l’actualité chimique canadienne canadian chemical news ACCN
march | mars • 2008 • Vol. 60, No./no 3
Chemistry’s Image Problem
You Be the Chemist
Students and the public understanding of Chemistry Improving Chemistry Curriculum
An Apple A Day
Science Forums On-line
ComputerAssisted Personalized Approach
ECO Canada’s Class Act
ACCN
march | mars • 2008 • Vol. 60, No./no 3
A publication of the CIC | Une publication de l’ICC
Ta bl e o f C o n t e n t s | Ta bl e d e s m a t i è r e s
Ar ticles
Guest Column Chroniqueur invité . . . . . . 2 Why Chemistry? Christopher Lata, MCIC
letters lettres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
12
An Image Problem
14
CAPA-tilizing on Chemistry 2201
16
Programme de Sensibilisation à la chimie de l’ICC CIC’s Public Understanding of Chemistry Program
News Nouvelles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Industrial Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chemfusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Joe Schwarcz, MCIC
Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Recognition reconnaissance . . . . . . . .
26
29
Computer-based assignment system allows students to arrive at the correct answer Alan Doucette
Lucie Frigon
18
Home Improvements?
20
You Be The Chemist
24
ECO Canada’s Class Act
careers carrières . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Events Événements . . . . . . . . . . . .
Most chemists aren’t mad. Chemicals are neither good nor bad. And the public image of chemistry is due for a make-over. Joe Schwarcz, MCIC
Germany makes the bold move to renovate chemistry programs in keeping with the Bologna Process. Will Canada get on board? Dietmar Kennepohl, FCIC
The chemical industries face tough competition for bright, young minds. YBTC programs provide North American students a fighting chance. Isabel Alexander
Round table ramps up environmental education in Canada’s public schools Megan Lappi
Guest Column Chroniqueur invité
Managing Editor/Directrice de la rédaction Heather Dana Munroe Graphic Designer/Infographiste Krista Leroux Editorial Board/Conseil de rédaction Joe Schwarcz, MCIC, chair/président Cathleen Crudden, MCIC John Margeson, MCIC Milena Sejnoha, MCIC Bernard West, MCIC
Why Chemistry?
L
ike many other undergraduate students, I was in awe of the complexities behind simple chemical transformations that were taught in organic and organometallic chemistry classes. These reactions served as a toolbox of methods to synthesize even more complex molecules on paper, but outside the confines of the classroom, they were only an infinitesimally small scraping of the chemistry world. Today’s society is built on chemistry and engineering. From materials and polymers to pharmaceuticals, the synthesis of these everyday substances that we use and take for granted comes from a long history of chemical innovation and industrial process technologies. Working in a chemistry research laboratory as a first-year undergraduate student exposed me to this vast expanse of knowledge and forced me to take on a new appreciation of this field. Why do we make the molecules we make and how can we make them better? Faster? Less expensively? With less environmental impact? These are the true goals of practical chemistry. These concepts are not often taught in an undergraduate classroom, so I had to jump the gap between theory and the real thing, which was (and still is) difficult to accomplish. Nonetheless, I became enthralled with the research I was conducting. This was an opportunity to finally look at a synthetic problem and not only apply textbook knowledge, but to think outside the box. I solved puzzles, not just on paper, but on the lab bench. I fell in love with formulating new ideas and testing hypotheses in the hopes of developing something useful and applicable to the improvement of chemistry, or to the creation of knowledge. When my career as an undergrad came to an end, I faced three choices. Having been
L’Actualité chimique canadienne mars 2008
Christopher Lata, MCIC accepted to medical school, I could have continued on to a degree in medicine, pursued a career directly, or continued into the world of graduate research. I chose the latter option for several reasons. While a medical degree appealed in terms of job security and portability, it did not offer the type of research that I was interested in. Getting a job with an undergraduate degree, unfortunately, does not provide many opportunities to excel in the North American job market. So I followed my own interests and quest for a broader background. I enrolled in a chemistry graduate program. As idealistic as it sounds, you have to pursue what excites you. However, it is also important to make informed and practical decisions to ensure that you will have career options at the completion of your degree. I chose chemistry at the graduate level not only because I love to experiment and to think outside the box, but for practical purposes. I believe, with perseverance and an eye toward the future, it will prepare me for an enjoyable and fulfilling career at the end of my PhD. Here’s to hard work and the pursuit of knowledge.
Christopher Lata, MCIC, was born in Alberta, AB, in 1985 and grew up in southeast Calgary. He received a BSc in biochemistry from Queen’s University in 2007, and held consecutive NSERC Undergraduate Research Awards to fund summer research work. In
Editorial Office/Bureau de la rédaction 130, rue Slater Street, Suite/bureau 550 Ottawa, ON K1P 6E2 613-232-6252 • Fax/Téléc. 613-232-5862 editorial@accn.ca • www.accn.ca Advertising/Publicité advertising@accn.ca Subscription Rates/Tarifs d’abonnement Non CIC members/Non-membres de l’ICC : in/au Canada CAN$55; outside/à l’extérieur du Canada US$50. Single copy/Un exemplaire CAN$8 or US$7. L’Actualité chimique canadienne/Canadian Chemical News (ACCN) is published 10 times a year by the Chemical Institute of Canada / est publié 10 fois par année par l’Institut de chimie du Canada. www.cheminst.ca. Recommended by the Chemical Institute of Canada, the Canadian Society for Chemistry, the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering, and the Canadian Society for Chemical Technology. Views expressed do not necessarily represent the official position of the Institute, or of the societies that recommend the magazine. Recommandé par l’Institut de chimie du Canada, la Société canadienne de chimie, la Société canadienne de génie chimique et la Société canadienne de technologie chimique. Les opinions exprimées ne reflètent pas nécessairement la position officielle de l’Institut ou des sociétés qui soutiennent le magazine. Change of Address/Changement d’adresse circulation@cheminst.ca Printed in Canada by Gilmore Printing Services Inc. and postage paid in Ottawa, ON./ Imprimé au Canada par Gilmore Printing Services Inc. et port payé à Ottawa, ON. Publications Mail Agreement Number/ No de convention de la Poste-publications : 40021620. (USPS# 0007-718) Indexed in the Canadian Business Index and available on-line in the Canadian Business and Current Affairs database. / Répertorié dans la Canadian Business Index et accessible en ligne dans la banque de données Canadian Business and Current Affairs. ISSN 0823-5228
2007, he began his MSc in chemistry under supervision of Cathleen Crudden, MCIC. His research involves catalyst system development and mechanistic elucidation for rhodiumcatalyzed hydroboration.
www.accn.ca
News Nouvelles
letters lettres
Nano Web Site in the Works Dear Editor, A suggestion was made to develop a comprehensive Web site for nanotechnology for Canadians in the Nov/Dec 2007 ACCN article “Framing Nanotechnology Now” by the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy (CIELAP). I am pleased to advise that the Departmental Biotechnology Office at Health Canada has been working with the federal government nanotechnology community to develop a publicly accessible Web site for nanotechnology. The NanoPortal, based on the Government of Canada’s Bioportal, will provide Canadians with a single portal for on-line information regarding nanotechnology containing information from a number of federal departments and agencies, as well as from our trading partners and other international jurisdictions. The current plan is to launch the Web site in spring 2008. Nigel Skipper Departmental Biotechnology Office Health Canada News Nouvelles
Chemists Solve Biological Challenge Chemistry professor Ronald Kluger, FCIC, and PhD candidate Svetlana Tzvetkova have made discoveries that could not only allow scientists to generate new kinds of proteins—the building blocks of life—but also eventually lead to practical applications such as simplifying drug development and manufacturing. These chemists at the University of Toronto have stretched the bounds of nature and genetics by chemically, rather than biologically, modifying the steps involved in creating proteins. Kluger became interested in the possibility of manipulating proteins after learning about efforts to produce “designer amino acids.” “I was intrigued by the possibility that someone could actually attempt to make proteins with amino acids that aren’t specified in the genetic code at all,” Kluger explained.
Photo by Jamie Brand
Svetlana Tzvetkova and Ronald Kluger, FCIC, have chemically modified the steps involved in creating proteins. Nature defines 20 different amino acids that can link together to make proteins. But protein creation begins with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which sends out genetic instructions via an RNA message (mRNA) to the ribosomes in our cells. Transfer ribonucleic acids (tRNA) collect the amino acids and bring them to the ribosomes. The tRNA then aligns with mRNA so the amino acids can join to form proteins. The catch is that an amino acid has to be activated by a specific enzyme before the tRNA can scoop it up. Kluger and former student Lisa Cameron found that they could mimic the critical action of this enzyme when they combined common inorganic chemicals called lanthanum salts with a chemically activated amino acid. It was Tzvetkova who showed that this chemical mimic will allow an amino acid to attach to the complex tRNA molecule in just the right place. These results were e‑published in the December 4 issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society. In principle, this research could be developed to allow tRNA to collect new “unnatural” amino acids, which according to Kluger, could “give anyone the ability to create totally new materials that have nothing to
do with the genetically defined functions of proteins.” Kluger and Tzvetkova aren’t the first researchers to try to create a “ribosomeready” tRNA. Scientists have been attempting this type of modification for years, but “their method involved a lot of difficult steps. They started to mutate the enzymes instead of doing a chemical alteration,” said Kluger, who explained that the elegance of his method is that it changes how amino acids are added to tRNA “in one step, just the way nature does it.” Just because the solution was simple doesn’t mean that finding it was. This type of approach has never been tried before. Kluger said that he and his students “were constantly told that this direct chemical route was impossible” and added that “we were novices from day one in this project. Each time we got to another stage of this, we were novices again.” These researchers are continuing their work by incorporating their artificially attached amino acids into proteins. Kluger feels that the “possibilities are well beyond our imagination or our lifetime.” Jenny Lass, University of Toronto Bulletin
march 2008 Canadian Chemical News
News Nouvelles
Turning Trash to Green Power Plasco Energy Group Inc. has begun to receive loads of municipal solid waste (or “garbage”) from City of Ottawa trucks at the Plasco Trail Road Demonstration Plant. A total of 20 tonnes of garbage was received in the first transport. The facility first started processing the city’s municipal waste into electricity on February 7, 2008. The power was sold to Ottawa Hydro. “This is one of the last steps in what has been a very meticulous process to bring this first Plasco conversion system into operation,” said Rod Bryden, president and CEO. “Interest in the Plasco conversion system is very high in many communities around the world, and we are optimistic that Plasco Energy will become a new and meaningful choice in the management of waste and delivery of distributed clean and green power in urban communities.” Ottawa Mayor Larry O’Brien said, “… Ottawa City Council is certainly proud to be part of this innovation that is poised to provide substantial environmental benefits to the nation’s capital.” Plasco Energy Group Inc.
2007 Financial Statements
By mid-April 2008, the complete audited financial statements of the CIC, CSC, CSChE and CSCT will be available in both official languages on the CIC Web site and on request from the executive director. The statements will also be available at the annual general meetings of the Institute and the consituent Societies.
États financiers 2007
Dès la mi-avril 2008, les états financiers vérifiés de l’ICC, de la SCC, de la SCGCh et de la SCTC seront disponibles dans les deux langues officielles sur le site Web de l’ICC et sur demande auprès du directeur général. Les états seront aussi disponibles aux assemblées générales annuelles de l’Institut et de ses sociétés constituantes.
