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Instrumentation Capabilities at 51

51’s School of Science, Technology and Health provides state-of-the-art instrumentation to support high quality teaching and research environments. This equipment is used in specific chemistry classes, but is also available for use by all SSTH students, including biochemistry, biology, chemistry, allied health students and more.

All equipment can be viewed within the chemistry labs on the third floor of the LIM Center. In addition to access through the lab classes mentioned above, students can also get training to use the equipment through directed research with our research-active faculty in CPE (CHEM 480). As these instruments are specialty instruments, students will have to receive training through a faculty mentor prior to use. For more information, please contact the CPE department.

Chemistry Labs

The B.S. in Chemistry program in the School of Science, Technology and Health at 51 is well-equipped to support high quality teaching and research. Note that while these instruments are used in specific chemistry classes, they are accessible by all School of Science, Technology and Health students. See instrument description below.

NMR Spectroscopy: (1) Magritek Spinsolve 80 MHz NMR (2) PicoSpin NMR

NMR Spectroscopy: (1) Magritek Spinsolve 80 MHz NMR (2) PicoSpin NMR

NMR Spectroscopy is an analytical tool used to determine the structure of a molecule. Briefly, a sample is dissolved in a solvent and placed in an external applied magnetic field, where it is exposed to radio waves. Depending on the environment of the atom (specifically, nucleus), different amounts of energy will be absorbed at different wavelengths. This information is plotted as intensity vs. chemical shift values. Analysis of the NMR spectrum will help us to determine the structure of the molecule. Note: A nucleus’s environment consists of the different atoms and groups of atoms surrounding it; thus, different nuclei will have different chemical shift values depending on their environment. This is the key behind structural determination. Students will use this instrument in Organic Chemistry Lab, CHEM 311 and CHEM 312, as well as directed research.

UV-Vis Spectroscopy: Agilent Cary 3500 Compact Peltier UV-Vis System

 UV-Vis Spectroscopy: Agilent Cary 3500 Compact Peltier UV-Vis System

UV-Vis Spectroscopy is an analytical technique used for both qualitative and quantitative analysis, and is one of the most common absorption spectroscopy tools available. It is routinely used to analyze various analytes, including biological macromolecules, transition metal ions, aromatic compounds, or highly conjugated organic molecules. Our brand-new UV-Vis spectrophotometer boasts a dual beam for simultaneous analysis of the blank and the sample, and a 250 MHz xenon flash lamp, which gives the instrument a wavelength range of 190 – 1100 nm and scans at 150,000 nm/min. Students will use this instrument in directed research courses as well as Analytical Chemistry Lab, CHEM 350, and Physical Chemistry Lab, CHEM 406.

FTIR Spectroscopy: MIDAC FTIR Spectrophotometer (M4000-E and PRS)

Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy is another industry workhorse in the chemical sciences. Like its UV-Visible counterpart, it is used for both qualitative and quantitative analysis, and is another common absorption spectroscopy tool. The wavelength range of our two instruments is from 600 cm-1 - 4000 cm-1, which excites vibrational motion in a variety of functional groups within our molecules of interest. IR spectroscopy features prominently in organic chemistry, because it is used to provide information about the functional groups that are present in our samples for chemical identification. Students will use this instrument in Organic Chemistry Lab, CHEM 311 and CHEM 312.

MIDac FTIR Spectrophotometer

Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry: Agilent 8900 ICP-MS Triple Quad

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a mass spectrometry technique for the purpose of elemental analysis. It features an inductively coupled plasma, which ionizes the sample. ICP-MS is commonly used for the identification and quantification of metals, and sometimes non-metals, in liquid samples, even at very low concentrations. The mass spectrometer gives the instrument the ability to distinguish between chemical isotopes. The ICP-MS is commonly used in water quality, food science, and the semiconductor industry. The instrument is part of Analytical Chemistry, CHEM 350, but can also be used in directed research projects.

Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry: Agilent 8900 ICP-MS Triple Quad
Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry: Agilent 8900 ICP-MS Triple Quad

High-Performance Liquid-Chromatography Mass Spectrometry: Waters Alliance e2695, with PDA and QDa

High-Performance Liquid-Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS) is an analytical tool that can be used to separate and identify chemical compounds within chemical mixtures. Typically, a liquid sample mixture is separated by passing the mixture through a chromatography column using a mixed aqueous-organic solvent. Compounds are separated based on their affinity for the stationary phase (on the chromatography column), with higher-affinity molecules showing up at later times on the chromatogram. The HPLC is equipped with two detectors: a photo-diode array detector (PDA, for UV spectroscopy), and quadrupole mass spectrometer (QDa). The HPLC-MS is found commonly in all chemical industries, including food sciences and pharmaceutical sciences. Students will use this technique in Organic Chemistry Lab (CHEM 311 and CHEM 312), as well as Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 350) and directed research.

