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 enrolled in a degree program at MSOE may also earn a Minor in Chemistry. Upon completion of the requirements, 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

To qualify for a Minor in Chemistry, a student must take 28 credits of eligible courses. This must include a minimum of 17 credits from the list of approved courses, six credits of which must be from courses not specifically required for the student’s major. At least 50 percent of all credits towards the minor must have been earned in residence at MSOE, including six credits from the list of approved courses. A minimum GPA of 2.00 is required for courses that are counted towards the minor. No more than four credits of approved courses without the CH-xxxx designation will count towards the minor.