The Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute

The Institute

The Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute, established in 1981, is a joint program of graduate studies and research in chemistry for Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. The Institute combines the research strengths and resources of the Departments of Chemistry at both campuses. Research facilities are shared and include: a major mass spectrometry centre, X-ray spectrometer, several modern NMR spectrometers, a pico-second laser facility, an ultratrace analysis laboratory, and an electrochemical research centre. In addition, the resources of many federal departments are available to graduate students, including the National Research Council and its library, the National Science Library (CISTI), and departments of Health and Welfare and Agriculture.

The Institute offers the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in all areas of chemistry, including biochemistry, analytical, inorganic, organic, physical and theoretical chemistry. All thesis, seminar and examination requirements may be met in either English or French. Students will be enrolled at the campus where the research supervisor is located. Several graduate students also conduct their research off campus under the supervision of one of the Institute's adjunct professors.

Application forms and further information may be obtained by writing to the director of the Institute.

Ottawa-Carleton Collaborative Program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology
The Departments of Chemistry and Biology at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, and the Department of Psychology at Carleton University, provide a collaborative program in chemical and environmental toxicology at the M.Sc. level. For further details, see p.111.

Members of the Institute

Master of Science

Admission Requirements

Program Requirements

* Two graduate courses (one semester each)

* One seminar course (two semesters)

Guidelines for Completion of Master's Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

Program Requirements (from B.Sc.)

Program Requirements (from M.Sc.)

Residence Requirements

For the Ph.D. degree (from B.Sc.):
* At least three years of full-time study

For the Ph.D. degree (from M.Sc.):
* At least two years of full-time study

Guidelines for Completion of Doctoral Degree

Graduate Courses

Chemistry 65.509 (CHM8150)

Special Topics in Molecular Spectroscopy

Topics of current interest in molecular spectroscopy: electronic spectra of diatomic and triatomic molecules and their interpretation using molecular orbital diagrams; Raman and resonance Raman spectroscopy; symmetry aspects of vibrational and electronic levels of ions and molecules in solids; weak and strong resonant laser radiation. (Also listed as Physics 75.522/PHY8122)

Chemistry 65.511 (CHM8181)

Chemical Physics of Electron-Molecule Collisions

Basic classical scattering theory and quantum mechanical scattering theory. Experimental aspects, such as electron optics, electron gun fundamentals, energy analyzers and electron detectors. Applications to the understanding of the chemistry of materials.

Chemistry 65.512 (CHM8172)

Supercritical Fluids

Fundamental and practical aspects of the uses of supercritical fluids in the chemistry laboratory. Thermodynamic treatment of high pressure multicomponent phase equilibria, transport properties, solubilities, supercritical fluid extraction and chromatography for analytical purposes, reactions in supercritical fluids, equipment considerations, new developments.

Chemistry 65.515 (CHM8171)

Computational Chemistry

Introduction to the theory, limitations, and applications of molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo techniques, genetic algorithms, semi-empirical molecular orbital methods, and density functional methods. Introduction to the Unix operating system, the internet, and hardware and software considerations.

Chemistry 65.516 (CHM8170)

Quantum Chemistry

Molecular orbital theory and its application to chemistry. Self-consistent field method, results for diatomic molecules. Configuration interaction and molecular dissociation. Basis sets and molecular properties. Ab initio versus semi-empirical approaches. Correlation diagrams for chemical reactions. Polyatomic molecules and potential energy surfaces.

Chemistry 65.517 (CHM8161)

Physical Chemistry of Solutions

Major theoretical approaches and experimental methods used in the study of liquids and solutions.

Prerequisite: A reasonable background knowledge in thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, and statistical mechanics.

Chemistry 65.520 (CHM8152)

Surface Chemistry and Catalysis

Adsorption phenomena and isotherms, surface area of solids. Modern techniques in surface chemistry and surface science such as electron diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy, photo-electron spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Current new techniques.

Chemistry 65.522 (CHM8131)

Physical Chemistry of Electrolytic Solutions

Properties of water, hydration of ions, ionic interaction, colloidal and polymeric electrolytes. Ionization processes in solution.

Chemistry 65.523 (CHM8141)

Applied Electrochemistry

Selected topics in applied electrochemistry will be reviewed, including metal electrodeposition, organic electrochemistry, performance of batteries, electrochemical energy conversion, corrosion and passivity. Electrochemistry at semiconductors.

