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 other substances. 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 system, computer-network and numerous under-cabinet refrigerators.
Modern lasers and spectrometers are housed in the Department's VFF (Vibration- Free-Floor) area, which is 40 m2 in Phase 1,140 m2 in Phase II and 200 m2 in Phase Ill. Phase I equipment inthe Department's VFF includes an excimerlaser, 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 Ramanlreso- nance Raman, hyper-Raman, and micro-Raman spectroscopies. The Department has also acquired two sets of Kratos mass spectrometers : a GCIMSIMSIDS (model MSBORFAQ) and an LCIMSIDS (model LC-MS25RF).
The Materials Characterisation & Preparation Centre contains state-of-the- art instrumentation such as a high resolution NMR (400 MHz), a single-crystal X-ray diffractometer, a scanning tunnellinglatomicforce microscope, a secondary ion mass spectrometer, a surface and microanalytical system (AESIXPSIUPSIESCA), and other surfacelfilm characterisation instruments. The Microelectronics Fabrication Centre provides excellent facilities for collaborative research and technology transfer related to chemical microlithography and the development of biomedical instrumen- tation.
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
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, BS, MPhil Chinese Univof Hong Kong; PhD Univof Illinois,
Chicago
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
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 four mainstream 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 specialise in one area by taking additional advanced course work and participating in approved research projects. Though this is not required for gradua- tion, students are encouraged to complete a final-year research project.
Acceptable grades in at least three of the following Hong Kong A-level subjects are required for entrance into the programme : Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Pure Mathematics.
The following semester-by-semester description of the undergraduate pro- grammedefines which courses are required and when they should betaken. Courses designated C in the first-year cumculum are core courses which must be taken in the semester indicated. In certain circumstances, and with the permission of the Head of the Department, those courses designated as R (required) and E (elective) may be taken at othertimes. When aspecificcourse is notidentified, thecoursevectorshown defines the minimum credit required. Second- and third-year programmes are provisional.
First Year Fall Semester
CHEM 11 1 C Organic Chemistry l [3-0-0:3]
CHEM 121 C Physical Chemistry l [3-0-0131
COMP 181 R Computing Fundamentals [3-0-1:3]
(1) LANG 001 Language Skills Enhancement I [O-3-2:0]
(2) MATH 101 R Multivariable Calculus [3-1-0:4]
(3) PHYS 101 R General Physics l [3-0-3:4]
17 credits
(1) Students excused from this course by the Language Centre will replace itwith a Humanities and Social Science course.
(2) Student admitted without an acceptable grade in A-level Pure Mathematics will replace this course with MATH 001, Beginning Calculus, [3-1-0:4].
(3) Students admitted with an A grade in A-level Physics will replace this course with PHYS 121, Electricity and Magnetism, [3-0-3141.
Spring Semester
CHEM 112 C Organic Chemistry ll [3-0-0131
CHEM 122 C Physical Chemistry ll [3-0-0:3]
CHEM 114 C Organic Chemistry Laboratory I [O-0-6:2]
CHEM 124 C Physical Chemistry Laboratory I [O-0-6:2]
COMP 105 R Pascal Programming [O-1-2:1]
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131
(1) PHYS 102 R General Physics ll [3-0-3141
18 credits
(1) Students admitted with an A grade in A-level Physics will replace this course with PHYS 124, Optics, Waves and Particles, [3-0-3:4]
Spring Semester Second Year
Fall Semester
BlCH 121 Introduction to Biochemistry [3-0-0131
CHEM 231 Inorganic Chemistry I [3-0-0:3]
CHEM 215 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I1 [0-0-6:2]
CHEM 225 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II [O-0-6121 H&SS Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0:3]
SB&M Business and Management [3-0-0131
16 credits
Spring Semester
(1) BlOL 001 Introduction to Biological Sciences [3-0-0131
CHEM 232 Inorganic Chemistry I1 [3-0-0131
CHEM 242 Analytical Separation and [2-0-6141 Instrumental Analysis
CHEM Chemistry Elective [3-0-0131
H&SS Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131
LANG 103 Technical Communication [O-3-2:2]
18 credits (1) Students admitted with a C grade or above in A-level Biology will replace this
course with BlOL 100, lntroduction to Genetics, [3-0-0:3].
