CHM3980 Guidelines - Guidebook PDF

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CHM3980 Guidelines The Chemistry Study Abroad unit, CHM3980, is intended for undergraduate students who would like to conduct a research project overseas. This document outlines the essential information you need to know about the unit and is presented in the form of Questions and Answers. Q: How can I enrol in CHM3980? A: Enrolment in this unit is by invitation only. There are a limited number of scholarships available and therefore, anyone interested must express their interest in undertaking the unit. The selection committee considers all applications before offering the selected candidates a place in the unit. Q: What are the requirements of enrolment in CHM3980? A: An eligible student must have achieved a 65 average over three Level 2 or Level 3 chemistry units or; special permission from the unit coordinator. Q: Are there co-requisites? A: Yes! If not already taken, students are required to complete 18 points of Level 3 chemistry units. These units can be completed prior to or within the calendar year of the CHM3980 enrolment (or across two years if applicable). Q: When is the deadline for the application? A: Midnight March 22nd Q: When is the research project conducted? A: The research project must be conducted in the winter break for the duration of 5 weeks. In 2020 this period will be from June 21st to July 24 th. Q: Which Universities are on offer in the exchange program? A: This year there are 4 European universities on offer: Leipzig University in Germany, University of Groningen in the Netherlands, Durham University in the UK and Warwick University in the UK. These are all great universities with high world rankings. Q: How do I express my interest in participating in the exchange program through CHM3980? A: You must complete the Google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJdQN8rUCfhTCm1FrlSijqh0PO6zPjdXPO2OseXOtf CHFz4Q/viewform The form requires you to provide: a) Your personal details such as your name, your email address, degree(s) in which you are enrolled, your major(s) and your preferred area of research; b) Your academic performance such as your Curriculum Vitae as a PDF file and all the units you have taken so far as part of your degree(s) and the grades you have obtained for these units. You must include a PDF/screenshot of your academic extract; c) Statement of purpose (no more than 500 words); d) Communicate your preference for one or two universities on offer; e) Select three supervisors in the order of preference and corresponding research projects. Q: Is completion of the Google form enough to express my interest in the exchange program? A: Yes! I will receive the notification of your submission. I will inform of the outcome by the end of March. Please fill out all the provided fields in the form. Q: What should the statement of purpose cover? A: In the statement, you should explain reasons for why you would like to undertake a research project abroad. The essay should cover what you believe you will learn from an overseas experience, how the experience will benefit you academically, personally and with your vocational goals, and how you will be a good ambassador for Monash.

Q: How do I select my preferred projects? A: A list of research projects on offer are given at the end of the document. For Durham University, you should select 2 of the 6 themes on offer: 1) Bioanalytical Chemistry and synthesis, 2) Catalysis and Sustainable Chemical Processes, 3) Computational & Dynamics, 4) Functional Molecules and Materials, 5) Physical Organic and Assembly, 6) Soft matter and interfaces. For more information on the themes please see here: https://www.dur.ac.uk/chemistry/research/. Q: Will the participation in this unit affect my Semester 1 exams? A: If you are enrolled in a double degree or you have another major other than Chemistry (especially outside of the Faculty of Science), the likelihood of you having exams falling in after June 20 is very high. Many faculties do not allow for early exams and you will be asked to defer your exams until September 2020. By expressing your interest in the CHM3980 unit, you carry the responsibility of applying for any deferred exams that may arise and are happy to sit your exams in September 2020. Q: Will there be a financial support for my travel? A: The School of Chemistry will provide scholarships in the amount of AUD$1500 to undergraduate students selected into the exchange program. Additionally, Monash Abroad awards additional AUD$500 to successful candidates. You must submit a separate application to Monash Abroad to be eligible for this support. Q: How much will the travel cost me? A: It really depends on where you would like to go. You must be prepared to pay additional AUD$1,000 to AUD$5,000 depending on your preferences and life choices. Please consider purchasing your airfare early and arranging AirBNB accommodation to keep the overall costs low. UK universities are generally more expensive than Q: Do I need to pay enrolment fees at the university of my choice? A: No if you would like to go Groningen, Durham and Warwick. In Leipzig, you will need to pay EUR$260 for enrolment which also grants you with free access of public transport such as busses and trams. If successful, you will receive an email about details of your enrolment. Q: Who organizes my travel: airfare and accommodation? A: This is your responsibility to organize your own flights and accommodation. I highly recommend AirBNB. None of the universities offer a room in Halls of residence due to the limited supply. You must organize your accommodation for Leipzig or Groningen as soon as you become aware of your success as shared accommodation is in very high demand any time of the year. Q: Do I need a visa to go the UK, the Netherlands or Germany? A: If you are an Australian citizen, you can enter any of these countries for 90 days without the need for a visa. Citizens of other countries must consult with a respective embassy. This is STUDENT’s responsibility to organize their own visa. Please note that if you must apply for a visa, it might take a significant amount of time to be granted a visa, so start the process early. Q: Am I covered by travel insurance while overseas? A: Once you receive confirmation from Monash Abroad about your application (which is a rubber stamp once you are selected into the CHM3980 unit), you will be automatically granted travel insurance not only for the duration of your stay but also for 60 days before and after your visit. Q: Am I entitled to a university loan to help me with my travel expenses? A: No. The duration of the research project is too short to be entitled for any loan scheme at Monash University.