Chemistry 65.524 (CHM8151)

Electrochemistry at Interfaces

Introduction to electrode processes and electrolysis. Potential differences at interfaces. Characterization of the electrical double layer. Dipole orientation effects; charge transfer in absorbed layers; electrochemical origins of surface science concepts. Theory of electron transfer; electrode kinetics; electrocatalysis. Industrial applications; photo-electrochemistry.

Chemistry 65.527 (CHM8121)

Organic Reaction Mechanisms

Advanced physical organic chemistry, including topics such as: acidity functions, pKas of organic compounds, steric and electronic effects in organic chemistry, molecular orbital theory and correlation diagrams, structure calculations using molecular mechanics.

Chemistry 65.528 (CHM8133)

Multinuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Principles of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). NMR parameters: chemical shift, spin-spin coupling, electric quadruple coupling, spin-spin and spin-lattice relaxation rates. NMR and the periodic table. Dynamic NMR. Applications in chemistry and biochemistry. The Fourier Transform technique. Pulse sequences. Basic principles and applications of two-dimensional NMR.

Chemistry 65.529 (CHM8154)

Reaction Intermediates

The basic principles of photo-chemistry in condensed phases as a method for the generation of reactive intermediates. Topics include: excited states, free radicals, carbenes, biradicals, enols, carbocations and zwitterionic intermediates. The techniques include laser and conventional flash photolysis, pulse radiolysis, esr, CIDNP and matrix isolation.

Chemistry 65.530 (CHM8159)

Total Synthesis: Strategies and Case Studies

General procedures for the total synthesis of natural products. Retrosynthetic planning, choice of starting materials, multiple bond construction, stereochemical considerations and choice of strategies Analyses of recent syntheses. Comparison of alternative solutions emanating from different laboratories. Pericyclic reactions, free radical cyclizations

Chemistry 65.531 (CHM8160)

Chiron Approach to Natural Product Syntheses

Retrosynthetic analysis and description of natural product total synthesis through the chiron strategy with emphasis on carbohydrates and amino acids as chiral building blocks. Macrolides and polyethers. Diversity in carbohydrates; chiral templates, selective manipulations. Aspects of protecting group chemistry, stereoelectronic effects, chirality induction and transfer.

Chemistry 65.532 (CHM8132)

Enzymology and Protein Chemistry

Basic principles of structure-function relationships in proteins. Chemical nature of polypeptides and the folded conformation of proteins. Enzymatic catalysis; protein engineering.

Chemistry 65.533 (CHM8126)

Bioorganic Chemistry

Overview of recent developments in the general area of biocatalysis. Current examples of the biotransformation of organic compounds using enzyme models, abzymes, enzymes, immobilized enzymes, microbial cells and recombinant microbial cells. Biosynthetic procedures of industrial importance in waste management.

Chemistry 65.537 (CHM8169)

Chemistry of the Transition Metals

Bonding in transition metal complexes: V.B. treatment, crystal field, ligand field, Jahn-Teller effect, spectrochemical series. Nomenclature. M-M bonds, zerovalent clusters, medium valent clusters. Descriptive chemistry. Activation of small molecules, agostic interactions. Theoretical background. Olefin activation. Theoretical background, metathesis, polymerization, isomerization, carbonylation, insertion reactions. Environmental catalysis.

Chemistry 65.538 (CHM 8168)

Solid State Chemistry

Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of solid state synthesis. Spectroscopic and structural characterization of solids. Chemical and physical properties of solids including intercalation reactions, ionic conductors, glasses, electronic, magnetic, optical, and physical/mechanical properties.

Precludes additional credit for Chemistry 65.545 (CHM8127) (if taken before 1996-97).

Chemistry 65.539 (CHM8144)

Electron Transfer Reactions: Theory and Experiment

Development of electron transfer theory from classical, semi-classical to quantum mechanical treatments. Recent experimental results related to classical Marcus electron transfer theory and the application of electron transfer theory to biological processes.

Chemistry 65.540 (CHM8114)

Special Topics in Non-Metal Chemistry

Topics of current interest in non-metal chemistry. The content of this course may vary from year to year.

Chemistry 65.541 (CHM8117)

Organometallic Chemistry

Bonding and reactions of compounds containing organic ligands bound to metals through one to eight carbons. Industrial processes (olefin meta-thesis, the OXO process, the Monsanto acetic process) biological processes (reactions catalyzed by coenzyme B12). Transition metal chemistry, including synthesis and mechanisms physical techniques.

Chemistry 65.542 (CHM8115)

Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

Topics of current interest in inorganic chemistry. Ceramics: binary and ternary phase diagrams and their thermodynamic basis; pyrometallurgical and ceramic thermochemistry; glasses; molten salts and solid solutions; defects; doping and preparation of pure materials; electrical and surface properties of ceramics.