L’Actualité chimique canadienne mars 2008
Collaborating for Carbon Capture Storage Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC) and the Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI) have announced the inception of the PTAC Carbon Capture Storage Project. PTAC has initiated collaboration among 17 producers, transportation companies, and provincial governments that have provided funding and will oversee its implementation through a steering committee. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) could substantially reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. CCS is exactly as it sounds— carbon dioxide is first captured from coalfired electricity plants, upgraders, refineries, etc. Then it’s purified and transported to geological storage sites where it is injected underground. It can also enhance oil production by recovering oil and gas from depleted reservoirs. The project will provide design and a cost estimate for a CO2 collection system from different sources in the Fort Saskatchewan, AB area and CO2 transportation through a common pipeline system. The project scope will only include the required pipeline infrastructure to aggregate CO2 to a common location. The study does not include pipelines to enhanced recovery fields at this time. The steering committee believes that sufficient CO2 exists or will exist in the Fort Saskatchewan area to support commercial scale enhanced recovery of conventional oil in AB. Large CO2 supplies currently exist at refineries and upgraders and several new facilities proposed for the Fort Saskatchewan area. Conducted by SNC-Lavalin, the study will evaluate at least three representative CO2 sources to understand what is required to aggregate different quality types of CO2. Several companies have agreed to provide CO2 quantity and quality information in support of this study. Process design may include CO2 purification, dehydration, and compression requirements. The project will review the merits of a common compression site to achieve system pressure required for pipeline transport to major oil pools. PTAC president Soheil Asgarpour said, “This is a major step forward in producing
clean energy from Alberta’s world class hydrocarbon resources. It will create a winwin situation for the producers, transporters, CO2 emitters and above all, the people of Alberta.” Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada
Nucléaire : le Canada se compare au monde L’Association nucléaire canadienne (ANC) a publié un nouveau rapport intitulé L’industrie nucléaire aujourd’hui : Étude des structures nationales et internationales. Le rapport préparé par SECOR compare le cadre de l’industrie nucléaire au Canada à celui en place dans d’autres pays fournisseurs de technologies nucléaires. Il développe trois grands thèmes au sujet de l’industrie nucléaire : • une vue d’ensemble de l’industrie nucléaire canadienne à l’heure actuelle, y compris les divers éléments qui la composent, le régime de propriété, la gouvernance et le soutien; • un aperçu des structures de l’industrie dans divers pays concurrents et une description des choix stratégiques possibles pour le Canada; • les implications de ces choix dans le contexte canadien. Les pays étudiés sont la France, le Japon, la Russie, la Corée du Sud, le Royaume-Uni et les États-Unis. Un élément important de l’étude concerne les stratégies en matière de recherche-développement (R-D) et l’exécution de la R-D. On peut le consulter à l’adresse http://cna.ca/french/Studies/ NuclearIndustryToday08-FR.pdf. The report is also available in English at http://cna.ca/english/Studies/NuclearIndustryToday08.pdf. Association nucléaire canadienne
ACCN
Recherchés
articles en français! editorial@accn.ca
News Nouvelles
CIC/CCR Response to the 2008 Federal Budget
Wind Energy’s Global Growth Record Enough electricity is produced by wind energy in Canada to meet the needs of 560,000 homes. A global record was set in 2007 with the production of 20,000 megawatts (MW) of new, emission-free wind power. Canada’s total installed capacity grew to 1,846 MW with the addition of 386 MW of new wind energy. Canada is poised to set a new record for annual installed wind energy capacity with an anticipated minimum installation of another 800 MW in 2008, representing investments well over $1.5 billion. These 2008 installations have already begun with the commissioning of Sky Generation’s 10 MW Ravenswood project in January. This project is the first to be constructed under Ontario’s Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program. Provincial governments are currently seeking to put in place a minimum of 12,000 MW of installed wind energy capacity by 2016. This would meet five percent of Canada’s total electricity demand in that year and result in more than 10,000 annual person years of employment by that date. While this represents rapid growth, countries like Denmark, Germany, Spain, Ireland, and Portugal already receive between five and 20 percent of their electricity from wind energy and have more aggressive targets in place.
“Wind energy must be a key component of any Canadian strategy to address climate change and Canada has still only scratched the surface of its massive wind energy potential,” said Robert Hornung, president of the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA). CanWEA is a national, not-forprofit, member-based association working on behalf of its more than 300 corporate members to facilitate and promote the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy in Canada. Canada currently ranks as the world’s 11th largest nation in terms of installed wind energy capacity. “Although wind energy is growing rapidly in Canada, other countries continue to view wind energy as a strategic resource and are moving much more quickly to support its deployment. If Canada is to become a ‘global clean energy leader’ and capture the multiple economic and environmental benefits of wind energy, federal and provincial governments must start to ‘think big’ about wind energy and make it a core element of their future energy development strategies.” Wind energy produces no air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to its environmental benefits, wind energy delivers substantial economic benefits to rural communities through investment and job creation, lease income for landowners, and a new tax base for municipal governments. Canadian Wind Energy Associaton
The Federal Government presented its 2008 Budget on February 26, 2008. The CIC, through the Canadian Consortium for Research (CCR), chaired by CIC executive director Roland Andersson, MCIC, has identified several positive initiatives: • increasing funds to the granting councils— NSERC, CIHR, and SSHRC. The increases are welcome, but concerns remain regarding the fact that they are targeted to specific government-determined priorities and by the gradual erosion of the non-directed base; • creating the Vanier Scholarships designed to attract and retain the very best doctoral students in Canada. This new program is expected to support up to 500 students for three years; • establishing the Canada Global Excellence Research Chairs. The CCR and CIC will maintain their interest in how these 20 chairs will be awarded. In consideration of Canada’s current economic condition, CCR acknowledges this budget’s support for post-secondary education and research, and will closely monitor the development of the various programs. We invite you to read the full news release at www.cheminst.ca/ccr. Chemical Institute of Canada
Reactions to proposed QP Amendments The Ontario Ministry of the Environment has proposed amendments to the Qualified Persons (QP) provisions of Ontario Brownfields Regulations (ON 153/04) as outlined in EBR Registry 010-2364. If these amendments were to be accepted, chartered professional chemists would no longer be recognized as QPs. In response to this plan, and to voice their concerns over the proposed changes, the CSC, the National Advisory Committee on the Profession of Chemist in Canada (NACPCC), and a number of provincial professional chemist associations that are members of the NACPCC have each forwarded a letter to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. You can read the CSC’s response along with the other letters sent on the CSC Web site at www. chemistry.ca/profession_awareness. Chemical Institute of Canada
march 2008 Canadian Chemical News
News Nouvelles
Suncor Approves $20.6 billion Operation
L’UdeS présente les premiers ingénieurs biotechnologiques
Suncor Energy announced its final approval of a $20.6 billion investment expected to boost crude oil production at the company’s oil sands operation north of Fort McMurray, AB, by 200,000 barrels per day. The expansion plans include constructing four additional stages of in-situ bitumen production, a new upgrader (Suncor’s third) to convert that bitumen into higher-value crude oil, and various infrastructure and utilities. Suncor’s consultation with stakeholders has resulted in a project designed to mitigate many of the environmental impacts oil sands development creates. Suncor’s in-situ operations disturb about 15 percent more land as compared to oil sands mining. Improved water management is one area of particular focus. More than 90 percent of the water needed for the process is recycled. Having already reduced water withdrawals from the Athabasca River, Suncor plans to proceed with this expansion without requesting any increase to its water licence. The project also calls for emission abatement equipment and sulphur handling systems to be installed to improve air quality and reduce odours. New equipment and processes are also planned to improve energy efficiency. “Suncor strives to combine strong financial results with equally robust environmental performance,” said president and CEO Rick George. “We believe this latest investment marks an exciting new chapter for our company as we invest in both expanding our business and working to improve our environmental performance.”
Une nouvelle profession prend d’assaut le marché du travail : l’ingénieur biotechnologique. À la fin décembre, la 1re cohorte de 35 finissantes et finissants en génie biotechnologique de l’Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) était prête à offrir ses services à l’industrie. Le baccalauréat en génie biotechnologique, seule formation du genre au Québec, est offert conjointement par le Département de génie chimique de la Faculté de génie et le Département de biologie de la Faculté des sciences. Plusieurs secteurs d’activité en pleine croissance peuvent accueillir les ingénieurs biotechnologiques : la santé, l’environnement, l’agriculture et l’agroalimentaire. Ces ingénieurs interviennent par exemple dans la production d’antibiotiques, d’organes artificiels, de vaccins, d’essences « vertes » comme l’éthanol, de pesticides microbiens, de même que dans le recyclage des résidus. « Ce qui distingue particulièrement nos diplômés par rapport aux professions similaires, ce sont leurs compétences pour concevoir des procédés biotechnologiques industriels, explique le professeur en génie biotechnologique Joël Sirois, MCIC. Nos étudiants ont acquis une connaissance approfondie des organismes vivants, ce qui leur permet de développer des procédés pour une production à grande échelle. Voilà pourquoi ils sont très attendus sur le marché du travail. » Par définition, les ingénieurs biotechnologiques développent, dirigent et coordonnent les opérations de transformation ou de fabrication de bioproduits au sein de l’industrie. Ils font la conception, la mise en marché, l’opération et le contrôle des procédés qui génèrent des bioproduits provenant d’organismes vivants. Les étudiantes et étudiants acquièrent notamment des connaissances recherchées en biologie. « Nous avons les connaissances et les compétences pour développer un procédé en respectant les contraintes liées au vivant. Ces connaissances nous permettent aussi d’être impliqués même à l’étape de la recherche et du développement, parce que nous comprenons ce qui se passe au niveau des mécanismes cellulaires », conclut une étudiante finissante, Corinne Gagnon-Poirier, ACIC.
Suncor Energy Inc.
Did You Know ACCN
all issues of prior to 2008 are free to view on-line at www.accn.ca?
Université de Sherbrooke, Journal Liaison L’Actualité chimique canadienne mars 2008
Stress Relief for Plants A University of Saskatchewan (U of S) team of scientists is the first to isolate a gene that helps plants to resist stress. The study published in the top-ranked plant journal The Plant Cell could pave the way for development of agricultural and forestry crops that are more tolerant to environmental stresses such as ultra-violet light and other types of radiation. “Our next step is to see if plant genes we’ve isolated also play a similar role in fighting infections,” said microbiologist Wei Xiao. “In previous research, our team and others have shown that similar genes in human and animal cells play an important role in protection against both viral and bacterial infections.” Xiao teamed up with biochemist Hong Wang, two post-doctoral fellows, and three graduate students on the study. Doctoral student Rui Wen is the lead author on the paper. Using Arabidopsis, a widely accepted research model plant closely related to canola, the team cloned and characterized four genes suspected of playing a role in the plant’s stress responses. The team found that when plants were subjected to a DNA-damaging stressor, the plants in which one of the four genes had been turned off produced seedlings that grew slower and often died, compared with a control group. The next step is to look at whether turning on or off any of the other three genes will affect the plant’s resistance to environmental stresses, including viral and bacterial infections. The plant gene products under study by Xiao and Wang bind with a protein (Ubc13), which has recently been found to control activation of the immune response. This protein has also been linked to an increasing number of human diseases, including Parkinson’s and breast cancer. The team’s goal is to develop screening tests for humans and animals that could detect a cancer-causing imbalance, allowing earlier treatment and prevention. A copy of the team’s article is available upon request. University of Saskatchewan
News Nouvelles
Les professeurs Sami Hadded et Daniel Chapdelaine, MCIC, examinent le chromatographe en phase liquide à haute performance, joint à un spectromètre de masse à triple quadripôle nouvellement acquis.
L’UQAM acquiert un « Hubble du nano » La Faculté des sciences de l’Université du Québec à Montréal (l’UQAM) annonce l’acquisition d’un appareil de spectroscopie de résonance magnétique nucléaire (RMN) de très haute résolution, évalué à près d’un million de dollars, et de trois spectromètres de masse d’une valeur de plus de 700 000 $. « Avec l’acquisition de la RMN, l’UQAM rejoint le rang des grandes universités en recherche » se réjouit Livain Breau, MCIC, professeur au Département de chimie et instigateur de l’acquisition de ce « Hubble du nano » comme il aime l’appeler. « Le nouvel appareil, dont l’achat a été financé en partie par la Fondation canadienne pour l’innovation avec le soutien de la Fondation de l’UQAM, pourra être utilisé non seulement par les chercheurs du Département de chimie, mais aussi par ceux du Département des sciences biologiques, du
Département des sciences de la Terre et de l’atmosphère et de l’Institut des sciences de l’environnement », poursuit-il. La spectroscopie de la RMN de très haute résolution est essentielle pour l’étude de molécules de grande complexité. Comme l’explique Isabelle Marcotte, MCIC, professeure au Département de chimie, spécialiste de la RMN, qui a supervisé les opérations d’installation et de mise au point de l’appareil à l’UQAM, « la nouvelle RMN nous permettra d’obtenir, en trois dimensions, l’organisation des atomes d’une molécule naturelle ou synthétisée ». Pour les chercheurs de l’UQAM, les applications de la RMN seront multiples : développement de vaccins synthétiques, synthèse de molécules bioactives pour le traitement de la fibrose kystique, synthèse d’agents visant à renverser la multirésistance aux médicaments, synthèse d’agents antiviraux et anticancers, de même qu’une meilleure compréhension des maladies neurodégénératives
et des effets secondaires cardiotoxiques de certains médicaments. Dans le domaine des matériaux, l’appareil contribuera au développement d’énergies alternatives telles que des polymères conducteurs, des électrogels, des piles à combustibles et des piles solaires. Université du Québec à Montréal
2008 Canadian Chemical Directory The 2008 Canadian Chemical Directory is now available for shipment. This 388-page directory is the most comprehensive listing of suppliers of feedstocks, intermediates, minerals, metals, resins, and pharmaceuticals in Canada. The price for the 2008 edition is $160 plus taxes. To order, contact Camford Information Services at bdouglas@camfordinfo.com. Camford Chemical Report
march 2008 Canadian Chemical News
News Nouvelles and experience. The four-year diploma/degree program is designed for entry directly from high school. The certificate/diploma program is for engineers, technologists, and internationally educated professionals working in industry. For more information on the McMasterMohawk Bachelor of Technology Partnership, go to http://btech.mcmastermohawk.ca. Eugene Nakonechny, McMaster University
2007 E. Gordon Young Memorial Lectureship Teaming up for technologists: Murray Elston, president and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association; MaryLynn West-Moynes, president, Mohawk College; Art Heidebrecht, executive director, McMaster-Mohawk Bachelor of Technology Partnership; Cheryl Jensen, MCIC, vice-president, technology, apprenticeship and corporate training, Mohawk College; Mo Elbestawi, vice-president, research and international affairs, McMaster University.
