The Polymer program at Rensselaer
provides courses and programs of study that reflect the
central role of polymers in the science and technology
of tomorrow. In addition to a strong focus in the traditional
areas of polymer science, for example, synthesis, processing,
and properties, students may select courses and research
programs in rapidly developing frontiers of modern science
such as biopolymers and nanotechnology. Programs leading
to the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees are offered in Chemistry,
Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering.
Students are encouraged to take courses in any of the
departments and will select coursework with their major
advisor depending on the individual student’s needs
and desires.
CHEM-4640/CHEM-6640 Polymer Science
Laboratory (Faculty: Krause/Akpalu)
Laboratory techniques
and experiments in synthesis, characterization, and
physical properties of high polymers. Some commercial
polymers as well as those synthesized in the laboratory
are investigated. Both courses CHEM-4640 and CHEM-6640
cannot be taken for credit. Corequisite: CHEM-4620 or
equivalent. Spring term annually. 3 credit hours, 9
contact hours
CHEM-4780/CHEM-6780 Protein Folding
(Faculty: Colón)
The biophysical mechanism
of protein folding and the role of misfolding in human
disease is explored. The course will introduce principles
of protein structure, protein folding in the cell, and
thermodynamic and kinetic methods for studying protein
folding in vitro. The course will also involve a literature-based
discussion of human diseases related to protein folding
defects, including Alzheimer’s and other amyloid
diseases, cystic fibrosis, and Prion-related syndromes.
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM-4760 or BCBP-4760
or equivalent. Students may not receive credit for this
course and BCBP-4780 or BCBP/CHEM-6780. Fall term, odd-numbered
years. 4 credit hours
CHEM-4961/CHEM-6961 Polymer Structure
and Interfaces (Faculty: Akpalu)
This course will discuss
the use of light, X-ray and neutron scattering for the
study of molecular structure and morphology of polymeric
materials. Emphasis on the general principles of scattering
measurements and the application of information obtained
from scattering for developing structure-property relationships.
Polymeric materials surveyed include biopolymers, block
copolymers, liquid crystalline polymers, polymer blends,
polymer composites and semicrystalline polymers. Prerequisites:
Macroscopic and Microscopic Physical Chemistry (CHEM-4450
& CHEM-4460) or Permission of Instructor.
CHEM-6620 Physical Chemistry
of Macromolecular Solutions (Faculty: Krause)
Thermodynamic properties
of solutions of synthetic and natural macromolecules.
Properties of solutions of nonelectrolyte coiling polymers
and of solutions of rigid and cooling polyelectrolytes
with applications to the study of phase equilibrium,
osmotic pressure, light scattering, equilibrium and
velocity ultracentrifugation, translational diffusion,
and intrinsic viscosity. Prerequisite: CHEM-4620 or
permission of instructor. Fall term, even-numbered years.
3 credit hours
CHEM-6630 Synthesis of High Polymers
I (Faculty: Moore/Crivello)
This course deals with the synthesis
of high molecular weight polymers that proceed by condensation
polymerization mechanisms. Detailed descriptions of
characteristics and mechanisms of condensation polymerizations
leading to various classes of polymeric materials will
be provided. Discussion will center on the factors that
are important for the control and commercial application
of these polymerization techniques. Fall term, alternate
years. 3 credit hours
CHEM-6650 Synthesis of High Polymers
II (Faculty: Crivello/Moore)
This course deals with
the synthesis of high molecular weight polymers that
proceed by addition polymerization mechanisms. Detailed
descriptions of characteristics of free radical, cationic,
anionic and coordination-catalyzed polymerizations will
be provided. Discussion will center on the factors that
are important for the control and commercial application
of these polymerization techniques. Fall term, alternate
years. 3 credit hours
CHEM-6660 Polymer Analysis and
Characterization (Faculty: Benicewicz)
The objective of this
course is to provide the student with a broad survey
of methods of analysis and characterization of polymers.
Thermal analysis, molecular weight characterization,
spectroscopy, and mechanical property determination
will be reviewed with an emphasis on method of measurement,
quantities measured, and quantities derived from the
measurements. Select applications will be used to convey
the usefulness of these methods for characterizing polymers
and their properties. Spring term, even-numbered years.
3 credit hours
CHEM-6760 Protein Chemistry,
Design and Modification (Faculty: Choma)
The ability to design
synthetic proteins from first principles (de novo design)
is a new area of protein chemistry with exciting potential
applications in medicine and industry. This course will
review our present understanding of the chemistry and
physics of protein structure and stability, and show
how this understanding can be applied to the design
of unnatural proteins. The course will also cover the
computer modeling and chemical synthesis of proteins,
how to impart new characteristics to natural proteins
via chemical modification, and the generation of protein
‘chimera’ using semisynthesis. Prerequisite:
CHEM-4760 or BCBP-4760 or BIOL-4760 or equivalent; CHEM-6190
or BCBP-4810 is an asset. Fall term, even-numbered years.