Chemistry 65.543 (CHM8112)

Methods in Analytical Chemistry

This course describes the criteria used in choosing the best analytical technique for specific problems including accuracy, precision, sensitivity, linearity, detection limits, interferences and the commercial availability of suitable instrumentation for analysis by atomic spectroscopy, electro-chemistry, chromatography, molecular spectrometry and mass spectrometry.

Chemistry 65.544 (CHM8125)

Organic Synthesis (Carbanion Chemistry)

Recent developments in the use of carbanion chemistry for the making of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. Chiral syntheses, methods of generating carbanions, kinetic versus thermo-dynamic acidity, heteroatom-stabilized carbanions, the aldol and related condensations, Michael addition reactions, and ortho-metalation in aromatic systems.

Chemistry 65.545 (CHM8166)

Advanced Carbohydrate Chemistry

Medicinal organic chemistry related to carbo

hydrates. New glycosylation strategies in the design of O, C, N, S and P-glycosyle derivatives. Nucleotides and glycopeptides synthesis. Glycoconjugate synthesis and their immunochemical significance as vaccines, diagnostics and cell targeting systems. Glycopolymer preparations. Biological roles of carbohydrates.

Chemistry 65.546 (CHM8164)

Organic Polymer Chemistry

Basic principles of industrial and synthetic polymers. Polymerization and polymer characterization. Selected topics to cover some important polymers with emphasis on the synthesis, commodity plastics, engineering thermoplastics and specialty polymers. Also offered at the undergraduate level, as Chemistry 65.424, for which additional credit is precluded.

Prerequisites: Chemistry 65.321 and 65.322 and/or 65.423 or the equivalent. Students should have a basic knowledge of organic reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry.

Chemistry 65.547 (CHM8134)

Spectroscopy for Organic Chemists

Analysis of proton NMR spectra. Fourier transform 13C NMR, strategies for structure elucidation relaxation times, two-dimensional NMR. Aspects of mass spectrometry. Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as Chemistry 65.442, for which additional credit is precluded.

Chemistry 65.548 (CHM8122)

Special Topics in Organic Chemistry

Topics of current interest in organic chemistry. Solid state NMR: chemical aspects of solid state structure; molecular ordering and motion in the solid state; magnetic interactions; hydrogen, deuterium and 13C NMR; experimental methods; applications; relationship between high resolution solid-state and solution NMR.

Chemistry 65.549 (CHM8123)

Recent Advances in Organic Chemistry

Topics of current interest will be discussed.

Chemistry 65.550 (CHM8116)

Analytical Instrumentation

Principles of modern electronic instrumentation and their application, measurement and control systems; microcomputer interfacing. Instrumentation concepts including feedback control, signal-to-noise enhancement, data acquisition, signal processing. A parallel laboratory uses modern test instruments. Examples include absorption spectrophotometer, derivative titration thermocouple, pH meter, and cyclic voltammetry

Chemistry 65.551 (CHM8220)

Problems in Organic Chemistry

The problems which are assigned in this course are of two types: (1) written examinations on a particular topic, (2) critical reviews of papers in the current organic literature, i.e. a simulated referee's report. In order to pass the course, eight problems must be solved satisfactorily.

Chemistry 65.552 (CHM8110)

Analytical Approach to Chemical Problems

Case-study approach to problems in agricultural, biochemical, environmental, food processing, geological, industrial and surface sciences, capillary electrophoresis, chemiluminescence, electrochemical biosensors, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma emission, neutron activation analysis, sensor arrays, secondary ion mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, NMR, ultra-high resolution spectroscopy, pattern recognition.

Chemistry 65.553 (CHM8108)

Analytical Mass Spectrometry

Basic mass spectrometry and gas phase ion chemistry; instrumentation currently available and the principles of operation, methods of ionization; separation techniques, and the obtaining and interpretation of data. The relationships between mass spectra and chemical structure are also examined.

Chemistry 65.555 (CHM8119)

Advanced Ultratrace Analytical Chemistry

Criteria for evaluation and selection of analytical techniques and methods. Simultaneous and sequential multielement analysis. Atomic absorption, atomic emission and atomic fluorescence spectrometry, using optical spectrometric and mass-spectrometric determination. Electroanalytical techniques. Applications of these techniques at trace and ultratrace levels in complex matrices.

