FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Allen Bales Theatre Located in Rowand-Johnson Hall, the Allen Bales Theatre is a 149-seat thrust-stage facility with reserved seating that hosts four graduate-directed studio productions each year.
Frank Moody Music Building The School of Music occupies the Frank Moody Music Building, which provides a spacious and beautiful environment in which to study and perform. The centerpiece of the building is the 1,000-seat concert hall with its Holtkamp organ, standing three stories high with four manuals, 65 stops, and more than 5,000 pipes.
Marian Galloway Theatre Located in Rowand-Johnson Hall, the Marian Gallaway Theatre is a 305-seat proscenium theatre with reserved seating that hosts four main stage productions each year.
Dance Theatre The Dance Theatre is a 622-seat proscenium theatre and the oldest theatre on campus. Home to four Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre and Dance Alabama! productions each year, it is located in the English Building.
Paul R. Jones Museum The Paul R. Jones Collection of American Art includes one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of 20th-century African American art in the world, amassed over decades by Paul Raymond Jones, who has been described by Art & Antiques magazine as “one of the top art collectors in the country.”
Sarah Moody Gallery of Art Since 1950, the Sarah Moody Gallery of Art, supported by the College of Arts and Sciences, has collected works on paper, photography, prints, paintings, and small sculpture. The Permanent Collection, which is both a permanent asset and a teaching tool, constitutes one of the best institutional collections in Alabama.
Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Alabama Stable Isotope Laboratory Located in the Bevill Building, the Alabama Stable Isotope Laboratory (ASIL) focuses on the analysis of light stable isotopes of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen in a variety of media.
Analytical Geochemistry Laboratory The Analytical Geochemistry Laboratory houses an inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) and an inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for elemental analysis in a wide range of samples.
Arboretum The University of Alabama Arboretum features walking trails through a native woodland section, a wildflower garden, a collection of ornamental plants, an experimental garden, and a children’s garden.
Cartographic Research Laboratory The Cartographic Research Laboratory provides GIS and cartographic services to businesses and public clients.
Dendrochronology Research Laboratory The Dendrochronology Research Lab (DRL) studies tree rings to understand past climate — particularly the reconstruction of extreme climate events such as drought and flooding.
Earth Surface Dynamics Laboratory The Earth Surface Dynamics Laboratory is designed to support investigations in geomorphology, watershed processes and dynamics, and environmental change. The lab is fully equipped for research projects in these areas.
Electronics Shop The Electronics Shop designs, fabricates, and repairs electronic and electrical equipment for research, laboratory, and instructional purposes.
Forest Dynamics Laboratory Forest Dynamics Lab conducts research that directly improves the management of forest resources. The physical lab is comprised of four rooms, each devoted to specific tasks. The lab is well equipped for a range of projects in applied forest ecology, silviculture, and phytogeography.
GIS and Remote Sensing Laboratory The GIS and Remote Sensing Laboratory maintains a state-of-the-art facility for GIS data input, database management, spatial analysis and manipulation, and information output, as well as digital image processing of remotely sensed data. The lab, which serves students and faculty in both their coursework and research, offers the latest popular GIS and remote sensing software packages, such as ArcGIS and ERDAS Imagine.
Glassblowing Facility The Glassblowing Facility offers professional glassblowing services to faculty and other researchers at The University of Alabama. Managed by a laboratory glassblower with 45 years of experience, the facility specializes in the custom design, fabrication, and repair of scientific glassware.
Herbarium The University of Alabama Herbarium (UNA) houses ~68,603 specimens of vascular plants, about 6,000 specimens of mosses, ~650 specimens of liverworts, 2,373 specimens of marine algae, and ~800 specimens of lichens, and about 1,300 specimens of fungi.
Hydrogeology Laboratories These labs contain the following tools for water analysis: Accelerated Solvent Extractor Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer Gas Chromatograph (FID and Electron Capture Detectors), High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC), UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, Fluorescence Spectrophotometer.
Laboratory for Location Science The Laboratory for Location Science conducts scholarly research about challenging problems that are fundamentally spatial in nature.
Machine Shop The Machine Shop builds, modifies, and repairs custom scientific instruments for the UA research community. The shop uses state-of-the-art machinery and maintains a broad inventory of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, oxygen-free copper, brass, and other specialty metals and plastics.
Map Library The Map Library is a regional depository for the United States Geological Survey and Bureau of Land Management, housing more than 1,700 monographs, 270,000 maps, and 75,000 aerial photographs.
Mass Spectroscopy Facility The Mass Spectroscopy Facility includes magnetic sector instruments, a VG AutoSpec and a Waters Autospec NT, a Bruker Ultraflex time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer, and a Bruker HCTUltra PTM discovery system connected to an Agilent 1200 capillary LC.
