To guide cell biology research and explain observation through molecular structures and sequence data, life scientists resort increasingly to computational tools. Sequence and structure viewers (VMD) combined with molecular dynamics modeling software (NAMD) are primary methodologies that revolutionized modern biomedicine. The revolution happened so quickly, though, that traditional university training has not kept up with the pace of developments in computational biology. A series of computational biophysics workshops in Perth (Australia), Urbana, Boston, Lake Tahoe, Chicago, and San Francisco attempted to fill the gap through hands-on training. Theory sessions in the morning introduced the concepts and methods used in molecular modeling today; computer laboratories in the afternoon gave participants, students, postdocs, and faculty, opportunities to work through tutorials at their own pace on provided laptops, as well as work on their own research problems. The workshops funded by NIH, NSF, NCSA, UIUC, and UWA met the needs of novices and experts alike for instruction in a new generation of research methods. All workshop materials are available on the web.