Chemistry is the science which deals with the composition and properties of substances, and with the reactions by which substances are produced or converted into othersubstances. It is traditionally divided into four mainstream areas : analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Just as in many other fields of study, the thrusts of advances in chemistry are gradually shifting to interdisciplinary areas, thus creating new opportunities for research and study.
The Department's laboratories are located at the top level of the academic complex, overlooking Port Shelter. Each laboratory is equipped with an excellent ventilation svstem, com~uter-network and numerous under-bench cabinets. Modern lasers and spectromete;~ are housed in the Department's VFF (Vibration-Free-Floor) area, which will be 140 m2 in Phase II and 200 m2 in Phase Ill. Phase I equipment in the Department includes an excimer laser, an Nd:YAG laser, an argon-ion laser, a krypton-ion laser, pico-secondlfemto-second Ti:Sapphire lasers, a mode-locked Nd:
YLF laser and various spectrometers for Ramanlresonance Raman, hyper-Raman, and micro-Raman spectroscopies. The Department has also acquired two sets of Kratos mass spectrometers : a high resolution GCIMSIMSIDS (model MS80RFAQ) and a double-focusing MSlDS (model MS25RF).
The Materials Characterisation and Preparation Centre is a University facility which contains state-of-the-art instrumentation such as a high resolution NMR (400 MHz),an EPR spectrometer (9 in12.7 kW magnet system), a spectrofluorimeter with an add-on anisotropic polarimeter and an epifluorescence microscope, single- crystallpowder X-ray diffractometers, a scanning tunnellinglatomicforce microscope, a secondary ion mass spectrometer, a surface and microanalytical system (AESI XPSIUPSIESCA), and other surfacelfilm characterisation instruments. The Micro- electronics Fabrication Centre provides excellent facilities for collaborative research and technology transfer related to chemical microlithography and the development of biomedical instrumentation.
Computer capabilities include molecular graphics and modelling, quantum mechanical computation at ab initio and semi-empirical levels, and complex normal- mode calculations. Supporting facilities include machine, electronic and glass- blowing shops, and a central stockroom for chemicals, including biochemical and organic solvents.
Faculty
Professor and Head of Department :
Nai-Teng YU, BS National Taiwan; MS New Mexico Highlands; PhD Massachusetts lnst of Tech
BlOL 799 PhD Thesis Research
Professor :
Hiroyuki HIRAOKA, BA, MS, PhD Kyoto; MBA Golden Gate Lecturers :
Paul R. CARLIER, BA Hamilton Coll; PhD Massachusetts lnst of Tech Chun-Tao CHE, BSc, MPhil Chinese Univ of Hong Kong; PhD Univ of
Illinois, Chicago
Guocheng JIA, BS Wuhan; PhD Ohio State Wa-Hung LEUNG, BS, PhD Hong Kong Xiao-Yuan LI, BS Beijing; MA, PhD Princeton
Terence S. M. WAN, BS Univof Wisconsin, Madison; PhD Massachusetts lnst of Tech
Ian D. WILLIAMS. BS, PhD Bristol
Yun-Dong WU, BS Lanzhou; PhD Pittsburgh Shihe YANG, BS Zhongshan; PhD Rice
Undergraduate Programme
The three-year programme leading to the Bachelor of Science degree is designed to provide students with a strong theoretical and practical foundation in the fourmainstream areas of chemistry: analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical.
Introductory courses in these areas are required of all first-degree students through- out the three years.
Students may choose a general programme tailored to their individual interests, or s~ecialise in one area by taking additional advanced course work and participating in approved research prbjects.-~hough this is not required for gradua- tion, students are encouraged to complete a final-year research project.
For admission, in addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in at least three AL subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Pure Mathematics). In 1994, the minimum requirements will be acceptable grades in two AL subjects (Chemistry, and one of Biology, Physics, Pure Mathematics, or Applied Mathematics) plus one AUAS subject (Biology, Physics, Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or Mathematics and Statistics).
Candidates are discouraged from using two Mathematics subjects to satisfy the requirements.
The following semester-by-semester description of the undergraduate pro- grammedefines whichcourses are required andsuggestswhen they should be taken.
Courses designated C are core courses which must be taken in the semester indicated. In certain circumstances, and with the permission of the Head of Department, those courses designated as R (required) and E (elective) may be taken at other times. When a specific course is not identified, the course vector shown defines the minimum credit required.
First Year Fall Semester
CHEM 11 1 C Organic Chemistry l CHEM 131 C Inorganic Chemistry I COMP 101 R Computing Fundamentals (1) LANG 001 Language Skills Enhancement I (2) MATH 001 R Beginning Calculus
(3) PHYS 101 R General Physics l
17 credits
(1) Students exempted from this course by the Language Centre may take a Humanities and Social Science elective.