McMaster-Mohawk Bachelor of Technology Partnership More than 100 employers, government officials and educators met in Hamilton, ON, on January 22nd to help chart the future of an innovative partnership between McMaster University and Mohawk College. Participants in “Education Next—a forum for advancing technology education” provided input for building on the success of the McMaster-Mohawk Bachelor of Technology Partnership. Launched in May 2006, the partnership is the first in Canada to offer an accelerated path for working technologists, internationally trained professionals, and high school graduates to earn both a college diploma and university degree in technology. “We need the technicians and technologists who know how to make things work better,” said keynote speaker Murray Elston, president and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association, speaking about the future of clean energies. The Bachelor of Technology Partnership recently introduced a new two-year degree completion Energy Engineering Technologies
L’Actualité chimique canadienne mars 2008
program addressing the changing needs of the energy sector. “Two compelling reasons are driving the partnership,” noted MaryLynn WestMoynes, president of Mohawk College. “They are the changing needs of employers, and students who want to get jobs and make a difference.” A series of breakout sessions were held to get ideas and input from participants. Topics included energy engineering technologies, training for internationally educated engineers and technologists, continuing technology education, educational and career pathways in engineering and technology, and employment issues for students and graduates. “A tremendous amount of work has been completed to take the concept of the McMaster-Mohawk Bachelor of Technology Partnership and make it a reality,” said Mo Elbestawi, vice-president of research and international affairs, McMaster University. “Those involved from both Mohawk and McMaster are to be commended for their commitment and dedication to this initiative.” The Partnership offers three study options. The university degree-completion program meets the needs of college diploma graduates and internationally educated professionals who require Canadian credentials
The E. Gordon Young Lectureship is an annual event made possible by a bequest to the Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC) by E. Gordon Young, MCIC, a distinguished chemist and former CIC president. It is administered by the CIC Chemical Education Fund. The lecture series includes two technical or scientific lectures and a public lecture held in different communities. It provides an opportunity for smaller venues to bring in an outstanding chemist or chemical engineer and is an opportunity to enhance the public perception of the chemical profession and its contributions to modern society. The Atlantic CIC Local Section was honoured to host the 2007 E. Gordon Young Memorial Lectures last December. Eugenia Kumacheva of the University of Toronto presented her lecture, “Microfluidics and Polymers—discovery and development,” at the University of New Brunswick, at Dalhousie University, and at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Kumacheva gave an elegant overview of the progress her group has made in developing microfluidic strategies for the continuous synthesis of a variety of polymer colloids with controlled sizes, shapes, and compositions. She provided an excellent introduction to microfluidic reactors, which have a number of special features including high heat and mass transfer rates, safe and rapid synthesis, and the possibility to develop new reaction pathways that are too difficult for conventional processes. Recently, droplet-based microfluidics has opened exciting opportunities in developing new materials and fast throughput screening of physical
News Nouvelles
IndustrialBriefs Action Energy Inc. (AEI) announces the resignation of R. D. (Bob) Bowman, the company’s president and CEO. Bowman served AEI for the last two and a half years. Aux Sable Canada Ltd. (ASCL) and Dow Chemical Canada Inc. have entered into an agreement relating to the sale of an ethane/ethylene stream from Aux Sable’s Heartland Offgas Plant. ASCL will be the first company in Canada to extract ethane and ethylene from an upgrader off‑gas stream. Mary Anne White, FCIC, Eugenia Kumacheva, CSC president Russell Boyd, FCIC, and Joe Zwanziger. and chemical processes. Kumacheva demonstrated the use of capsules of biopolymers as model cells to study their flow through chemically and topographically patterned microchannels. Kumacheva is known for her contributions in the field of complex fluids, polymer science, and materials chemistry—particularly her discoveries of phase transitions in simple liquids confined to molecularly thin layers and entropically driven lubrication in polymer brushes, and convection in phase-separating polymer liquids. She has proposed new strategies for the self-assembly in complex fluids and new concepts of materials for highdensity optical data storage and security documents, and new approaches to hybrid polymer-inorganic materials. She has developed continuous microfluidic reactors for polymer synthesis. Her accomplishments have been recognized by the CSC Clara Benson Award in 2004 and the Macromolecular Science and Engineering Award from the CIC in 2005. In 2007, she was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Russell J. Boyd, FCIC, CSC president
Catalyst president and CEO Richard Garneau announced that the company has appointed Steve Boniferro as senior vice-president of human resources. Dalton Medicinal Chemistry Partners announced that it has achieved another targeted milestone in its Medicinal Chemistry agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. Dalton is designing and synthesizing novel compounds against an antiviral target. DiagnoCure Inc., a life sciences company commercializing cancer diagnostic tests and delivering laboratory services, has announced the appointment of Jean-François Bureau as chief financial officer. ImmunoVaccine Technologies Incorporated (IVT), a clinical stage vaccine development company, will receive $3 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, under the Atlantic Innovation Fund. This funding will enable IVT to undertake a $6 million project to develop new potent immune enhancement systems. Bruce March has been named CEO and chair of Canada’s largest oil company, Imperial Oil Ltd. He will replace Tim Hearn, who plans to retire March 31, 2008.
Alfred Bader Scholarship The Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) offers up to three Alfred Bader Scholarships annually as a mark of excellence for achievement in organic chemistry or biochemistry by undergraduate students completing their final year of study in an honours program. Value: $1000 each Submission deadline: May 30, 2008 For details about this scholarship, visit www.chemistry.ca/baderscholarship.
Gary Schmid and will serve as CEO of the new business Neurochem Inc. has announced it is creating to develop and market nutraceuticals. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has won the Performance Improvement Award from the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations (INPO). The award was made for the strong im‑ provement made in performance by the Darlington Nuclear Power Station in Ontario. Darlington increased its electric‑ ity production between 2003 and 2006 from 25 percent of Ontario’s electricity supply to more than 31 percent.
march 2008 Canadian Chemical News
Chemfusion Joe Schwarcz, MCIC
Discovering Michael Faraday
I
n 19th century London, the hottest ticket was to Michael Faraday’s public lectures at the Royal Institution of Great Britain. The response to these celebrated lectures was so enthusiastic that it resulted in the creation of the first one-way street in London. Albemarle Street had to be converted to one-way traffic to ease the congestion from all the carriages bringing people to the lectures. The Institution was founded in 1800 by leading British scientists under the guidance of Benjamin Thompson “for diffusing the knowledge and facilitating the general introduction of useful mechanical inventions and improvements, and for teaching by courses of philosophical lectures and experiments the application of sciences to the common purposes of life.” Thompson, perhaps better known as Count Rumford, was by all accounts a ruthless, arrogant, cunning, devious, unprincipled womanizer who was also a philanthropist and a clever scientist. His inventions included a kitchen stove and a percolating coffee pot—items proudly exhibited at the Institution. While the scientific displays were popular, it was
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the Institute’s public lectures on “natural philosophy” that brought out the crowds. And of these, the most famous one was Faraday’s classic lecture on “The Chemical History of a Candle,” first given in 1848. “There is not a law under which any part of this universe is governed that does not come into play, and is not touched upon, in these phenomena,” he began. Then he went on to discuss every known nuance of a candle flame. Three things are needed to start a flame, Faraday explained. A fuel, which is the candle wax; oxygen, which comes from the air; and a source of ignition, such as a match. If combustion were perfect, the only products would be water and carbon dioxide. When the wick is first lit, Faraday explained, it melts a little of the wax that is drawn up the wick where it then vaporizes. It is actually the wax vapour that burns. Bonds between carbon and hydrogen atoms break, and bonds between hydrogen and oxygen, and between carbon and oxygen form. Energy is needed to break chemical bonds, and energy is released when bonds form. In the case of combustion, more energy is released by the formation of bonds than is required to break the bonds in the fuel. The extra energy is released as heat. For complete combustion, a high enough temperature and an adequate oxygen supply has to be maintained. If these conditions are not met, soot forms, as it does in the cooler yellow regions of the flame. The yellow colour, as Faraday enlightened the audience, is due to tiny glowing particles of soot. When combustion is complete, as when alcohol burns, the flame is blue. Faraday demonstrated incomplete combustion by placing a spoon in the yellow part of the candle flame where it immediately became covered with soot. Instead of reacting with oxygen, carbon atoms had linked together, much as they do in graphite, to form “lampblack” or “carbon black.” Not a totally useless material, Faraday explained, as it can be used to make pigments and ink. Were Faraday to give his lecture today, he would undoubtedly point out the use of lampblack to reinforce the strength of rubber in tires, and he would discuss the role of combustion products in the “greenhouse effect.” “Why doesn’t the candle itself catch fire?” Faraday asked. Because the wax, even when melted, just doesn’t get hot enough. Turning a candle upside down will extinguish it
as the cool wax runs over the wick. So how does a candle burn at all? Melted wax is drawn up the wick by capillary action, just like water is drawn up a paper towel. This small amount of wax is easily vaporized by the flame, and it is the hot wax vapour that reaches ignition temperature and burns. To demonstrate this, Faraday blew out a candle and relit it by holding a flame near, but not touching the wick. The flame, he explained, travels along the hot wax vapour trail that is still rising from the wick. You can give this a try with a candle and a match. Just blow out the flame and hold the match an inch or so from the wick and the candle will light as if by magic. To see even more magic, get your hands on some of the trick candles that will automatically relight after being blown out. The secret lies in the small particles of magnesium incorporated into the wick. Blowing extinguishes the candle flame because the wax vapour is cooled below its ignition temperature, but the smoldering magnesium stays hot enough to relight the vapour. To put the candle out permanently, the magnesium has to be cooled by dipping the wick into water. After it dries, the self-lighting candle can be used again. This idea came from the use of incendiary bombs during the second World War. The bombs contained magnesium that burned with a brilliant flame and set fire to anything they landed on. Faraday didn’t perform this particular stunt, but he could have. He was actually the first scientist to isolate a significant amount of magnesium, which he did by passing an electric current through molten magnesium chloride. The element itself was discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy, who had been Faraday’s mentor and had been the first lecturer at the Royal Institution to become a draw for London’s fashionable society. While Davy made many important discoveries, including the miner’s safety lamp, he maintained that his most important discovery had been Michael Faraday!
Popular science writer, Joe Schwarcz, MCIC, is the director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society. He hosts the Dr. Joe Show on Montréal’s radio station CJAD and Toronto’s CFRB. The broadcast is available on the Web at www.CJAD.com. You can contact him at joe.schwarcz@mcgill.ca.
perceived notoriety of chemicals by constantly linking the word chemical with a pejorative adjective. “Dangerous chemical,” “poisonous chemical,” “carcinogenic chemical,” and “toxic chemical” are phrases often encountered in the press. It would appear that “useful chemicals,” “safe chemicals,” and “beneficial chemicals” do not exist. Let me illustrate the scope of this problem with three little stories.
Of crickets, evangelists and chemical bondage
An Image Problem Most chemists aren’t mad. Chemicals are neither good nor bad. And the public image of chemistry is due for a make-over. Joe Schwarcz, MCIC
I
’ll be the first to admit that chemistry has an image problem. It’s largely due to the widespread misunderstanding of the word “chemical.” A colleague of mine was once waiting at a bus stop after attending a meeting of the Canadian Society for Chemistry. She noticed that a lady standing beside her was suspiciously eyeing the name tag she was still sporting. Finally the lady blurted out her concern: “I can’t believe that you people are actually advocating a chemical society.” The word “chemical” was obviously synonymous with “evil” to this concerned lady. “Chemical” meant marijuana or cocaine or heroin. She may even have recalled former President Reagan railing against a “chemical society.” Our newspapers are also partly to blame for the
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The crickets were chirping merrily in their cages on the Georgia farm. Little did they realize that their destiny was to be skewered onto fishing hooks as bait or to be ground up into pet food. For now, there was plenty to eat and life was good. So they ate and ate, and then relieved themselves mightily. An enterprising farmer thought that instead of disposing of the excreta in a landfill he should sell it as fertilizer! Why not? So the doo was all neatly packaged and given the clean, scientific sounding name, “CC-84.” The problem was that it didn’t sell. Sounded too “chemical” people said. Didn’t sound like a “natural, organic fertilizer.” Change the name, the inventive farmer thought. Tell people just how “natural” the product really was. And so “Kricket Krap” became a bestseller, disseminating the poop of some two billion crickets annually through stores and mail order houses. Robert Tilton was one of America’s most popular tele-evangelists, at least until the TV program “Prime Time Live” was through with him. The Reverend Tilton would pray for anyone who sent in a written request accompanied by a donation to one of his charities. The problem was that most of the charities did not really exist. Tilton’s flock was actually financing lavish homes, expensive boats, and even plastic surgery for the preacher. The minister could not deny the evidence, but he did furnish an interesting excuse. He had been reading thousands of prayer requests, and his irrational behaviour was undoubtedly caused by chemicals in the ink on the paper. Plastic surgery had also become necessary to correct the damage to his capillaries caused by these chemicals. As far as the $130,000 boat was concerned, it was, of course, required to help Tilton relax from the chemical stress he had been under. The late night infomercial on TV was sort of amusing. The hair product being described—“Rio” from Brazil—was composed of all natural ingredients and would “relax your curls without chemicals.” The host then enlightened us about how “Rio frees you—it doesn’t put you in bondage. When you use chemicals you go into bondage.” The half-hour sales pitch urged us to be “chemically free” and ended with an enthusiastic testimonial from a formerly frizzy haired, but now neatly coifed customer who opined that “it’s like a death sentence for your hair to use chemicals.” These stories are unrelated, but they do have a common link. Chemicals are dangerous things and should be either avoided or replaced with “natural” or “organic” substances! It is clear from these examples that there is no appreciation of the fact that chemicals are the building blocks of all matter, that only a vacuum can be “chemically free.” There is no realization that some natural substances are highly toxic or that the word “organic” is usually bandied about
in a meaningless fashion. Above all, there is no recognition of the fact that chemical ingenuity, in less than a century, has transformed a dreary, trouble-filled existence into a brighter, more promising life!
