Course Offerings

Course Outline:

This course will examine, in detail, the X-ray structure determination. An introduction about the nature of X-ray radiation and its use for the X-ray diffraction will be discussed, including Laue group, Bragg’s law, Miller indices, plane, reciprocal lattice, Ewald sphere and the different X-ray diffraction techniques. We will study the basics of crystallography such as the unit cell, crystal systems, Bravais lattices, symmetry elements, point groups and space groups (the consequences of applying translational symmetry to point groups), etc. Stereographic projection of point groups and the nomenclature of space group tables will be included. We will determine also the systematic absences of the space groups and symmetry elements, using the structure factor and Fourier syntheses.

The second part of the course will concentrate on solving the phase problem, using the heavy atom (Patterson) method or direct method.

In the third part of the course, we will discuss the different methods for crystal growth: (from solution, melt, in the gas phase).

The last part of the course will focus on crystal data collection, data reduction and structure refinement, which will be illustrated with examples from all synthetic disciplines (inorganic, organometallic and organic).

W11 - ml - Assoud, T,Th 11:30am-12:50pm (combined with undergraduate course)

To be provided

F10 - ML - Preuss, T 7:00-9;20pm

Course Outline:

This course will provide an introduction into the principles of hetero- and homogeneous catalysis as effected by man-made and typically metal-based catalysts. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of catalysis, the elucidation of catalytic mechanism by various techniques and important applications of catalysis in industrial processes and their socio-economic importance will be discussed.

F10 - TBA - Schlaf, ROZH-106/EIT-2053W 7:00-9;20pm

To be provided

W11 - TBA -  gabryelski, ROZH-106/EIT-2053 M 7:00-9:20pm

To be provided

F10 - ML - Meiering, W 7:00-9;20pm

To be provided

W11 - ML - Palmer, W 7:00-9;20pm

To be provided

W11 - TBA - Baugh, ROZH-106/C2-278 T,Th 10:00-11:20am

To be provided

W11 - Wat - Nooijen, Room TBA T,Th 1:00-2:20pm(combined with undergraduate course)

To be provided

W11 - ML - Radovanovic, Th 7:00-9:20pm

To be provided

W11 - ml - Tremaine, T,Th 7:00-8:20pm

Course Outline:

This course will cover aspects of asymmetric synthesis and catalysis ranging from basic principles to state-of-the-art examples drawn from the current literature.

Topics will include:

- Principles of selectivity in organic synthesis

- Asymmetric reductions/hydrogenations

- Asymmetric oxidations

- Nucleophilic additions to carbonyl compounds

- Aldol and related processes

- Diels-Alder and related reactions - Organocatalysis

F10 - ML - Chong, Th 7:00-9:30pm

To be provided

F10 - TBA - Auzanneau, ROZH-106/C2-278 T,Th 7:00-8:20pm(combined with undergraduate course)

To be provided

W11 - ML - Tam, T 7:00-9:20pm

Course content:

1. Basic definitions: Monomers, polymers, polymerization reactions. Polymer structure, nomenclature. Molecular weight distributions and molecular weight measurements (osmometry, light scattering, viscosity, gel permeation chromatography).

2. Step-growth polymerization. Types of reactions. Reactivity, kinetics. Molecular weight distribution and control, branching and cross-linking. Step copolymerization. Polymerization equilibria. Preparation of polyesters, polycarbonates, polyamides.

3. Radical chain polymerization. Types of reactions (bulk, solution and heterogeneous polymerizations). Polymerization kinetics and energetics, molecular weight distribution. Autoacceleration. Preparation of polyethylene, polystyrene, vinyl polymers.

4. Emulsion polymerization. Initiators, surfactants and other components. Polymerization rate. Molecular weight and particle size distributions. Surfactant-free emulsion polymerization, core-shell polymers. Applications.

5. Polymer isomerism and conformation. Dimensions of macromolecules (end-to-end distance, radius of gyration). Thermodynamic treatment of rubber elasticity.

F10 - Wat - Gauthier, CPH-3604 T,Th 8:30-9:50am

Course contents :

1. Basics: Motivations for chemical modification of polymers. Differences vs. small molecules: Reactivity, extent of reaction in relation to chain structure and polymer morphology.

2. Historical aspects: Poly(vinyl esters) and derivatives, cellulose and derivatives. Chemical modification of rubbers and polyolefins, curing reactions.

3. Linear polystyrene and styrene-divinylbenzene resin derivatives: Preparation, uses as reactive polymers – catalysts, polymer-supported reagents, solid phase synthesis.

4. Biological applications: Immobilization of enzymes. Microencapsulation and controlled drug delivery.

5. Grafting reactions: Grafting from, grafting onto, grafting through approaches based on different polymerization techniques.

6. Applications in high technology: Self-assembly and patterning, optoelectronics, conducting and semiconducting polymers, nanotechnology.

7. Additional special topics (depending on time availability).

F10 - Wat - Gauthier, C2-361 T 7:00-9:30pm

A written literature review and research proposal on the chosen thesis topic will be presented and defended in a 30-minute public seminar. This requirement is to be completed by all M.Sc students completing their degree by thesis, within two terms of entering the program.

F10 - Gue - Penner
W11 - Gue - Penner
F10 - Wat - Chong
W11 - Wat - Chong

A public seminar on the chosen thesis topic to be given by all Ph.D. students in the regular program in the second term of entering the program. For Co-op Ph.D. students, this seminar is to be presented within six terms of their return from work year.

F10 - Gue - Penner
W11 - Gue - Penner
F10 - Wat - Supervisor
W11 - Wat - Supervisor

Ph.D. students are required to take an oral examination in their major field. The specific content and format are specified by a Centre Examining Committee. The examination must be first attempted no later than 6 weeks after presenting their 795 Ph.D. seminar. For Co-op Ph.D. students, the examination must be first attempted no later than 4 months after their return from work year.

F10 - W/G - Managed through the GWC² Director's office
W11 - W/G - Managed through the GWC² Director's office

A study of a selected topic in chemistry or biochemistry, by students in the part-time course-based M.Sc. option. The project must be an experimental one, completed by working for one term in the laboratory of a (GWC)2 faculty member. A written report is required, and a seminar based on the content of the report will be presented.

F10 - W/G - See your graduate officer
W11 - W/G - See your graduate officer

M.Sc. Thesis and Defense

F10 - W/G - See your graduate officer
W11 - W/G - See your graduate officer

Ph.D. Thesis and Defense

F10 - W/G - See your graduate officer
W11 - W/G - See your graduate officer