Graduate Programmes in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

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General Information

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering offers Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree programmes with specialty fields in Chemical and Materials, Environmental, and Nuclear, in Engineering or Science.

The Masters and Doctoral programmes with the specialty field of Environmental Engineering are offered jointly with the Department of Civil Engineering. A sub-committee of the two departmental graduate studies committees administers this programme.

The Department's graduate research programme is closely affiliated with and supported by numerous DND agencies and directorates. Many thesis topics are offered as a result of this collaboration and are arranged between the sponsor and the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.

Current areas of activity with associated sponsors include among others:

• testing of Nuclear Biological Chemical protective equipment (DSSPM, DRDC),
• investigating nuclear emergency response techniques, safety and radiation fields at high aircraft altitudes (DGNS, J3NBC, DCGEM, DRDC),
• studying integrated health monitoring techniques of aircraft engines and developing Expert Systems (DASEng, AMDU, DREA, DRDC),
• fuel cells (DRDM),
• electrochemical power sources including submarine work (DMEE, DRDA, DGIEM, DGMEM, DASP, DRDC),
• investigating corrosion resistance of coatings and nondestructive evaluation techniques (DASEng),
• characterizing armoured materials and silicon carbide ceramics (DRDC),
• developing dye penetrants for use in search and rescue operations (DRDC, Search and Rescue),
• developing new procedures for environmental site assessment and remediation (DGE, DIAND),
• developing novel analytical techniques to support environmental engineering studies (NWSO),
• applying biotechnology methods (bioremediation phytoremediation) for treatment of contaminated soils (DGE, DISU, DIPM, Env. Canada), and
• studying new approaches for ecological risk assessment (DGE, NWSO).

Other areas of activity may be arranged within the broad spectrum of expertise in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. The specialty fields of research are Chemistry, Chemical and Materials Science, Environmental Science, Nuclear Science, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering.

Graduate research may be pursued in the following areas:

Chemical And Materials Science / Chemical And Materials Engineering

• carbons as adsorbents
• air quality control
• life support systems
• pigments for visible radiation therapy of diseases
• development and testing of NBC protective gear
• decontamination, detection and monitoring chemical agents
• electrochemical power sources and batteries
• hydrogen production, purification and storage
• fuel cell development for applications in submarines and military bases
• liquid fuels purification processes
• catalytic chemical reactions
• explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics
• aerosol and vapour dispersion
• terminal ballistics
• artificial intelligence applications
• corrosion of alloys in aircraft frames, marine systems and armoured materials
• calculation of phase diagrams from thermochemical data
• non destructive evaluation, materials management and expert systems
• polymer systems
• composite materials
• ceramics, high temperature superconductors, solid electrolytes and solid lubricants
• aircraft engine wear monitoring (quantitative filter debris analysis)
• analytical chemistry and radiochemistry
• chemical kinetics
• chemical thermodynamics of new materials and advanced technologies
• surface chemistry
• x-ray crystallography
• vibrational, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy
• synthesis of therapeutic agents
• solid state chemistry of inorganic materials

Environmental Science / Environmental Engineering

• environmental assessment; impact and risk assessment
• remediation technologies
• environmental standards and guidelines
• monitoring programmes and pollution prevention
• environmental analytical chemistry - especially pertaining to effective field testing
• biotechnology - bioremediation and phytoremediation
• sanitary engineering
• toxic water management
• water resources management
• site remediation
• subsurface contaminant transport
• ecological risk assessments

Nuclear Science / Nuclear Engineering

• radiochemistry and neutron activation analysis
• radiation effects on materials
• neutron radiography and radioscopy
• nuclear reactor analysis and design
• fuel cycles and fuel management
• neutron and gamma bubble dosimetry
• nuclear fuel and fission product release behaviour response
• artificial intelligence applications to nuclear systems
• health physics and radiation protection
• nuclear accident response
• nuclear radiation detection and measurement

Programme Requirements

The Masters of Engineering (M.Eng) will be awarded to candidates who successfully complete the 10-credit programme of studies normally comprised of:

• 8 term courses at the graduate level (8 credits); and
• a project (2 credits).

The Master of Science (M.Sc.) or the Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.) will be awarded to candidates who successfully complete an 10-credit programme of studies comprised of:

• 4 graduate level courses (3 technical courses, and 1 graduate seminar course) (4 credits); and
• a thesis (6 credits).

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) (Ph.D. in Environmental, Nuclear, and Chemical and Materials Science or Engineering, will be awarded to candidates who successfully complete a 11-credit programme of studies comprised of:

• 5 graduate level courses (5 technical courses plus 1 standard departmental course: seminar and research methodologies) (5 credits); and
• a thesis (6 credits).