Prof. Wesley Browne, Chair of Molecular Inorganic Chemistry Project: Redox on/off switching of fluorescence Project description: Switching on and off of fluorescence from single molecules with redox changes has applications in imaging and microscopy. The approach relies on electron transfer quenching of the excited state of a fluorescent compound by a second 'dark' compound connected covalently. In this project, redox quenching will be used to obtain Resonance Raman spectra of fluorescent compounds which can be used to support DFT calculations used to understand their excited states. Tasks: • Synthesis and characterisation of Ferrocene - fluorophore dyads using amide coupling

chemistry • Characterisation by cyclic voltammetry • Spectroelectrochemistry with UV/Vis absorption, emission and resonance Raman

spectroscopy

Prof. Ryan C. Chiechi; [email protected] Project: Synthesis of small molecules for molecular electronics Project description: This project will involve the synthesis of a series of small molecules utilizing several reaction strategies such as aryl-iron chemistry, Hartwig-Buchwald chemistry, etc. The student will use and learn several organic chemistry laboratory skills, for e.g., using a N 2 glove box, running reactions in inert atmosphere, column chromatography, etc. The said molecules will be purified and characterized using several spectroscopic tools such as NMR, IR, UV-Vis, HRMS, TGA, etc. If the time permits, it will be followed by monolayer formation of these molecules on the atomically-flat metal surfaces and their characterization. The final goal being the electrical measurements on these monolayers with the aim of using them as molecular rectifiers and molecular rectifying-switches in future. Contact details: Saurabh Soni; [email protected] (PhD student/daily supervisor) Group website: www.rcclab.com

Dr. Albert Bartok-Partay, Wariwck Centre for Predictive Modelling Project: Exotic phase transitions in two-dimensional solids Project Description: Computer simulation and modelling became a powerful tool in modern chemical research, augmenting experiments by making initial predictions and providing an atomistic insight into mechanisms. Depending on the employed models, these can cover a wide range of problems, from the most accurate ab initio calculations on electronic structure to the coarse-graining models of nanomaterials. Even simple two-dimensional solid shapes are routinely used as models for confined colloid and polymer systems, or for studying adsorption processes on surfaces. Although these polygon systems are seemingly very simple, they can exhibit a very complex phase behaviour: undergoing unusual continuous phase transitions and form a variety of exotic intermediate phases with medium-range order, hence, these systems have become valuable models in statistical mechanics studies as well. The aim of the proposed project is to use a recently developed computational technique, nested sampling, to study phase transitions and predict stable arrangements of a selected group of 2D shapes, in order to help us better understand how chiral phases can be formed by non-chiral objects. The project provides an opportunity for the student to gain a deeper understanding of core concepts in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, learn about state- of-the-art computational techniques and use a range of tools to analyse and visualise computational results.

