Virtually all modern chemical instrumentation is controlled by computers. While software packages are continually becoming easier to use, allowing for more researchers to utilize more complex instruments, conveying some level of understanding as to how computers and instruments communicate is still an important part of the undergraduate…

Discusses the feasibility of using fermenters in secondary school laboratories. Includes discussions of equipment, safety, and computer interfacing. Describes how a simple fermenter could be used to simulate large-scale processes. Concludes that, although teachers and technicians will require additional training, the prospects for biotechnology in…

Describes a way to use computers in teaching chemistry, in this case in a demonstration lesson on supercooling using a thermister in a game port to interface the computer with cooling phenyl salicylate. Discusses the advantages over the traditional method of instruction. (CW)

Some commercially available software tools that have potential applications in the analytical chemistry curriculum are surveyed and evaluated. Tools for instruction, analysis and research, and courseware development are described. A list of the software packages, the compatible hardware, and the vendor's address is included. (KR)

Described is an exercise which examines the effect of reading aloud a technical passage of science material while the heart is monitored by a computer. The experimental setup, design, and data analysis are discussed. (CW)

Describes a set of Mathcad instrument simulations and documents that introduce important concepts for instrumental analysis. Enables students to adjust parameters and optimize an instrument in a timely fashion. (DDR)

Describes the experimental system and equipment including an interface box for displaying variables. Discusses features which make the circuit suitable for teaching and research in computing. Feedforward, decoupling, and adaptive control, examination of digital filtering, and a cascade loop are teaching experiments utilizing this rig. Diagrams and…

Four applications of microcomputers in the chemical laboratory are presented. Included are "Mass Spectrometer Interface with an Apple II Computer,""Interfacing the Spectronic 20 to a Computer,""A pH-Monitoring and Control System for Teaching Laboratories," and "A Computer-Aided Optical Melting Point Device." Software, instrumentation, and uses are…

Discussed are various ways that microcomputers can be interfaced to laboratory equipment to control laboratory applications. A general overview is given including advantages and disadvantages of different interfaces. Different software tools currently available are examined. (CW)

Describes direct and indirect voltage input techniques and their applications to voltage measurements with a microcomputer. Details circuitry that can be used for this with a gameport. Gives examples of circuit modifications, application of voltage measurement, and alternatives to this method. (CW)

Announces the incorporation of a laboratory information management system (LIMS) into the academic environment. Describes the applications of a computer-automated laboratory system at one university. Stresses the benefits to students of the use of such a system in terms of entry into the industrial environment and to professors in grading. (CW)

Describes an experimental setup using a microcomputer for demonstrating the circadian movement of petioles. Discusses experiments that were performed using this apparatus and factors that relate to these plant movements. Includes graphs that have been obtained. (CW)

Included are 30 science activities that include computer monitoring, fieldwork, enzyme activity, pH, drugs, calorimeters, Raoult's Law, food content, solubility, electrochemistry, titration, physical properties of materials, gel filtration, energy, concepts in physics, and electricity. (KR)

Four microcomputer applications are presented including: "Computer Simulated Process of 'Lead Optimization': A Student-Interactive Program,""A PROLOG Program for the Generation of Molecular Formulas,""Determination of Inflection Points from Experimental Data," and "LAOCOON PC: NMR Simulation on a Personal Computer." Software, availability,…

Discussed is the integration of microcomputers into the science laboratory curriculum. The approach provides an exposure to important aspects of computer technology while preserving concrete experiences provided by hands-on laboratories. (CW)