Admission

Candidates for the degrees; Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.), Master of Engineering (M.Eng), or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) will be admitted under the general admission requirements. Details regarding admission to the Royal Military College as a graduate student can be found in the Admission to Graduate Studies section of this calendar

Course Descriptions

CC501 Chemical And Nuclear Engineering Computations

The topics of this course are selected to suit applications in Chemical and Nuclear Engineering. The central theme of the course is the mathematical formulation of various engineering problems. Ordinary and partial differential equations, boundary-value problems, matrix operations and various mathematical modelling and simulation techniques are covered. Numerical optimization techniques are introduced. Analytical and numerical methods of solution are used, both workstation and/or micro-computer being employed for the latter.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC502 Polymer Welding and Joining

Technologies used to weld and join thermoplastic and thermoset parts are reviewed. Topics include mechanical (self-taping screws, boss design, snap-fits), chemical (adhesives) and thermal (ultrasonic, vibration, hot-plate, resistance and laser welding) assembly techniques. Theoretical and practical aspects of these techniques are covered. The course consists of a series of lectures, class projects and laboratories using pilot scale welding equipment.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC504 Seminar

This is a required seminar course for candidates for a Master's degree. The seminar, presented by the candidate in either official language, is expected to relate to the research programme of the candidate. The seminar is to be primarily directed to members of the department, be approximately 35 minutes in duration, and include sufficient background to effectively communicate with non-specialists in the research area. The candidate will be expected to field a range of questions from the audience after the presentation. A complementary written version must accompany the seminar. This is expected to be approximately 30 pages and be prepared in the style of a submission to a refereed journal in the field of study. The date of the seminar and standards for the presentation of the written version will be decided in conjunction with the supervisor(s). Written versions of the seminar will be made available afterwards to those who so request. Candidates will be graded on their oral delivery and content by at least three graduate faculty members. The written version will be graded by the research supervisor(s). Candidates deemed to have not succeeded will have the opportunity to give a second seminar prior to a failing grade being submitted.

Credit(s):

1

CC506 Molecular Modelling and Applications to Nanotechnology

This course illustrates the concepts of molecular modelling from first principles. The first part of the course will include a detailed presentation of quantum chemistry and molecular mechanics as fundamental and essential theories for the development of molecular modelling models. The course will also describe the first principle based models such as Hartree-Fock, Density Functional Theory, Moller Plesset Perturbation Theory complemented by a description of the molecular mechanics based methods. The applications of molecular modelling will be discussed for novel fields such as nanotechnology for prediction of self-assembly of soft materials, semi-conductors properties and dynamical properties.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC508 Sea and Air-Launched Munitions

This course examines the design considerations for munitions to defeat a variety of targets, including the attack of aircraft by guns and missiles, the attack of surface and subsurface vessels by torpedoes, depth charges, missiles and guns, the attack of ground targets, fuse designs, explosive devices such as aircraft ejection seats and thermal decoys, and packaging requirements for storage and handling. Foreign CBRN munitions will also be discussed.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC510 Ammunition Management

This course discusses a variety of topics involved with the management of ammunition and explosives, such as probability and statistics (e.g., applied to lot acceptance and the analysis of proof firings), risk reduction analyses and approaches, inventory management, decision analysis, and the Canadian defence procurement and life cycle management systems.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC511 Health Physics and Radiation Protection

The radiation emitted from natural and man made sources is reviewed and the units and terminology employed in radiation measurement and protection are outlined. The biological effects of radiation are covered by introducing elementary biology and reviewing studies and experience with radiation exposures. The risks of employing radiation are considered and the recommendations of various groups and reports on radiation standards are consulted. The exposure, absorbed dose, dose equivalent, and their rates are calculated for various situations and the principles employed in minimizing these levels are discussed. Present activities of organizations working with and responsible for radiation are reviewed.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC512 Ground-Launched Munitions

This course will examine the design of munitions launched from ground-based platforms. Specific topic areas to be covered will include the attack of heavy and light armoured vehicles by kinetic and chemical warheads, armour designs to protect vehicles, the attack of aircraft (fixed and rotary wing) the attack of structures and bunkers and the attack of personnel, including body armour designs and wound ballistics. Other topics will include the design of grenades and fragmenting munitions, mines, demolitions, improvised explosive devices, precision munitions, fuse designs, pyrotechnic devices and packaging requirements for storage and handling. This course replaces CC549 Terminal Ballistics.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC514 Weapons Systems

This course will involve the design considerations of navy, army and air force weapon systems. Specific topics will include navy gun and missile systems, army armoured vehicle gun and cannon systems, towed and vehicle-mounted indirect fire systems (including mortars), small arms (including machine guns) and guided weapons, and air force gun and missile systems. Gun systems will comprise the design and analysis of mounts, recoil systems, recuperators, breeches, manual and auto loading systems and sighting and fire control systems. Missile systems will comprise launch, guidance and control systems.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC515 Nuclear Detection and Measurement