Good and bad chemicals Chemicals are not good or bad. They are just things—the building blocks of the world. It is up to us to decide how we use them. The same chemical that can kill can also cure. Just consider the following examples. In 1943, German bombers struck a convoy of Allied ships anchored in the harbour at Bari, Italy. One ship had 100 tonnes of mustard gas that spilled into the harbour. Within a month, 83 men who had been rescued from the water died. Blood samples from victims were found to contain fewer white blood cells. Since these are among the most rapidly dividing cells, an idea was born. Could mustard gas kill cancer cells? Indeed, the compound is still used in the treatment of Hodgkin’s disease. Botulinum toxin, which can be lethal in microgram quantities, is often cited as an example of one of the most powerful natural toxins known. Yet, it has been used in the treatment of cross eyes and in the elimination of “frown” wrinkles on the face. Ammonia is used to make ammonium nitrate, which can be used either as an explosive or as a fertilizer. Chlorine can be used as a poison gas, but in its alternate role as a water disinfectant, it saves millions from typhoid fever, cholera, and diphtheria every year. Morphine, a natural product found in the poppy extract known as opium, has ruined countless lives through addiction, but the very same chemical used in a different fashion has a pain-killing effect that has also made many disease-plagued lives bearable. Today’s chemists can actually make synthetic derivatives of morphine that retain the pain-killing effects, but eliminate the euphoria inducing properties. The “good” has actually been separated from the “bad.” Just like in Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Jekyll used a chemical to separate the good and the evil sides of his personality. Indeed, the science of chemistry can be termed the “Jekyll and Hyde” science, since it can be used for good or evil. Nitroglycerin used to make bombs can also blast tunnels through mountains or help ailing hearts. Nuclear energy can destroy our
world or can free us from reliance on oil. But just as Hyde’s single murder made more news than Jekyll’s career of saving children’s lives, the negative side of chemicals receives more attention than the positive. Chemistry in people’s minds is linked with the tragedies at Minamata and Bhopal, acid rain, PCBs, dioxins, and toxic wastes. Hardly a thought is given to aspirin or penicillin or insulin or nylon or lightbulbs or books or television or even underwear—all products of the chemists’ ingenuity. Some of the blame falls upon the shoulders of the chemical industry since many of the highly publicized negative events associated with chemistry can be traced to
children do not have to be cajoled into liking science profit-motivated negligence. But a lack of fundamental scientific education is the real culprit. Children are not exposed to enough chemistry in our elementary schools. It is no wonder that to them chemistry represents the strange and bewildering antics of a generic “Mad Scientist” as seen in so many cartoons. Chemistry is bubbling liquids, smoking potions, and explosions! The mad scientist image is not new. It may have been inadvertently created by Mary Shelley. Her cleverly crafted novel, Frankenstein, explored the consequences of foolhardy science and left us with the message that tampering with nature can lead to unforeseen repercussions. Shelley’s Victor Frankenstein was not a mad scientist, but he was converted into one by the various movie directors who brought the story to the screen. And the image of the mad, self-centred, uncaring meddler surrounded by sparking wires and bubbling flasks has plagued scientists ever since. Jerry Lewis didn’t help matters with his portrayal of the “Nutty Professor.” The character wasn’t malevolent, but certainly created the enduring picture of a dim-witted, bungling chemistry professor. Then there was Fred MacMurray, the “Absent-Minded Professor,” who invented the fascinating, bouncing “flubber,” but couldn’t remember how he had done it. Christopher Lloyd’s character in “Back to the Future” further crystallized the image of a scientist as a goofy, misguided outcast. This image has become so ingrained in our social fabric that movie and television
producers feel a need to cater to it whenever a scientist character is required. Even with the commendable explosion of children’s’ science programs now under way, there is no getting away from the nerdy, bizarre depiction. The prevailing philosophy seems to be that science cannot stand on its own merit—it has to be sugar-coated, humorous, musical. Bill Nye, the “Science Guy” on TV, poses for a publicity photo behind a contrived configuration of flasks and beakers that are alien to any real lab. Meanwhile Beakman of “Beakman’s World,” rants and raves with stilted humour in front of incongruously tilted cameras. The pandemonium is only broken during consultations with Professor I. M. Boring, who is the stereotypical crazy-looking scientist with the German accent. Is it any wonder that children grow up thinking that scientists are by and large eccentric people with odd personalities? Should we be surprised that a survey in Australia revealed that thirteen- and fourteenyear-olds viewed scientists as “nerds and losers who devoted their lives to hopeless causes and are not accepted by society because they don’t want to be?” The truth of the matter is that science is exciting enough to stand on its own feet. Imagination, charm, and wit can enhance any presentation, but children do not have to be cajoled into liking science by the comical image of frizzy hair or a bow tie. The splendid colours of a rainbow, a bolt of lightning, a rocket blasting skyward, an embryo developing into a baby, a new cancer drug, a biodegradable plastic are all scientific wonders that should stir the imagination. Some straightforward talk about chemicals and their role in our lives can capture students’ interest and put adults’ concerns into perspective. So, let’s give it a shot! You’ll never look at that TV commercial about the laxative “that works naturally, not chemically” the same way again. You may also want to argue with Meryl Streep, who in her role as spokesperson for the environmental organization, The Natural Resources Defense Council, proclaimed that her “grandparents didn’t need chemicals to grow food.” Then again, maybe their soil was full of Kricket Krap.
Joe Schwarcz, MCIC, is the author of seven books and is well known for his entertaining and informative public lectures, live and on television in Canada and the U.S.
march 2008 Canadian Chemical News 13
CAPA-tilizing on Chemistry 2201 Alan Doucette
Computer-based assignment system allows students to arrive at the correct answer
with technical support from Friedemann Brauer from Dalhousie’s department of physics and atmospheric sciences. Financial support came from the chemistry department, as well as a TLT grant from the Dalhousie Centre for Learning and Teaching. Why CAPA? While it offered flexibility over quizzing available through the Blackboard Learning System, CAPA’s most significant feature is the ability to define multiple attempts per question. The result—a set of practice problems, worth a significant portion of the final grade, that pose no risk of penalty for attempting to solve a problem by a given approach. Students continually attempt to solve these problems until the answer is correct.
“By giving us the ability to try questions and get them wrong, it encourages us to attempt them on our own ...” Dalhousie chemistry student Catherine O’Neil ponders a CAPA question while assistant professor Alan Doucette looks on.
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here I sat, staring at my students’ grades from my latest midterm exam. Maybe I’m not teaching right? Maybe my tests are too hard? Being at the front of the classroom is still new to me, and I was experimenting with different grading schemes. It made no difference. The fact was the class wasn’t doing as well as I’d hoped.
“CAPA really helped me to do the practicing I would have otherwise put off.” There were only two solutions: (1) make the class easier; or (2) get the students to work harder. Changes have been made to streamline the class, but it is my philosophy that while we as professors are responsible to teach, students are ultimately responsible to learn. Critical thinking comes as the student applies concepts and relates to the material. I had to encourage students to review the material, to do problems on a regular basis. We are all aware of the demands on students. Time management means assigning priorities. Top priority goes to what can’t be put off any longer (that’s how I manage). Obviously, there wasn’t enough motivation to make practicing problems a priority. This had to change …
“The large number of attempts encourages students to try questions on their own ... we end up not only finding the answers but learning concepts as well.” The Computer-Assisted Personalized Approach (CAPA) is a system of computer exercises that were developed by Michigan State University. The CAPA exercises have greatly enhanced the learning environment in Chemistry 2201. In the fall of 2006, we incorporated these personalized homework problem sets for students into the curriculum
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“CAPA virtually answers.”
eliminated
any
copying
of
When given motivation (i.e., grades) to practice problems, students will find a way to get them done. The CAPA assignments encourage trial and error, whereby students continue to work on the questions until they understand them. Ultimately, this encourages the learning process and enhances critical thinking. Sure, some questions require more attempts than others, but the important thing is to allow the students to arrive at the correct answer. Assignments are for learning—save the testing for later.
“... they saved a lot of people.” CAPA’s impact was not only reflected in the comments from student surveys and year end evaluations—a portion of which are shown here—but also in the grade distribution of the class. The CAPA exercise continues in our class. Updated CAPA assignments (version 3.0!) will be introduced this fall. By all accounts, chemistry students at Dalhousie University will CAPA-tilize on the benefits for years to come …
Acknowledgements Special thanks to Mark Wall and Diane Botelho for proofing the assignments, R. D. Guy, A. Chatt., and P. D. Wentzell for “taking up the fight,” and to the 2006–2007 class of Chem 2201 for their patience in “getting the bugs out.”
Alan Doucette joined Dalhousie University in 2004 as assistant professor of chemistry. He has taught analytical chemistry at various levels. He endeavors to bring interesting, practical class content, as well as analytical labs to the students, such as forensics- and proteomics-themed mass spectrometry labs.
w w w . p a c i f i c h e m . o r g
Pacifichem 2010 December 15–20, 2010
Call for Symposia Round one of two opens January 1, 2008 and closes April 14, 2008.
he Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) is the host society. Howard Alper, HFCIC, O.C., University of Ottawa, is the Congress Chair and Steven Holdcroft, FCIC, Simon Fraser University/National Research Council (NRC) is the Technical Program Chair. Other sponsoring societies are the American Chemical Society (ACS), Chemical Society of Japan (CSJ), Chinese Chemical Society (CCS), Korean Chemical Society (KCS), New Zealand Institute of Chemistry (NZIC), and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).
Guidelines for submitting proposals and more information on the Congress can be found on the Pacifichem 2010 website at www.pacifichem.org. It is best to submit proposals early as room for new symposia will decrease after the first round.
Technical Program
Promoting scientific exchange in the Pacific basin for a healthy and sustainable future.
Core Areas of Chemistry: analytical, inorganic, macromolecular, organic, and physical, theoretical, and computational Multi-and Cross-Disciplinary Areas of Chemistry: agrochemistry, biological, environmental, and materials and nanotechnology Challenges and Opportunities for Chemistry: alternate energy technology, chemistry outreach to the community, health and technology, and security
CIC’s Public Understanding of Chemistry Program CIC’s Public Understanding of Chemistry Program Most people do not realize the importance of chemistry in our daily lives. The fact is, to paraphrase one chemist, “We sit on it, we wear it, we eat it.” Nevertheless, chemistry is a part of the vast majority of activities we perform each day. The CIC endeavours to emphasize these facts through its Public Understanding of Chemistry program.
Programme de Sensibilisation à la chimie de l’ICC
Lucie Frigon
Programme de Sensibilisation à la chimie de l’ICC La majorité des gens ne réalise pas la place importante qu’occupe la chimie dans la vie de tous les jours. Et pourtant, pour reprendre les propos d’un chimiste, traduits librement, « On s’y assit, on s’en vêtit, on en mange! ». En effet, la chimie est omniprésente dans la vaste majorité des activités que nous accomplissons tous les jours. L’ICC tente de faire ressortit les faits par l’entremise de son programme de Sensibilisation à la chimie
Quel est le but du programme de Sensibilisation à la chimie? Il sert à démystifier et vulgariser la chimie en général, à en faire découvrir les aspects positifs au grand public, à inciter les jeunes à l’apprivoiser et peut-être même à considérer une carrière dans
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What is the goal of the Public Understanding of Chemistry program? Its aim is to demystify and popularize chemistry in general, to help the general public recognize its positive aspects, to motivate young people to explore it and even consider a career in the field, to present concrete examples such as major discoveries in the world of chemistry, and ultimately, to eradicate the negative perception the general public often has of chemistry.
What does the Public Understanding of Chemistry program involve? It comprises various distinct aspects linked by a common denominator—making chemistry known from multiple angles. Some of the elements of the program are created by the CIC while others are organized in partnership with other organizations. They include: • Canadian Chemistry Contest An annual chemistry competition aimed at promoting the study of chemistry. It is targeted at the top ten percent of secondary school and first-year cégep students in Canada. • Canadian Chemistry Milestones A series of educational posters originally presented as part of the “Milestones of Canadian Chemistry in the 20th Century” exhibit. • Canadian Chemical Landmarks A program that highlights Canadian scientific and technical heritage by acknowledging historically important achievements in chemical science and engineering. • National Crystal Growing Competition A competition in which secondary school students from around the country grow crystals in an attempt to win the national trophy.
le domaine, à présenter des exemples concrets comme les grandes découvertes dans le monde de la chimie, et en bout de ligne à dissiper la perception souvent négative que le public en général a de la chimie.
Other activities and tools are planned in the program to introduce young students to green chemistry concepts and to inform high school students about the chemical engineering profession.
Que contient le programme de sensibilisation à la chimie?