3 credit hours
CHEM-6960 Chemistry of Advanced
Materials (Faculty: Interrante)
This course is directed
at graduate and advanced undergraduates in chemistry,
chemical engineering or materials engineering who have
had at least a basic background in chemistry (preferably
organic, physical and inorganic courses). It will focus
on the chemistry related to the synthesis and processing
of a wide range of “advanced materials” currently
under study for an equally broad range of technological
activities. Examples include nano-to-meso porous materials
used for molecular separations, supports for heterogeneous
catalysts, etc., nano-sized (or nanoparticle-containing)
materials of interest for everything from information
storage to high-strength plastics, NLO materials (inorganic
and organic) for photonic technologies, light-sensitive
or low dielectric polymeric materials for electronic
processing, and precursors to ceramics for both electronic
and structural applications. About the first 1/3 of
the course will be devoted to a general (low level)
survey of the structures, bonding, and properties of
both inorganic and organic materials, as well as a brief
description of some of the key processing methods in
materials chemistry, such as CVD, sol-gel, and polymer
pyrolysis routes to inorganic coatings, films, and fibers.
The remainder of the course will consist of presentations
by the course participants (as well as, potentially,
outside experts) on selected topics in materials chemistry
drawn from a list that will include the above topics
as well as such topics as “biomaterials,”“hybrid
inorganic/organic materials,”“composite materials,”
and “layered inorganic materials” for use
as battery electrodes/electrolytes, superconductors,
etc.
CHEM Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
(Tentative, Faculty: Apple)
A graduate level course
on theory and applications of NMR, particularly multidimensional
methods, spectral editing, and NMR of solids. The course
prepares the student to effectively use NMR to solve
problems in product identification, polymer conformation
and configuration, motional properties of polymer chains,
diffusion of small molecules in polymers and microstructural
phase behaviors.
CHEM Physical Chemistry of Bulk
Polymers (Faculty: Ryu)
Thermodynamic and physical
properties of polymers in melts and solids; covering
coil dimensions, hydrodynamic interaction, frictional
properties, diffusion, viscoelasticity, entanglement,
reptation model, glassy and semicrystalline states,
deformation and fracture of polymers. Prerequisite:
CHEM-4620 or permission of instructor. Spring term,
even-numbered years. 3 credit hours
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BMED-4010 Biomedical Engineering
Laboratory (Faculty: Newell, Fall term 2001)
Theory and practice of
biomedical measurements. An introduction to instruments
and procedures for measurement of pressure, flow, bioelectrical
potentials, biomechanical and biomaterial properties,
using invasive and noninvasive techniques. Transducers
studied include strain gauge, differential transformer,
spectrometer, blood gas electrodes, bipotential electrodes,
microscope with camera, mechanical testing machine,
piezoelectric transducer (or sensor), radioisotope detector.
Also studied are instruments for determination of material
properties. Includes in vivo use of invasive instruments.
This course includes 1 credit hour of Professional Development
and is expected to become 4 credit hours in Fall 2001.
Prerequisites: BMED-2200, BMED-4500 or permission of
instructor. Fall term annually. 3 credit hours
BMED-4240 Tissue-Biomaterial
Interactions (Faculty: Bizios, Spring term 2002)
Relationships between
structure and properties of synthetic implant materials,
including metals, polymers, ceramics and composites.
The emphasis is on mechanical, corrosion, and surface
properties of materials. An introduction to biocompatibility
with special emphasis on the interaction of biomaterials
with cells and tissues. Detailed review of blood-material
interactions. Case studies of implants are discussed
to illustrate biomaterials selection as a key part of
implant design. Prerequisites: ENGR-1600, BIOL-4290,
or permission of instructor. Spring term annually. 4
credit hours
BMED-4500 Advanced Systems Physiology
(taught at Albany Medical College by Albany Medical
College staff, Spring 2002)
Applications of control
theory and systems techniques to physiology. Emphasis
is on entire systems and their interactions rather than
isolated phenomena. Areas covered include cardiac, respiratory,
renal, and gastrointestinal systems. Includes laboratory
on the application of engineering techniques in the
study of physiological systems. Prerequisite: BIOL-4290
or equivalent. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours
BMED-4540 Biomechanics (Faculty:
Vashishth, Fall 2001)
Application of mechanics
to the study of normal, diseased, and traumatized musculo-skeletal
system. Areas covered include determination of joint
and muscle forces, mechanical properties of biological
tissues, and structural analysis of bone-implant systems.