(2) Students admitted with an acceptable grade (D or better) in AL Pure Mathematics will replace this course with MATH 101, Multivariable Calculus [3-1-0141.
(3) Students admitted with an A grade in AL Physics and an acceptable grade (D or better) in AL Pure Mathematics will replace this course with PHYS 121, Electricity and Magnetism [3-0-3:4].
Spring Semester
CHEM 112 C Organic Chemistry ll
CHEM 114 C Organic Chemistry Laboratory I CHEM 132 C Inorganic Chemistry II (1) MATH 002 R Intermediate Calculus (2) PHYS 102 R General Physics ll
16 credits
(1) Students with an acceptable grade in MATH 101, Multivariable Calculus, will take a Humanities and Social Science elective, and 4 additional credits of chemistry at the 200-level or higher in place of a Humanities and Social Science elective in their second or third year.
(2) Students who have successfully completed PHYS 121, Electricity and Magnetism, will replace this course with PHYS 124, Optics, Waves and Particles [3-0-3141.
Second Year Fall Semester
Third Year Fall Semester
BlCH 121 R Introduction to Biochemistry [3-0-0:3]
(1) BlOL 001 R Introduction to Biological Sciences I [3-0-0:3]
CHEM 215 R Organic Chemistry Laboratory II [0-0-6121
(2) CHEM 221 C Physical Chemistry l [3-0-0131
(2) CHEM 233 R Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry [ I -0-6:3]
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0:3]
17 credits
(1) Students admitted with a D grade or above in AL Biology will replace this with a Businesss and Management elective.
(2) Current second-year students (admitted in 1991 -1 992) will replace these courses with CHEM 131, lnorganic Chemistry 1 [3-0-0131, and CHEM 325, Physical Chemistry Laboratory 11 [O-0-6:2].
Spring Semester
(1) CHEM 222 C Physical Chemistry ll [3-0-0:3]
(1) CHEM 226 C Physical Chemistry Laboratory I [0-0-6:2]
CHEM 242 R Analybcal Sepamlm and Instrumental Analysis [2-0-6:4]
(2) CHEM E Chemistry Elective [3-0-0:3]
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0:3]
(3) SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
18 credits
(1) Current second-year students (admitted in 1991 -1 992) will replace these courses with CHEM 132, lnorganic Chemistry 11 [3-0-0:3].
(2) Excluding 100-level Chemistry courses.
(3) Students admitted with a D grade or above in AL Biology will replace this elective with BlOL 108, Introduction to Genetics [3-0-0131.
CENG E Chemical Engineering [3-0-0131
(1) CHEM 325 C Physical Chemistry Laboratory II [0-0-6121
(2) CHEM E Chemistry Elective [3-0-0131
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131 LANG 103 R Technical Communication [O-3-2131 SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
17 credits (1) Current second-year students (admitted in 1991 -1 992) will replace this
course with CHEM 233, Synthetic lnorganic Chemistry [I-0-6:3].
(2) Excluding 100-level chemistry courses.
Spring Semester
(1) CHEM E Chemistry Elective [3-0-0:3]
(1) CHEM E Chemistry Elective [3-0-0131
ENGG E Engineering Elective [3-0-0131
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131
(2) NON-SCIE E Non-Science Elective [4-0-0:4]
16 credits (1) Excluding 100-level chemistry courses.
(2) Students will select an elective outside the School of Science.
A minimum of 101 credits is requiredforthe BSc programme in Chemistry. Astudent's choice of electives may result in this minimum being exceeded.
Postgraduate Programmes and Research
The research interests of the academic staff of the Department of Chemistry can be grouped into four major areas: (I) laser-based molecular spectroscopy and imaging, (2) innovative methods in organic and inorganic synthesis of biologically active compounds and advanced materials, (3) novel techniques for surface chem- istry and chemical analysis, and (4) natural products related to Chinese herbal medicine. These research programmes, interdisciplinary and applied, are not only relevant to Hong Kong but also have high potential for international recognition.
The Department of Chemistry offers programmes leading to the degrees of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). In addition, the Department participates in a campus-wide Master of Science (MSc) programme in Biotechnology.
Qualified students with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, chemical engineering or related disciplines may apply for admission to the postgraduate degree programmes in the Department of Chemistry. Students with strong background in chemistry, physics and/or mathematics are encouraged to apply. Transcripts from an applicant's undergraduate institution and letters of recom- mendation from former instructors are required. Scores of Graduate Record Exami- nation (GRE), if available, should be submitted as supplementary information.
Students lacking background in chemistry may be accepted into a programme, but will be required to take undergraduate chemistry courses during the first year of their postgraduate study.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Chemistry
The programme is designed with flexibility in order that students may tailor their course selection according to their needs and interests. The requirements consist of approved course work and an original research thesis at the master's level.
