251 – Research/Non-class Wet Laboratory

Definition

A room used primarily for laboratory experimentation, research, training in research methodology, or structured creative activity that requires special-purpose equipment (such as biological safety cabinets, bench space, sinks, bench-top equipment, fume hoods) and/or special-purpose utilities (e.g. piped services and multiple power outlets). The procedures in these rooms typically involve liquids, often chemicals, and/or research specimens.

252 – Research/Non-class Dry Laboratory

Definition

A room used for laboratory application, research, and/or training in research methodology; or professional examination or observation that does not require special-purpose equipment like sinks or fume hoods, nor does it require special piped utility services. The procedures in these rooms would include documentation research, statistical data, behavioral/opinion interviews, or the use of electronic/technology equipment not requiring wet lab services to support that equipment. In loose terms, dry laboratory spaces have similarities to space types often found in office buildings.

Description

A research/nonclass laboratory is designed or equipped for faculty, staff, and students for the conduct of research and controlled or structured creative activities. These activities are generally confined to faculty, staff and assigned graduate students and are applicable to any academic discipline. Activities may include experimentation, application, observation, composition, or research training in a structured environment directed by one or more faculty or principal investigator(s). These activities do not include practice or independent study projects and activities which, although delivering “new knowledge” to a student, are not intended for a broader academic (or sponsoring) community (e.g., a presentation or publication). This category includes labs that are used for experiments, testing or “dry runs” in support of instructional, research or public service activities. Nonclass public service laboratories which promote new knowledge in academic fields (e.g., animal diagnostic laboratories, cooperative extension laboratories) are included in this category.