Computation and Visualization Laboratory
The Computation and Visualization Laboratory (CVL) is used by classes across the Natural Sciences and Mathematics to integrate hands-on, inquiry-based activities into mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology courses at Carthage College. The interdisciplinary nature of the CVL allows students in 26 introductory and advanced courses across four departments to discover important physical and mathematical concepts for themselves. Classroom and laboratory activities have been developed for use in the CVL for Biology, General Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Mathematics and Physics courses. For example, students explore molecular geometry and polarity in General Chemistry. In Physical Chemistry, students plot and analyze phase diagrams, rate equations, wavefunctions, and velocity distributions. In Biochemistry, students classify amino acids based on structure and function, construct families of protein folds and manipulate gene and protein sequences.
CVL Curricular Resources and Projects:
| Biology | Chemistry | Physical Chemistry | Mathematics | Physics |
Available Software
| Periodic Table Live | Spartan | Alchemy 2000 | Mathcad |
| Mathematica | Boltzmann | Sigma Plot | Rasmol |
| Diatomic | Logic Works | IR Tutor | Starry Night Pro |
| Electric Field Hockey | Data Studio | Graphs and Tracks | Interactive Physics |
| Deep Space Explorer | Visual Studio | XMD |
Presentations
A number of presentations have been given off-campus about the CVL and the class projects developed using it.
- Creation of a Computation and Visualization Laboratory: This poster was presented by Christine Rener and Kevin Morris at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society in April, 2003.
- Using Open-Ended Computer Projects in Courses for Mathematics Majors: This talk was given by Aaron Trautwein at the spring meeting of the Wisconsin Section of the Mathematical Association of America.
Assessment
Acknowledgements
The CVL was created with a CCLI grant from the National Science Foundation. A Kresge Science Initiative Challenge Grant from the Kresge Foundation has been used to maintain the machines.
A Kresge Science Initiative Challenge Grant from the Kresge Foundation has been used to maintain the hardware in the CVL.