Chemistry

The properties of material are dependent on the composition and atomic arrangement resulted from the atomic bonding. In this course, the atomic arrangement with long range order is explained by using lattice, unit cell, symmetry, crystal system, point group, and space group. The crystal structure is presented geometrically and applied to crystal compound. Topics include Crystalline state, Symmetry, Point groups, Space groups and Application to crystal system. 

In this course, students chose from a range of research topics in various academic fields and receive one-on-one training from an experienced mentor who helps them refine research ideas, formulate questions, define methods of data collection, execute a plan, and present findings. Students learn how to review background information to their project, summarize its key outcomes, write a clear and concise research paper/report, and present results orally.

Chemistry describes the composition of matter and its transformations. This introductory course presents an overview of chemistry and lays a foundation by considering its central concepts. The course begins with the quantum world in which the structure of atoms and elements and the role of electrons in chemical bonding are described. Then the energetics associated with chemical processes and chemical equilibria are studied, a discipline called thermodynamics. The course ends with the treatment of some basic organic (i.e., carbon-based) chemical reactions. When possible, attention is paid to the connection of the subject matter with materials science and/or the biochemical relevance.

This research internship program offers selected students the opportunity to participate in research projects or work as an intern in research centers or organizations at Yonsei University. Students are expected to participate in research projects for approximately 20 hours per week throughout the program. Projects will vary depending on placement. Graded Pass/No pass only.

This course covers structure and mechanisms in organic chemistry with an emphasis on physical organic chemistry. Topics include chemical bonding and structures; stereochemistry; conformational, steric, and stereoelectronic effects; solutions and non-covalent binding forces; acid-base chemistry; energy surfaces and kinetics; isotope effects; linear free energy relationships; catalysis; nucleophilic substitution; addition, elimination, rearrangement, isomerization; concerted pericyclic reactions; radical reactions; and organometallic chemistry.

This course is part of the Laurea Magistrale program. The course is intended for advanced level students only. Enrollment is by consent of the instructor. The course focuses on the principles of chemistry and how they apply to the behavior of solid states. Special attention is placed on electronic structure, chemical bonding, and crystal structure. The course discusses topics including amorphous and crystalline solids, symmetry, lattices, and silicates; bonding in solids, ionic solids, the role of ion size, Shannon-Prewitt model for ions, transition metal compounds and non-bonding electron effects, crystal field theory, and band model for metals and semiconductors; crystal defects and non-stoichiometry, role of point defects in diffusion in solids, ionic conductivity, and some important solid-state electrolytes for batteries and fuel cells; catalysts for polymer production: radical initiators, Ziegler-Natta and metallocene catalyst in polyolefin production, branching in polyethylenes: origin and influence on polymer properties, and catalysts for step-growth polymerization: transition metals in polyester production; biobased and/or biodegradable polymers: production, properties, and main applications; chemisorption and activation on transition metals, interaction models based on HOMO-LUMO, and examples of relevant industrial applications: CO activation; carbon based materials, conducting polymers, structure, and properties, materials for secondary Li-based batteries, anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes, Li-ion vs Li metal batteries, fuel cells, materials for anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, and bipolar plates, proton conducting polymers for fuel cells electrolytes, fullerenes and fullerides, synthesis and properties, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and their application in polymer nanocomposites; and layered solids, layered double hydroxides, clays, and their modification to improve the compatibility with polymers, preparation of polymer nanocomposites using organoclays, flame retardant properties of LDH and organoclay based polymer nanocomposites.

Introduction to the classification, structure, reactions, and reaction mechanisms of carbon compounds. The general outcome goals are that students will understand the classification, structure, nomenclature, reactions, reaction mechanisms, and synthesis of carbon compounds including halocarbons, alkenes, and alcohols. Thereby, this course can provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of organic chemistry essential for the rational study of biochemistry, molecular biology, and materials applications of polymers.

Prerequisite: General Chemistry course

The course teaches key concepts prevalent in organic chemistry and the resulting properties of organic molecules. These are presented based on standard U.S. text books and are complemented by specific examples of compounds present in important drug molecules and natural products. Introductory topics include molecular structure, chemical bonding, and orbital interactions. The resulting properties of molecules are then introduced on key compound classes such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes that later are complemented by aromatic rings and functional groups such as alcohols, carbonyls, and amines. Furthermore, the crucial properties that explain the reactivity of organic molecules and enable a detailed understanding through distinct reaction mechanisms are highlighted throughout the course. Finally, these concepts are applied towards the planned synthesis of target molecules in combination with suitable structure determination methods.