This course is presented as a series of lectures and accompanying laboratory experiments. Radiation, their sources and interactions with materials, are reviewed. The principles employed in radiation detection are described with emphasis on survey techniques and nuclear electronics. Gas-filled detectors (ionization, proportional, Geiger), scintillation and semiconductor detectors are discussed, followed by neutron detectors and gamma-ray spectroscopy. The principles of operation, characteristics, types and applications are indicated for each detector method. Factors affecting detectors such as statistics, background and shielding are included.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC516 Nanotechnology: Theory, Applications and Characterization Methods

This course presents the theory and different interactions leading to the organization and precise assembly of molecules for nanotechnology applications. The concepts of layer-by-layer self-assembly, self-assembly of polymers and nanolithography are presented. The course also describes the different methods used for the characterization of the nanostructures; Atomic Force Microscopy, Scanning/Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-ray/Neutron scattering and diffraction, and Simulation. The concepts are discussed and illustrated using scientific literature.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC520 Transport Phenomena

The course gives on overview of the field of transport phenomena including heat transfer, mass transfer, and fluid mechanics at the graduate level. Emphasis is made on the fact that the basic equations that describe these three modes of transport are closely related. Scaling analysis is introduced. Depending on the class interests, specific advanced topics in chemical, environmental or nuclear engineering may be included in the course.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC522 Applied Experimental Design and Data Analysis

The methodology for developing efficient experimental plans for reduced experimentation and maximum informational output will be presented, and the use of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression models for data analysis emphasized. Multivariate analysis methodologies including cluster analysis, use of correlation matrices, principle component analysis (PCA), and partial least squares (PLS) regression will be presented with a focus on applied data analysis and industrial process optimisation. Data distributions including normality and homoscedasticity will be discussed in the context of analysis methodology assumptions and the use of transformations for data analysis covered.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC523 Nuclear Reactor Engineering

The course is introduced by discussing future world energy requirements. The first part of the course then covers interaction of radiation with matter, detection and shielding, radiation safety and reactor classifications, components and materials. In the second part, operation and control of nuclear reactors are described, including reactor kinetics and dynamics, control devices, poisons and chemical shim. Reactor safety, risk analysis, reactor accidents, radiation from effluents and licensing are covered.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC528 Advanced lnorganic Chemistry

This course will cover topics in inorganic chemistry at the graduate level. The course will begin with a general review of the fundamentals of ligand field theory and the nature of bonding in transition and main group metal complexes. Inorganic chemistry is a wide field and special topics may include in-depth studies in the areas of coordination chemistry (including magnetism and metal organic frameworks), bioinorganic systems (such as the function, mechanism, and toxicity of inorganic elements in biological systems), organometallics (both for transition and main group metals), and/or homogeneous catalysis (catalytic mechanisms and industrial applications).

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC545 Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry

This course will examine the application of structural elucidation and synthetic methods to organic chemistry and the fundamental mechanistic concepts of organic reactions. The functions of enolate chemistry, functional group interconversions and pericyclic reactions in multi-step synthetic schemes will be introduced, as well as, the effects of the physical and electronic properties of the reactants and the solvent on reaction mechanisms. Case studies involving detailed studies of organic reactions and processes of industrial and economic importance will be used throughout this course. All of the concepts that are introduced in this course have been selected for students with prior knowledge of the structure and reactivity of organic compounds.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC551 Propulsion in Guns and Rockets

This course discusses the characteristics and design considerations of solid rocket fuels and gun propellants. Specific topics include grain design, composition and additives to control burning rates, the chemistry and thermodynamics of primers, igniters and propellants, generation and distribution of chamber and bore pressures, form factors and equations of state, barrel wear and heat transfer, pressure waves, liquid gun propellants, light gas and electric guns, combustible cartridge cases, and muzzle gases. Use will be made of appropriate computer models.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC555 Environmental Issues

This course will examine current, and specific, environmental issues in both science and engineering. Topics will be drawn from the areas of contamination, site remediation, ecological risk assessment, landfill techniques, groundwater contamination, human health and the environment. The course will be co-taught by professors from RMC and Queen's University and will also feature speakers who are experts in the topic areas. Students will be required to develop specific topics in both written and oral format and will also be required to, participate fully in all discussions. It is anticipated that all students will benefit from the multidisciplinary content of the course and will be better prepared to appreciate environmental problems from a broad perspective. It should be stressed that, although a broad range of topics will be covered; students will be expected to demonstrate specific knowledge of their area of focus.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC561 External Ballistics

