Loyola University Chicago

Department of Biology

The Michael R. and Marilyn C. Quinlan Life Sciences Education and Research Center

The Department of Biology is housed in the state-of-the-art Michael R. and Marilyn C. Quinlan Life Sciences Education and Research Center at Loyola's Lake Shore Campus. Major research instrumentation includes a complete microscopy facility with transmission and scanning electron microscopes and histology laboratory.

At the Quinlan Life Sciences Center, the department maintains:

  • Environmental rooms
  • A digital-imaging facility
  • Digital molecular analysis equipment
  • Darkrooms
  • Equipment rooms
  • Greenhouses
  • Insectary
  • Herbarium
  • Artificial stream system
  • Accredited and staffed small animal quarters

Vans, diving equipment and two research boats also are available for Lake Michigan studies.

Every office and laboratory in the Quinlan Life Sciences Center includes a Pentium IV or Macintosh (G4 or G5) desktop computer with high-speed T2 Internet access. Computers are equipped with word processing, digital imaging, statistical modeling, bioinformatics and data management software. Several databases may be accessed by office and laboratory computers via Loyola's Internet and intranet servers.

Construction Facts

Construction of the Quinlan Life Sciences Center required:

  • 20,347,200 pounds of concrete
  • 168,500 pounds of sheet metal ductwork
  • 258,840 feet of electrical conduit
  • 1,230,000 feet of power wire
  • 312,000 feet of low-voltage wire
  • 26,000 wire nuts
  • Biology Life Sciences Lab 215 Virtual Tour (SWF)
  • Building Construction Movie (SWF)
  • Google Street View (SWF)

Aquatic Simulation Lab

The aquatic simulation laboratory is located on the penthouse floor of the Quinlan Life Sciences Center. This floor houses six ponds and artificial streams that allow students to replicate any weather environment and gain insight into the aquatic life response to these environments.

To view the aquatic simulation lab, click a photo to the left or visit the Artificial Stream and Pond Research Facility.