National Chemistry Week— the star of the program
Il comporte plusieurs volets différents les uns des autres mais qui ont pourtant tous un dénominateur commun : faire connaître la chimie sous toutes ses facettes. Certains sont une création de l’ICC, et d’autres sont organisés en partenariat avec d’autres organismes. En voici quelques uns : • Le concours canadien de chimie Une compétition annuelle de chimie dont le but est de promouvoir l’étude de la chimie. Il s’adresse aux étudiants des écoles secondaires et ceux de la première année de cégep au Canada qui se classent parmi les premiers 10 percent. • Événements marquants de la chimie canadienne Une série d’affiches éducatives originalement présentée dans le cadre de l’exposition « Événements marquants de la chimie canadienne au 20e siècle ». • Monuments historiques canadiens de la chimie Un programme qui souligne l’héritage scientifique et technique canadien en reconnaissant les réalisations historiquement importantes en science et en génie chimiques. • Compétition nationale de croissance de cristaux Une compétition où les étudiants du niveau secondaire de partout au pays font croître des cristaux en quête du trophée national. D’autres outils et activités sont prévus au programme et permettront notamment d’initier les jeunes élèves aux concepts de la chimie écologique et d’exposer les élèves du secondaire au métier d’ingénieur chimiste.
We cannot overlook National Chemistry Week, the Public Understanding of Chemistry program’s main attraction. Each year, for one week in October, volunteers—students, professors, and industry professionals—from all over the country take over public spaces to present the wonders of chemistry. Since nothing beats seeing and touching to really learn, young and old are invited to get their hands dirty and experience chemistry through demonstrations presented in shopping malls and science centres. Some university chemistry departments open their doors to the public and offer narrated tours. Teams of volunteers also organize science and chemistry quizzes and demonstrations in schools and colleges. We call on you all to join us October 18–25, 2008, for another week of activities and discoveries! These activities would not be possible without the army of volunteers working throughout Canada. The CIC wishes to express our sincere thanks to them and to shine a light on their tireless dedication. The Public Understanding of Chemistry program as a whole, and National Chemistry Week in particular, can count on the financial support of the following companies. To all of them, we say “Thank You!”
Semaine nationale de la chimie : l’étoile du programme La Semaine nationale de la chimie est sans contredit la grande vedette du programme de Sensibilisation à la chimie. Chaque année durant une semaine en octobre, des bénévoles de partout au pays, soit des étudiants, des professeurs et des professionnels de l’industrie, présentent les merveilles de la chimie. Puisqu’il n’y a rien comme voir et toucher pour comprendre et apprendre, petits et grands sont invités à s’en mettre plein les mains et à faire l’expérience de la chimie lors de démonstrations présentées dans les centres d’achats et centres des sciences. Certains départements de chimie universitaires ouvrent leurs portes au public et offrent des visites guidées commentées. Également, des équipes de bénévoles organisent des quiz sur les sciences et la chimie et des démonstrations dans les écoles et les collèges. Nous vous donnons tous rendez-vous du 18 au 25 octobre 2008 pour une autre semaine d’activités et de découvertes! Ces activités ne pourraient être possibles sans une armée de bénévoles partout au Canada. Nous désirons les remercier chaleureusement et souligner leur inlassable dévouement. L’ensemble du programme de Sensibilisation à la chimie, et plus particulièrement la Semaine nationale de chimie, peut compter sur le soutien financier des sociétés ci-dessous. Nous leur disons « Merci! ».
The 2007 Sponsors Gold / Or BASF Dow Chemical Canada Inc. Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. NOVA Chemicals Corp. Rohm and Haas Canada Inc.
Silver / Argent Anachemia Science Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association H. L. Blachford Ltd. NAEJA Pharmaceutical Inc. PPG Canada Inc. Rechochem Inc. Rhodia Canada Inc. Syncrude Canada
Bronze ARKEMA Canada Inc. Canadian Association of Chemical Distributors Canada’s Chemical Producers Association Cognis Oleochemicals Canada Limited CropLife Canada Diagnostic Chemicals Ltd. MAXXAM Analytics Nacan Products Limited Seastar Chemical
march 2008 Canadian Chemical News 17
Chemistry students attend lecture as part of the recently introduced three-year BSc degree program in Göttingen, Germany.
Home Improvements? Germany makes the bold move to renovate chemistry programs in keeping with the Bologna Process. Will Canada get on board?
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ermany is renowned for its chemical industry and its accomplished chemists. So what are they doing with chemical education as we begin this new century? They are abandoning the very university system that has been at the foundation of their stellar reputation. After 2010, students will no longer be able to enroll in a Diplom program anywhere in the country. Germany is doing this as part of the Bologna Process, so they can better fit within the European Union. The Bologna Process is an ambitious non-binding initiative that sets out to establish a European Higher Education Area (EHEA) by 2010. It currently has over 45 signatory countries and has sparked drastic changes to academic programs all across Europe. The initial key objectives of this EHEA were to: (1) adopt a system of easily readable and comparable degrees; (2) adopt a system essentially based on two cycles (i.e. BSc and MSc degrees); (3) establish a system of credits; (4) promote mobility; (5) promote European cooperation in quality assurance; and (6) promote the European dimension in higher education. Additional action lines have been added at subsequent Ministerial summits over the years. There is no doubt that this initiative offers many advantages to participating countries, as well as to individuals.
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Dietmar Kennepohl, FCIC
As a result of the Bologna Process, chemistry departments in Germany have been restructuring their programs to move to this new BSc and MSc system and parting from the old Vordiplom and Diplom system. The old five-year system consisted of two years of course work and final examinations to a Vordiplom, which is only intended as an intermediate step and not a complete degree. This is followed by three more years of course work, a research project, and final oral examinations covering all five years whereupon successful students are awarded a Diplom. Students can then go into the workforce or continue directly with their doctoral work. In Germany, approximately 90 percent of these chemistry students go on to finish their studies with a PhD. Under the new system, a student would complete a Bsc degree in three years and then their MSc degree in another two years. In simple terms, a Diplom can be viewed as equivalent to a MSc degree. The changes have come quickly and have generated much discussion within the academy. The decision to move to the new system before 2010 was made unilaterally by the government, which caused some uneasiness from the start. There were also other concerns surrounding the changes themselves. The Diplom is a known brand, but the BSc degree is untried. Is there a market for BSc-prepared chemists in a country where a majority of chemistry students exit with a PhD? Does the new
modular, step-wise approach to coursework offer the desired curriculum integration that the old system had? What is the effect on student workload of introducing examinations in all courses throughout a program, rather than having one set of oral examinations at the end of the program? Inspection of this major system transformation offers a different perspective and raises some timely issues for the Canadian system. In terms of our own program development and revision, we need to ask if there are new features from elsewhere worth adopting or, conversely, old practices worth freeing ourselves from? For example, the amount of laboratory work in a four-year chemistry program in Canada is substantially smaller (900 hours)1 than the new three-year chemistry degree in Germany (2,200 hours). Are we providing sufficient practical experience for students? This is a particularly hard question given the tremendous pressure on chemistry departments to reduce costs. However, questions of the actual process of developing chemistry programs in the Canadian context also come to mind. In 2007, the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) released a statement that provides a framework for degree qualifications, as well as procedures and standards to assess new degree programs and degree-granting institutions.2 The CMEC framework provides a general description and graduate expectations at each of the BSc, MSc, and PhD degree levels. It also outlines the process for evaluating new degrees and new degree granters. In true Canadian fashion, the solution is a federated model where common processes are highlighted and mutual recognition is encouraged nationally, but where the educational authority and decision-making still remain firmly within individual provinces. Keep in mind that there is influence from the chemistry profession itself. The Canadian Council of Professional Engineers and the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists are vehicles of accreditation for chemical engineering and technology programs across Canada. Undergraduate university chemistry programs are accredited through the Chemical Society of Canada (CSC). In addition, chemists are also currently getting organized to obtain legal status as a profession, which has resulted in established professional associations in Québec, Ontario, and Alberta, while others are being developed.
Educating new chemists has become a balancing act among university, government, and professional interests. It is not easy and the issues are complex. However, it needs at least two features to work. First, those various interests need to find common ground and hopefully that ground is student-centred. Secondly, there needs to be enough room in the system to accommodate a reasonable amount of local autonomy and creativity for the learning process. The CMEC framework and process was prompted by and has become a child of the Bologna Process. In adopting similar ideas, Canadians would do well to remember that the process in Europe is about comparability not standardization. It is still much too soon to know the results of Germany’s dramatic move to the new chemistry BSc/MSc system. However, it is interesting to note that the biggest advantage to date (as articulated by many of my German colleagues) has been the opportunity this process has opened to introduce many other changes to the chemistry curriculum that have until now only been discussed. The incorporation of such components as information and technology literacy, conceptual revisions, and soft skills have been greatly facilitated. Just like any home improvement project, once you decide to do a major renovation you also want to fix all those little problems that have been nagging you over the years. The trouble is for the next few years the Diplom and the BSc/MSc system will need to be run in parallel, which is akin to savouring the experience of living in the house during renovations.
References 1. The minimum laboratory requirement in an undergraduate chemistry program for CSC accreditation is 400 hours (www. chemistry.ca/2/6/9/6/index1.shtml). 2. Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, Ministerial Statement on Quality Assurance of Degree Education in Canada 2007 (www.cmec.ca/postsec/qa/QA-Statement-2007.en.pdf).
Dietmar Kennepohl, FCIC, is professor of chemistry and associate vice-president, academic at Athabasca University. He is currently on sabbatical leave at Georg-August-
SNC-LAVALIN Plant Design Competition The Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering offers the SNC¨LAVALIN Undergraduate Plant Design Competition for students enrolled in undergraduate chemical engineering programs at Canadian Universities. Individuals and groups of undergraduate students registered in chemical engineering programs in Canadian universities during the academic year are eligible. The winning team in 2007 will represent Canada at the 2008 international competition in Montréal, QC.
Deadline: May 15, 2008 For more information go to
www.chemeng.ca/snclavalin
La Société canadienne de génie chimique offre le concours de conception d’installation de SNC¨LAVALIN aux étudiants de premier cycle inscrits à des programmes de génie chimique dans des universités canadiennes. Admissibilité aux étudiants et groupes d’étudiants de premier cycle inscrits à des programmes de génie chimique dans des universités canadiennes pendant l’année universitaire. L’équipe gagnante représentera le Canada au concours international de 2008 à Montréal (Québec).
Date limite : le 15 mai 2008 Pour de plus amples renseignements visitez
www.chemeng.ca/snclavalin
Universität in Göttingen, Germany.
march 2008 Canadian Chemical News 19
You Be The Chemist The chemical industries face tough competition for bright, young minds. YBTC programs provide North American students a fighting chance. Isabel Alexander
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hat do you want to be when you grow up?” The likelihood of a young student spontaneously answering, “I want a career in the chemical industry” is low. I suspect it would be an unpopular answer for adults also. Some new acquaintances recoil when they ask me what I do for a living and I respond that I own a chemical company. Statistics show that a high percentage of western society thinks of chemicals as harmful to life and the environment. The word chemical has a nasty, “toxic waste” stigma attached to it for most children and adults. The truth is, life would be dismal without chemistry. In my opinion, our industry has done a poor job correcting the negative perceptions manufactured from events of the past and media sensationalism. We have done too little to build awareness of the huge
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investment and advancements made in environmental preservation and renewal, in product stewardship, and in industry driven codes of practice such as Responsible Distribution® and Responsible Care®. Credit should be given to the strides made in the research, development, and innovation that results in a better quality of life, every day for everyone on this planet. The chemical industry cannot leave its destiny in the hands of government or educational institutions. We must take the lead and educate for our industry’s future. We must market the sciences and chemical industry as entities vital to the constant improvement of the quality of life for humans, other life forms, and Mother Earth. Our industry should be in demand as a source of rewarding, fulfilling, and stimulating careers. However, we face tough competition for the bright young minds and skilled workers of today’s and the next generations.
Without their contribution, we face even greater challenges for a sustainable chemical industry on this continent, and this has far-reaching implications on all commercialization and innovation rooted in North America. One way to lead the change and to influence positive interest in our industry is to support the work of the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF). CEF is an internationally recognized, award-winning organization based in Washington, DC. Its central mission is to promote the value, importance, and benefits of chemistry education and chemicals. CEF believes that investing in science education for the young is vital to the future of the chemical industry, its affiliated organizations, and our communities as a whole. CEF has created several educational programs aimed at engaging educators and students of grades kindergarten through eight in science education. CEF’s “You Be The Chemist” (YBTC) programs include: • YBTC activity guides; • Lesson plans for making chemistry fun; • YBTC Challenge—an exciting academic chemistry competition that engages students in grades five through eight in learning important concepts and discoveries; • YBTC Lesson Plan Competition—a competition that awards cash prizes to educators for their innovative teaching techniques. CEF believes that increased exposure to science education in the formative years will improve the general understanding of, participation in, and acceptance of chemistry, chemicals, and the chemical industry itself. Simply put, it is more effective to create understanding and appreciation of science in the young than to attempt to develop such knowledge later in life. CEF executive director John Rice said, “Using CEF programs serves as an effective method of bridging the chemical industry and community gap, and helps provide a countermeasure against negative perceptions created by misunderstanding and fear. Use of CEF materials also provides an avenue for constructive dialogue between industry and the community.” CEF provides programs for companies to introduce themselves to communities where they do business. In turn, these programs create tremendous community outreach opportunities for industry members, positioning them as engaged members of the community.