This course will examine the flight of projectiles and missiles. Specific topics will include compressible flow and the generation of shock waves, projectile stability for finned and spun projectiles, range enhancements, such as base bleed and rocket assist, vacuum trajectories and aerodynamic drag, the effects of wind, rotation of the earth and coriolis forces. The point mass, modified point mass and six degree of freedom models will also be addressed in the context of small and large calibre rounds. Use will be made of appropriate computer codes.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC563 Polymers in Engineering Applications

The course consists of the following topics: polymer thermodynamics, viscoelasticity, yield and fracture, reinforced polymers and polymer processing. Engineering applications will be illustrated throughout the course.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC565 Nuclear and Radiochemistry

The following topics on the theory and applications of nuclear and radiochemistry are studied: atomic structure and nuclear models, the mass energy relationship, nuclear transformations and reactions, natural and artificial radioisotopes, interaction of radiation with matter, and radiation detection and measurement. Research industrial and medical applications and safety considerations of radioisotopes are discussed including radiotracers, activation analysis, radiometric analysis and radiation processing.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC569 Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence

The principles and characteristics of nuclear weapons will be discussed and related to the physical (thermal, blast) and nuclear radiation (initial, residual, TREE, EMP) effects on humans, structures and equipment. Particular attention will be paid to distance-yield relationships, the distribution of fallout, the characteristics and pathology of acute whole-body radiation, physical and biological dosimetry and radiological survey. The course will include an examination of the composition and biological action of classical nerve, blood, choking and blister agents, as well as detection and decontamination methods and antidotes available. Individual and collective protection measures will also be covered. Such biological agents as bacteria, viruses and rickettsia as well as mid-spectrum agents to include toxins, venom and bioregulators will be addressed.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC577 Explosives and Explosions

The course examines the chemistry and parameters of explosives, historical and modern explosives, future development, initiation and propagation of explosions; effects of explosions in gaseous, liquid and solid media; manufacturing aspects and military applications of explosives. The thermodynamic analysis of gas mixtures at elevated temperatures using advanced computer techniques is also covered.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC579 Chemistry of Energetic Materials

This course examines the production processes, chemical properties and reactions of energetic materials, including primary and secondary explosives, propellants and pyrotechnic formulations used in military applications. The topics of safety in handling and transportation, as well as appropriate classifications and regulations will also be discussed. Criteria for sensitivity and techniques for predicting and measuring the thermal yields and stability are examined. The course will afford a brief review of thermochemistry for those students who might require it.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC587 Mechanism, Kinetics And Model Development

The rational design of chemical reactors requires not only a means to calculate rates of species production/consumption but also, a qualitative understanding of the fundamentals of the reaction. The course examines classical methodologies for inferring mechanism from kinetic data (Langmuir-Hinshelwood approach) and the generation of corresponding rate expressions for calculating reaction velocities. The limitations of the Langmuir-Hinshelwood approach are discussed. Other methodologies are presented for deriving rate expressions based upon experimental kinetic data. The tools of surface science, as a means to elucidate reaction mechanism, are reviewed.

Lectures:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC591 Ceramic Engineering

The classification of ceramic materials is first presented, followed by bonding and common crystal structures, which are related to the physical and mechanical properties of these various classes of ceramics. Various processing methods, including powder processing, consolidation, sintering and densification, are covered. The application topics will be adjusted to suit the needs and interests of the candidates. The course includes a small project and laboratory work.

Lectures and laboratories:

3 periods per week (one term)

Credit(s):

1

CC604 Seminar

This is a required seminar course for candidates for a Doctorate. The seminar, presented by the candidate in either official language, is expected to relate to the research programme of the candidate. The seminar although primarily directed to members of the department may include invited visitors and is expected to be of approximately 45 minutes duration. Sufficient background is to be included to effectively communicate with non-specialists in the research area. The candidate will be expected to field a broad range of questions from the audience after the presentation to demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge in the research area. A complementary written version must accompany the seminar. This is expected to be approximately 40 pages and be prepared in the style of a submission to a refereed journal in the field of study. The date of the seminar and standards for the presentation of the written version will be decided in conjunction with the supervisor(s). Written versions of the seminar will be made available to those who so request. Candidates will be graded on their oral delivery and content by at least three graduate faculty members. The written version will be graded by the research supervisor(s). Candidates deemed to have not succeeded will have the opportunity to give a second seminar prior to a failing grade being submitted.

Credit(s):

1

PR500: Project

This code is used when enrolled in a Project

Credit(s):

2

TH500: Thesis (Master's Level)

This code is used when enrolled in a Master's Thesis

Credit(s):

6

TH600: Thesis (Doctoral Level)

This code is used when enrolled in a Doctoral Thesis

Credit(s):

6

CP600: Comprehensive Examination (Doctoral Level)

This code is used when enrolled in a Comprehensive Examination

Credit(s):

1