Third Year Fall Semester
CENG Chemical Engineering [3-0-0131
CHEM 333 Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry [ I -0-6131
CHEM Chemistry Elective [3-0-0131
H&SS Humanities and Social Science (3-0-0:3]
SB&M Business & Management [3-0-0131
-
15 credits
(1) BlOL 004 Introductory Biology Laboratory [0-0-3111
CHEM Chemistry Elective [3-0-0131
CHEM Chemistry Elective [3-0-0131
CHEM Chemistry Elective [3-0-0:3]
(2) FREE Open Elective [3-0-0131
SB&M Business and Management [3-0-0:3]
16 credits
(1) Students who have taken BlOL 108, as noted above, do not take this course.
(2) Students will select an open elective which cannot be a course in the School of Science.
Aminimumof 100 credits is requiredforthe BScprogramme 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 advanced materials, (3) novel techniques for surface chemistry 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 present the highest potential for international recognition.
The Department of Chemistry offers programmes leading to the degrees of Masterof Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctorof Philosophy (PhD) in the fields of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. 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 andlor 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 are required to take undergraduate chemistry courses during the first year of their postgraduate study.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Chemistry Career Activities and Research Interests 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 at the postgraduate level and an original research thesis at the master's level.
Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology
This MSc programme is administered by a joint committee formed by faculty members from various HKUST departments which are involved in biotechnology research, in particularthe Departments of Biology, Biochemistry and Chemistry. The purpose of this programme is to train research and technical personnel for the biotechnology industry. Students with either science or engineering backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The programme offers subjects in biotechnology-related topics and extensive laboratory training in modern biotechnological techniques. Normally, the programme takes 18 months to two years of full-time study to complete.
Each student is required to take a set of subjects determined individually by the joint committee, and to perform research in one of the biotechnology-related laboratories. The research projects are interdisciplinary in nature and applied in orientation. While original contribution to biotechnological knowledge is not prereq- uisite to completion of the MSc degree, the attainment of scientific competence is essential. Submission and successful defence of a written report on a well-defined research project is required for the degree.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry
The PhD programme requires a greater proficiency and depth in chemistry, with special emphasis on independent and original research in the student's chosen field. In addition to required study in a minor subject, doctoral students take a group of core courses in their field of major specialisation(i.e., analytical, inorganic, organic, or physical chemistry). A doctoral dissertation representing an original contribution to the field is a requirement for the degree. Other requirements incb~de an oral research proposition and defence, two seminar presentations, and the preparation and defence of the doctoral thesis. The MPhil degree is not aprerequisite for the PhD programme.
Professor Nai-Teng YU Head of Department
ProfessorYu has beenapioneer intheapplicationof laser Ramanspectroscopy 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 Ramanthyper-Raman and near-IR excited FT-Raman and time-resolved Raman scattering. Biological applica- tions include studies of metalloporphyrinsthemoproteins, eye lenses, vitamin 812 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.
Professor Hiroyuki HIRAOKA
Professor Hiraokais internationally known for his work in advanced materials.
His paper in 1981 initiated the UV-hardeningtphotostablisation process of resist images, an important process which has become a standard practice in industry. His patent and his publication in macromolecules were the first to report the use of PMGl as a resist material.
At the University, the major focus in 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 these findings, new applications of these materials will be explored.
Research is being carried out in three closely related areas: (I) lithographic resist materials and mechanistic study; (2) plasma and ion beams reactionstetching of organic materials; and (3) surface and interfacial study, and surface modification of organic materials.
Dr Paul R. CARLIER Lecturer
bridged polymeric complexes, which can serve as molecular models for metal nitrides.
