HyperCell is a large multimedia tutorial software for Cell and Molecular Biology, marketed since the early 90s by Garland Publishers. It is based on the book, The Molecular Biology of the Cell , by B. Alberts, et al. It runs both on Macs and PCs, it has a CD version and it is updated yearly. We mainly use its sophisticated animations to illustrate the intricate dynamics of biological processes such as DNA replication, protein synthesis, etc. In addition, we also provide this software as a general cell-biology tutorial for both medical and graduate students available for use in our medical library.
Students love it as a visual aid and classroom illustration tool.
Setting up and removing the computer hardware in classrooms is a constantly recurring and cumbersome chore to the faculty involved. It frustrates them also, that, even with a guide disk, HyperCell cannot run on their own home computers. Students seem to prefer all the inclusive handouts and classroom notes that can be taken to home. Also there was some resentment that students unskilled in computers might be handicapped. The fair testing of students in such a broad course, however, would seem to require significant faculty input without much visible teaching credit.