Mathematics Technology Learning Facility The Mathematics Technology Learning Center (MTLC) at The University of Alabama has 270 computer workstations and assists students in the active learning of mathematics, combining one-on-one tutoring and technology to allow students to work at their own pace.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility The Bruker spectrometers in the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facility are configured to employ pulse sequences for multi-dimensional NMR experiments.
Optical Analysis Facility The Optical Analysis Facility (OAF) specializes in electron and light microscopy of biological samples and soft materials. The facility provides equipment, assistance, and training for faculty, staff, and students in the Department of Biological Sciences, A&S, and UA who wish to use microscopy in their research and/or teaching activities.
Optical Analysis Laboratory Managed by the Department of Biological Sciences and located in the Bevill Building, instruments in the Organic Analysis Laboratory include a Delta V Advantage Mass Spectrometer, Agilent Gas Chromatograph Systems, and a LabConco Cascade Freeze-Dry System.
Rock Preparation Facilities The Department of Geological Sciences has multiple variable speed diamond wafering saws, automatic and manual polishing systems, a wire saw, several large-scale rock saws, physical and chemical mineral separation equipment, and other related sample preparation instruments and systems.
Science and Engineering Complex The Science & Engineering Complex is a 212,000-square-foot building that features state-of-the-art teaching and research labs, as well as collaborative space to encourage interdisciplinary work.
Shelby Hall Shelby Hall is one of UA’s largest academic buildings with more than 200,000 square feet. The pentagon-shaped hall houses some of the most advanced research facilities in the nation and is home of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Steven Johnson Molecular Systematics Laboratory The Steven Johnson Molecular Systematics Laboratory (SJMSL), located in Mary Harmon Bryant Hall, is a facility within the Department of Biological Sciences available to UA faculty, students, and staff to facilitate cutting-edge biodiversity research using modern molecular methods. Research conducted in the SJMSL spans a wide range of topics, including taxonomy, phylogenetics/phylogenomics, comparative, evolutionary, and functional genomics, population and conservation genetics, and environmental DNA metabarcoding.
Surface Dynamics Modeling Laboratory The Surface Dynamics Modeling Lab strives to improve scientific understanding of planetary surface processes and dynamics through design and utilization of state-of-the-art numerical models. In order to address the immense complexity of surficial systems research in the lab spans across spatial and temporal scales and scientific disciplines.
Tanglewood Tanglewood, also known as the J. Nicholene Bishop Biological Station, is a 570-acre nature reserve and research facility located 30 miles south of Tuscaloosa.
Tom Bevill Energy, Mineral, and Materials Science Research Building The 145,000-square-foot Bevill Building houses the Department of Geological Sciences’ office space, seminar rooms, and research laboratories. Within those labs, the department is well-equipped for modern quantitative geoscience research. Students can learn a wide variety of techniques working alongside faculty on research projects.
X-Ray Diffraction Laboratory Located in the Bevill Building, the X-ray Diffraction Laboratory includes Siemens CCD SMART (Area Detector) and Enraf-Nonius CAD-4 computer-controlled X-ray diffractometers.
Social Sciences
Social Sciences
Ancient People and Plants Laboratory the Ancient People and Plants Laboratory (APPL) is fully equipped to conduct archaeobotanical research and contains an extensive modern seed reference collection containing accessions from plants around the world to aid in seed identification. APPL also houses a microscope photography station that captures high-quality photographs of small materials and microscope slides.
Capstone Poll The Capstone Poll, a partnership between ISSR and the Center for Business and Economic Research, provides a variety of survey-related services.
Cognition, Brain, and Autism Laboratory The Cognition, Brain, and Autism Lab investigates the neurobiology of social, cognitive, and affective processes in both typical and atypical development. The lab studies people with developmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and also neurotypical individuals in order to learn more about the similarities and differences in the brain, behavior, and cognitive levels. The lab utilizes neuropsychological assessments and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques to measure brain structure, function, connectivity, and metabolite levels.
Developmental Ecology and Human Biology Laboratory The Developmental Ecology and Human Biology Lab (DEHB) is a biological and biocultural anthropology wet lab providing a center for research involving immunological, neuroendocrine, metabolic, nutritional, and other biological markers. DEHB also supports the training of graduate and advanced undergraduate students, and enables students to incorporate biomarkers into their thesis/dissertation projects.
Joint Electronic Crimes Task Force the Joint Electronic Crimes Task Force is a state-of-the-art lab that processes digital evidence seized in criminal investigations by local, state, and federal officials. The JECTF’s technology and personnel can forensically examine mobile phones, DVRs, gaming systems, vehicles, drones, wearable devices, CCTV video recordings, and hard drives running Windows, Macintosh, and Linux operating systems, among other technologies.
