The Reality of Virtual Laboratories : A Chemists Perspective
Assoc Professor Rob Capon, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne
Abstract
Traditional methods for teaching undergraduate science are dominated by lectures,
tutorials and laboratory based instruction. In recent times interactive multimedia has
provided the means to both enhance, and explore exciting new methods in, education
delivery. This presentation will examine the radical restructuring of chemistry curriculum in one aspect of which featured the introduction of CAL Workshops (dry labs) in place ofmore conventional laboratory classes (wet labs). Although confronted by many challenges this development has been remarkably successful and will undoubtedly continue to evolve as the underlying technology matures. The benefits of individual self paced instruction, online academic assistance adn assessment, as well as the power of computer animation and simulation, guarantee that this technology will emerge as a dominant force in science education.
Qualifications
BSc (UWA, 1979), PhD (UWA, 1984)
Career
1982-1984, Postdoctoral Fellow, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
1984-1987, Research Fellow, RSC, ANU
1988-1991, Lecturer, School of Chemistry, Uni of Melbourne
1992-1995, Senior Lecturer
1996-, Associate Professor
Research Interests
Marine natural products chemistry
Leads a large multidisciplinary, ARC and industry funded, research program aimed at the detection, isolation, identification, evaluation and exploitation of southern Australian and Antarctic metabolites. Over 100 peer reviewed publications.
Interactive Multimedia
The development, application, and commercial distribution of multimedia based resources for teaching undergraduate chemistry.