A computing center equipped with microcomputers is established at Millikin University for use in the sophomore- junior chemistry laboratory program. This integrated, project- based and research-oriented laboratory program operates with individualized "mini-research" projects, thereby offering students superior learning and rapid growth in independence. Students use the computing center for data acquisition and analysis, simulation and illustration, and for computational chemistry projects. The center also allows the presentation of calculational methods, including molecular mechanics, semi- empirical, and ab initio, to an entire laboratory section at one time. The center allows the students to apply these methods in individualized research-level activities, working side by side, helping each other in a group setting. The center help the students toward a smoother transition to graduate school and industrial settings, attract the interest of potential majors, and provide an example of innovative laboratory curriculum for other chemistry departments. The institution is matching the NSF grant with an equal amount of funds.