High-Performance Liquid-Chromatography Mass Spectrometry: Waters Alliance e2695, with PDA and QDa
High-Performance Liquid-Chromatography Mass Spectrometry: Waters Alliance e2695, with PDA and QDa
High-Performance Liquid-Chromatography Mass Spectrometry: Waters Alliance e2695, with PDA and QDa

Gas Chromatography – SRI 310C and 8610C Chromatographs

Gas chromatography (GC) is an analytical tool that can be used to separate and identify chemical compounds within chemical mixtures. Typically, a liquid sample mixture (of volatile compounds) is separated by passing the mixture through a chromatography column using a carrier gas (typically N2 or He). The GC is equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID). The GC is found in all chemical industries, but has historically been very prominent in the oil and gas industry. Students will use this technique in Organic Chemistry Lab (CHEM 311 and CHEM 312), as well as Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 350) and directed research.

Gas Chromatography – SRI 310C and 8610C Chromatographs
Gas Chromatography – SRI 310C and 8610C Chromatographs
Gas Chromatography – SRI 310C and 8610C Chromatographs

Nursing Skills Labs

The B.S.in Nursing program in the School of Science, Technology and Health at 51 is well-equipped to support high quality teaching and safe, realistic clinical experiences.

Nursing Anne

Nursing Anne is a manikin designed for scenario-based training in the care and management of a wide variety of in-hospital patients. Nursing Anne is an efficient, effective, flexible manikin for clinical training in women's health, obstetrics, post-partum, wound assessment and care and general patient assessment and care. Its head has anatomical landmarks, trachea and esophagus, along with simulated lungs and stomach allowing the practice of many procedures, including Nasogastric and Orogastric tubing, trachea care, and suctioning. These high-fidelity manikins also have the capability of exhibiting normal and abnormal heartbeats, breath, bowel sounds, and fetal heart tones for auscultation. Students will use these manikins in our Nursing Skills Lab throughout the program in every clinical course.

Nursing Baby

Nursing baby is an infant manikin designed for scenario-based training in the care and management of a variety of infant in-hospital patients. Possible training includes sound auscultation, IV and IO skills, fontanelle assessment, urinary catheterization, and general pediatric patient care. Students will use these manikins in our Nursing Skills Lab, NURS 349 NURS 357.

Nursing Kid

Nursing Kid is a representation of a six-year-old child. It is designed for skill and scenario-based training in the care and management of a variety of pediatric patients. Our students get ideal training of common and uncommon in-hospital pediatric patients including wound assessment and care, first aid, and child abuse training. Students will use these manikins in our Nursing Skills Labs, NURS 357.

Patient Monitor

patient monitor

Laptop operating PC used with our high fidelity manikins. This equipment may be used as LLEAP Patient Monitor, SimPad Patient Monitor and SimPad PLUS Patient Monitor. Students will use this monitor in our Nursing Skills Labs throughout their clinical courses with increasing complexity of assessments and interpretive abilities.

Otoscopes & Ophthalmoscopes

Otoscopes & Ophthalmoscopes

An otoscope is a tool which shines a beam of light to help visualize and examine the condition of the ear canal and eardrum. Examining the ear can reveal the cause of symptoms such as an earache, the ear feeling full, or hearing loss.

Ophthalmoscopes is a tool used to detect and evaluate symptoms of retinal detachment or eye diseases such as glaucoma.

Both instruments are used as part of a routine physical or complete eye examination. They are housed on our wall mounts above our hospital beds in our Nursing Skills Labs. Students will use these instruments in our Nursing Skills Labs, NURS 307.

IV Pumps

Our Alaris IV pump modules are connected to tubes and bags of medicine or other fluids. The modules work together with the Point of Contact Unit to perform a variety of functions like continuously or intermittently delivers fluids, medications, blood and blood products to adult, pediatric or neonatal patients. Students will use the UV Pumps in our Nursing Skills Labs in all clinical courses throughout the program.

IV Pumps
IV Pumpts Pt 2

Communications Science Disorders

Nursing Anne Simulator

The Nursing Anne Simulator is a lifelike simulator that is used to demonstrate what Speech-Language Pathiologists (SLPs) would do with a patient in the medical setting, such as conducting an instrumental FEES exam (endoscopy). When powered on, the simulator breathes, blinks, imitates human-like movements, and also has pre-recorded live vocal sounds to better simulate a realistic patient. Professors first demonstrate how to conduct the specific simulation on the simulator and students will be given an opportunity to practice under supervision. Students will use this instrument for labs in CODS 432 Dysphagia and MSLP 537 Advanced Dysphagia.

