The laboratories of the Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences at the Faculty of Sciences and Computer Engineering offer a wide range of services that are especially adapted to pedagogy. These laboratories are added to other units that are specifically conceived for research activities and analyses services.

These laboratories are equipped with high-performance plants handled by experienced technicians under the direction of teachers and researchers from the Faculty. They are thus able to answer the needs of scientific development in an efficient manner.

In this document, we shall provide a panoramic description of the various laboratories as well as of the research axes adopted by the Faculty scientific council.

Within the framework of these axes, we mention the research subjects that are currently being developed within these laboratories. These themes relate mainly to the environment (aquatic and continental), the thermodynamic behaviour of xenobiotic molecules and the physical-chemical and biological processes intervening in the solid-liquid interfaces. In addition to these disciplines, the characterisation and understanding of the molecular structure remain the main objective of biologists and biochemists. Along with the humid bench, chemistry and IT biochemistry intervene in the order of predicting the theoretical tendencies of complex mechanisms that are inaccessible through experience.

Modern analysis methods (AAS, HPLC, GC and GC-MS type) are efficient tools that enable to determine the concentrations of elements or molecules even down to the level of nanograms. In order for these methods to yield reliable results, samples are prepared with a high level of precision and performance. Acid hydrolysis, the concentration of samples, separation and extraction by solvent are all important steps in the chain of analysis. Hence, the preparation laboratory aims at developing and optimising extremely efficient methods of preparing samples. The advanced level of technologies used in this laboratory allows the processing of high numbers of samples, which are prepared for specific analyses.
Equipments

• Mineralization device: A microwave used for mineralization and extraction. This device is equipped with two rotors: one for mineralization and the other for the extraction of organic molecules by solvents
• Rotary evaporator
• Concentrator
• Straining device
• Ultrasounds bath
• Analytical balance
• Grinder
• Liquid chromatography on column

Within the framework of studies and research programs in the Faculty of Sciences, chemical analysis is actively developed in order to separate, identify and quantify the chemical components of a sample of materials.

After processing the sample in the preparation laboratory, the analytic chemistry laboratory offers you two different analysis options:

• Chemical methods by humid means.
• Instrumental methods.Equipments

Chemical methods by humid means

• Gravimetric analysis, volumetric analysis, liquid-liquid extraction, extraction in a solid phase, distillation, precipitation, electroanalysis and (static) solubility study are all experimental methods through which we exploit the analysts' physical properties.
• Conductance metre, pH metre, electrode potential, UV/Vis spectrophotometer, spectrofluorometre, refraction metre, viscosity metre, gaseous chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GCP/MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/UV or HPLC/ refraction measurement device), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS/flame and graphite), atomic emission spectrometry (AES), elementary analysis, dynamic saturation/solubility device, UV/Vis thermal spectrophotometer.

A number of teaching and research projects are currently being developed in the electrochemistry laboratory. Three methods are thus in use:

Analytical methods
Electrolytic synthesis methods relating to electrolytic polymerisation and the study of conductive polymers (cyclic voltage analysis)
Pollution processing methods
Research projects within the framework of Masters and Ph.D. studies are already well under way. These projects pertain to the processing of margins through electrochemistry (electrolytic oxidation and advanced electrolytic oxidation process AOP).

Equipments

• Conductance measurement
• Voltage analysis
• Chromatic analysis

In this laboratory, a certain level of equilibrium between fundamental studies and applied research is preserved thanks to a team of researchers and technical assistants who work on stereochemical reaction, oxidation reactions, catalysed reactions and the purification of liquid samples by fractional distillation, or even vacuum-distillation. It is necessary to indicate that specific sophisticated assemblies were conceived in order to answer the pedagogical and scientific needs of organic synthesis.

Equipments

• Analytical scale
• Dryer
• Rotary evaporator
• PH metre
• Soxhlet
• Mobile hood
• UV/Vis thermal spectrophotometer
• Gaseous chromatography with detection FID
• Gaseous chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/UV or HPLC/ refraction measurement device)
• Anatomy laboratory

The anatomy laboratory allows the study of human anatomy through surgical dissection. Thus, students take part in human and animal dissection sessions and prepare sections of various organs. Hence, in addition to microscopic observations on prepared laminas, the students are able to prepare sections by themselves and observe various animal tissues. The presence of a morgue allows the conservation of bodies to be used later. This laboratory can be used for studies and researches in the field of forensic medicine.

Means

• Anatomy table
• Morgue
• Various tools
• Microscopes
• Biotechnology and genetic engineering laboratory

This laboratory has a pedagogical character and permits students to master the techniques of cellular culture, molecular biology, genetics and cytogenetics. Among the taught matters are analyses relating to DNA engineering: extraction, denaturing, amplification, cloning and preparation of plasmids, DNA chart by means of restriction enzymes, electrophoresis techniques, expression of proteins in bacteria, genetic transformations, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genetic diagnosis. New technologies pertaining to cellular therapy, genomics and proteomics are also explored.

Equipments

• Conventional PCR
• PCR Real Time
• Four pour hybridising
• Cross Linker
• Gels documentation system
• Biological hood
• Ultra Pure water
• Biochemistry laboratory

The characterisation and comprehension of the molecular structure remain a main aim of biology. Studies regarding structural information biotechnology are under way. We use simulation methods in order to explore aspects of natural evolution that are not directly accessible through experiments. Relations between structure and function in the translation of the genetic message are other themes under development. Starting with various cellular models, this laboratory applies and develops the methods and techniques of structural analysis and, in a general manner, those of macromolecular bioengineering. The macromolecules that are studied guarantee reliability in the translation of the genetic message.

