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2003 RecipientDr. Frank Rioux, Chemistry Dept. Quantum chemistry is the application of quantum mechanical principles to problems of interest to a chemist. This is appropriate because quantum mechanics is the only valid model for atomic and molecular structure. Unfortunately the non-classical character and mathematical rigor of quantum theory present students and teachers with significant pedagogical challenges. I have spent a career trying to overcome these barriers to learning and understanding. One learns quantum mechanics just as one learns anything else, by using it. Forty years ago when I first encountered the subject as an undergraduate the only learning aids available were slide rules and mathematics tables. Not much was learned because it was impossible to do realistic calculations that revealed important principles. This situation improved dramatically in the 80s and 90s with the explosive development of computer technology and the emergence of the World Wide Web. Today fast computers running powerful software with user-friendly graphical interfaces and access to the Web make teaching and learning quantum chemistry enjoyable. A summary of my use of computer technology and the Web in teaching quantum chemistry can be found here. My quantum chemistry syllabus, quantum chemistry tutorials, and relevant publications are also available to the interested reader.
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CSB|SJU Computing Subcommittee of APSAC |
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