Graduate Program

Physical phenomena in a wide range of areas such as fluid and solid mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, chemical diffusion, and acoustics are governed by Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). In this course, you will learn how to solve a variety of BVPs, each of which is defined by a PDE, boundary conditions, and possibly initial conditions. We will cover the classical PDEs of mathematical physics: 1) diffusion equation, 2) Laplace equations, 3) wave equation. You will learn different techniques to solve these equations. Topics include separation of variables, Fourier analysis, Sturm-Liouville theory, spherical coordinates and Legendre’s equation, cylindrical coordinates and Bessel’s equation, method of characteristics, and Green's functions. You will also learn the basics of how to discretize linear and nonlinear PDEs and solve them numerically. Emphasis will be on physical understanding of the governing equations and the resulting solutions. You will learn to use software and write code (Python, Matlab, Mathematica) to solve PDEs and visualize the solutions. Prior knowledge of any of these languages/software, although helpful, is not required.

Location

(MWF 11:50AM - 12:40PM)

Required recitation for CHE 400-1

Location

(F 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

This course will provide an overview of several contemporary research topics pertaining to structured organic materials. Lectures will focus on intermolecular interactions and the thermodynamics of self-assembly. Additional lectures will introduce molecular crystals, polymer crystallinity, liquid crystals, self-assembled monolayers, surfactants, block copolymers, and biomimetic materials. Homework assignments and a brief technical presentation will be required. Advanced undergraduate students are welcome.

Location

(MW 6:15PM - 7:30PM)

This course is a technical introduction to the computational and quantitative skills needed to design, analyze and predict the behavior of complex biological systems. The two primary focuses are (1) the design and construction of gene circuit interactions and (2) constructing and interrogating mathematical models for these interactions. Models types include chemical reaction networks, biochemical kinetics, signal transduction pathways and gene regulatory networks. These skills will be studied as applied to systems and synthetic biology and as a part of the broader field of chemical engineering. Undergrads allowed with permission.

Location

(W 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

The course discusses various atomic level modeling technique relevant to understanding phenomenon at solid-solid, solid-liquid and solid-gas interfaces. A combination of First-principles based methods such as DFT and Ab-initio Molecular Dynamics will be discussed. The utilization of these methods along with data-driven Machine Learning methods will also be covered.

Location

(TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

This course will acquaint the student with important topics in advanced transport phenomena (momentum, heat and mass transport). Topics include laminar and turbulent flow, thermal conductivity and the energy equation, molecular mass transport and diffusion with heterogeneous and homogeneous chemical reactions. Focus will be to develop physical understanding of principles discussed and with emphasis on chemical engineering applications. In addition to the text, the student will be exposed to classic and current literature in the field.

Location

(MW 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

An introduction to heat and mass transfer mechanisms and process rates. The principles of energy and mass conservation serve to formulate equations governing conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer as well as diffusive and convective mass transfer. Both steady-state and transient problems up to three dimensions are treated in the absence and presence of chemical reactions. The gained fundamental knowledge base is applied to design heat- and mass-transfer operations.

Location

(TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

An introduction to heat and mass transfer mechanisms and process rates. The principles of energy and mass conservation serve to formulate equations governing conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer as well as diffusive and convective mass transfer. Both steady-state and transient problems up to three dimensions are treated in the absence and presence of chemical reactions. The gained fundamental knowledge base is applied to design heat- and mass-transfer operations.

Location

(M 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

This course will provide an introduction to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with emphasis on both the theory and the practical application to simple and complex problems. The course begins with a study of finite difference and finite volume models of one-dimensional partial differential equations. These equations are central to the understanding of more complex CFD models. The course will use ANSYS Fluent, a commercial CFD code, to solve both simple and complex simulations including both laminar and turbulent flow as well as heat transfer. The course will be a combination of traditional lectures, in-class projects and independent project work. **This class will be offered even years, alternating with CHE 259 Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems **

Location

(TR 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

Introduction to NanoEngineering, including fundamental scaling laws and an overview of nanomaterials synthesis, properties, and relevant technological applications with focus in the areas of nanomedicine, energy, and advanced materials. 

Location

(MW 9:00AM - 10:15AM)

Graduate and advanced undergraduate course on surface-specific analytical techniques. The first few lectures of the course will cover basic thermodynamics and kinetics of solid-liquid and solid-gas interfaces, including surface energy and tension, surface forces, adsorption and chemisorption, and self-assembly. The rest of the class will focus on surface spectroscopy and microscopy, including X-ray and UV photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, IR and Raman spectroscopy/microscopy and scanning probe microscopy.

Location

(TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)