Most importantly, CEF programs help assure that students are being given an extra boost when it comes to science education. In November 2007, the Canadian Association of Chemical Distributors (CACD) increased its endorsement of CEF’s mandate. They formed the first CACD You Be The Chemist committee. The Canadian YBTC committee is chaired by me, Isabel Alexander, president of Phancorp Inc., and co-chaired by Michael Staley, president of Brenntag Canada Inc. CACD’s board of directors pledged their support to the new committee and increased
The new YBTC committee has already had enthusiastic response from the distribution and chemical manufacturers of Canada. Our plan is to raise awareness and funds to ensure that YBTC kits and programs are available to academic institutions and groups in Canada that will support and contribute to the understanding and value of chemistry globally. It is good corporate social responsibility. It is excellent business strategy! Volunteers are enthusiastically encouraged to join the Canadian committee to ensure representation across Canada with talents and resources to cover our geographic, language, and cultural diversity. With support, we hope to launch the first French language version of YBTC soon and to rival our U.S. sister’s YBTC success on a national level. Next goal— an international YBTC challenge! I welcome your expression of interest to volunteer or donate at the contact numbers below. Mike Staley, co-chair of the new committee challenged, “Brenntag has already shown its support of the CEF programs from the top down, as demonstrated by the commitment of Stephen Clark, president and CEO of Brenntag Global. Clark is currently serving as president of the CEF and has served on the board of trustees for several years. We challenge our peers, our suppliers, and our customers to step up to the plate! Contribute dollars or sweat equity. Sponsor Laura Dornbusch, president of Expo Chemical Company, Inc. and a community or fundraising event. the current CEF vice-president stands with the student winners Start a YBTC outreach program. Volof the 2007 Houston Regional YBTC Competition. unteer to deliver YBTC kits or give the association’s commitment to education. hands-on time in classrooms. Get involved Cathy Campbell, CACD’s executive director, and just do it!” challenged the YBTC committee to build upon For more information about contributing the leadership of our sister organization in the to the CACD’s YBTC initiative, contact me U.S.—the National Association of Chemical at ialexander@phancorp.com or at 905Distributors (NACD)—and make YBTC a 790‑8875. Or contact Cathy Campbell at successful program across Canada. ccampbell@cacd.ca or at 905-844-9140. I am a mother, a grandmother, a conFor more information about the Chemiservationist, an environmentalist, and an cal Educational Foundation or You Be The employer. I know first hand that the chemiChemist, visit www.chemed.org or contact cal industry is a much misunderstood and CEF staff at comments@chemed.org or under-appreciated facet of our lives and our 703‑527-6223. future. As an industry, we are responsible for our own challenges and image. The YBTC kits, programs, and awards are an easy way Isabel Alexander is president of Phancorp, to make changes today in the public’s perInc. and chair of the Canadian Association ception of chemicals and chemistry. of Importers and Exporters.
march 2008 Canadian Chemical News 21
Book Review
An Apple A Day the myths, misconceptions and truths about the foods we eat
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e all want to be healthy and make the right choices when it comes to nutrition. But there is so much confusion out there. Diet trends and food marketers vie for our attention. Buzz words like “saturated fats,” “low-carb,” and “probiotic” are used to demonize or popularize the food we eat. Adding to that confusion, it seems every day there is a new study. One day, we’re told that bottled water is safer than tap water. The next, we are warned about the chemicals that can leach from plastic bottles. We are encouraged to eat Omega-3 rich fish, like salmon. But be careful—salmon contains harmful PCBs and mercury. Calcium strengthens the bones of menopausal women according to one study, but increases the risk of heart attacks according to another. Is aspartame a safe alternative to sugar or is it responsible for horrific conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis to brain tumours? Thank goodness for Dr. Joe. Joe Schwarcz, MCIC, is the director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society—an office with the unique mandate to demystify science for the public and separate sense from nonsense. In his new book, An Apple a Day— the myths, misconceptions and truths about the foods we eat, he cuts through the conflicting information and smoke-screening. His no-nonsense approach using fun, approachable chem- By Joe Schwarcz, MCIC • Hardcover istry, makes it all sound simple again—the way food is supposed to be. Already a #1 national bestseller by the second week after it hit the shelves, An Apple a Day is a must-read for anyone who wants to know what they’re really eating. Schwarcz discusses the natural components of some of the more popular foods we eat—and what actually happens, on a molecular level, when we digest it. He explains the appeal of foods 22 L’Actualité chimique canadienne mars 2008
rich in antioxidants and lycopene, and why canola oil and eggs do not deserve the bad rap some people have given them. Schwarcz explores the consequences of human intervention on our food supply, particularly genetic modification and food additives. What happens when we enhance flavour with salt or “non-nutritional” sweeteners? Can you boost immunity and combat disease by adding fluoride to the water supply or supplementing with vitamins? What is the difference between organic and conventional produce in terms of nutrition and in taste? From what we add to our food to the foreign substances that enter the food supply unintentionally, Schwarcz addresses pesticides, remnants of antibiotics, and chemicals that leach from plastic cookware and storage containers. He ties it all together with an examination of some popular nutritional ideas and diet trends, exposing them for all their publicity and hype, and helping us to understand which advice we can actually take away and use constructively. Schwarcz answers all our questions and many we didn’t know to ask. What’s happening “under the hood” every time we eat a slice of pizza, pop a dietary supplement, or munch on an organic apple? What are the best things to eat or drink? Can food science deliver a better sex life? Can the right kind of tea help us $32.95 • ISBN: 978-0-00-200764-1 think? What’s just exaggeration? What are the real facts? An Apple a Day is a terrific resource for “tricks of the trade” that demystify the science of food for people who want to make informed decisions about what they are eating. Schwarcz’s humour and his obvious appreciation for good food, from fresh blueberries to fried schnitzel, turns eating once again into a pleasurable experience.
ECO Canada’s Class Act Round table ramps up environmental education in Canada’s public schools Megan Lappi
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CO Canada hosted a round table discussion nn January 23, 2008 to address the issue of environmental education in Canada’s elementary and secondary school systems. The round table brought together key decision makers from government, the educational community, and industry to create a shared vision for integrating environmental education into Alberta’s school system. “At the event, there was consensus from industry, government, and educational partners that environmental curriculum needs to be included in Canada’s public school system so that young people have an understanding of environmental issues. It was also agreed that additional background on environmental topics should be included for those who are especially keen—to help them make better post-secondary choices,” said ECO Canada’s president and CEO Grant Trump, MCIC. ECO Canada has already taken the next step in completing their mission. They’ve submitted a proposal to Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) to move the project forward to the next phase, which will get down to the brass tacks of how the environment will be introduced into the curriculum. Once federal funding is secured, ECO Canada will go back to the provinces to supplement funding for the project. “In the past, the environment was not significant within the public agenda. With growing environmental consciousness, the environment has suddenly emerged as a critical issue—not just in the eyes of the public, but by decision-makers in the public education system. More and more, leaders in education, industry, and government are viewing environmental education as a solution to Canada’s long-term economic and environmental sustainability,” said Trump. Initially, the project will be an Alberta-focused pilot that will ultimately include all other Canadian provinces and territories. Delegates at the event included representatives from Alberta as well as representatives from the Toronto District School Board and the governments of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Post-secondary representatives from institutions including the University of Calgary, the University of Lethbridge, and SAIT Polytechnic also participated.
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“Currently, environment is included in the education system in isolated areas such as outdoor education and in science coursework,” said Trump. “There are also few connections to post-secondary science and technology education. Our goal is to create a vision for how to integrate environment into the public educational system at all levels, to ensure that all students are aware of environmental issues, and to provide seamless transitions for youth who want to pursue further education in science and technology.” ECO Canada develops programs that help individuals build meaningful environmental careers, provides employers with resources to find and keep the best environmental practitioners, and informs educators and governments of employment trends to ensure the ongoing prosperity of this growing sector. ECO Canada’s own labour market research shows that the environmental labour market is growing 60 percent faster than the economy as a whole and predicts that growth will continue. However, a significant number of students registering in science and technology programs at the post-secondary level are dropping out of those programs prior to graduation. “The attrition rate from Canada’s post-secondary environmental programs is problematic for both environmental and economic sustainability of the country as a whole,” said Trump. “We want to ensure that young Canadians have the tools they need at the public school level to make critical career decisions.” An upcoming report from ECO Canada reveals that enrolment rates for environmental programs including chemistry are up, while graduation rates are down. This is contradictory to other post-secondary programs, where enrolment and graduation are both up. Chemical engineering is one of only two programs in the top ten that is experiencing growth in its graduation numbers. Environmental science is the other. Megan Lappi is the communications manager at ECO Canada. She has also written three science-related educational books for use in Canadian elementary schools.
Antimatter Power! Why not NH3 as Liquid Fuel? Grass Makes Better Ethanol than Corn Does! Join any number of lively discussions with your intellectual peers. Seeking advice? Have knowledge to share? Check out science forums and discussion boards on-line. The Science Careers Forum at http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_ development/tools_resources/forum/home is your one-stop shop for international professional, industrial, and academic discussion pertaining to scientific and engineering career development. It’s a mecca for graduate and post-doctoral students hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Seek advice on your interview for that NMR spectroscopy job, determine your industry options before pursuing your MSc or PhD. Examine ethical dilemmas of drug companies. Advise on the use of recruiting agencies. This site is moderated full-time by Dave Jensen, the founder and managing director of CareerTrax Inc., an executive search and recruiting firm. The McGill University Chemistry Undergraduate Society (MUCUS) holds an on-line forum at http://mucus.sus.mcgill.ca/forum/index.php. You might find these types of discussion boards for chemical students at your university. Ask a homework-related question. Collaborate on your studies. Chat about graduate options. Find a tutor. Become a tutor. At www.sciforums.com you will find topics in all areas of science. Engage in a theoretical discussion, debate pros and cons of chemistry software, confer on the ACCN article you just read … the sky’s the limit!
Anne Campbell, MCIC
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march 2008 Canadian Chemical News 25
Recognition reconnaissance Robert Ackman, FCIC, has been inducted in the Discovery Centre Hall of Fame. He is best known for his pioneering work in lipid analytical chemistry at Dalhousie University.
Les Prix du Québec constituent la plus haute distinction décernée par le gouvernement du Québec pour rendre témoignage de la reconnaissance de la société envers des personnes qui ont contribué à l’avancement social et scientifique du Québec.
Amares Chatt, FCIC, has been appointed to the NSERC Strategic Projects Selection Panel, Healthy Environment and Ecosystems 2, for a one-year term. Chatt is a professor of chemistry in the Trace Analysis Research Centre and the SLOWPOKE reactor at Dalhousie University. André Bandrauk, FCIC Le professeur André Bandrauk, FCIC, chercheur au Département de chimie de la Faculté des sciences de l’Université de Sherbrooke, a été nommé fellow de l’American Physical Society. Cette rare distinction lui a été attribuée pour sa contribution majeure dans la compréhension des interactions des rayonnements de lasers intenses avec les molécules. Les travaux théoriques de ce spécialiste de la chimie computationnelle ont permis entre autres de prédire l’existence de nouvelles molécules et de molécules ionisées dans des champs de lasers intenses. Il a aussi mis en évidence l’utilité des lasers pulsés pour contrôler les procédés photochimiques. Bandrauk est considéré comme l’un des fondateurs de l’attoscience.
Lors de la récente remise des Prix du Québec, Maher I. Boulos, FCIC, a remporté le prix Lionel-Boutet pour la recherche et le développement en millieu industriel. Né au Caire, monsieur Boulos est professeur à la Faculté de génie de l’Université de Sherbrooke depuis plus de 34 ans. Il est également le président-fondateur de la compagnie Tekna Systèmes Plasma Inc., aujourd’hui un des moteurs économiques de la région sherbrookoise et leader mondial dans la technologie des plasmas inductifs. Elle compte parmi ses clients bon nombre des plus grands centres de recherche au monde, comme la NASA et le Los Alamos National Laboratory aux États-Unis, le Commissariat à l’énergie atomique en France de même que des compagnies comme Siemens en Allemagne ou Hitachi au Japon.
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Bernadette Dacey The Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC) is pleased to welcome Bernadette Dacey to its staff in the newly established position of marketing manager. Dacey brings 20 years’ experience working with professional associations. Her focus has been in marketing and convention management. She will be responsible for ACCN advertising sales, conference attendance, sponsorship development and exhibition sales, outreach sponsorship development, and publications sales.
The King’s University College chemistry professor, Peter Mahaffy, FCIC, has been awarded the prestigious 3M Canada Teaching Fellowship. The award honours educational leadership and excellence in undergraduate teaching. The 3M Fellowship is regarded as Canada’s top teaching award. “Mahaffy’s passion for chemistry has made him a visionary science educator,” noted King’s vice-president academic, Harry Spaling. “Mahaffy uses a wide range of teaching techniques to connect with learners. Even more importantly, he is such a gifted teacher because he authentically values his
Peter Mahaffy, FCIC relationship with students. He has an unsurpassed ability to inspire all students, including non-science majors, to articulate an understanding of the scientific world.” Mahaffy works with both chemistry majors in the nationally accredited chemistry program at King’s and has developed innovative approaches to teaching chemistry to arts and science students. As one of the early adaptors of molecular modelling for teaching purposes, he continues to collaborate with colleagues at the King’s Centre for Visualization in Science to develop eye-catching visualizations and other teaching aids now used around the world. One of Mahaffy’s significant contributions is a new metaphor for chemistry education. His tetrahedral model incorporates the existing triangle metaphor that learners encounter in their chemistry textbooks, but extends the triangle in a third dimension, representing the human contexts for chemistry. Chemical educators have embraced this new metaphor, and organizers of major international conferences have invited Mahaffy to describe this new approach to chemistry education. Mahaffy’s roles as chair of the International Union of Pure & Applied Chemistry’s (IUPAC) Committee on Chemistry Education, and membership on the International Council on Science’s Committee on Freedom and Responsibility in the Conduct of Science, place him in global leadership roles in science education and science policy. Mahaffy has been described as “Mister Chemical Educator” of the world.
