Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Applied Math In Introductory Chemistry, Ji Kim, Grace Pai

Open Educational Resources

Students, particularly those who are non-science majors, often struggle with college-level science courses required for graduation due to the applied mathematics needed to successfully complete the course. This resource includes four activities on the topics of units and measurements, dimensional analysis, density, and gases. These topics were specifically designed to teach the mathematics embedded in these topics in a culturally responsive way. Throughout the activities, we incorporate these four elements of culturally relevant pedagogy (Ladson-Billings, 2009) in order to engage students in successfully solving basic mathematics in chemistry while promoting their interest in learning chemistry.

Quantum Mechanics-Based Computational Chemistry Has Become A Powerful Partner In The Scientific Research Of Nitrogen-Rich Compounds, Paving The Way For Important Advances In Biochemical, Pharmacological And Other Related Fields, Dobrushe Denburg

Student Theses and Dissertations

The Computational Chemistry of Nitrogen-Rich Compounds; Insight into Pioneering Research

Nitrogen-rich functional groups have long been studied for their diversity; nitrogen can form single, double and triple bonds with itself, and will therefore exist in a very broad range of molecular arrangements. Poly-nitrogen compounds are highly energetic and electron rich, and many compounds display unique properties that allow participation in very specialized chemical reactions. Of import is their ubiquity in biological systems, and throughout the past century and currently, their biological relevance is deeply and widely explored in biochemistry and biomedicine, from their involvement in natural biological processes and complex …

Physical Chemistry, Ruth E. Stark

Open Educational Resources

This is a provisional syllabus for Physical Chemistry I (Thermodynamics), to be taught using an OER Textmap in Fall, 2021.

Emergent Photophysics In Diketopyrrolopyrrole Superstructures, Andrew Levine

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Organic semiconductors have received substantial attention as active components in optoelectronic devices because of their processability and customizable electronic properties. Tailoring the organic active layer in these devices to exhibit desirable optoelectronic properties requires understanding the complex and often subtle structure-property relationships governing their photophysical response to light. Both structural organization and frontier molecular orbitals (FMO) play pivotal roles in energy relaxation processes, and complex interplay between organization and orbital energies are difficult to anticipate based upon the molecular structure of the components alone, especially in systems comprised of multiple components. In pursuit of design rules, there is a need …

Alternative View Of Oxygen Reduction On Porous Carbon Electrocatalysts: The Substance Of Complex Oxygen-Surface Interactions, Giacomo De Falco, Marc Florent, Jacek Jagiello, Yongqiang Cheng, Luke L. Daemen, Anibal J. Ramirez-Cuesta, Teresa J. Bandosz

Publications and Research

Electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an important energy-related process requiring alternative catalysts to expensive platinum-based ones. Although recently some advancements in carbon catalysts have been reported, there is still a lack of understanding which surface features might enhance their efficiency for ORR. Through a detailed study of oxygen adsorption on carbon molecular sieves and using inelastic neutron scattering, we demonstrated here that the extent of oxygen adsorption/interactions with surface is an important parameter affecting ORR. It was found that both the strength of O2 physical adsorption in small pores and its specific interactions with surface ether functionalities in the …

The Statue Of Liberty Laboratory Activity: The Chemistry Of Copper, Jihyun Kim, Marcus D. Allen

Open Educational Resources

In this lab activity we observe chemical changes of copper in acidic conditions, salt water, and a mixture of lemon juice and vinegar and salt, and we discuss whether the Statue of Liberty would hold as much cultural icon today had the Lady Statue remain the original shiny brown color.

Atomic Theory #5: Molecules And Compounds, Emmanuel J. Chang, Kevin J. Mark

Open Educational Resources

Video lectures on atomic theory incorporating a simulated student class working problems to increase accessibility and relatablility.

Open Educational Resource funded by a City University of New York OER Grant. Produced by the Department of Chemistry, York College/CUNY and the Department of Natural Sciences, LaGuardia Community College/CUNY

Air Pollution [Liberal Arts: Math And Science/Natural Science], Ian Alberts

Open Educational Resources

This assignment was designed for students in the pathways introductory chemistry class and the first year seminar and aligns with the Inquiry and Problem Solving core competency. In this context, there is a focus on “framing the issues” (identifies and/or addresses questions and problems), “evidence gathering” (assembles, reviews and synthesizes evidence from several diverse sources), “evidence” (analyze the data to address the questions posed) and “conclusions” (critical thinking, reflect on the outcomes, draw conclusions and generate new knowledge). There is also a Global Learning component based on comparing data collected locally with corresponding data from other locations or countries. The …

A Stereospecific Pd-Catalyzed Suzuki Cross-Coupling Reaction And A Statistical Study Of The Ligand's Role In Stereoselection, Shibin Zhao

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The development of palladium-catalyzed carbon-carbon cross-coupling reactions has profoundly influenced the manner through which we approach the synthesis of complex organic molecules. Among established cross-coupling reactions, which include Kumada, Negishi, and Stille reactions, the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction exhibits particularly wide functional group compatibility, while employing non-toxic, air-stable organoboron nucleophiles. Conventional studies of Pd-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling reactions have focused on C(sp²)-C(sp²) cross-coupling reactions, which result in the formation of planar products. Conceptually, the use of C(sp³) (secondary) nucleophiles would enable the reliable manipulation of organic molecules in three dimensions. However, this process has not been …

Greer Studies, Teaches How To Improve Medicines, Aldemaro Romero Jr.

Publications and Research

“As a child, I was interested in asking questions. Like why different substances work the way they do and why they have some effect on our bodies. I was fascinated by hydrogen-peroxide and how it decomposes when you pour it on the wound. I would ask why it happens, what is the reason?” That’s how Dr. Edyta Greer explains how she became interested in science. A native of Poland, Greer received her master’s from Warsaw University and her doctorate from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Today she is an associate professor in the Department of …

Experiential Learning Activity: Biodiesel Inquiry Project, Ji Kim

Open Educational Resources

The activity described herein can be implemented in introductory chemistry and high school chemistry courses. The main goal of the project is to integrate a ubiquitous biodiesel production with experiential learning by providing a community-based project. The students work in groups, research the benefits of using biodiesel over petroleum-based diesel, collect waste cooking oil from home or restaurants, develop simple and cost-effective methods to produce biodiesel.