Overview
Video demonstration of VR-CHEM prototype (version from September 2017)
The goals of the pilot are to develop and benchmark new 3D user interfaces for immersive learning of 3D atomic level structure and chemical reactivity, to create inspiring chemical learning experience using state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR) or Mixed Reality (MR) technologies, and to investigate new ways of interacting with molecular models in future classroom and teaching.
Platforms and tools
We have created a functional version of a 3D user interface for molecular modelling (VR-CHEM), and use Unity Game Engine for creating the 3D interface. We also integrate our 3D user interface with chemical modelling packages such as OpenBabel for a realistic physical description of the molecules. VR experience has been implemented for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. MR experience has been implemented on Microsoft HoloLens.
Pedagogical methods
Three-dimensional molecular structures are a central concept in chemistry and chemical reactivity. The purpose of the 3D user interfaces is to improve the students’ understanding of these concepts.
Involved courses
CHEM-E4155 – Solid State Chemistry
The long-term goal is to use the approaches developed in this project in several MSc-level chemistry courses.
Links & Materials
Video demonstration of the MR version (HoloLens):
News at aalto.fi: Professor Karttunen had enough of clicking on two-dimensional molecular models – the virtual world brings chemistry alive
People
Prof. Antti Karttunen
School of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Materials Science
Pilot leader
Prof. Perttu Hämäläinen
School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Media
Collaborator
Prof. Jaakko Lehtinen
School of Science, Department of Computer Science
Collaborator
Otso Pietikäinen
School of Chemical Engineering
Project researcher
Francesco Fontana
School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Media
Project Researcher