Students enrolled in the MPhil programme at the Department of Chemistry have to fulfil all the basic requirements for a Master of Philosophy degree in the Departments of School of Science. The duration of the programme normally ranges from 18 months to three years for full-time studies, and can be extended to five years for part-time studies. Students with a first degree in an area other than their postgraduate programme may be required to take additional courses.
As partial fulfilment of the degree requirements, students are expected to attend and present seminars, undertake course work and conduct thesis research.
The passing standard of a graded course is C and the overall average must be B or above.
In the final stage of the programme, students are required to submit their theses to the Department and, subsequently, to present and defend them. Any student who has performed unsatisfactorily will be asked to re-submit the thesis as recommended by the examination committee. The result of the second attempt of the thesis defence will be either 'Pass" or "Fail".
In addition, students enrolled in the MPhil programme in the Department of Chemistry have to attain satisfactory completion of the following:
a total of 18 credits of approved course work at the postgraduate level;
one credit in CHEM 600 Chemistry Seminar in each semester;
presentation of one seminar related to the thesis topicduring the programme;
CHEM 699 MPhil Thesis Research; and presentation and oral defence of MPhil thesis.
Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology
This MSc programme is being prepared by a joint committee of faculty from various HKUST departments involved in biotechnology research, in particular, the Departments of Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Chemistry. Its purpose will be to train research and technical personnel for the biotechnological industry. Students with a background in either science or engineering will be encouraged to apply. The programme will offer courses in biotechnology-related topics and extensive laboratory training in biotechnological techniques. Normally, the programme will take 18 months to two years of full-time study to complete.
Students may enter the programme from any one of the participating departments. Each student will be required to take a set of subjects determined individually by the joint committee and to perform research in one of the biotechnology- related laboratories. Research projects will be interdisciplinary in nature and applied in orientation. While an original contribution to biotechnological knowledge will not be a prerequisite to the completion of the MSc degree, the attainment of scientific competence will be essential. Submission and successful defence of a written report on a well-defined research project will be required for the degree.
It is expected that students may first enter the programme in 1993.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry
Students enrolled in the PhD programme at the Department of Chemistry have to fulfil all the basic requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in the School of Science. The duration of the programme normally ranges from four to eight years from the first degree, with a reduction of 18 months if a relevant Master's degree is earned priorto entering the PhD programme. Students with afirst degree in an area otherthan their postgraduate programme may be required to take additional courses.
As partial fulfilment of the degree requirements, students are expected to attend and present seminars, undertake course work and conduct thesis research.
The passing standard of a graded course is C and the overall average must be B or above.
The student is required to take a comprehensive/qualifying examination set by the Department.
In the final stage of the programme, students are required to submit their theses to the Department and, subsequently, to present and defend them. Any student who has performed unsatisfactorily will be asked to re-submit the thesis as recommended by the examination committee. The result of the second attempt of the thesis defence will be either "Pass" or "Fail".
Students enrolled in the PhD programme in the Department of Chemistry have to fulfil all requirements stipulated above, and attain satisfactory completion of the following:
approved course work (If the student has an HKUST MPhil degree in Chemistry, no further course work is required. If the student enters the PhD programme possessing only a Bachelor's degree, then the normal MPhil course work requirements must be fulfilled. Excellent students entering with Master's degrees from other universities may have part or all of the course work requirements waived.);
a comprehensivelqualifying examination;
two seminar presentations: one based on literature unrelated to the student's doctoral research and the second on the completed thesis;
defence of an original research proposal before a departmental committee;
an original research thesis: CHEM 799 PhD Thesis Research; and defence of the thesis before a University committee.
Professor Hiroyuki HIRAOKA
Professor Hiraoka is internationally known for his work in advanced materials.
His 1981 paper initiated the UV-hardeninglphotostablisation process of resist images, an important process which has become a standard practice in industry. His patent and publication on macromolecules were the first to reportthe use of PMGl as a resist material.
At the University, the major focus of Professor Hiraoka's research is the photochemistry and radiation chemistry of electronic materials of organic nature, with the objective of understanding the basic sciences involved when these materials are exposed to UV-light, pulsed laser photons, electron and ion beams under various conditions. On the basis of thesefindings, new applications of these materials will be explored.
Research is being carried out in four closely related areas: (I) lithographic resist materials and mechanistic study; (2) plasma and ion beams reactionsletching of organic materials; (3) surface and interfacial study, and surface modification of organic materials; and (4) non-linear optical materials.
Faculty Career Activities and Research Interests
Dr Paul R. CARLIER Lecturer
Professor Nai-Teng YU Head of Department
Professor Yu has been apioneerin theapplication of laser Raman spectroscopy to biological molecules, with special emphasis on non-invasive studies of eye lens disulfide bond formation and detection of metal-axial ligand modes in hemoproteins.
