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Edmonton Local SectionThe Chemical Institute of Canada
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Edmonton Local SectionThe Chemical Institute of Canada
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Canadian Society for Chemistry
Société canadienne de chemie
Would you like to get e-mail reminders of
future CIC events or rate the events we've sponsored?
If so please complete the attached form and
send to Lucio Gelmini at: GelminiL@macewan.ca
Dr. Howard Alper will be in Edmonton on March 27 and 28 to give a number of
interesting lectures and to participate in a panel discussion on science in
Canada. Some of the events have limited seating and so registration is required.
See the poster
for details.
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Westin Hotel, Edmonton
Topics:
Water chemistry and scaling – Maurice Shevalier, University of Calgary
Corrosion and corrosion inhibitors – Graham Derby, Champion Technologies
Polymer-improved oil recovery – Fred Wassmuth, Alberta Research Council
Chemistry of demulsification – Sanyi Wang, Baker Petrolite
Industrial Chemistry at the 2008 National Conference in Edmonton
By: Gerard Tertzakian, PhD, FCIC; CSC 2008 National Conference co-Chair
Which came first: chemical research or industrial chemistry? It takes but a
moment of thought to affirm that the latter was far and away earlier, indeed
dating from prehistoric times. The making of beer and wine, smelting of metals,
manufacture of lime to name but very few, were large scale, economically and
socially very important industrial chemical processes.
I happen to own a French Dictonnaire de Chymie dated 1778. In it there are many
descriptions, some of them quite cryptic, of what today we would call industrial
processes. But the element oxygen isn’t even mentioned since Lavoisier
had not yet declared his seminal discovery. Industrial chemists of the day were
successfully producing materials in quantity, but without knowing the fundamentals
of what they were doing.
Slowly, starting in the mid nineteenth century, research revealed the reasons
why these processes worked. As a result existing processes were refined to give
products in better quality and yield and many new angles of attack became possible.
Today, industrial chemical production and research in the laboratory go hand
in hand. This formula now applies equally to products made in large volumes
in major manufacturing facilities such as refineries and major pharmaceutical
plants, as well as to smaller outputs from the many specialty chemical synthesis
laboratories around the world.
Chemical industry constitutes a significant portion of Canada’s economy
and exports. In Canada there are approximately 1400 chemical plant establishments.
The number of graduate employees by this sector is the highest among all industries
at around 27% 1. The spectrum of Canadian chemical facilities spans from one
extreme to other. On the gargantuan end we have, for example, the production
of massive amounts of synthetic oil and bitumen from the Alberta oil sands or
the electrochemical smelting of metallic aluminum. On the more modest scale
we have a number of pharmaceutical companies manufacturing bulk drugs. And on
the miniature side we have many very small research oriented companies making
small molecules and customizing processes for the scaled up production of these.
All these enterprises conduct very serious laboratory scale research towards
optimizing these processes.
This momentum of innovation and expansion can only be maintained by involvement
of various other business, industrial and academic sectors. Most projects can
not be conceived without adequate financing. They all need supplies and services
from construction materials to specialized hardware and the trades people that
assemble and operate the facilities. Professionals such as accountants and lawyers
are an integral part of running these businesses. And of paramount importance
are the advanced technical services that can only come from free thinking research
oriented academia, essential for progress and therefore competitiveness.
A two day symposium on various aspects of industrial chemistry is being organized
for the 2008 CSC National Conference to be held in Edmonton. In addition, there
is a concurrent but separate exciting one day Short Course covering aspects
of oilfield and oil sands chemistry that is being organized by the Association
of the Chemical Profession of Alberta and the CIC Edmonton
Local Section. Here, topics such as water chemistry and scaling, corrosion and
corrosion inhibitors, enhanced oil recovery and chemistry of demulsification
will be considered in depth.
The symposium comprises a set of serious presentations covering many topics
related to the businesses of chemistry. What if a university researcher makes
a discovery that may have industrial significance? Would it serve the author
better if published immediately in an academic journal or if at first a patent
is applied for and then the thus disclosed information is published? What is
the arrangement between universities and professors regarding patent policy?
These early decisions will affect the value of the discovery and its potential
for becoming a useful item in the industrial chemistry portfolio.
Pursuing this line of thought, the next decision could be whether to commercialize
this process or product and if so how. Should the idea get licensed to a corporation
or should a new company be founded by the inventor specifically to license in
this invention and develop it through to a commercial process? If the latter,
should it be finally produced by the new company or be licensed out at this
later, more value added stage?
If a new company is formed, then new requirements arise. First and foremost
is financing. In any enterprise cash is king. Therefore, it is essential to
get good advice on how to raise money, whether through a private placement or
public offering, and on how to manage cash effectively. Needed too are professionals
that can advise on legal and accounting matters such as intellectual property
protection and SR&ED claims. Of course, good scientists who are results
oriented must join the team. Bearing all this in mind, it is necessary to have
managers, boards, professionals and other advisers who are experienced in running
a small business. Thus, the business of chemistry brings together a variety
of disciplines like no other venture does. All these needs will be addressed
by experts at the CSC Conference in Edmonton.
