Students enrolled within programs and courses offered by the Department of Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy, have access to the several facilities and tools.
Astronomy Tools
VIU currently operates visual and electronically assisted observing sessions from the VIU Nanaimo campus for VIU astronomy students, utilizing an alt-az mounted 8″ reflector as our “live” viewing telescope (utilizing a selection of eyepieces offering different fields of view & magnifications) and equatorial mounted 3″ or 5″ refractors with specialized astronomical cameras for short exposure, “near real-time” viewing of objects. Students are invited to attend these sessions throughout the academic year (weather permitting of course!)
Engineering Labs
Building 315, Room 114
A joint laboratory/classroom allocated solely for Engineering students and includes electronic workstations, internet-enabled computers, and electronic parts access for special projects. This room is available to students off-hours with card access (8 am to 10 pm).
Building 460, Room 203
An electronics/prototyping lab allocated solely for Engineering students and includes 3D printers, laser etcher, four electronic workstations, and internet-enabled computers. This room is available to students off-hours with card access (8 am to 10 pm).
Equipment
- Makerbot Replicator and Replicator + 3D printers
- Tinkerine DittoPro 3D printer
- Epilog 60W laser etcher
- Student workstations which include
- Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator
- Digital Multimeter (High Performance)
- Dual/triple Output Power Supply
- Digital Oscilloscope
- Soldering equipment
- IDL-800 Digital lab bench
- Internet-enabled computer systems
- Laser printers
Building 460, Room 202
A Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) lab with 16 dual monitor high-end PCs loaded up-to-date design tools. The room also includes a 75” touch screen monitor for demonstrations and teaching purposes. This room is available to students off-hours with card access (8 am to 10 pm).
Software
- AutoCad
- Solidworks
- Fusion 360
- Maple v10
- Labview v2006a
- Microsoft Office Suite
Engineering Study Room
Building 315, Room 215
Study area for students offered jointly with the Computer Science Department. Six computer stations, whiteboard, limited library, and dedicated lockers (available for rent through the University Bookstore) are provided to students. This room is available to students off-hours with card access (8am to 10pm).
Engineering Design Studios
Building 460, Rooms 201 and 205
Design studios dedicated for first and second year engineering students. The open design spaces are used for lectures, labs, and independent study. They are furnished with multiple computer stations, digital projectors, whiteboards, and a limited library. These rooms are available to students off-hours with card access (8 am to 10 pm).
Machine Shops
Building 315, Room 201
Accessible by students (once cleared for use) and consists of equipment that can be used for individual and group projects.
Equipment
- Lathe
- Drill Press
- Band Saw
- Sander/Grinder
- Spot Welder
- Misc. Punches
Building 460, Room 207
Accessible by students (once cleared for use) and consists of equipment that can be used for individual and group projects.
Equipment
Complete set of hand tools for metal and wood working.