Prof. Greg Challis, Chemical and Synthetic Biology Project Description: Chemical synthesis of complex molecules is often inhibited by poor efficiency and yield. Using biosynthetic enzymes as catalysts to produce such compounds is a promising and more sustainable alternative. This project focuses on the synthetically important Diels-Alder [4+2] cycloaddition. Bathymycin is a spirotetronate produced by Streptomyces incarnatus NRRL 8089, recently discovered by the Challis group. A Diels-Alderase enzyme, proposed to catalyse a stereoselective [4+2] cycloaddition resulting in the S-endo stereochemistry at the spiro carbon of bathymycin, has been isolated and purified. This is enantiodivergent to the well- studied DielsAlder reaction in the biosynthesis of the structurally-related spirotetronate antibiotic abyssomicin C, which is catalysed by the AbyU enzyme. The aim of this project is to synthesise the natural substrate of AbyU and investigate the stereochemistry of the product that results from incubating it with the bathymycin Diels-Alderase. Understanding how the nature of both the substrate and the enzyme influences the stereochemical outcome of the Diels Alder reactions will inform future studies to develop these enzymes for applications in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries.

Light-assisted ammonia production using photoelectrodeposited, (bi-)metallic electrocatalyst systems Monash Student Exchange Program - Brinkert Group

Are you interested in making the production of chemicals more sustainable and learning new analytical tools? The discovery of industrial scale ammonia synthesis has been a milestone in the history of chemical industry and drastically changed the possibilities for human development: with an annual production of about 140 million tons via the Haber-Bosch process, it is the second largest chemical production worldwide. A large fraction of the population on Earth depends on ammonia as an essential precursor in fertilizer production. The success of the Haber-Bosch process is, however, shaded by its high energy demand: about 1% of the global energy budget is spent on ammonia production and the use of syngas leads to a CO2 release of more than 400 Mt annually, accounting for 1.6% of global CO2 emissions. NH3

NH3

NH3

+6e-

N2 +$6H+

NH3

This interdisciplinary project will exploit photoelectrocatalytic ways of ammonia production utilizing solar energy to drive the electrocatalytic process.1,2 In a first step, (bi-)metallic catalyst materials will be deposited on semiconductors via photoelectrodeposition exploring different deposition times and potentials. Secondly, the catalytic efficiency of the photoelectrodes will be assessed and compared using an ion chromatography system. In this project you will develop skills in (photo-)electrochemistry and learn how to operate a bench-top ion chromatography system to determine cation concentrations in aqueous electrolytes. You will make essential contributes to our ongoing research activities in the field of photoelectrochemical ammonia production.

Katharina is a newly appointed Assistant Professor in Catalysis at Warwick. As a project student, you will be an integral member of her research group. If you have any questions, please contact Katharina directly via email ([email protected]). We’re looking forward to hearing from you! https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/chemistry/research/brinkert/brinkertgroup/ [1] W. Yu, P. Buabthong, C. G. Read, N. F. Dalleska, N. S. Lewis, H.-J. Lewerenz, H. B. Gray, K. Brinkert*, Investigation of Electrocatalytic N2-to-NH3 Reduction in Aqueous Acidic Electrolyte by Co-Mo Thinfilm Electrodes, in preparation for Energy Environ. Sci. [2] A. R. Singh, B. A. Rohr, M. J. Statt, J. A. Schwalbe, M. Cargnello, J. K. Nørskov, Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis - The Selectivity Challenge, ACS Catal., 2019, 9, 8316.

Analysis of photoelectrochemical hydrogen gas bubble formation dynamics in microgravity environments Monash Student Exchange Program - Brinkert Group