Speech Lab: Laryngeal Strobe (9400)/Voice Swallow Station/Endoscope

Using the Nursing Anne Simulator, students will learn and practice how to use a flexible endoscope to assess swallowing and voice abilities. An endoscopy is a procedure done to visually examine what happens in your mouth and throat during swallowing and vocalizing. The endoscope is a long, flexible tube that has a tiny camera at the end to visualize the area for an etiology–it connects to a computer and video monitor for visualization. This exam is often recorded so that the SLP can watch it again later. Having an endoscopy done allows the SLPs to visualize if food goes into your airway instead of the patient’s stomach, what parts of the patient’s mouth and throat are not functioning properly, what kinds of foods are safest for the patient to swallow, and what positions or strategies can help the patient swallow better. It also allows the clinician to see how the vocal cords are functioning during speaking. Students will use this instrument for labs in CODS 432 Dysphagia, CODS 444 Voice Disorders, MSLP 537 Advanced Dysphagia, and MSLP 542 Advanced Voice Disorders

Voice SonaSpeech

Voice SonaSpeech is a software that is used in therapy to measure the sound waves for voice, articulation, fluency and motor speech patients. This software presents real-time visual feedback displays, games and graphic rewards to motivate children in therapy, seven separate modules for assessment and treatment for communication disorders patients, and quantitative measurements to track client progress. After being given a detailed instruction on how to work this software, students may be asked to demonstrate its use on themselves or with a peer under supervision. Students will use this instrument in CODS 444 Voice Disorders and MSLP 542 Advanced Voice Disorders.

Audiometers (MAICO MA25, MAICO MA25, MAICO MA25 II, INTERACOUSTICS AS608, INTERACOUSTICS AS608, INTERACOUSTICS AS608, G S I 17, G S I 18, G S I 17, INTERACOUSTICS AS208

Audiometers are instruments that are used to test one’s ability to hear sounds. Using an audiometer, professors and students can perform a pure tone testing. For this test, earphones are attached to the audiometer and if properly trained, pure tones of a specific frequency and volume are delivered to one ear at a time. When the testing is done, it will either yield a pass or fail result. Under supervision and with guidance from our professors, students will be using an audiometer to test the hearing of peers and others to build up their clinical repertoire. Students will use this instrument for labs in CODS 425 Introduction to Audiology, CODS 424 Aural Rehabilitation, CODS 429 Clinical Practicum, CODS 441 Diagnostic Methods, MSLP 601 Diagnostic Team, and MSLP 547 Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation for SLPs.

Ultrasound (SP-L01)

The ultrasound instrument is used in therapy for clients with speech sound errors. Ultrasound biofeedback can provide these clients with additional knowledge about their tongue movement and placement when producing different sounds. This instrument has its own software that is accessed when connected to a computer. Real-time tongue movements can be viewed when the transducer is held underneath our chin. Students can use this instrument for labs in CODS 439 Speech Sound Disorders and MSLP 536 Advanced Speech Sound Disorders.

Ultrasound

Clinical Audiometer

In our soundproof audiological suite is a clinical audiometer. Similar to our portable audiometers in the speech lab, professors and students can test a patient’s hearing. In addition to pure tone testing, this audiometer can help differentiate if hearing loss is happening in the outer ear or inner ear. Under supervision and with guidance from our professors, students will be using an audiometer to test the hearing of peers and patients. Students will use this instrument for labs and clinical practice in CODS 425 Introduction to Audiology, CODS 424 Aural Rehabilitation, CODS 429 Clinical Practicum, CODS 441 Diagnostic Methods, MSLP 601 Diagnostic Team, and MSLP 547 Audiology & Aural Rehabilitation for SLPs.

Clinical Audiometer

Biology Labs

qPCR Quantstudio 6

Quantstudio 6

The QuantStudio 6 real-time PCR system is designed to conduct quantitative PCR (qPCR) to compare gene expression across multiple samples. The gene of interest can be measured after each round of amplification through a fluorescent signal. The systems can detect differences as small as 1.5-fold in singleplex reactions with 10 logs dynamic range. Quantstudio then allows easy visualization of results through an intuitive user-interface and is capable of generating presentation-ready figures. The system is currently used in multiple research labs and student projects through the BIOS 450 Directed Research course.

