The Biology Department has a centralized electron microscopy facility with TEMs (Ziess EM9A, Zeiss EM109) and a Hitachi 5570 SEM with Tracor Northern 5500 EDX and backscattered electron detector.
The department operates a user-fee DNA sequencing service, the "Helix & Primer," which includes a new ABI377 96-lane DNA sequencer and an upgraded ABI373 "Stretch" sequencer, as well as supporting PCR technology and bioinformatic software.
The Agnes Marion Ayre Herbarium, located in the Biology Annex, consists of three sub-units: the vascular plant herbarium, the phycological herbarium, and the bryological herbarium.
The department runs several computer labs consisting of ethernetted PC's running Windows XP, 2000, Linux, and Mac OS X. Laserjet printers, a large format color printer, scanners, a 35 mm slide maker, and many scientific software applications, are available for the use of graduate and honours undergraduate students.
Library Facilities
Excellent library facilities are provided by the Queen Elizabeth II Library and the Health Sciences Library. They contain an estimated 1,300,000 bound volumes that are augmented at the rate of about 25,000 per year. The periodical subscriptions number 9,000 titles and include very nearly all journals of interest to the Department of Biology researchers. The library catalogue is computer mounted with access either in the library or from office terminals. The library also provides interlibrary loan and computer- assisted bibliographic search services.University Computing Services
The university provides up to date computer services. MUNet provides direct 10Mbps Ethernet connections to almost every location on the St. John's campus. A cluster of Alpha servers running Digital Unix provides e-mail and internet services to the univers ity community.In addition Memorial University was been selected to host a powerful Alpha computer for High Performance Computing Initiatives across Canada. The new system is a four processor AlphaServer 4100 5/400 (400 Mhz) system with 4 GB main memory and 20 GB dis k storage. The system operates via an LSF based batch queuing system front-ended by a DEC 3000 system.
Technical Services
The university has an excellent technical service department that performs a range of services in support of research.- Electronics Shop: Experienced personnel are available for repairs, instruments design and construction, and for purchasing consultation.
- Glassblowing Shop: Construction of various pieces of equipment for research is possible. Three glassblowers are available for consultation.
- Machine Shop: This shop is equipped with modern presses, lathes, mills, etc., and craftsmen able to fabricate almost any design from any material.
- Welding Shop: Any type of coarse and delicate welding is performed in this shop.
The Department of Biology has a full-time photographer and a full-time EM technician available for consultation and assistance with either of these services.