Spreadsheet-based Learning Material Development for Understanding Molecular Dynamics and Application to Quantum Mechanics

Abstract

The author is confident that knowledge of electronic materials and molecular simulation will become indispensable for future students of electrical and electronic engineering majors.This paper presents an approach for an introductory lesson on molecular simulation just inaugurated by the author. Specifically, the first step of molecular simulation was incorporated into the lecture "The Basic Theory of Optical Property." This lesson was taught using spreadsheets (Excel; Microsoft Corp.), which are familiar and easily used software for students. Comments by students after the lesson included the following; "Abstract contents were well understood through exercises," and "The significance of simulations was abundantly clear." Consequently, the author believes that effects anticipated from this lesson (the objective of this lesson) were attained to a good degree.