Development of Undergraduate Curriculum Through Computer Based Molecular Modeling

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The Department of Chemistry and Physics is improving the quality of the undergraduate chemistry curriculum through the establishment of a computer-based molecular modeling laboratory program. Laboratories developed to utilize the acquired hardware and software give students graphical representations of chemical principles. This hands-on approach gives students a better feel for concepts that have heretofore been visualized only in the minds of students. Students in the introductory chemistry courses conduct experiments to examine chemical bonding, molecular vibrations, the greenhouse effect, molecular geometry optimization, and biochemical macromolecular (protein and nucleic acids) structure visualization. Organic chemistry students conduct experiments to relate energy and reactivity to geometry. Physical chemistry students perform experiments developing various levels of theory and relate physical properties to electronic charge distribution or changes in geometry. Students in the biochemistry class perform geometrical calculations and manipulations on molecular systems to predict biological activity. Students conducting senior research projects apply molecular modeling principles to examine specific research problems. This program exemplifies the full extent to which molecular modeling methodology can be successfully incorporated into undergraduate programs at all levels.