Courses

Course: CHEM 495: Special Topics | Chemical Hydrogeology
Term: Fall 2023
Section: AS01
Instructor: Dr. Janice Kenney

In this course, we'll explore the fascinating world of hydrogeology, groundwater chemistry, and contaminant transport. We'll start by learning about the properties of water and how it interacts with rocks and minerals to form groundwater. Then, we'll dive into the chemistry of groundwater and how it's affected by geological processes. We'll also explore how contaminants can be transported through groundwater and the principles of remediation strategies for chemical spills.

Using industry-standard software packages, students you'll gain hands-on experience in simulating chemical reactions that occur in groundwater. You'll also develop a deep understanding of how to model the movement and storage of water in aquifers and the transport of contaminants in groundwater. Through a combination of lectures, computer modeling, literature review, and discussions, you'll develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will prepare you for careers in fields such as environmental science, geology, or any profession that requires a solid foundation in water resources and environmental management.

Prerequisites: A minimum grade of B- in any 300-level CHEM or EASC course with a lab component or permission of the department.

How to Enrol: Students can request a permission number from the Arts and Science Advising Office at artsandscience@macewan.ca starting at 8:30 a.m. on the morning of their enrollment appointment. Permission numbers are given to students who fulfill the prerequisites in the order in which they are received. One permission number request per email please.

Course: EASC 495: Special Topics | Chemical Hydrogeology
Term: Fall 2023
Section: AS01
Instructor: Dr. Janice Kenney

In this course, we'll explore the fascinating world of hydrogeology, groundwater chemistry, and contaminant transport. We'll start by learning about the properties of water and how it interacts with rocks and minerals to form groundwater. Then, we'll dive into the chemistry of groundwater and how it's affected by geological processes. We'll also explore how contaminants can be transported through groundwater and the principles of remediation strategies for chemical spills.

Using industry-standard software packages, students you'll gain hands-on experience in simulating chemical reactions that occur in groundwater. You'll also develop a deep understanding of how to model the movement and storage of water in aquifers and the transport of contaminants in groundwater. Through a combination of lectures, computer modeling, literature review, and discussions, you'll develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will prepare you for careers in fields such as environmental science, geology, or any profession that requires a solid foundation in water resources and environmental management.

Prerequisites: A minimum grade of B- in any 300-level CHEM or EASC course with a lab component or permission of the department.

How to Enrol: Students can request a permission number from the Arts and Science Advising Office at artsandscience@macewan.ca starting at 8:30 a.m. on the morning of their enrollment appointment. Permission numbers are given to students who fulfill the prerequisites in the order in which they are received. One permission number request per email please.

Course: CHEM 496: Techniques in Applied Laboratory Chemistry | Synthesis, Purification and Characterization of Small Peptides
Term: Winter 2024
Section: AS01
Instructor: Kaitlyn Towle

In this laboratory course, students will gain hands-on experience in the synthesis, purification, and characterization of small antimicrobial peptides. Small antimicrobial peptides will be synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and solution-phase peptide synthesis. Students will learn to handle and use the chemicals and equipment necessary for peptide synthesis.

Following synthesis, students will purify the synthesized peptides using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), or ion-exchange chromatography (IEC). Students will learn to operate and maintain HPLC equipment, to optimize purification conditions, and to analyze the purity of their peptides using UV-vis and mass spectrometry.

Purified peptides will be characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Students will learn to interpret the data obtained from these experiments and to draw conclusions about the structure and properties of their peptides.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of B- which has a prerequisite of B- in CHEM 391 and CHEM 263 strongly recommended.

Permission Required: Yes

How to Enrol: Students can request a permission number from the Arts and Science Advising Office at artsandscience@macewan.ca starting at 8:30 a.m. on the morning of their enrollment appointment. Permission numbers are given to students who fulfill the prerequisites in the order in which they are received. One permission number request per email please.

Course: CHEM 497: Chemistry Internship Practicum
Term: Winter 2024

This course provides students with practical experience in a chemistry related work environment. Students engage in work integrated learning through employment or internship at a chemistry-related industry. Students learn in practice the professional aspects (work and ethics) of a chemist. At the end of the placement, students provide a presentation to demonstrate the learning accomplished. The contact hours are a minimum of 90 hours but can involve more depending on the placement. This course may be taken two times for credit. All placements require departmental approval.

Internship availability depends on industry demand which may vary every year. Chemistry majors will receive an e-mail from the faculty in August 2023 inviting you to apply. The faculty will shortlist and match students based on available internships, students interests, and quality of their application in October. Industry will invite matched students for interview and offer internship to the most competitive student. An internship agreement form will be signed between the student, the industry, and MacEwan University. The internship starts in January 2024.

Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in 6 credits of any 300 level CHEM courses and consent of the Department.

Course: CHEM 496: Techniques in Applied Lab Chem | Analysis of Small Peptides
Term: Winter 2025
Section: AS01
Instructor: Dr. Kaitlyn Towle

In this laboratory course, students will gain hands-on experience in the synthesis, purification, and characterization of small antimicrobial peptides. Small antimicrobial peptides will be synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), students will learn to handle and use the chemicals and equipment necessary for peptide synthesis.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of B- in CHEM 391. CHEM 263 is strongly recommended. Please contact the Chair (RezaniaV@macewan.ca) to request a permission number.

Permission Required: Yes