Ray March, FCIC, professor emeritus of chemistry at Trent University will receive an honorary degree from the Université de Provence, Aix-Marseilles in recognition of his significant academic achievements. March has developed many new techniques in mass spectrometry. One of his current projects involves partnering with the Ministry of
Bandrauk photo: Université de Sherbrooke par Roger Lafontaine
Recognition reconnaissance
Ray March, FCIC Natural Resources to identify biomarkers in trees that have been infested by the damaging emerald ash borer beetle. March believes that when ash trees try to defend themselves against the beetles, their metabolism changes to produce defensive compounds that, alas, attract the beetles leading to more voracious attacks upon the trees. By determining what this process involves, he hopes that these attractants can be developed into a trap to protect forests from this scourge.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research announced the 2007 recipients of the Canadian Health Research Awards, and Peter Singer, MCIC, was chosen as one of the two Health Researchers of the Year. Singer is senior scientist at the McLaughlin Rotman Centre, University Health Network, and professor of medicine at the University of Toronto.
The University of Manitoba’s University 1 and the University Teaching Services have awarded Teaching in Excellence Awards to Elena Smirnova and Jennifer van Wijngaarden, MCIC, from the department of chemistry.
International collaboration. The Royal Society of Chemistry’s editorial director of publishing, John Haynes, meets with CIC executive director Roland Andersson, MCIC, at CIC National Office.
Appel de candidatures Call for Nominations Announcing … NSERC 2008 Synergy Awards for Innovation
In Memoriam The CIC extends its condolences to the families of: L’ICC désire offrir ses condoléances aux familles de : Patrick J. Dunn, MCIC Donald MacLean, MCIC R. W. Missen, FCIC Stanley A. Robinson, MCIC
Celebrating Outstanding UniversityIndustry R&D Partnerships For complete competition details and the nomination form, visit www.nserc.gc.ca/synergy or contact NSERC directly at synergy@nserc.ca or 613‑947-9452.
Annonce Les prix Synergie pour l’innovation de 2008 du CRSNG soulignent De remarquables partenariats universités-industrie en R et D Pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements sur le concours aninsi que le formulaire de mise en candidature, rendez-vous à www. crsng.gc.ca/synergies ou communiquez directement avec le CRSNG à synergie@ crsng.ca ou au 613-947-9452.
march 2008 Canadian Chemical News 27
careers carrières
FACULTY POSITIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING McGILL UNIVERSITY The Department of Chemical Engineering at McGill University invites applications for two tenure-track positions at the level of Full, Associate or Assistant Professor. We are looking for applicants with a chemical engineering background conducting research in the area of advanced materials or energy; however any excellent candidate with a background in chemical engineering will be considered. McGill University is a research intensive university with a distinguished history in Medicine, Science and Engineering. In addition to developing a successful research program, the successful candidate will be expected to participate in teaching chemical engineering at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Applicants must have a doctoral degree and must be a member or eligible for membership with a Canadian professional engineering licensing body. They should demonstrate evidence of outstanding potential for teaching and research. The successful candidate will join a high-profile, dynamic department of 15 tenured or tenure track staff, which includes eight recently hired Assistant Professors. The Department has a B.Eng. program with 380 undergraduate students and about 90 graduate students are completing M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees. We have excellent infrastructure for both teaching and research. Information about the Department, including its current research activities, can be found at http://www.mcgill.ca/chemeng/. McGill University is committed to equity in employment and diversity. It welcomes applications from indigenous peoples, visible minorities, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, women, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities and others who may contribute to further diversification. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Applications will be reviewed starting on January 1, 2008 and will continue until the positions are filled. Send a resume, the names of three references and a brief research and teaching plan to: Professor J-L. Meunier, Chair, Search Committee Department of Chemical Engineering 3610 University Street Montreal, QC Canada H3A 2B2 (or by email to: jean-luc.meunier@mcgill.ca)
28 L’Actualité chimique canadienne mars 2008
College of Arts & Science www.arts.usask.ca Department of Chemistry – Inorganic/Materials Chemistry The Department of Chemistry invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor rank. While all submissions will be considered, applicants are sought primarily with research interests in inorganic chemistry, especially as it relates to material science. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence or promise of excellence in both undergraduate and graduate teaching programs. He/she is also expected to contribute to the teaching and supervision of graduate students. The candidate will be expected to develop a strong, independent research program, and supported by peerreviewed funding from sources external to the university. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. when appointed. The Department offers access to state-of-the-art facilities (600 MHz and three 500 MHz NMR instruments, MS, MS-MS, X‑ray diffractometers, fs and ps lasers, and a suite of equipment for biomacromolecular research) through the Saskatchewan Structural Sciences Center (http://www.usask.ca/sssc) and the University is home to the Canadian Light Source (http://www.cls.usask.ca), a seven-minute walk from the Chemistry Department. Information on the department can be found at http://www.usask.ca/chemistry/. The Department of Chemistry is committed to increasing the number of female faculty and women are especially encouraged to apply. The review of applications will commence May 1, 2008 with appointment January 1, 2009. Applications will be considered until the position is filled, but those received by May 1, 2008 will receive first consideration. Applicants should provide a curriculum vitae, list of publications, summary of research and teaching interests, a detailed research proposal including an indication of equipment needs and costs, and should arrange to have at least three confidential letters of reference sent on their behalf to: Chair, Appointments Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, College of Arts & Science, University of Saskatchewan, 110 Science Place, Saskatoon SK S7N 5C9 Fax: (306) 966-4730 Email: Ronda.Duke@usask.ca The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, SThe University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of about 20,000. The College of Arts & Science offers a dynamic combination of programs in the humanities and fine arts, the social sciences and the sciences. There are over 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students in the College and 325 faculty, including 12 Canada Research Chairs. The College emphasizes student and faculty research, interdisciplinary programs, community outreach and international opportunities. The University of Saskatchewan is committed to employment equity, welcomes diversity in the workplace, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including women, members of visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, and persons with disabilities. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and permanent residents will be given priority.
Events Événements
Upcoming Student Conferences The Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC) is proud to support the following student conferences:
Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) March 15, 2008. Southern Ontario Undergraduate Student Chemistry Conference in Kingston, ON. Hosted by Queen’s University. Visit www.chem. queensu.ca/souscc/ or contact souscc08@ chem.queensu.ca. May 1–3, 2008. Western Undergraduate Student Chemistry Conference in Winnipeg, MB. Hosted by the University of Manitoba. Contact Jennifer Van Wijngaarden at vanwijng@cc.umanitoba.ca.
Canada
U.S. and Overseas
Conferences
April 14–16, 2008. LogiChem, 7th Annual European Bulk and Speciality Chemical Supply Chain Conference, Dusseldorf, Germany, www.logichemeurope.com
May 24–28, 2008. 91st Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition, Edmonton, AB, www.csc2008.ca May 26, 2008. Short Course in Industrial Oilfield Chemistry at the 9ist Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition, Edmonton, AB, www.csc2008.ca May 29–31, 2008. Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology (CCWESTT) Conference, Guelph, ON, www.ccwestt2008.ca June 2–5, 2008. International Pulp Bleaching Conference, Québec, QC, www.paptac.ca June 15–18, 2008. 20th Canadian Symposium on Catalysis, Kingston, ON, www.20csc2008.ca.
May 8–11, 2008. ChemCon 2008 Atlantic Student Conference in Halifax, NS. Hosted by Saint Mary’s University. Visit http:// husky1.stmarys.ca/~chemcon08/ or
June 16–18, 2008. Control Systems/Pan Pacific Conference, Vancouver, BC, www.paptac.ca
contact chemcon08@smu.ca.
July 14–18, 2008. IUPAC International Conference on Biodiversity and Natural Products—ICOB-6 and ISCNP-26, Charlottetown, PE, www.iupac-icbnp2008.com.
October 24, 2008. Colloque annuel de chimie des etudiants de premier cycle de l’Université de Sherbrooke in Sherbrooke, QC. Contact Pierre Harvey at pierre. harvey@usherbrooke.ca.
Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering (CSChE) October 19–22, 2008. 58th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference in Ottawa, ON. Hosted by the University of Ottawa. Visit www.csche2008.ca or contact uottawa.chemeng@gmail.com.
Canadian Society for Chemical Technology (CSCT) March 14–15, 2008. Student Symposium in Saskatoon, SK. Hosted by Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST). Contact Lucie Clark at clark@siast. sk.ca. March 29, 2008. Student Symposium in Scarborough, ON. Hosted by Centennial College. Contact Patrick Chan at pchan@ centennialcollege.ca.
August 3–6, 2008. 54th International Conference on Analytical Sciences and Spectroscopy (ICASS), Montreal, QC, www.icass.ca August 13-16, 2008. 13th Symposium on the Latest Trends in Organic Synthesis, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, www. brocku.ca/chemistry/faculty/Hudlicky/ltos/ intro.html June 16–18, 2008. Surface Canada 2008 (SC08), University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, www.chemistry.uoguelph.ca/SC08 September 6–10, 2008. 6th International Symposium on Radiohalogens, Whistler, BC, www.triumf.info/hosted/6ISR October 19–22, 2008. 58th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Ottawa, ON, www.chemeng.ca/csche2008 August 23–27, 2009. 8th World Congress of Chemical Engineering incorporating the 59th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference and XXIV Interamerican congress of Chemical Engineering, Montréal, QC, www.wcce8.org
April 14–17, 2008. Hazards XX: Harnessing Knowledge—Challenging Complacency, Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), Manchester, UK, www.icheme.org/hazardsxx April 27–30, 2008. Fifth Annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing. Chicago, IL, www.bio.org/ worldcongress2008 June 15–19, 2008. World Hydrogen Energy Conference, South Brisbane, Australia, www.whec2008.com August 3–8, 2008. Chemistry in the ICT Age—the 20th International Conference on Chemical Education (ICCE 2008), Reduit, Mauritius, www.uom.ac.mu/20icce.htm August 4–6, 2008. 12th Asia-Pacific Confederation of Chemical Engineering Meeting—the Chemical Engineering Exhibition, Dalian, China, apcche@163.com August 17–22, 2008. 24th Meeting of the International Society of Chemical Ecology, State College, PA, www.chemecol.org/ meetings/meetings.htm August 24–28 2008. 18th International Congress of Chemical and Process Engineering, Praha, Czech Republic, www.chisa.cz/2008 September 16–20, 2008. 2nd European Chemistry Congress–Chemistry: the Global Science, Torino, Italy, www.euchems-torino2008.it October 20–22, 2008. LABTECH Conference & Exhibition 2008, Manama, Bahrain, www.lab-tech.info November 16–21, 2008. 2008 AIChE Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, www.aiche.org/ Conferences/AnnualMeeting/index.aspx December 12–15, 2008. 10th European Meeting on Supercritical Fluids, Strasbourg, France, www.isasf.net/strasbourg
march 2008 Canadian Chemical News 29
careers carrières
Department of Chemistry – Tenure-Track Position in Mass Spectrometry The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Mass Spectrometry at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. York University, a leader in regional innovation networks that draw together industry and academic research, is promoting excellence in strategic and interdisciplinary research initiatives that advance and complement existing faculty expertise in Organized Research Units such as the Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry (CRMS, www.chem.yorku.ca/CRMS). The University is well placed for such initiatives as it is situated close to strong medical, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors. The successful candidate will have a PhD, relevant post-doctoral experience, and an outstanding research record using modern mass spectrometry techniques and is expected to develop an innovative and vigorous research program that takes advantage of York University’s strategic location. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to teaching Chemistry at the undergraduate and graduate levels, be eligible for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and reinforce and advance the mandate of CRMS.
All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval. York University is an Affirmative Action Employer. The Affirmative Action Program can be found on York’s website at www.yorku.ca/acadjobs or a copy can be obtained by calling the affirmative action office at 416-736-5713. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority. Please mail a detailed research plan, a description of teaching philosophy, a curriculum vitae including a summary of research publications, and have three references sent directly to: Chair, Mass Spectrometry Search Committee Department of Chemistry, Room 124 CB York University, 4700 Keele Street Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3 FAX: 416-736-5936 E-mail: chemchr@yorku.ca Complete applications must be received by March 31, 2008. The position will be available July 1, 2008.
30 L’Actualité chimique canadienne mars 2008
careers carrières
YOUR ad HERE Are you an unemployed member of the CIC? You are entitled to three consecutive free advertisements in the Employment Wanted section of ACCN. Put your ad in front of countless employers in the Canadian chemical industries. Contact the career services manager at info@cheminst.ca to find out how!
march 2008 Canadian Chemical News 31
Nominations are now open for the
Chemical Institute of Canada
2009AWARDSAct now!