Case studies are discussed to illustrate the role of
biomechanics and biomaterials in the design of implants.
Prerequisites: ENGR-2200, ENGR-2530. Fall term annually.
3 credit hours
BMED 4963 Intro to Cell and Tissue
Engineering (Faculty: DePaola, Fall 2001)
An introduction to the
use of engineering principles to describe cellular processes
of biological, chemical, and physical nature. A quantitative
approach is used to explain the behavior of cells under
various physical stimuli. Transduction of these physical
stimuli into modified cellular behavior and their impact
on organ level performance/function will be discussed
in the case of mammalian cells. Prerequisites include
a basic course in mechanics (ENGR-2530 or BMED-4540),
and a basic course in transport phenomenoa or fluid
dynamics (ENGR-2250), or permission of the instructor.
3 credit hours
BMED-6240 Tissue-Implant Interfaces
(Faculty: Bizios, Fall 2001)
An examination of biomaterial
and biomechanical factors affecting events at tissue-implant
interfaces, with emphasis on biomaterial surface properties
plus cell and molecular interactions. Prerequisites:
BIOL-4290 and BMED-4500 or permission of instructor.
Fall term annually. 3 credit hours
BMED-6280 Biomechanics of Soft
Tissues (Faculty: Brunski, Fall 2001)
Application of continuum mechanics
in modeling the biomechanical behavior of nonmineralized
tissues such as tendons, ligaments, skin, cartilage,
blood vessels, etc. Topics include structure of collagen,
elastin proteoglycans, and other tissue components,
nonlinear elastic models (including Fung’s pseudoelasticity
approach and strain energy functions), linear viscoelasticity,
Fung’s quasilinear viscoelasticity, hereditary
integral formulation of constitutive equations, and
introduction to mixture theory. Fall term, odd-numbered
years. 3 credit hours
BMED-6290 Biomechanics of Hard
Tissues (Faculty: Brunski, Fall 2002)
Structure-property relationships
for mineralized connective tissues of the human body.
Discussion centers on various types of bone (e.g., lamellar,
woven) and teeth with an emphasis on models for biomechanical
behavior, both in vitro and in vivo. Topics include
elastic models for bone (isotropic and anisotropic),
theories of yielding and fatigue, strength properties,
composite and hierarchical models, and models of bone
remodeling/modeling. Fall term, even-numbered years.
3 credit hours
BMED-6961 Biological Image Analysis
cross-listed with ECSE-6963 (Faculty: Roysam, Fall 2001)
A survey of image analysis
techniques in biology, biotechnology, and medicine.
3 credit hours
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CHME-4400 Chromatographic
Separation Processes (Faculty: Cramer)
Theory and practice of
chromatographic separation processes. Dynamics of zone
migration, diffusion, and kinetics. Multicomponent adsorption,
nonequilibrium adsorption, zone spreading, and control
of separation. Modern analytical and preparative bioseparation
techniques of liquid chromatography. Prerequisite: senior
or graduate standing in chemical engineering or permission
of instructor. Spring term annually. 3 credit hours
CHME-4430 Introduction to Biochemical
Engineering (Faculty: Dordick)
Description, fundamentals,
and engineering features of processes using microbial,
plant, or animal cells or their enzymes. Topics include
review of biochemistry, review of microbiology, computer
simulation, growth, death, aseptic techniques, continuous
culture, fermenter design, sterilization, mixed cultures,
process scale up, immobilized cells and enzymes, recovery
of products, and process economics. Weekly exercises
requiring personal computers. Prerequisite: background
in chemical engineering or microbiology. Fall term annually.
3 credit hours
CHME-6410 Advanced Membrane Concepts
(Faculty: Belfort)
An in-depth and comprehensive
treatment of membrane technology. Membrane preparation
and morphology. Models for transport through membranes.
Fluid-dynamic phenomena across membrane systems. Particle
dynamics, membrane fouling, and concentration polarization.
Applications to chemical and biochemical separations.
Critical reviews of the current literature. Prerequisite:
a general knowledge of transport phenomena. Fall term,
even-numbered years. 3 credit hours
CHME-6430 Biochemical Engineering
(Faculty: Dordick)
Engineering aspects of
microbial processes and of conversions with immobilized
enzymes. Topics are mixed-culture processes, sterilization,
aseptic techniques, mass transfer, bioprocess control,
product isolation, enzyme technology, bioprocess development.
