Opened for classes and research in August 2008.

The Beloit College Center for the Sciences assures Beloit’s continued preeminent position in the preparation of students to play an important role in the 21st century. Over the course of four decades, many of this nation’s pedagogical reforms in science education have been driven by Beloit. This environmentally conceived center builds on Beloit’s reputation for curricular design, reflects its commitment to cutting edge science education, and will prepare new generations of scientists and scientifically literate citizens.

Departments and Programs
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Studies
Geology
Health and Society
Mathematics and Computer Science
Physics and Astronomy
Psychology
Center for Language Studies (summer)

Dimensions
Floor space - 116,339 sq. ft.
Footprint - 26,563 sq. ft.
Floors 4, roof, partial basement

Construction
Steel frame
8 inch concrete block walls
7-1/2 inch poured concrete floors and roof
Brick and pre-cast curtain wall exterior

Cost
Science Center - $36,500,000
Mayer Hall retrofit - $935,000

Number of
Instructional laboratories - 17
Research/instrument laboratories - 21
Laboratory prep/support spaces - 12
Computer laboratories - 5
Class/seminar rooms - 12
Conference rooms - 6
Student offices/commons - 6
Student study lounges - 8
Faculty/staff offices - 43

Major Scientific Equipment
Scanning electron microscope with EDS
elemental analysis system
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer
Circular dichroism fluorescence
spectrophotometer
Differential scanning and isothermal
titration calorimeter systems
X-ray powder diffractometer
Molecular fluorescence digital imaging system
Digital polarized light microscope systems
Scanning atomic probe microscopes
0.5 MeV VandeGraff accelerator
Remote 22-inch telescope

Special Facilities
Visualization lab with GIS/ArcView
and GeoWall
Greenhouse – 1,900 sq. ft. with three climate zones, research zone, headhouse
Herbarium
Animal care facility – 1,115 sq. ft. with 7 rooms
Central stockroom
Machine and wood shops
Rooftop small-telescope astronomy area
Rooftop renewable energy research area
Rooftop garden
Public science displays and exhibits
Outdoor classroom and native plant garden
Garden wall demonstrating regional geology
Education kiosk providing live building data,
directories, and interpretation
Wireless communications network throughout

Conference Facilities
Central atrium – 7,720 sq. ft. with 4 levels
Conference room – 1,045 sq. ft. with
international video-conferencing capability
Auditorium – 1,490 sq. ft. with 60 seats

Green Features
U.S. Green Building Council LEED Silver
certification sought
Green vegetated roof
Storm water cistern for greenhouse watering
Native plant landscaping
High recycled content for building materials and furnishings
High percent construction waste recycled
Low volatile organic content materials
Water-conserving fixtures and systems
Energy efficient design and management
Energy efficient fume hood systems
Energy efficient windows with frit shading
Indoor environmental quality monitored
continuously
Natural day-lighting and outdoor views
Local and regional building materials

Architects
Holabird & Root LLC – Chicago, IL
Civitas – Denver, CO

Contractors
Klobucar Construction – Beloit, WI
J. H. Findorff & Son, Inc. – Madison, WI