Advisors

Biochemistry Dr. Gul Afshan Office: CC-252 Phone: (414) 277-7211 Email: afshan@msoe.edu

General Chemistry Dr. Anne-Marie Nickel Office: S-253 Phone: (414) 277-7528 Email: nickel@msoe.edu

Regularly scheduled elective courses in chemistry include:

• CH 302 - Chemistry III /CH 303 - Chemistry III Lab        
• Third quarter of General Chemistry to complement CH 200 /CH 201  
• CH 322 - Organic Chemistry II /CH 323 - Organic Chemistry II Lab  
• Completes a year of Organic-/Bio-Chemistry together with CH 222 /CH 223  
• CH 353 - Fundamentals of Environmental Chem  
• SC 310 - Nanoscience and Nanotechnology  

In addition to scheduled electives, the department faculty offer students with interests in particular areas an opportunity to work one-on-one with a faculty member as part of an Independent Study, CH 499 . (Freshmen and sophomores may request a “Project” course, CH 199 .) Groups of students may also petition the faculty to offer a course different than the scheduled electives. Faculty areas of expertise under which they will offer Independent Study and specialty courses follow.

Application of Surface Science to Modern Technology - Professor Matey Kaltchev

The number and importance of these applications provide a wonderful opportunity for the students to choose project topics and enhance their knowledge in various areas of cutting-edge technology. Areas include, but are not limited to, the application of surface science in heterogeneous catalysis (automotive and environmental catalysis, fuel cell technology, new energy sources, etc.) and the unique world of nanotechnology for the development of novel materials and devices. Tribology, the science of friction, will be included as it is very important, much studied, and yet poorly understood. Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and scientific tools commonly used to study processes at surfaces will help to better prepare the students for the challenges of their modern engineering professions.

Biology of Viruses - Professor Gul Afshan

Mankind has always been under the threat of new and more dangerous viruses. Emerging and modern transportation systems make it all the easier for a virus to spread quickly throughout the world. However, it is worth noting that viruses have always been with us, evolving ways to reproduce and spread. Viruses, like humans, are just playing the evolution game. But viruses cheat! Course topics include:

• The origin of viruses
• Classes of viruses and their characteristics
• Mechanisms and tactics used by viruses to invade their hosts
• Virus or vaccine
• New uses of virus in medicine and engineering
• Discussions on new and often extremely virulent viruses, such as HIV-1 and HIV- 2, Ebola and Marburg.

Chemistry of Materials - Professor Anne-Marie Nickel

The chemical structure and composition of metals, semiconductors, metal alloys, solid solutions, polymers, and crystalline and magnetic materials play a significant role in the properties of these materials. Tools of materials chemistry include scanning probe microscopes (SPM) and X-ray diffraction. Using the fundamentals of chemistry, we will investigate these properties and understand how subtle changes in atomic structure can yield dynamic changes in how the materials can function and be used.

Inorganic Chemistry - Professor Anne-Marie Nickel

Inorganic chemistry surveys the diverse chemistry of all of the elements in the periodic table. This makes the subject very diverse and includes many different and exciting subjects in chemistry including main group, coordination, solid-state, materials, bioinorganic and organometallic chemistries. The relevance of each topic to real life applications and current research will be investigated.

Nanotechnology - Professor Anne-Marie Nickel

Extraordinary materials and properties can be obtained from the control of materials at the nanoscale by manipulating atoms and molecules. We will discuss how properties of materials understood at the macro and microscale can differ significantly at the nanoscale. The tools used to manipulate atoms, molecules and materials will be covered. A survey of current research in nanotechnology will demonstrate how the topics discussed in the course apply to new technological advances.

Nuclear Chemistry and Society - Professor Anne-Marie Nickel

Whether through the treatment or cause of cancer, the consumption of irradiated foods, or the benefits of nuclear power, nuclear chemistry plays a role in nearly everyone’s life. In fact, nuclear chemistry has influenced and affected entire populations. A survey of the uses of nuclear chemistry will be discussed. Included in these discussions will be the benefits and costs of using nuclear chemistry to society.

Minor in Chemistry

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Coordinator

Dr. Anne-Marie Nickel
Office: S-253
Phone: (414) 277-7528
Email: nickel@msoe.edu

A student who completes a bachelor’s degree at MSOE may also earn a Chemistry Minor upon satisfactory completion of the requirements. Upon completing the Chemistry Minor, students would have a solid foundation in chemistry. The interdisciplinary nature of current research and technology may motivate students to learn more chemistry. MSOE graduates may elect to develop a stronger background in chemistry in order to participate in a variety of fields including: pharmaceutical industry, health care, regenerative medicine, nanotechnology, environmental science, materials science, polymers, plastics and alternative fuel sources.

General Requirements

All requirements for the Chemistry Minor must be met by the time the student graduates with his/her bachelor’s degree. Students should declare their pursuit of a Chemistry Minor in the Registrar’s Office and with their advisors. A minimum grade point average of 2.00 is required for the course work that is counted toward the Chemistry Minor.

To qualify for a Chemistry Minor, a student must take 28 credits of eligible courses. This must include 11 credits from the list of required courses and a minimum of 17 credits from the list of approved courses. At least 50% of credits required for the Chemistry Minor must be completed in residence at MSOE. Of the total number of credits required for the Chemistry Minor, no more than 50% may be transferred in from another college or university. Of the total number of credits required for the Chemistry Minor, at least THREE credits must be taken above and beyond the total credits required to earn the bachelor’s degree. No more than four credits of approved courses without the CHxxxx designation will count towards the Chemistry Minor.

Efforts will be made to run sufficient courses for the Chemistry Minor over a four-year period. There is no guarantee that courses for the Chemistry Minor will be conveniently scheduled. There will be no substitutions for the requirements of the Chemistry Minor without the Physics and Chemistry Department Chair’s written approval. Subject to the approval of the Chairperson of the Physics and Chemistry Department, directed studies may be used toward achieving the Chemistry Minor, but independent studies may not be used for consideration towards awarding the Chemistry Minor. Course credit granted by MSOE due to students having achieved acceptable levels in applicable AP/IB/CLEP courses will count toward the Chemistry Minor.