Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - CHEM 449 D100

Special Topics in Materials Chemistry (3)

Class Number: 5907

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Gary Leach
    gleach@sfu.ca
    778-782-8065
    Office: SCC9071

  • Instructor:

    Vance Williams
    vancew@sfu.ca
    778-782-8059
    Office: SCC9065

  • Instructor:

    Loren Kaake
    lkaake@sfu.ca
    778-782-9915
    Office: SSB8105

  • Prerequisites:

    CHEM 210, 260, 283 (or 284), and 12 units of upper division CHEM, all with a minimum grade of C-; or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Selected topics in materials chemistry not regularly covered in chemistry undergraduate course offerings. Topics may vary from year to year and may include (but are not limited to): materials with tunable optoelectronic properties, trace element analysis of materials using non-destructive techniques, materials with applications in producing and utilizing chemical energy.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics covered will focus on the optical properties of materials and the underlying physical chemistry necessary to understand them. The properties of metals, inorganic semiconductors, organic semiconductors and liquid crystals will be described. Key themes will include quantum and classical light absorption, solid state electronic structure (bands), vibrations of the crystal lattice (phonons), refractive index, birefringence, light scattering at interfaces, stimuli responsive materials, including thermochromism, photo-switchable materials and electric field induced changes in refractive index.  

Concepts important to contemporary materials research will be discussed. Intermolecular forces and the self-assembly of thin film microstructures and nanostructures. Materials important to applications in optical and electronic devices. Descriptive/semiquantitative approach to processes and properties of solid-state materials. Band structure, excited state coupling and energy transport. Quantum confinement, disordered systems.

Additional Topics:

  • Electronic structure of materials in 0,1,2, and 3 dimensions
  • Optical properties and excited state transport
  • Film formation in functional materials and their applications
  • Intermolecular interactions in solution and solid state (pi stacking, hydrogen bonding, etc.)
  • Introduction to disordered semiconductors and liquid crystals

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Understand and articulate the electronic structure and optical properties of materials
  • Understand and articulate the interaction of light with matter
  • Understand and articulate how intermolecular interactions affect optical properties.
  • Understand the principles and analytical methods used to determine the optical properties.

 

Grading

  • Assignments 20%
  • Paper/Presentation 20%
  • Exams 60%

NOTES:

The minimum prerequisite for this topic of CHEM 449 is CHEM 282 (or 283). Students can contact the Undergraduate Advisor <chemadv@sfu.ca> with their student number for a prerequisite enrollment waiver if they are missing the other requirements.

For Students Taking Chem 849 & Distinguishing features from CHEM 449:

Graduate students in CHEM 849 will be given additional reading assignments from the contemporary literature, additional questions on the examinations, and a higher degree of rigor and depth will be required during their presentations.

REQUIREMENTS:

None

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

None.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Selections of reading will be provided. 

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

A grade of C- or better is required for all prerequisite courses.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.