There are heavy emphases on continuous fermentation
and on chemicals from biomass. Prerequisite: microbiology
or assigned reading. Fall term annually. 3 credit hours
CHEM-6962 Statistical Thermodynamics
(Faculty: Garde)
A graduate level course
on basic principles of equilibrium statistic mechanics
and its application to fluids. Topics include ensembles,
configurational integral, ideal monoatomic gas, the
classical partition function, phase space and Lioville
equation, distribution functions, Monte Carlo and molecular
dynamics simulations, the virial equation of state,
McMillan-Mayer theory on dilute solutions, lattice models,
integral equation theories for simple fluids, perturbation
theories for simple fluids, Debye-Huckel theory, polymer
statistics and complex fluids, and biological systems.
CHME Enzyme Technology (Faculty:
Dordick)
A graduate level course
on biocatalysis, including enzymes in polymer synthesis
and increasingly nanocomposites.
CHME Biosurfaces (Tentative,
Faculty: Kane)
A graduate level course
on the physics and chemistry of biosurfaces. The course
will also cover approaches (some involving soft materials)
to modulating interactions between biological surfaces,
and will also discuss applications of interfacial science
and engineering in biotechnology.
MTLE-4250 Properties of Engineering
Materials II: Mechanical Properties (Faculty: Sternstein)
This is a required departmental
course, but is also appropriate for biomedical engineers
and other engineering disciplines as an elective. This
course teaches the mechanical properties of metals,
ceramics, and polymers from both the macroscopic and
atomistic or micromechanical viewpoints. An introduction
to three-dimensional stresses and strains. Elastic behavior,
plastic behavior, strengthening mechanisms, fracture,
creep, and fatigue are all addressed. Includes laboratory
component. Prerequisites: ENGR-1600, MTLE-2100. Spring
term annually. 4 credit hours
MTLE-6350 Composite Materials
(Faculty: Schadler)
Introduction to fiber-reinforced
composites: atomistic basis for ultimate properties
of solids; flaws and flaw distributions; shear-lag model
for fiber/matrix stress transfer; predictions of composite
strength and toughness as related to real material behavior.
Preparation, advantages, and limitations of fiber reinforcements,
and of polymer, metal, and ceramic matrix composites
are discussed. Anisotropic continuum representations
as well as test and characterization methods are introduced.
Prerequisites: graduate standing in materials or consent
of instructor. Fall term. 3 credit hours
MTLE-6430 Materials Characterization
(Faculty: Ramanath)
Principles and applications
of current techniques for the chemical, structural,
and morphological characterization of engineering materials,
with an emphasis on materials used in the microelectronics
industry. Techniques studied include various electron
and ion spectroscopies, electron microscopies, and diffraction
techniques. Fall term, odd-numbered years. 3 credit
hours
MTLE-6830 Deformation of Materials
and Rheology (Faculty: Sternstein)
A course intended to acquaint
the student with the phenomenological description of
constitutive equations for solids and melts. The necessary
background material on stress tensors, strain tensors,
rate-of-deformation tensors, invariants, principal axes,
and isotropic and deviatoric tensors is fully developed.
Specific applications include the linear elastic solid,
the anisotropic elastic solid, the nonlinear elastic
solid, the viscoelastic solid, creep, relaxation, yielding,
viscoelastic fluids, and viscometric flows. The required
mathematics background is a course in linear algebra
(matrices) or equivalent. Fall term. 3 credit hours
MTLE-6840 Polymer Engineering
(Faculty: Chung)
Survey and engineering
analysis of industrial processes and commercial polymers.
Topics include introductory fluid mechanics, non-Newtonian
fluids, molecular theory of viscoelasticity, analysis
of extrusion, and other selected processes. Open to
all graduate students majoring in polymer science and
engineering. Spring term. 3 credit hours
MTLE-6960 Science of Carbon (Faculty:
Ajayan/Keblinski)
This is a graduate level
course, which covers fundamental science of carbon with
implications to the applications of graphitic, diamond
and novel form of carbon structures.
MTLE-6963 Nanostructured Materials
(Faculty: Siegel/Ajayan)
This is a graduate level
course for those interested in the science and technology
of a new class of materials that has been creating a
revolution in the last decade or so. The common ground
here is that the building blocks of these materials,
be they metal, ceramic or polymers, are nanometer size
particles. It has come to be realized that the properties
of materials can be engineered by controlling the size
of these building blocks in the 1-100 nm size range
and their assembly. Examples are increased strength
of pure metals when grain sizes are reduced to below
50 nm, extremely high strength of carbon nanotubes,
changes in optical absorption in wide-band gap semiconductor
nanoparticles, and enhanced ductility in nanostructured
ceramics. Advances in nanostructured materials, impact
of present day research and development, science of
clusters, such as fullerenes and nanotubes, structure-property
correlations in nanostructures, advanced characterization
techniques, applications, future materials for nanotechnology.
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