THE INTERNET ENHANCES CHEMISTRY EDUCATION
| February 2002 — What if a complex linear diagram of a chemical
compound could be better understood when transformed into a three-dimensional
model? Would it enhance a scientist's analysis of that model if a section
of it could be enlarged, or if views from the top, bottom, front, and
rear could also be provided? Such were the thoughts of Steven Bachrach,
Semmes Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Trinity University, when
he developed the concept of The Internet
Journal of Chemistry.
Professor Bachrach edits the journal, which turns the traditional publication of scholarly science material on its head. Not only can the computer display extra dimensions of compounds such as molecules, it also can illustrate the images in color and allow subscribers to manipulate and customize data. Such dynamical processes are impossible to represent in a printed format. The Internet Journal of Chemistry also can contribute to researchers examining the body of chemical literature, Professor Bachrach says. “Electronic publications can be readily indexed and turned into databases that can be searched in a variety of useful ways,” he says. Gerry McKiernan, a science and technology librarian at Iowa State University calls The Internet Journal of Chemistry “ an eclectic journal,” as an emerging form of the next-generation electronic journal. To learn more about Professor Bachrach’s journal, contact Susie P. Gonzalez at (210) 999-8406 or e-mail at susie.gonzalez@trinity.edu.
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Last updated on February 19, 2002 by the Office of Public Relations |