Computer simulation offers a very powerful tool with which to probe their microscopic mechanisms.
In this seminar I will begin with a brief overview of computer simulation methodologies and will emphasize how carefully constructed numerical experiments can greatly enhance the utility of this research tool. I will briefly review the crystallization of molecular liquids, including results from previously attempted simulation studies and some key experimental data. I will then examine the computer simulation of heterogeneous crystal growth, discussing both issues of techniques and mechanisms. Some of the important implications from our most recent work probing heterogeneous crystal growth will be highlighted.