Azure Biosystems Sapphire Biomolecular Imager

Azure Biosystems Sapphire Biomolecular Imager

The Azure Sapphire Biomolecular Imager is a highly versatile, next generation laser scanning system. It uses up to four solid state lasers (blue/488 nm, green/520nm, red/658 nm, and near infrared (NIR)/784nm) as excitation sources, which helps detect subtle changes and increase image quality. In addition, it offers three detection modes: fluorescence, chemiluminescence, and phosphor, enabling a wide range of applications. This system, which allows for improved multiplex fluorescent detection, higher sensitivity for lower limits of detection and broad linear dynamic range for accurate quantitation, can be used to scan blots, gels, slides, and microplates. Students may use this equipment in the BIOS 450 Directed Research course.

Agilent Novocyte Flow Cytometer

The NovoCyte Flow Cytometer is a high-performance benchtop flow cytometer that allows for complex cell analysis. Flow cytometry is a technology that provides rapid analysis of single cells in solution for multiple parameters (such as cell size, granularity, and fluorescence) by utilizing lasers as light sources to produce both scattered and fluorescent light signals that are read by detectors. This flow cytometer can detect many parameters with enhanced sensitivity and resolution and analyze samples in single tubes, multi-tube racks, or 24-, 48-, or 96-well plates. Students may use this instrument in the BIOS 450 Directed Research course.

S3e Cell Sorter

The S3e Cell Sorter is a sophisticated automated cell sorter that is equipped with three lasers and four fluorescence detectors plus forward and side-scatter detectors that sorts cells fast while maintaining high sort purity, recovery and yield. In addition it is able to sort two different defined population of cells at the same time. This equipment is used in our molecular biology research.

Cell Sorter
Cell Sorter

Olympus FLUOVIEW Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope

The Olympus FLUOVIEW FV3000 confocal laser microscope features high-resolution optical imaging, depth sensitivity, and speed. The word confocal refers to an image collected from the focal plane only and laser scanning means that laser excitation was used to acquire the images. Whereas a conventional microscope allows you to see as far as the light can penetrate, confocal microscopes use a focused laser beam to scan small areas of the sample point-by-point to capture fine details. This powerful microscope allows us to see visual sections of the samples that can be constructed into a 3-D structure without having to physically section them, aiding the study of neurodevelopment in the zebrafish embryos (<1 mm) while they are undergoing development live. We are actively using this microscope in our BIOS 450 Directed Research course and primarily for undergraduate research to access dynamic cellular and molecular processes in live specimen, tissue sections, and in cell culture.

Olympus FLUOVIEW FV3000
Olympus FLUOVIEW FV3000
Olympus FLUOVIEW FV3000
Olympus FLUOVIEW FV3000

Cell Culturing Biosafety Cabinets

Cell culturing biosafety cabinets (BSCs) are used to create and maintain a clean work environment when working with tissues, cells, and other potentially infectious materials. Using BSCs protects not only the user, but also the materials and the environment. Air from the BSC passes through a high-efficiency particulate air filter before being exhausted to the environment, effectively trapping all known infectious agents (>99.97% of particles 0.3 µm in diameter). Students will use this equipment in directed research.

Organic Garden

The 51 Organic Garden is a quarter-acre property on 51’s main campus maintained by the Department of Biological Sciences. Ongoing projects include: seasonal vegetable beds, fruit tree and vineyard management, tilapia fish culture, aquaponic food production systems, chicken egg production and various composting systems. The garden is used as a part of several biology courses, and is also open to volunteers from all majors and departments. Biodiversity, sustainability and organic methods are emphasized.

Organic Garden
Organic Garden

Physics and Engineering

Ultimaker S3 and S5 3D Printers

The Ultimaker 3D Printers are used for rapid prototyping by students in Engineering Physics and Applied Physics majors. Students design 3D CAD models using software such as TinkerCAD, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, etc., and then import them and perform slicing with Ultimaker’s own software called Cura to prepare prints. The Ultimaker S3 3D Printers are dual extrusion machines that deliver massive performance in an efficiently small footprint. It is compatible with over 110 materials, including glass and carbon fiber composites. The S5 3D Printers allow bigger volume printing and are compatible with over 200 materials. Both models provide easy-to-use interfaces with touch screen and remote printing features.

Ultimaker S3 and S5 3D Printers
Ultimaker S3 and S5 3D Printers
Ultimaker S3 and S5 3D Printers

Meade 16” ACF Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

Telescopes are an essential tool in astrophysics to gather light from stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae for both qualitative study and quantitative analysis. The Lim telescope and dome are computer controlled, making observations reasonably routine. Although the light pollution in Los Angeles is significant, basic studies of stellar objects can be carried out using narrow-band light filters. The telescope is equipped with a Shelyak Instruments LISA spectroscope so we can analyze variable stars. Students may use these instruments in Astronomy, PHSC 110, directed research courses, and the Advanced Physics Lab, PHSC 480.

