The triangle created by the library, science building, and computer facilities puts literature and Internet research facilities close at hand for science students and faculty alike. Smith Science houses the five biology laboratories, three lecture classrooms, modern animal care and greenhouse facilities, a fully outfitted darkroom and DNA analysis minilab, and faculty offices. Collecting gear and portable instruments for analyzing various environmental parameters facilitate ecological field work for both class and research. Plants and animals collected in the field can be maintained for observation and research in the animal labs or greenhouse. There are separate rooms for aquaria, mammals, and birds, and the greenhouse has an automated watering and temperature regulation system, plus an adjacent workroom for study and research on plants.
Several microscopes have video camera adapters as part of our videomicroscopy units.
Since the primary purpose of Wingate University is teaching, student utilization of the laboratory equipment in their courses and in research they may pursue, is the primary use of the equipment. There is no competition for it with graduate students or faculty. Direct access to faculty members for assistance in lab or during office hours is an advantage for many students. On the lighter side, outings and field trips, although primarily academic, and informal social times provide opportunities for personal interaction, and help to foster collegiality and camaraderie.