Dr Carlier's research is concerned primarily with the development of new asymmetric reactions for organic synthesis. Asymmetric synthesis is increasingly important in industry for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure pharmaceuticals. A separate research focus concerns the development of new imaging materials and mechanisms. Of particular interest are catalytic --lactam synthesis via chiral cobalt(lll) complexes, asymmetric aldol reaction of nitriles with aldehydes, and novel imaging mechanisms and materials.
Dr Chun-Tao CHE Lecturer
Dr Che is an active researcher in the area of the isolation of biologically active agents from plants, especially Chinese herbal materials. He is well known for his work in the development of the NAPRALERT natural products database.
At the University, Dr Che continues his research in the search for 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 will develop a new computer database at the University for documentation of chemical/biological information.
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 of metal-ligand multiple bonds toward atom transfer and cycloaddition reactions with organic and inorganicsubstrates will be investigated. Terminal multiply bonded ligands are good %-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 p-nitrido
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 Xiao-Yuan LI Lecturer
Dr Li's research focuses on the structure-dynamics-function relationships of biologically important transition metal complexes and organic chromophores. The research goals are 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.
Undergraduate Courses
Permission of the Head of Department is an alternative to the stated prerequisite, and this is a requirement for all courses for which prerequisites are not stated.
CHEM 101 Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry [3-0-0 :3]
Various classes of organic compounds, emphasising organic chemical reactions and mechanisms and their importance in the area of biological chemistry. A course for non-Chemistry students who prefer to cover organic chemistry in asingle semester. It represents aconcise combination of CHEM 11 1 and CHEM 112.
Prerequisite : A-level Chemistry.
Textbooks : Loudon, Organic Chemistry, Second Edition, 1988, Benjamin- Cummings
Study Guide and Solutions Manual to Accompany Organic Chemistry, Second Edition, 1988.
Barrett, Framework MolecularModels Student Kit, Prentice Hall.
CHEM 102 Physical Chemistry: Fundamentals and Applications [3-0-0:3]
A course for non-Chemistry students who prefer to cover Physical Chemistry in a single semester. Physical chemistry principles and their application to chemistry and problems in advanced technology. Topics include thermody- namics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanical description of chemical bonding/structure, optical spectroscopyllasers, surface physical chemistry, symmetry and macromolecular structure.
Prerequisite : A-level Chemistry.
CHEM 11 1 Organic Chemistry I [3-0-0:3]
Introduction to the basic principles needed to understand the structure and reactivity of organic molecules. Coverage includes structure and bonding;
electronic structure of atom and molecules; nomenclature; conformation of alkanes and cycloalkanes; regio-, geometric, and stereoisomerism; polar and radical reactions of alkenes and alkynes; synthesis of alkyl halides, alcohols and ethers; substitution and elimination reactions of alkyl halides and epoxides;
and an introduction to NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry.
Prerequisite : A-level Chemistry.
Textbooks : Loudon, OrganicChemistry, Second Edition, 1988, Benjamin- Cummings
Study Guide and Solutions Manual to Accompany Organic Chemistry, Second Edition, 1988.
Barrett, Framework MolecularModels StudentKit, Prentice Hall.
CHEM 112 Organic Chemistry I1 [3-0-0:3]
Continuation of CHEM 11 1. Coverage includes dienes, resonance and aromaticity; the chemistry of benzene and itsderivatives (including electrophilic aromatic substitution); benzynes and nucleophilic aromatic substitution;
benzylic and allylic reactivity; the chemistry of carbonyl compounds and carboxylic acid derivatives (including the aldol condensation); and an intro- duction to pericylic reactions. Special topics may include the chemistry of amino acids, peptides, and proteins; carbohydrates; and nucleic acids.
Prerequisite : CHEM 11 1.
CHEM 114 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I [0-0-6:2]
Experimental techniques of organic chemistry; preparation / properties / reactions of representative organic compounds; separation / pu'rification / analysis I characterization of organic compounds.