Are you interested in currently ongoing, chemistry-based activities in space research? Do you enjoy fundamental (photo-)electrochemistry and fluid dynamics? Efficient artificial photosynthesis systems are of particular interest in the search for sustainable, low-carbon replacements of fossil fuels. They are currently realized as catalystfunctionalized photovoltaic tandemand triple-junction devices enabling photoelectrochemical water oxidation while simultaneously recycling CO2 or generating hydrogen as a fuel for storable renewable energy. These devices are also of particular interest for life support technologies for long-term space travel and lunar research platforms. Their reduced weight and volume compared to currently existing systems are among other attractive features for space applications. The (photo-)electrochemical production of hydrogen and oxygen, however, faces obstacles in reduced gravitational environments due to the absence of buoyancy: gas bubble detachment from the electrode surface is hindered and significantly lowers the overall efficiency of (photo-)electrochemical devices. This interdisciplinary project will exploit photoelectrochemical hydrogen gas bubble evolution on nanostructured, integrated semiconductor-electrocatalyst systems in microgravity environments. Nanostructured electrocatalyst surfaces have recently shown to support gas bubble detachment from the electrode, leading to an efficiently operating solarhydrogen producing half-cell during 9.2s of free fall at the Bremen Drop Tower, Germany.

H2 H2

2e -

2H+

H2

In this project you will gain fundamental insights into electrochemical gas bubble evolution and develop models for the evolution of hydrogen gas bubbles on photoelectrodes in reduced gravitational environments. You will use video recordings from previous drop tower campaigns to analyse and theoretically describe the gas bubble growth and its impact on the photoelectrochemical performance of the electrode. With your research, you will make essential contributes to our ongoing activities in the field of photoelectrochemical hydrogen and oxygen production in reduced gravitational environments.

Katharina is a newly appointed Assistant Professor in Catalysis at Warwick. As a project student, you will be an integral member of her research group. If you have any questions, please contact Katharina directly via email ([email protected]). We’re looking forward to hearing from you! https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/chemistry/research/brinkert/brinkertgroup/

D M Haddleton Monash Projects 2020 Warwick – Monash summer student projects 2020 Our planet is facing considerable challenges with regards climate change, use of non-renewable resources, non-oil based energy generation and healthcare. These are all becoming of increasing concern and problems need to be found by your generation which provides opportunities for innovation in finding solutions. As such all of the projects in our group will address these issues. Project 1. Myrcene is a terpene derived from renewable sources. It is a derivative of isoprene (used to make rubber) and can be polymerised by anionic, radical and cationic polymerisation to give different isomers with different types of vinyl bonds. We will be preparing polymyrcene by different methods and using NMR for characterisation prior to carrying our “ene” reactions and thiol-ene derivatisation to introduce polar groups with the potential for subsequent hydrogenation. The resulting materials have potential for dispersants in automotive (Lubrizol) and personal care (Unilever) applications.

Photo thiol-ene reactions will be carried out and followed by NMR to measure the relative reactivity’s of each vinyl group. The materials will be tested for their physical and mechanical properties and as such is suitable for a student on an analytical MSc course. This is in collaboration with Lubrizol and Unilever.

Project 2. Use of 100% plant sourced diamines and diols. We have a range of diamines from Croda (Priamines, Pripols) derived from dimer acids that can be used to make polyurethanes by reaction with different diisocyanates. As a condensation polymerisation the molecular weights of the products vary with the stoichiometric ratios of the reagents. This project will firstly look at the types of materials we can make and investigate the properties of the materials. In addition, we will be using these materials to make difunctional initiators for copper mediated living radical polymerisation and making a range of ABA triblock copolymers and properties investigated by SEM, SAXS and hopefully TEM.

We will also be evaluating a range of polyesters made from the dimer acids and dimer alcohols for potential in making smart packaging. This will be using monomers that derive from 100% C-renewable sources to make polymers which we will use to make composites with cellulose (paper and cotton) which will have excellent barrier properties due to the hydrophobicity of the monomers. The intention is then to use chemical degradation (hydrolysis) of the ester groups and separation methods to isolate the monomers for re use. Both projects can be tailored to a students requirements with the mix of synthesis and analysis required and will work alongside at least on industrial partner. I am also happy to discuss any project involving polymers that a student might suggest as long as it is in some way connected to solving a global issue such as renewables, biodegradablility, etc.

Computational studies of bacterial biogenesis pathways & macromolecular complexes Phillip Stansfeld ([email protected]) A range of projects are available to investigate the interactions, dynamics and mechanisms of bacterial membrane proteins. Projects are focussed on the development and understanding of the bacterial cell envelope and may involve the following topics: 1. Assessing Lipid transport across the pe...