Lecturer Proposes Computational Chemistry Programme in Tertiary Instititutions

A lecturer at the Department of Chemistry, Dr. Albert Ofori, has proposed to tertiary institutions to consider introducing Computational Chemistry as a degree programme to assist in solving chemical problems.

According to him, the old ways of solving chemical problems at laboratories was not  the best and, therefore, computational chemistry would help students with the tools to interpret experiments and understand chemical mechanism to make predictions that would guide future experiments. He said such a course would enable students apply existing computer programs and methodologies to specific chemical questions.

Dr. Ofori said this while delivering a lecture on the topic “Inter-and Intramolecular Interactions in the Stabilization of Metal Complexes: Computational Studies.” The lecture was organised by the School of Physical Sciences as part of its monthly lecture series.

He indicated that through computational chemistry, pharmaceutical industry, for instance, should be able to produce drugs that would heal exact medical conditions considering the gravity of a patient's  health. He further explained that “ for example, the computational chemistry can now define these problems in the pharmaceutical world and now they are developing drugs to target the broken tissues instead of having a combined medicine.... "

He said the introduction of Computation Chemistry would help faculty members to be innovative at the laboratory through the use of computers.

In another development, some past students of the Department of Physics in Finland have donated a 3D Printer to the Department.

The donation was a follow up to an earlier promise made by the past students by the Head of the group, Mr. Kofi J. Brobbey who also delivered a lecture in May 2017.

The Head of the Department, Dr. Benjamin Anderson, who presented the equipment on behalf of the students, thanked the past students for the donation.  He called on other old students to support the Department in their own little way, adding that “ the Department would appreciate it very much”.

On his part, the Vice-Dean of the School of Physical Sciences, Prof. Rulphino Zugle, who received the item, expressed gratitude to the old students and assured them that the equipment would be put to good use so as to prolong its lifespan.