactions.
Available instrumentation includes techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and chromatographic systems used to separate and analyze chemical compounds.
Together, these instruments provide essential analytical capabilities for research in areas such as chemical synthesis, environmental analysis, biological chemistry and materials science.
Technical & Research Support
The department’s Research Electronics Support Facility (RESF) provides technical expertise for the design, maintenance and repair of scientific instrumentation. This facility assists faculty and students with the specialized equipment used in both research laboratories and instructional spaces.
By supporting the development and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation, RESF plays an important role in ensuring that researchers and students can effectively use advanced analytical tools.
Hands-On Research Training
Hands-on experience with modern instrumentation is a defining feature of research training in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Graduate and undergraduate students regularly use advanced instruments as part of their research and laboratory coursework.
This direct experience allows students to develop the technical skills needed for careers in academic research, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, environmental science and government laboratories.
