Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Using Augmented Reality As A Tool For Distance Learning Of Vsepr Theory, Isabelle Lopez

Scripps Senior Theses

Distance learning poses challenges in most academic settings, especially at the undergraduate laboratory level. Improving this mode of learning diminishes the impact of current events on young scientists’ development of foundational laboratory concepts. Our work explores the use of augmented reality (AR) in a laboratory setting. We developed a completely virtual valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory lab activity consistent with the goals of Keck Science Department’s Introduction to Chemistry course’s in-person VSEPR lab activity. We were able to maintain a hands-on learning experience for students while using a tool many students already own: an iPhone as an alternative …

Mathematical Modeling Of Type 1 Diabetes, Gianna Wu

HMC Senior Theses

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas produces little to no insulin, which is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. This happens because the immune system attacks (and kills) the beta cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for insulin production. Higher levels of glucose in the blood could have very negative, long term effects such as organ damage and blindness.

To date, T1D does not have a defined cause nor cure, and research for this disease is slow and difficult due to the invasive nature of T1D experimentation. Mathematical modeling provides an alternative approach …

Analysis Of Biodiesel Quality Using Reversed Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Kellyann M. Murphy

Pomona Senior Theses

The alternative fuel biodiesel is produced from the transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fat to fatty acid methyl esters. Pomona has a reactor on campus that can be used to run this reaction and produce biodiesel. The use of biodiesel has been found to lower air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, but can be potentially harmful to the engines if it contains impurities. This paper proposes a method using high-performance liquid chromatography to test the quality of biodiesel. This method utilizes instrumentation and materials that are available in Pomona College's Chemistry Department, requires very little sample preparation, and is …

Reactivity Of Ptii "Pincer" Complexes With Carbon Monoxide, Margaret L. Scheuermann

Scripps Senior Theses

ABSTRACT Upon addition of carbon monoxide (CO) to a solution of (k-N, C, N-2, 6-bis(diethylaminomethyl)-phenyl)methyl platinum(II),[NCN]PtMe,(1), a ligand arm is displaced to form [SP-4-2] ((k-N,C-2,6-bis(diethylaminomethyl)-phenyl) carbonmethyl platinum(II), N[CN]Pt(CO)(Me),(2). Addition of CO to a THF solution of 2 results in the formation of [SP-4-3]((k-N,C-2,6-bis(diethylaminomethyl)-phenyl)acylcarbonyl platinum(II),N[CN]pt(Ac)(CO),(3). In THF ,2 partially isomerizes in the presence of CO to form [SP-4-4]((k-N,C-2,6-bis(diethylaminomethyl)-phenyl)carbonylmethyl platinum(II), N[CN]Pt(Me)(CO).(2’).in equilibrium with 2(K=ca.2 at 100 degree celcius). In the absence of CO, only trace isomerization was observed. Thermolysis of 3 results in the formation of 2 and 2’ , while a reaction of 3 with trimethylamine N-oxide results exclusively in the …