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Andrew B. Greytak Group Site

Academics

Courses

CHEM 541: Physical Chemistry: Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics

This 3-credit undergraduate course may be taken before or after CHEM 542. See bulletin for prerequisites. Chem 541L is a corresponding laboratory course that is run independently and can be registered as a 2-credit course. In Chem 541, students will learn concepts of thermodynamics and kinetics that are essential preparation for careers in chemistry, biology, medicine, and engineering.

CHEM 719/749: Nanoscience: Chemistry and Physics of Low-Dimensional Materials

An introduction to nanoscience, or, the chemistry and physics of low-dimensional materials. The course will begin by identifying characteristic length scales that determine the electronic and optical properties of materials through discussion of band structure, effective mass, charge carriers, and conductivity in metals and semiconductors. We will then explore: Size-dependence of electronic and optical properties of materials, including quantum confinement; the electrochemical double layer and properties of colloidal solutions; synthetic routes to nanostructures with control of shape and composition. These concepts will enable students to understand and innovate in many areas of nanoscience and materials science. The second half of the course includes student-led discussions of current literature. Examples of applications in biomedical imaging, solar cells, and energy conversion and storage will be discussed. This course is cross-listed as Chem 649 for undergraduates who have completed Chem 541 and 542.

CHEM 542L: Physical Chemistry Laboratory: Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy

A 2-credit lab course in which Chemistry majors develop skills in experimental and computational physical chemistry, data analysis, and analytical writing. Students complete a series of 6 lab projects in small groups, using state of the art equipment in USC’s new Science and Technology Building. Lab projects vary from semester to semester and several have been published in J. Chem. Ed. Students should be taking, or have completed, the Chem 542 classroom course.

Extracurricular 

The energy challenge ... and your stake in it!

Presentation for undergraduates on how they can prepare themselves to productively engage the challenges and opportunities presented by the increasing demand for sustainable and affordable energy at home and abroad. This presentation was made to the inaugural meeting of the USC student chapter of the American Chemical Society, and portions were presented at the College of Charleston.

Sustainable Carolina

Prof. Greytak works with the campus-wide Sustainable Carolina initiative to discuss sustainability, energy use, and energy research on campus. Check out the Sustainability Showcase -- an annual event we designed to connect researchers to student, staff, and community groups working to improve sustainability right here on campus. Keep an eye on the Group News for info on this year's event.

Which is the anode?

"Anode" and "cathode" are terms invented by Michael Faraday to describe electrodes. It is easy to get them confused, especially when reading literature from fields as diverse as vacuum tube electronics and dye-sensitized solar cells!As a public service, we have created "Which is the anode?", an educational poster to help sort things out. Inspired in part by XKCD. Please let us know of any errors or suggestions!

 


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