U N I V E R S I T Y  O F  P I T T S B U R G H

Volume VIII, Number 2

In chemistry, understanding the three-dimensional structures of molecules, including drugs such as thalidomide and biomolecules such as DNA, is of fundamental importance in establishing their properties and functionality.
Unfortunately, students previously have not been able to see such 3D images because traditional textbook illustrations and in-class presentations of molecules are necessarily limited to flat, two-dimensional representations, thus making it difficult to visualize the 3D structures. Therefore, Kenneth Jordan, chemistry, and his colleagues within the department designed and constructed a 3D stereo visualization system in one of the main lecture halls in the Chevron Science Center.

The purpose of their project, 3D Stereo Visualization in Chemistry, is the development of 3D stereo modules appropriate for use throughout the chemistry curriculum as well as in selected biology and physics courses. Until now, this project was not feasible because practicable technology did not exist.

Actually, computer visualization had long been a vital component of Jordan’s research, but he always was hampered by technological limitations. “Until recently, 3D stereo graphics required expensive computer workstations, and, furthermore, most molecular modeling software used a technology for generating 3D stereo images which was difficult to scale up to a classroom environment. Simply put, it was too expensive and too cumbersome.” However, two recent developments – the appearance of 3D graphics cards for PCs and the availability of devices enabling existing software to be used with a dual projector system and inexpensive polarized glasses – have made it possible to bring this technology into the classroom. Now, with the development of their 3D stereo modules and using the existing 3D visualization system in Chevron, they will be able to display accurate 3D molecular images in their classes. It is anticipated that, by the end of the first year of the project, over 500 students will have benefited.

In addition to Jordan and the other faculty involved, four undergraduate students, Chris Hurt, Michele Price, Tom Johnson, and Steve Ascencio, will be working on the project.

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