Spring 1998

Chemistry

New 3-D animation software enhances study

Chemistry students at Rose-Hulman are learning that the old adage, “seeing is believing” is true when it comes to benefiting from the latest technology.

Students use PC Spartan Plus, a new 3-D animation software that enables them to use their laptop computers to model and study molecular mechanics and methods.

“Students can see in detail why and how certain chemical reactions occur,” says Mike Mueller, associate professor of chemistry. “They can follow reaction pathways and modify molecules to create specific reactions.”

The software’s educational benefits are so important that faculty are developing ways to use it throughout the chemistry curriculum.

“This is a major improvement compared to using hand-held, modeling sets or blackboard drawings to help students visualize molecular changes,” Mueller said.

Jared Tatum, a junior majoring in chemistry and chemical engineering, agrees: “The 3-D animation makes it easier and provides more information to understand reactions and build molecules. It’s not so abstract anymore.

“I’ll be working on an organic chemistry project with Professor Mueller that would be more difficult without the software.”

Mueller says the software’s benefits won’t end when Tatum graduates. “Knowledge about the modeling software will make seniors more attractive to graduate schools and potential employers.”