Prerequisite : CHEM 101 or CHEM 11 1.
CHEM 121 Physical Chemistry I [3-0-0:3]
Quantum chemistry; group theory and symmetry; valence and bonding;
chemical kinetics of gases and solutions.
Textbook : Atkins, PhysicalChemistry, Third Edition (Low-Priced Ed.), 1986, ELBS (English Language Book SocietyIOxford University Press).
CHEM 122 Physical Chemistry II [3-0-0:3]
Properties of gases; chemical (classical) thermodynamics/equilibrium, energetics of chemical reactions, and changes of state.
Prerequisite : CHEM 201.
CHEM 124 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I [O-0-6:2]
Physical chemical measurement, with emphasis on analysis of data for precision, accuracy, and propagation of errors. Laboratory instrumentation used to solve assigned problems; instruction in computer use and programming included.
Prerequisite : CHEM 121.
CHEM 201 Basic Inorganic Chemistry [3-0-0 :3]
An introduction to organic chemistry of metallic elements and their major compounds with emphasis on the properties and structures of solid materials;
transition metal complexes and the theories of chemical bonding in these substances; selected aspects of organometallic chemistry; bioinorganic chemistry.
Prerequisite : A-level Chemistry.
CHEM 215 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II [0-0-6:2]
Continuation of CHEM 114. The synthesis of significant types of organic compounds and their derivatives; laboratory separations of mixtures of organic substances, identification of compounds by functional group tests;
instrumental methods of separation, identification and analysis.
Prerequisite or corequisite : CHEM 114 and CHEM 11 2.
CHEM 224 Structure and Properties of Polymers [3-0-0:3]
The structure-property relationship in polymers in the glassy, rubber and crystalline states; phase equilibrium and transitions; viscosity and viscoelastic flow behaviour; fabrication processing of polymeric materials.
CHEM 225 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II [O-O-6:2]
Vibrational, rotational and electronic properties of simple molecules; use of contemporary instrumentation for analysis of kinetic properties of reacting systems. Application of computer techniques.
Prerequisite : CHEM 124.
CHEM 227 Symmetry Principles and Group Theory i n Chemistry [3-0-0:3]
Same as CHEM 533
CHEM 231 Inorganic Chemistry I [3-0-0:3]
Reactions and structures of inorganic compounds; principles 1 theories that assist in understanding their behaviour.
Prerequisite : CHEM 122.
CHEM 232 Inorganic Chemistry II 13-0-0:3]
Reactions and structures of inorganic compounds, especially those involving d and f electrons; computational and experimental methods for examining structural parameters, properties such as electron densities and electronic excited states, photosynthesis, catalysis, magnetism, and superconductivity.
Prerequisite : CHEM 122.
CHEM 242 Analytical Separation and Instrumental Analysis 12-0-6:4]
Gas-liquid chromatographic separation techniques; electrophoresis I HPLC;
theory and practical aspects of modem instrumental methods of quantitative analysis; instrumental approaches to selectivity and sensitivity.
Prerequisite : None
CHEM 312 Structural Elucidation i n Organic Chemistry 10-0-6:2]
Designed for students planning to do graduate work. Qualitative organic analysis using semi-microchemical techniques, modern chromatographic separation procedures and molecular spectroscopy.
Prerequisite : CHEM 114.
CHEM 321 Photochemistry of Organic and Organometallic Materials [3-0-0:3]
Same as CHEM 525
CHEM 333 Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry [I -0-6:3]
Preparation and characterization of inorganic compounds, with special emphasis on apparatus and techniques employed in modern synthetic inorganic chemistry.
Prerequisite or corequisite : CHEM 132.
CHEM 400 Undergraduate Research
Every semester. Up to 3 credits per semester. Students do original research in accordance with ability and background. May be repeated for credit, total credits not to exceed 8.
Postgraduate Courses
Permission of the Head of Department is an alternative to the stated
Permission of the Head of Department is an alternative to the stated