Time Schedule:
James B Callis
CHEM 464
Seattle Campus
Introduction to use of the computer in the chemistry laboratory. Principles of microcomputers and their use for such problems as data acquisition, noise reduction, and instrument control. Prerequisite: either CHEM 453, CHEM 455, or CHEM 475; MATH 136, or both MATH 307 and MATH 308. Offered: Sp.
Class description
Course Objectives: (1) Master the graphical computer programming language LabVIEW. (2) Become familiar with the operation of data conversion interfaces: A/D, D/A, timer/counter and digital I/O. (3) Know how to use electronic components (resistors, capacitors, chips) for signal conditioning. (4) Integrate all of the above into a complete system for experimental control, data acquisition and analysis.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Course Procedure: We will cover nine topics in this course - one per week as described in the syllabus. On Monday of each week, you will have a lecture that provides an overview of the week’s topic with emphasis on its theoretical basis. The laboratories that follow will help you translate theory into practice and build skills for practical application.
Recommended preparation
Success in this course is more dependent on your willingness to work hard and learn new concepts rather than on your background. Preparing for the labs by reading the lab manual before coming to class is obviously important. In addition you will be encouraged to write a LabVIEW simulation that translates the theory to an expectation for the results of the experiment.
Class assignments and grading
Each laboratory assignment will require the following: (1) Constructing an interface between the experiment and data acquisition device. In some cases this is simply a matter of connecting some cables. In others you will wire up various electronic components (e.g. resistors, capacitors and chips) on a circuit board. (2) Verifying that the instrumentation functions as intended. This will require use of a digital voltmeter, signal generator and oscilloscope. You will be taught how to use these in lab. (3) Developing and testing a LabVIEW program that acquires data and analyzes it.
Associated with each of the weekly laboratory sessions will be a lab report consisting of a LabVIEW program, experimental results and answers to questions in the lab manual. The lab reports will each be graded on the basis of 100 points and will count 70% of the total grade. In place of midterms and finals, you will be given a lab practical instead of your final lab session. The last week’s lecture and labs will be devoted to the lab practical. The lab practical rehearsal will count 10% of your grade and the lab practical 20%.