Do you know an outstanding person who deserves to be recognized?
The Chemical Institute of Canada Medal is presented as a mark of distinction and recognition to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the science of chemistry or chemical engineering in Canada. Sponsored by the Chemical Institute of Canada. Award: A silver medal and travel expenses. The Montréal Medal is presented as a mark of distinction and honour to a resident in Canada who has shown significant leadership in or has made an outstanding contribution to the profession of chemistry or chemical engineering in Canada. In determining the eligibility for nominations for the award, administrative contributions within The Chemical Institute of Canada and other professional organizations that contribute to the advancement of the professions of chemistry and chemical engineering shall be given due consideration. Contributions to the sciences of chemistry and chemical engineering are not to be considered. Sponsored by the Montréal CIC Local Section. Award: A medal and travel expenses.
32 L’Actualité chimique canadienne mars 2008
Environmental Improvement Award is presented to a Canadian The
company, individual, team, or organization for a significant achievement in pollution prevention, treatment, or remediation. Sponsored by the Environment Division. Award: A plaque and travel assistance. The Macromolecular Science and Engineering Award is presented to an individual who, while residing in Canada, has made a distinguished contribution to macromolecular science or engineering. Sponsored by NOVA Chemicals Ltd. Award: A framed scroll, a cash prize, and travel expenses. The CIC Award for Chemical Education (formerly the Union Carbide Award) is presented as a mark of recognition to a person who has made an outstanding contribution in Canada to education at the post-secondary level in the field of chemistry or chemical engineering. Sponsored by the CIC Chemical Education Fund. Award: A framed scroll and a cash prize.
Deadlines
The deadline for all CIC awards is July 2, 2008 for the 2009 selection.
Nomination Procedure
Submit your nominations to: Awards Manager The Chemical Institute of Canada 130 Slater Street, Suite 550 Ottawa, ON K1P 6E2 Tel.: 613-232-6252, ext. 223 Fax: 613-232-5862 awards@cheminst.ca
Nomination forms and the full Terms of Reference for these awards are available at www.cheminst.ca/awards.
Nominations are now open for the
Canadian Society for Chemistry
2009AWARDSAct now!
Do you know an outstanding person who deserves to be recognized?
The Alcan Award is presented to a scientist residing in Canada who has made a distinguished contribution in the fields of inorganic chemistry or electrochemistry while working in Canada. Sponsored by Alcan International Ltd. Award: A framed scroll, a cash prize, and travel expenses. The Alfred Bader Award is presented as a mark of distinction and recognition for excellence in research in organic chemistry carried out in Canada. Sponsored by Alfred Bader, HFCIC. Award: A framed scroll, a cash prize, and travel expenses. The Strem Chemicals Award for Pure or Applied Inorganic Chemistry is presented to a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant who has made an outstanding contribution to inorganic chemistry while working in Canada, and who is within ten years of his or her first professional appointment as an independent researcher in an academic, government, or industrial sector. Sponsored by Strem Chemicals Inc. Award: A framed scroll and travel expenses for a lecture tour. The Boehringer Ingelheim Award is presented to a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant whose PhD thesis in the field of organic or bioorganic chemistry was formally accepted by a Canadian university in the 12-month period preceding the nomination deadline of July 3 and whose doctoral research is judged to be of outstanding quality. Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. Award: A framed scroll, a cash prize, and travel expenses. The Clara Benson Award is presented in recognition of a distinguished contribution to chemistry by a woman while working in Canada. Sponsored by the Canadian Council
The Maxxam Award is presented to a scientist residing in Canada who has made a distinguished contribution in the field of analytical chemistry while working in Canada. Sponsored by Maxxam Analytics Inc. Award: A framed scroll, a cash prize, and travel expenses.
The Fred Beamish Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates innovation in research in the field of analytical chemistry, where the research is anticipated to have significant potential for practical applications. The award is open to new faculty members at a Canadian university and they must be recent graduates with six years of appointment. Sponsored by Eli Lilly Canada Inc. Award: A framed scroll, a cash prize, and travel expenses.
The R. U. Lemieux Award is presented to an organic chemist who has made a distinguished contribution to any area of organic chemistry while working in Canada. Sponsored by the Organic Chemistry Division. Award: A framed scroll, a cash prize, and travel expenses.
The Keith Laidler Award is presented to a scientist who has made a distinguished contribution in the field of physical chemistry while working in Canada. The award recognizes early achievement in the awardee’s independent research career. Award: A framed scroll.
The Merck Frosst Cenre for Therapeutic Research Award is presented to a scientist residing in Canada, who shall not have reached the age of 40 years by April 1 of the year of nomination and who has made a distinguished contribution in the fields of organic chemistry or biochemistry while working in Canada. Sponsored by Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. Award: A framed scroll, a cash prize, and travel expenses.
The W. A. E. McBryde Medal is presented to a young scientist working in Canada who has made a significant achievement in pure or applied analytical chemistry. Sponsored by Sciex Inc., Division of MDS Health Group. Award: A medal and a cash prize.
of University Chemistry Chairs (CCUCC).
Award: A framed scroll, a cash prize, and travel expenses.
The Bernard Belleau Award is presented to a scientist residing in Canada who has made a distinguished contribution to the field of medicinal chemistry through research involving biochemical or organic chemical mechanisms. Sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb Canada Co. Award: A framed scroll and a cash prize. The John C. Polanyi Award is presented to a scientist for excellence in research in physical, theoretical or computational chemistry or chemical physics carried out in Canada. Award: A framed scroll.
Deadline The deadline for all CSC awards is July 2, 2008 for the 2009 selection.
Nomination Procedure Submit your nominations to: Awards Manager The Canadian Society for Chemistry 130 Slater Street, Suite 550 Ottawa, ON K1P 6E2 Tel.: 613-232-6252, ext. 223 Fax: 613-232-5862 awards@cheminst.ca Nomination forms and the full Terms of Reference for these awards are available at www.chemistry.ca/awards.
march 2008 Canadian Chemical News 33
91e CONGRÈS ET EXPOSITION CANADIENS DE CHIMIE Concours d’affiches des étudiants de 1er cycle Travaillez-vous présentement à un projet de recherche et souhaitez-vous partager vos résultats? Présentez-vous un exposé à un Congrès pour étudiants de 1er cycle en chimie de la Société canadienne de chimie (SCC) et aimeriez-vous le présenter à nouveau sous forme d’affiche? Aimeriez-vous présenter une affiche pour la première fois? Voici l’occasion de démontrer à vos pairs et aux professionnels en chimie ce dont vous êtes capable. Le 91e Congrès et exposition canadiens de chimie de la SCC aura lieu du 24 au 28 mai 2008 à Edmonton (Alberta). Nous vous invitons à participer à la présentation d’affiches des étudiants de 1er cycle que se tiendra durant l’événement. Les affiches peuvent être présentées dans les domaines de la chimie analytique, biologique et médicale, inorganique, organique et physique. Deux prix seront remis dans chaque domaine. Les prix seront remis lors de la réception de remise des prix de la Division de l’enseignement de la chimie qui se tiendra le mercredi 28 mai 2008. Une aide de voyage est disponible pour les étudiants de 1er cycle qui assistent au congrès.
Admissibilité
Ce concours est ouvert aux étudiants actuellement au 1er cycle, ou aux étudiants qui ont obtenu leur diplôme moins de quatre mois auparavant, dans tous les secteurs de la chimie. Les affiches peuvent traiter de la recherche effectuée dans le cadre d’un cours de 1er cycle, d’un projet coopératif ou d’un emploi d’été dans un environnement universitaire, gouvernemental ou industriel. Les étudiants des cycles supérieurs qui n’ont pas complété plus de deux trimestres de leur programme peuvent soumettre une affiche portant sur le travail effectué en tant qu’étudiant de 1er cycle, à condition que le sujet de l’affiche diffère de celui du sujet de recherche actuel.
Dates de soumission des résumés
Les résumés doivent être transmis en ligne à compter du 17 décembre 2007. La date limite de réception pour le concours d’affiches des étudiants de 1er cycle est le mercredi 16 avril 2008 à minuit (HNE). Veuillez consulter le site Web du congrès (www.csc2008.ca) pour de plus amples renseignements sur les caractéristiques des affiches, l’aide de voyage, l’inscription au congrès et l’hébergement.
DATE LIMITE :
le 16 avril
2008
91st Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition Undergraduate Student Poster Competition Are you working on a research project and want to share your results? Do you have a paper to present at a Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) Undergraduate Student Chemistry Conference and would like to present it again in poster format? Are you interested in presenting a poster for the first time? Here is an opportunity to show your peers and chemical professionals what you can do. The CSC’s 91st Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition will be taking place May 24–28, 2008 in Edmonton, AB. We invite you to participate in the undergraduate poster competition that will be organized during this event. Posters will be accepted in the general areas of analytical, biological and medicinal, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Two awards will be given in each area. The awards will be presented at the Chemical Education Division Awards Reception held on Wednesday, May 28, 2008. Some travel assistance is available to undergraduate students attending the conference.
Eligibility This competition is open to current undergraduate students, or students who graduated within the last four months, in all branches of chemistry. Posters may be based on research done as part of an undergraduate course, co‑op project, or summer job in a university, government or industrial setting. Graduate students, who have not completed more than two semesters of their graduate studies program, may present a poster on work done as an undergraduate student on the condition that the poster topic is different from their current research topic.
Abstract Submission Dates Abstracts must be submitted on-line beginning December 17, 2007; the deadline for receipt of abstracts for the Undergraduate Student Poster Competition is midnight (EST), Wednesday, April 16, 2008. Please visit the conference Web site (www.csc2008.ca) for more information about poster specifications, travel assistance, conference registration, and accommodation.
DEADLINE: April
16,
2008
C o n t i n u i n g E d u c a t i o n f o r C h e m i c a l P r o f e s s i o n a l s
Industrial Mixing— the key to uniform quality 2008 Schedule May 28–29 Edmonton Registration fees $845 CIC members $995 non-members For more information about the course and location, and to access the registration form, visit: www.cheminst.ca/ profdev
T
Day 1
the benefits of consistent mixing and how
• Mixing mechanisms
he Chemical Institute of Canada and the Canadian Society for Chemistry are pleased
to present a two-day course designed to teach going green with mixing can save you and the environment in many ways.
• Mixing Overview • Liquid-Solids Mixing • Liquid-Gas Mixing • Liquid-Liquid Mixing
Attendees will gain appreciation for mixing from all points of view, including that of: the formulation chemist; the process engineer; the plant manager;
Day 2
the production scheduler; the operator; and of
• Liquid-Liquid Mixing (cont)
quality control. Attendees will learn how to get
• Mixer Selection
more out of their present equipment, lower their
• Mixing Specifications
cycle times, and improve batch-to-batch consistency.
Instructor For the last 19 years Peter R. Holman, P.Eng. has been the president of Holman Engineering Inc. in Holmen, WI. He has enhanced hundreds of clients’ mixing processes during his 30+ years in chemical and environmental engineering. He holds a BS in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin. His development of custom mixing specifications has reduced off-spec batches and rework for clients nationwide including many paint and ink companies. His experience ranges from low-viscosity fluid mixing to the mixing of rubber. He has written a book entitled, Liquid Mixing—From the laboratory to the pilot plant. He also presents seminars for the Coatings Research Institute at Eastern Michigan University.
Chemical Institute of Canada
Canadian Society for Chemistry
C o n t i n u i n g E d u c a t i o n f o r C h e m i c a l P r o f e s s i o n a l s
Laboratory Safety 2008 Schedule May 26–27 Edmonton June 16–17 Toronto
T
Day 1
the knowledge and working experience of chemical
• Safety management
he Chemical Institute of Canada and the Canadian Society for Chemical Technology are
presenting a two-day course designed to enhance technologists and chemists. All course participants receive the CIC’s Laboratory Health and Safety
• Safety policies • Training
Guidelines, 4th edition.
• Safety audit
This course is intended for those whose
• Flammable solvents
responsibilities include improving the operational safety of chemical laboratories, managing
October 21–22 Ottawa
• Introduction
• Labelling • Corrosive chemicals • Toxic chemicals
laboratories, chemical plants or research facilities,
• Reactive chemicals
conducting safety audits of laboratories and chemical plants. During the course, participants are
Day 2
provided with an integrated overview of current best
• Insidious hazards
practices in laboratory safety.
• Compressed gases • Cryogenic liquids
Registration fees $550 CIC members $750 non-members $75 students
• Fire safety • Storage • Waste disposal • Personal protective equipment • Electrical hazards • Fume hoods
For more information about the course and locations, and to access the registration form, visit: www.cheminst.ca/ profdev
• Radiation hazards
Instructor Eric Mead, FCIC, a former instructor with the chemical technology program at SIAST, has taught and practised laboratory workplace safety for more than 30 years. A former chair of The Chemical Institute of Canada, Mead has been commended for his work on behalf of the chemical industry.
“The chemical field and profession are built on a foundation of trust with society. An integral part of that trust is the safe operation of facilities including laboratories, whether industrial, academic or government. The education of engineers, scientists and technologists must reflect that level of trust. We all share in the responsibility for safe and ethical research, chemical processing and analysis." —Eric Mead
Chemical Institute of Canada
Canadian Society for Chemical Technology
PM40021620