Teaching

Organic Chemistry I is designed to give students a foundation in the fundamentals of the structure of organic compounds, their reactions, and underlying reaction mechanism. Organic Chemistry II is a continued study of the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds. We will investigate the various functional groups and their transformations. Reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry and the development of synthetic schemes will be emphasized. Biomolecules such as carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, and proteins will also be introduced in the course. At the end of the class, we should be able to explain a variety of applications of organic chemistry in society.

This course covers Mass Spectrometry, Infrared Spectrometry, Proton and Carbon-13 NMR Spectrometry including DEPT in detail and finishes with problems using current 2-D NMR techniques such as H-H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, NOESY and INADEQUATE. The lecture will include both theory introductions and examples of assigned problems for each chapter. Students will learn to derive structures from complex spectra. I modified the syllabus and there were a lot of in-class activities of solving the unknown structures by given IR, UV-vis, MS, proton, and carbon NMR spectra. Students will also learn how to use the instruments we have on campus and get the qualified spectra.

This is a newly developed class integrated with highly interdisciplinary information such as environmental engineering, instrumental analysis, and organic chemistry. This course covers the fundamental chemical processes in the atmosphere, water, and soil as well as the anthropogenic influences on our earth. We will emphasize Stratospheric Chemistry including the ozone layer and ozone holes; the air pollution and atmospheric chemistry; water pollution and water chemistry; toxic organic compounds; climate change and greenhouse effect; solid waste; and updated Green Chemistry cases. A lot of case studies were introduced in the class.

This is a newly developed lab-based class that involves a large amount of time in the research lab. Nanotechnology in Wastewater Treatment is a lab-based class focused on the unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles and highlights the unique advantages they provide for wastewater applications. Different nanoparticles will be synthesized and examined in practical applications and limitations. Natural pigments sensitized nanomaterials will also be introduced and applied to their applications. The most economical and low-cost treatment technologies of wastewater will be evaluated during the lab. Research and developments in the field from recent journal articles will be discussed during the weekly meeting time. Students will learn how to search for literature and conduct research in the lab. They will also have hands-on experience of preparing nanoparticles and using instruments such as UV-vis spectrometry, NMR and GC/MS and learn how to analyze the data.

This is a first-year appropriate class. Climate change. Ozone hole. Water contamination. Air pollution. Food shortages. These and other societal issues are regularly featured in the media. Chemistry is the one that plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges. We will look into these issues and learn the chemical processes behind them and improve the quality of our lives. The course will introduce the air we breathe and air pollution; ozone layer and ozone holes; water pollution and acid rain; climate change and greenhouse effect; energy from different sources; polymers and plastics; toxic organic compounds; solid waste; and key ideas in green chemistry. The core of this course is learning to think critically about complex subjects by applying broad knowledge and transferable skills in a socially responsible manner. It emphasizes on how the specific discipline of chemistry can help us understand contemporary environmental issues, and what it tells us about possible solutions to environmental problems the world is facing.

The Organic Laboratory is an introduction to microscale research techniques in organic chemistry and an introduction to green chemistry. For all experiments, the duplicate sheet of the lab notebook will be turned in with the properly labeled spectra, the appropriate spectral analysis form or forms, and sample that was synthesized. Besides teaching the students basic lab skills, they should also have good observations during the lab and turn in well-written lab reports. In the second Module, each student will turn in a full JOC type journal article based on one reaction. We collaborated with the writing center and I graded/formatted/suggested every students’ writing and they all submitted a well-qualified full JOC journal article at the end of the semester.

Portable electronics, different octane grades in gas stations, brewing and chewing and health and medicine happen in everyday life and are all closely related to chemistry. A spark of curiosity leads us into these areas, and we find our way with creativity. Climate change, ozone hole, water contamination, air pollution, food shortages and other societal issues are regularly featured in the media. Chemistry plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Looking into these issues and learning the chemical processes behind them can improve the quality of our daily lives. The core of this course is learning to think critically about complex subjects by applying broad knowledge and transferable skills in a socially responsible manner. It emphasizes how the specific discipline of chemistry can help us understand how chemistry can change our daily lives and what it tells us about possible solutions to environmental problems the world is facing.

This first-year seminar is part of SET SAIL (Success Equals Teamwork, Strategies, and Inspired Learning), a program to support your academic and social transition to New College. Each seminar integrates an engaging topic of inquiry with discussions, activities, and instruction on learning strategies, making connections on campus, and teamwork, all designed to help you succeed.