In 1975, Professor Yu and co-workers at Georgia Tech discovered a basic core- expansion correlation, which is now universally accepted. More recently, Professor Yu and his colleague, Dr Sven Bursell of the Joselin Diabetes Center (Boston), developed a laser-based clinical instrument for early cataract detection.
His work at the University focuses on development and applications of linear and nonlinear Raman spectroscopy. Innovative techniques include resonance Raman, resonance hyper-Raman, surface-enhanced Ramanlhyper-Raman and near-IR excited FT-Raman and time-resolved Raman scattering. Biological applica- tions include studies of metalloporphyrinsl hemoproteins, eye lenses, vitamin B,, and model complexes.
In the area of biomedical applications, Professor Yu is developing a near- infrared-Raman fiberoptic sensor for laser angioplasty and cardiovascular surgery.
Dr Carlier's research is concerned primarily with the development of new asymmetric reactions for organic synthesis. Asymmetric synthesis represents a major intellectual challenge, and is increasingly important in industry for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure pharmaceuticals. Of particular interest is p-lactam synthesis via chiral organometallic isocyanate complexes, and new asymmetric aldol method- ology involving nitriles. A separate research focus concerns the development of new materials useful for imaging and optoelectronic applications.
Dr Chun-Tao CHE Lecturer
Dr Che is an active researcher in the areaof the isolation of biologically active agentsfrom plants, especially Chinese herbal materials. He is also known for his work in the development of natural products database.
At the University, Dr Che continues his research on biologically active compounds from medicinal plants and other natural sources, with special emphasis on the isolation and structural determination of secondary metabolites, and the development/application of separation methods and spectroscopic techniques. Dr Che is developing a new computer database at the University for documentation of chemical/biological information.
Dr Guocheng JIA
Lecturer Dr Xiao-Yuan LI
Lecturer Dr Jia's research interests are in the field of synthetic inorganic, organometallic
and macromolecular chemistry.
A major focus of Dr Jia's research is the design, synthesis and characterisa- tion of novel inorganic and organometallic macromolecules. Of particular interest are extended conjugated polymers containing heteroatoms (for example, phosphorus, silicon, boron, and metals) in the polymer backbone. These polymers are expected to display interesting properties such as electrical conductivity or non-linear optical behaviour and therefore might be useful as advanced materials. He is also interested in the development of metal-containing polymers that could be used as polymer- supported catalysts or polymer-membranes for selective molecular transportation.
Another area of Dr Jia's research concerns the design and synthesis of novel chelating ligands for the development of metal-containing liquid crystalline materials, magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents, and catalysts.
Dr Wa-Hung LEUNG Lecturer
The research interests of Dr Leung are in the field of synthetic inorganic and organometallic chemistry.
A major focus of his research is the synthesis of metal complexes containing multiply bonded ligands. Examples of this class of compounds include metal-imido (M=NR) and -alkylidene (M=CRR') complexes. Special emphasis is placed on complexes of late transition metals. Such complexes are of importance owing to their role in homogeneous catalysis as well as to their potential as advanced materials. The reactivity ofmetal-ligand multiple bonds towards atom transfer and cycloaddition reactions with organicand inorganicsubstrates will be investigated. Terminal multiply bonded ligands are good 2-donors and capable of stabilising metal ions in high oxidation states. This provides opportunities for study of the chemistry of high-valent organometallic compounds. Efforts will also be spent in the synthesis of pnitrido bridged polymeric complexes, which can serve as molecular models for metal nitrides.
Another area of research concerns the synthesis of late-transition-metal complexes with bulky alkoxides and amides. Such sterically encumbered com- pounds are usually co-ordinatively unsaturated and thus are reactive towards small molecules. The potential of using metal alkoxides as precursors for metal oxide material will also be explored.
Dr Li's research focuses on the structure-dynamics-function relationships of biologically important transition metal complexes and organic chromophores. His research goals are being approached from three directions: (1) synthesis of chemical analogues, (2) spectroscopic characterisation, and (3) quantum mechanical compu- tation.
Chemical analogues of biochromophores or metal complexes are synthe- sised with the aim of modelling molecular fragment at functional sites. Sometimes analogues are modified by isotope-labelling certain atoms. The characterisation of the molecules is carried out by means of laser spectroscopies such as resonance Raman (RR) and other related techniques. Electrochemical and photochemical techniques are coupled to RR to study the excited state and transient phenomena.
Quantum mechanical computation at ab initio and semi-empirical levels is invoked to understand the structural and dynamic information from the spectra. Another project involves the study of pharmaceutical applications of these chromophores and metal complexes.
Dr Terence See-Ming WAN Lecturer
Dr Wan's research interests are in the field of analytical toxicology, chroma-
Dr Wan's research interests are in the field of analytical toxicology, chroma-