Chemistry 65.556 (CHM8120)

Environmental Analytical Chemistry of Inorganic Systems

Sampling of the atmospheric and aquatic environments. Sampling artifacts and blanks in the sub-parts-per-trillion concentration levels. Analytical techniques and methods for quantitative determination of analytes in elemental and isotopic form. Analytes in molecular form and analytical techniques for chemical speciation. Speciation schemes

Chemistry 65.557 (CHM8162)

Environmental Organic Chemistry

Methods for determination of organic analytes in environmental systems. Sampling, sample treatment, measurement, quality control, and data significance. Application to such environmentally important analytes as PCBs, dioxins, pesticides, herbicides, trihalo- methanes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Rationale and selection of specific methods.

Chemistry 65.558 (CHM8163)

Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry

Topics of current interest in analytical chemistry. The content of this course may change from year to year.

Chemistry 65.570 (CHM8143)

Special Topics in Physical Chemistry

Topics of current interest in physical chemistry. The content of this course may change from year to year.

Chemistry 65.571 (CHM8145)

Photochemistry

Photochemical reactions of small molecules and the relation to atmospheric chemistry. Lasers and applications to measurements of the dynamics of elementary reactions. Production and detection of reactive species. Energy transfer processes. Photolysis of formaldehyde and carbonyl compounds. Multiphoton absorption of infrared radiation.

Chemistry 65.572 (CHM8135)

Theories of Chemical Reaction Rates

Concepts and theories of chemical kinetics. Significance of activation energy; transition state theory and more modern developments; reaction dynamics. Other optional topics include unimolecular gas reactions, theory of solvent effects, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, and kinetic isotope effects.

Chemistry 65.573 (CHM8137)

Advanced Chemical Kinetics

Study of the principles involving the exchange of translational, rotational, vibrational and electronic energy in molecular collisions. Influence of energy transfer processes on thermal unimolecular and biomolecular reactions. Study of the relationship between microscopic and macroscopic kinetics of elementary reactions.

Chemistry 65.574 (CHM8142)

Symmetry in Chemistry

Introduction to group theory with emphasis upon irreducible representations. Application to molecular vibrations, molecular orbital theory and transition metal chemistry.

Biology 61.643/Chemistry 65.575(BIO9104/CHM9109)

Ecotoxicology

Concepts of ecotoxicology, emphasizing whole ecosystem response to hazardous contaminants. The focus is the impacts of chronic 
and acute exposure of ecosystems to toxicants, the methods of pesticide, herbicide and pollutant residue analysis and the concept of bound residues.

Prerequisite: Biology 61.642)/Chemistry 65.578 ((BIO9101/CHM8156)

Chemistry 65.576 (CHM8148)

Gas Phase Ion Chemistry

Structure, energetics and reaction kinetics of ions in the gas phase. Small organic ions, chemistry of free radicals, hypervalent species. Contemporary experimental methods in the physical chemistry of fast ion beams. Recent work on novel ions and neutral species of relevance to interstellar chemistry.

Chemistry 65.577 (CHM8138)

Enzyme Kinetics and Mechanism

Kinetic studies of enzymic reactions. Enzyme efficiency, specificity and versatility. Mechanisms and regulation of enzymic reactions. Analyses of enzymic systems.

Chemistry 65.578 (CHM8156)

Principles of Toxicology

This course identifies the basic theorems of toxicology with examples of current research problems. Toxic risk is defined as the product of intensive hazard and research problems. Each factor is assessed in scientific and social contexts and illustrated with many types of experimental material.(Also listed as Biology 61.642(BIO9101))

Chemistry 65.579 (CHM8157)

Chemical Toxicology

An introduction to modeling chemical hazards and exposures at the cellular level. The properties of toxic substances are compared to the responses of enzymatic systems. These interactions are defined as Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships and used to interpret hazardous materials under regulations such as WHMIS. (Also listed as Biology 61.579(BIO8113))

Prerequisite: Biology 61.642/Chemistry 65.578 (BIO9101/CHM8156).

Chemistry 65.581 (CHM8256S)

Seminar I

Chemistry 65.582 (CHM8257S)

Seminar II

Chemistry 65.585 (CHM8167)

Seminar in Toxicology

This course introduces the seminar format and involves student, faculty and invited seminar speakers. The student will present a seminar and submit a report on a current topic in toxicology. (Also listed as Biology 61.645)

Chemistry 65.590 (CHM8158)

Directed Special Studies

Under unusual circumstances and with the recommendation of the research supervisor, it is possible to engage in directed study on a topic of particular value to the student. This may also be used for credit if there are insufficient course offerings in a particular field.

Chemistry 65.599 (CHM7999)

M.Sc. Thesis

Chemistry 65.699 (CHM9999)

Ph.D. Thesis