SUBJECTS OF INSTRUCTION in the DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY
CH 11 General Chemistry.
Descriptive inorganic chemistry, chemical theory, and elementary applied chemistry. Besides a study of the chemistry of the elements and their compounds, the course includes a brief survey of certain of the more important industrial processes, such as the manufacture of the elementary gases, the acids, soda, glass, cement, and metals. The laboratory work is chosen so as to illustrate the current lectures. In order to emphasize the quantitative nature of the science, the student is required to solve a large number of numerical problems based on chemical processes and to do a certain amount of actual quantitative work in the laboratory.
Texts: McPherson and Henderson, “A Course in General Chemistry”; McPherson, Henderson and Evans, “Laboratory Manual in General Chemistry”; Bradley, “Problems in General Chemistry”.
CH 21 Qualitative Analysis.
For Chemical Students. This course includes the analysis of numerous unknowns for both the anions and the cations. Class work covers the practical and theoretical aspects of analysis, including the theory of electrolytes, ionic equilibrium and the law of mass action.
Text: McAlpine and Soule, “Qualitative Chemical Analysis”.
For Civil Students. Laboratory work, the same as CH 21. Class work consists of the chemistry of materials used in engineering work, chemical theory and special topics.
Texts: Leighou, “Chemistry of Engineering Materials”; Cornog & Vosburgh, “Introductory Qualitative Analysis”.
For Electrical and Mechanical Students. This course is designed to acquaint the students with the methods of analysis and the application of chemical principles to engineering work. Laboratory work consists of qualitative analysis, and water and fuel analysis. Class work includes the application of chemical theory and such special topics as alloys, fuels, corrosion and the treatment of water for industrial and sanitary purposes.
Texts: Chapin, “Second Year College Chemistry”; Cornog & Vosburgh, “Introductory Qualitative Analysis”.
CH 22 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry.
This course undertakes a more thorough treatment of the modern developments of inorganic chemistry than is possible in course CH 11. Such topics as the mass law, vapor pressure, dissociation, velocity of reaction, and kinetic theory are studied in considerable detail. Attention is also given to the recent ideas of the structure of the atom. The course is profusely illustrated by problems.
Texts: Chapin, “Second Year College Chemistry”; Hougen and Watson, “Industrial Chemical Calculations”.
CH 31 Physical Chemistry. Junior Year.
CH 41 Physical Chemistry. Senior Year.
These two courses form a continuous treatment, the subject matter of which is selected with a more especial view to the needs of students entering the chemical industries than is usual in this subject. The abstract principles of chemistry are developed in such a way as to emphasize their practical importance, and to lead the student to facility and confidence in the application of theoretical knowledge to his everyday work. A large part of the work consists to the solution of problems by the students. The problems are discussed in detail, the aim being to develop the power to use principles, rather than merely to impart factual knowledge of the phenomena. The topics considered in the course are the pressure-volume relations of gases, the properties of solutions related to molal composition, the conduction of electricity in solutions, the ionic theory, the mass-action law applied to the rate and equilibrium of chemical changes, heterogeneous equilibrium from the phase-rule standpoint, thermo-chemistry and thermo-dynamic chemistry. Under the latter topic are considered the free-energy change attending chemical reactions, the maximum work obtainable from them, the effect of temperature on free-energy and a number of applied topics in electro-chemistry such as electro-motive force of voltaic cells, electrode potentials in relation to the equilibrium of oxidation and reduction reactions, electrolysis in relation to electromotive force and concentration, and gas polarization. Throughout the two courses, the scientific background of the chemical industries is constantly impressed upon the student. Only by constantly applying the principles to concrete problems will the student acquire such a knowledge and the power to use it in new cases.
Text: Getman and Daniels, “Outline of Theoretical Chemistry” (for CH 31 and CH 41).
CH 32 Quantitative Analysis.
This course includes both the theory and the practice of quantitative analysis. In the laboratory, training is given in the correct technique of quantitative work, first in volumetric and then in gravimetric determinations. Later, extended analyses are carried out. In the classroom the principles underlying the laboratory work are studied; additional methods also are considered. Throughout the year the student receives training in the calculations of analytical chemistry, with special attention to the errors of measurement. Particular consideration is given to the accuracy of the methods studied, in connection with the requirements of their use, and to the saving of time by proper planning of work and choice of method.
Texts: Kolthoff and Sandell, “Textbook of Quantitative Inorganic Analysis”; Giesy, “Problems in Quantitative Analysis”.
CH 33 Thermodynamics.
This follows the lines of course ME 31 Thermodynamics but is adapted to the needs of industrial chemists.
Text: Lichty, “Thermodynamics”.
CH 41 Physical Chemistry.
(See CH 31.)
CH 42 Organic Chemistry. Prerequisites, CH 11, CH 31, CH 32.
This is a course in the principles and practices of organic chemistry. In the lectures and recitations a systematic study of the aliphatic and aromatic compounds is undertaken. In the laboratory certain selected experiments in the analysis and synthesis of organic compounds is carried out as well as exercises in the study of the chemical properties of various classes of compounds. The course is conducted with special reference to the industrial applications of organic chemistry. Some of the newer physico-chemical tools used in the study of the science will be considered. If time permits, certain special topics such as dye-stuffs, alkaloids, and compounds of biochemical importance will be studied.
Texts: Conant, “The Chemistry of Organic Compounds”; Coghill and Sturtevant, “Organic Compounds”.
CH 43 Industrial Chemistry.
The class work includes a study of industrial equipment and processes. Safety work in the chemical industry is given particular consideration. The laboratory work covers typical operations and processes of manufacturing chemistry, which are carried out in small scale commercial equipment.
Text: Riegel, “Industrial Chemistry”.
CH 44 Unit Operations.
This is an introductory course in the unit operations of chemical engineering, the purpose of which is to introduce the student to the use of large scale chemical equipment.
CH 46 Chemical Engineering.
The class work consists of a study of industrial equipment and processes. Safety work in the chemical industry is given particular emphasis. The laboratory work comprises a study of unit operations and processes. Seminars, which include reports on the laboratory work and articles in the technical literature, are held at regular intervals. A portion of the time is devoted to surveying as applied to the chemical plant. This includes work in measurements for equipment foundations, piping, etc. The laboratory work includes evaporation, drying, filtration, distillation, etc. Particular stress is laid on the quantitative aspects and interpretation of the data.
Texts: Perry, “Chemical Engineers’ Handbook”; Walker, Lewis, McAdams & Gilliland, “Principles of Chemical Engineering”; Kohler, “Laboratory Manual in Chemical Engineering”; Busse, “Shop Surveying Notes”.