Meade 16” ACF Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
Meade 16” ACF Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
Meade 16” ACF Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
Meade 16” ACF Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

Atomic Force Microscope

The NanoScience instrument is an atomic force microscope that uses interactions between a sharp tip with molecules on a surface to study surface structures at a nano-meter resolution. It has been used to study cell structures and is capable of working under both dry and wet conditions.

Scanning Tunneling Microscope

This NanoScience instrument uses quantum tunneling to study surface structures on conductors. Due to the sensitivity of the tunneling current to the potential barrier width, this microscope is capable of reading nanometer resolutions.

Supercomputer

supercomputer

This computer is 51’s home-made Linux cluster. It consists of eight server computers connected through high speed internet and controlled by a master node. It is used for computationally-intensive scientific research that cannot be conducted on personal or regular computers. It has been used for Density Functional Theory calculations and is capable for other computational physics/chemistry/biology studies (such as molecular dynamics calculations).

Kinesiology

Major Instruments: Exercise Equipment

SkiErg Machine

The SkiErg machine originated in the cross-country skiing world. The Erg part of the name stands for ergometer, which is a device that measures the work you put in. The SkiErg is a great machine to use for aerobic fitness, and students will learn to use it to improve strength and endurance. Under the guidance of expert faculty, students will use the machine to work muscles in the arms such as the pectoralis, trapezius and deltoids; lower extremity muscles like the quads, glutes, hamstrings, back extensors and hip flexors; and abdominal muscles.

SkiErg Machine
SkiErg Machine
SkiErg Machine

Major Instruments: Physiology Measurements

Hydrostatic Weighing Tank

Students in the Kinesiology program at 51 measure hydrodensitometry at 51 in our state-of-the-art hydrostatic weight measurement tank. Students in our program learn how to measure body composition via gold-standard lab methodologies, with opportunities to practice measuring body density and body fat percentage on each other under supervision.

Hydrostatic Weighing Tank
Hydrostatic Weighing Tank

Cycle Ergometers (Monark 894E and 828E)

Cycle Ergometers (Monark 894E and 828E)

Cycle ergometers are a type of stationary bike that students learn to use to measure the amount of energy exerted and exercise completed during pedaling. Cycle ergometers can be used for:

  • Performance testing and training
  • Power testing and training
  • Fitness testing, including Wingate tests, Astrand, YMCA
  • Rehabilitation

Technogym treadmills (Excite Med and Runrace)

Designed for conditioning and enhancing sports performance, these treadmills offer the ability to test the limits of athletes and collect data. Students use these to perform exercise tests and learn how to create a personalized exercise program.

Technogym treadmills (Excite Med and Runrace)
Technogym treadmills (Excite Med and Runrace)

Major Instruments: Movement Science Measurements

HUMAC-NORM Isokinetic Dynamometer

The HUMAC NORM can measure and improve aspects of human performance in the athletic training room, the clinic and the research lab. Students will use this machine to evaluate muscle strength, power, joint function and proprioception. There are 22 isolated-joint movement patterns, four different modes of resistance (passive, isometric, isotonic and isokinetic) and many different reporting features that students will learn to employ.

HUMAC-NORM Isokinetic Dynamometer
HUMAC-NORM Isokinetic Dynamometer
HUMAC-NORM Isokinetic Dynamometer
HUMAC-NORM Isokinetic Dynamometer

COSMED-Quark: Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing

Students in the Kinesiology program at 51 learn to perform assessments of a person’s physiological response to exercise. Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) tests the heart (cardiovascular) and breathing (respiratory) systems at the same time during exercise. It measures lung volumes at rest and throughout exercise, as well as blood pressure and the heart’s electrical activity. 51’s advanced equipment boasts high-quality components and super-fast analyzers to facilitate accuracy, reliability and real breath-by-breath analysis of pulmonary gas exchange, even during high intensity exercise.

COSMED-Quark: Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
COSMED-Quark: Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing

AMTI Force Plate & Qualisys Motion Capture System

Force plates are used to characterize biomechanical processes such as walking, running or jumping. The data collected can be used for gait, balance, force, and performance diagnostics in sport or for clinical analyses or in research. The Kinesiology department’s biomechanics lab combines force plate capture with motion capture, to measure the motion of bony segments during various activities. Markers are placed on the subject’s body, which are tracked by special cameras positioned throughout the lab. The software records the joint movement and creates a 3D model of the movement.