Chemical and biochemical concepts, models and theories have become increasingly quantitative, and the predictive power of chemistry is also increasing. Computers play a central role in the acquisition, storage, analysis, interpretation and visualization of vast quantities of chemical and biochemical data, and the Internet is increasingly becoming our primary source for information.

In 2007, the National Science Foundation released its Cyberinfrastructure Vision for 21st Century Discovery. In this guide for education and training in the 21st century, NSF defines cyberinfrastructure as "the coordinated aggregate of software, hardware and other technologies, as well as human expertise, required to suppoer current and future discoveries". Cyberinfrastructure includes more than just computers. It includes:

• data analysis and management

• computationally intensive tasks and process management (distributed and grid-enabled)

• data mining and integration

• laboratory automation (sample and data management)

• visualization and modeling

• remote collaboration tools (interactive conferencing; remote sensing; remote access/control of instrumentation)

• learning and workforce development

  • knowledge and skills needed to design, deploy, adopt and apply cyber-based systems change how we teach and how we learn to prepare a globally engaged workforce

To better prepare you, the student, for the scientific challenges of the next decade, Computer Tools for the Chemical Sciences is a 5-week learning module that provides an early introduction to computational techniques. When you complete Chemistry 210, you will be able to acquire and process data, carry out statistical characterization of data and perform statistical tests, and graphically display data (visualize and model) in a variety of representations. You will become experienced at data mining, using the Internet to carry out literature searches, locate published articles, and access major databases. To help you understand how a computer application is developed, Chemistry 210 will provide you with an introduction to computer algorithms and programming in higher-level languages such as C, Perl or Mathematica.

Computational Tools focuses on the NSF vision, as well as the fundamental tools and skills required by the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training and the National Research Council Committee on Undergraduate Biology Education. More advanced and degree-specific topics will be covered with more depth and directed applications in the upper division modules 410ABC and/or D.