Knowledge in Development Laboratory The main area of interest in the Knowledge in Development (KID) Laboratory is in children’s cognitive development, specifically in the development of their imagination, conceptual development and executive functions.
Network Intrusion Laboratory Constructed by the Joint Electronics Crimes Task Force, the Network Intrusion Lab (NIL) houses a secure research facility where all darknet research and criminal investigations take place, in addition to providing a secured area where live network and malware forensic analyses can be performed.
Social Cognitive Emotive Neuroscience Laboratory The Social Cognitive Emotive Neuroscience (SCEN) Lab is devoted to understanding social, cognitive, and neural processes of emotions. The lab examines these processes through the use of behavioral, personality, and neurophysiological measures. Other research in the lab focuses more broadly on the neural activity related to affective and motivational processes, including hemispheric asymmetry, EEG frequency, event-related potentials, and reflex physiology.
Social Sleep Laboratory The Social Sleep Laboratory studies social influences on sleep including family relationships and broad social determinants like communities and policy. This lab seeks to understand how parent behaviors and daily habits influence adolescent sleep health and consequently influence conflict-management, cardiovascular health, and circadian rhythms.
Visual Documentation Laboratory The Visual Documentation Lab is a research and teaching space dedicated to digital photography, drawing, photogrammetry, and 3D scanning. The primary application is Archaeology and Cultural Heritage: field records, documentation of museum collections, and illustrations for publications. Students and faculty members from other disciplines are also welcome to use the lab’s resources.
Museums
Museums
Alabama Museum of Natural History The Alabama Museum of Natural History advances the knowledge and appreciation of Alabama’s natural history through exhibitions, specimen collections detailing the state’s natural history and ancient past, and quality programs of teaching, research, and service.
Department of Museum Research & Collections Housed in Mary Harmon Bryant Hall, the Department of Museum Research & Collections is responsible for overseeing the management and curation of The University of Alabama Museums collections and developing interdisciplinary research programs across the University that focus on museum-based research.
Gorgas House Museum The Gorgas House Museum serves as an active community resource, committed to learning through exhibition, education, and social engagement. The Gorgas House has a significant collection of Gorgas family artifacts and memorabilia.
Moundville Archaeological Park Moundville Archaeological Park is one of the nation’s premier Native American heritage sites. The park preserves 326 acres where, 800 years ago, Mississippian people constructed 29 massive flat-topped earthen mounds, arranged carefully around a vast central plaza. The park also features a half-mile nature trail, picnic areas, campground, and a spacious conference center overlooking the Black Warrior River.
Office of Archaeological Research Also found at Moundville, the Office of Archaeological Research (OAR) provides archaeological and historic research and cultural resources management services to multiple federal, Native American tribe, state, and local governmental agencies as well as private and commercial clients.
Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum The Transportation Museum is housed in the historic Queen City Pool House on Jack Warner Parkway. The museum advances knowledge and appreciation of Tuscaloosa’s local and regional history and natural resources through exhibits, museum educational programs, and educational outreach efforts.
OTHER FACILITIES & LABS
In addition to the College of Arts and Sciences facilities described above, A&S faculty, staff, and students benefit from resources across campus, including
Other Colleges’ Facilities and Instrumentation: This list is compiled and managed by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development and includes facilities of the UA College of Engineering, Culverhouse College of Business, and College of Communication and Information Sciences, among others.
University of Alabama Libraries: Five libraries comprise the University of Alabama Libraries; complete information about their collections and services is available through their websites, linked from www.lib.ua.edu. Highlights relevant to the College of Arts and Sciences include the following:
- The Gorgas Library supports teaching and research needs in humanities, social sciences, and government information as the campus’ main library. Among the research libraries in the state of Alabama, Gorgas Library provides the latest technology-driven services and unparalleled print and online research collections.
- Housed in the Gorgas Library, the music library supports the UA School of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance, with a material focus on Western classical music, and additional coverage of musical theatre, jazz, rock, other vernacular genres, as well as non-Western music.
- Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering serves the faculty and students in the College of Engineering, the Capstone College of Nursing, and the science departments within A&S. Rodgers is the first departmental library, built with the intent of taking maximum advantage of computer-based information systems for research.
- In addition to documenting the historical and cultural experience of the state and people of Alabama and The University of Alabama, the UA Libraries’ Hoole Special Collections focus on Southern history and culture; exploration and settlement of territory in the Gulf of Mexico; Civil War and Reconstruction; slavery, abolition, and emancipation; and African American history with special emphasis on the Civil Rights Movement.