Equipments

In addition to the PCR Real Time and sophisticated chromatographic instruments (HPLC, GC, GC-MS, Soil Analyzer, etc.), the laboratory is equipped with some frequently used basic instruments.

• Double beams UV/Vis spectrophotometer
• Single beam UV/Vis spectrophotometer
• Refraction metre
• Viscosity metre

This laboratory specialises in biological and microbiological analyses and embodies research and pedagogical aspects. It performs measurements of initial and microbiological contamination in addition to identifications of bacteria, moulds and yeasts. This laboratory is closely linked to the water analysis laboratory. Fresh water samples are thus analysed in order to detect the bacterial indicators of contamination of a faecal origin.

Equipments

• Lamination flow hood
• Regulated sterilizers
• Autoclave

Many analyses and environmental studies are performed everyday for industrials of communities or organisms which are involved in the protection of man and his environment.

• Natural and residual waters: physical and chemical properties, organic micro-pollutants.
• Wastes, mud kinds
• Contaminated soils
• Physical, chemical and biological processes with a solid-liquid interface
• Extraction, purification, and identification of organic contaminants of equipments used in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gaseous chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
• Specific analysis of compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
• Analysis of pharmaceutical substances and hormones in the aquatic environment
• Processing of waste and drinking water, filling of porous environments, soil stabilisation, food industry, etc.

Equipments

In addition to separation and spectroscopic instruments, we mention:

• DBO-metre
• DCO-metre
• Conductivity metre
• Turbidity metre
• Azotes Kjeldhal
• Viscosity metre
• Elementary analysis (C, H, N, O)
• AAS (Traces of metals).

The chemistry and theoretic biochemistry laboratory tackles the use and development of modelling methods in chemistry and biochemistry. The methods used are derived from quantum chemistry and molecular mechanics. Laboratory activity revolves around four themes:

Dynamics and interaction of complex molecular systems (protein, receptor, macromolecule)
Chemical reactivity, elucidation of gaseous and condensed reaction mechanisms, electronic structure, exploration of the potential energy surface (PES), localisation of transition states (TS), vibration mode
Enzymatic reactivity: molecular dynamics using hybrid methods (QM/MM)
Development and configuration of semi-empiric methods, including PM3.
Equipments
The main techniques are: molecular dynamics, pharmacophore, elucidation, Docking, ab initio (HF, MPn,), DFT, semi-empiric, QM/MM, QM/QM (ONIOM). The software used are: MOE (Molecular Operating Environment) Gaussian03 et DYNAMO

The chimiometry laboratory includes a number of powerful computers using software (Matlab, NemrodW, Minitab, Cats) that are developed in cooperation with other European chimiometry laboratories. This field allows the establishment of a complete statistical model for the analytical experiences to be elaborated.

Our researches aim at developing chimiometric tools linked to the analytical techniques adapted to many sectors, such as quality control of food products, environment management and pharmaceutical analysis (ACP, AFD, ANOVA, etc.) and multiways (Parafac). The objective is to establish a complete statistical model for the analytical experiences to be elaborated.

Equipments

• ACP
• AFD
• ANOVA
• Parafac

Laboratories of the Department of Sciences and Technology as well as the Department of Networks and Telecommunications

The physics laboratory is equipped to cover many branches of physics: geometrical optics, wave physics and electromagnetism. Many experiences are held in parallel with the aim of covering the subjects studied during the course. In addition to the measure of experimental results, it enables students to familiarize with calculation errors, graphic representations and analysis.

Laboratory of electrical and electronic circuits analysis

This laboratory is equipped with oscilloscopes, frequency generators, stabilized alimentations, decades resistance boxes and decades capacity boxes. It enables students to familiarize with electrical measurement devices and practically experiment the theory studied in electric and electronic circuits analysis courses so that it becomes more concrete. Students can also simulate circuits using specific software and compared the obtained results to those that were measured.

In this laboratory, the students are capable of graphically representing their results and reading a technical specifications sheet.

Logical circuits laboratory

This laboratory is equipped with digital circuit models and a universal programmer. It enables students to fully understand the digital concepts so as to go on with logical doors, combinatory logic, programmable logical elements, sequential logic and integrated digital circuit technologies. A lift model permits the students to familiarize with the Grafcet concept.

Workshop

It is equipped with welding stations, drills, saws, UV insulator and printed circuit fabrication equipment. It enables students to achieve their printed circuits and familiarize with the DIY concept in order to realise their kits.

Electricity laboratory
The practical work relating to the electrical circuits I and II courses is performed in this laboratory. Students learn to test and study the properties of electrical components, RL, RC and RLC circuits, amplifiers, diodes, passive and active filters, etc.

Electronics laboratory
The practical work relating to electronic circuits is performed in this laboratory: analogical filters (low-pass, high-pass, etc.), operational amplifiers, comparators, oscillators, etc.

Telecommunications laboratory
The practical work relating to the digital processing of signal, analogical and digital communications is performed in this laboratory. Experiments are performed on electronic models (analogical and digital modulation/demodulation systems) as well as by Matlab simulation (digital filtering, sound, implementation of receptors, systems performances, etc.)

Instrumentation laboratory
Instrumentation practical work aims at training the student on using the computer as a tool to measure physical magnitudes, such as resistance, tension, luminosity, temperature, etc. The various input/output ports ensure the step-by-step control of motors, the emission/reception of wireless data and the analogical/digital conversion of signals (and vice versa).

Microprocessors laboratory
The practical work relating to microprocessors is performed on an Intel 386 model. Students learn programming under an assembler in order to achieve various applications (addressing, sorting, programming of interfaces, metres, interruptions, etc.)