Chemical industry is not only a mercenary pursuit as is often thought of within
the walls of academia and among those who claim that the best interests of a
pristine world are forsaken by industrial chemists and corporations. Indeed,
chemists are among the most environmentally responsible groups, simply because
they understand the basic causes, effects and remedies involved in ecological
interference. Similarly, the vast majority of chemical enterprises are extremely
responsible corporate citizens.
Today, industrial chemistry spans an extraordinarily broad range of endeavours,
from mining and nuclear energy, through agricultural necessities and household
aids, to miraculous medications based on complex molecular biology. Without
the world’s industrial chemical output and without the university researchers
who feed their insatiable need for novel ideas, processes and products, our
lifestyle would be of significantly inferior quality.
The 2008 CSC Conference will highlight a lot of what has been said above. Aside
from the Industrial Chemistry Symposia and Short Course, many more research
oriented presentations will address topics closely related to the basics of
industrial chemistry.
After all, one should never forget the phrase coined many years ago by the American
Chemical Society: “What on earth isn’t chemistry?”
Who should attend? Seniour Secondary and Post Secondary teachers
Organic Chemistry students and researchers
Analytical chemistry students, researchers and professionals
7 PM in Room V-103
University of Alberta
Multidimensional Gas Chromatography - Applications and implications for
the analysis of complex mixtures
Reserve your spot via e-mail to: gelminiL@macewan.ca
Guest Lecturer: D. W. Schindler, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Title of lecture: Climate Warming, Eutrophication and Western Canada's Water
Supply in the 21st Century
Abstract:
Canada's western prairie provinces are large a semi arid area in the rain shadow
of the Rocky Mountains. Average annual precipitation in the 20th century generally
averaged 300-500 mm. Runoff from the glaciers and snowpacks of the mountains
has been a necessary supplement to maintain river flows and instream flow needs.
But recent evidence suggests that the 20th century may have been unusually wet.
Recurrent droughts in pre-historic times often lasted for decades. Climate has
warmed by 1-4 C since the mid-20th century, causing increases in average evaporation.
River flows in summer have already decreased by 30 to over 80%, lake levels
have declined, and wetlands have disappeared. Rapid growth in human populations,
agriculture and industry are already causing water shortages and eutrophication
in the western prairies. Natural drought, climate warming, damage to natural
drainage patterns and human demands for water will combine to cause severe problems
with water quantity and quality on the western prairies in the years ahead.
Where: Faculty Club, University of Alberta (Saskatchewan Dr. and 116 St.), Edmonton,
AB
Cost: $30.00 (CIC Members); $35.00 (Non-members); $20.00 (Students)
When: Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Cocktails: 5:30 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM
AGM: 6:30 PM
Speaker: 7:00 PM
Dinner:
Caesar Salad
Breast of Chicken Chausseur, Red Wine and Mushroom Sauce (vegetarian meals must
be requested) Roast Potato
2 Fresh Vegetables
Blueberry Cheesecake with Caramel Splash Coffee or Tea
Click here for more information and registration.
Registration fees$695 CIC/ACPA members$850 non-members Registration form and hotel informationwww.cheminst.ca/ profdev
This two-day course is geared to those whose responsibilities include risk assessments,
development of management systems, and providing advice to decision makers.
The learning objective is to reach a thorough understanding of integrated risk
assessment and management principles and techniques. During the course, participants
are provided with a broad overview of the technical tools available to assess
risk in industrial environments as well as how these tools fit in the bigger
picture of the broader risk management systems to control risk.
Elements of the course
* Introduction
* Major Historical Accidents in Process Industries
* Risk Concepts, How to Estimate Risk and Evaluate its Acceptability
* Integrated Risk Management: Success Factors for High Performance
* The Risk Management Process
* Techniques for Risk Analysis
* Qualitative Techniques: Hazard Identification (Screening Level, What-if, HAZOP,
FMEA)
with hands-on application examples
* Practical Hazard Awareness in Operating Plants
* Index Methods
* Frequency Analysis Techniques (Fault and Event Trees), SVA, LOPA
* Consequence Analysis Methods for Hazards Associated with Hazardous Materials
(with reference to US EPA Risk Management Program Rule)
* Applications to Plant Layout Design
* Elements of Process Safety Management (with reference to US OSHA PSM Regulations)
* Emergency Management (with reference to Environment Canada and other Canadian
Legislation)
* Summary and Conclusions
Recommended for * Industry and government personnel who have responsibilities
in:
* Safety, Health and Environment
* Worksite safety
* Asset Management
* Operations Management
* Process Safety and Loss Prevention
* Risk Management
* Security and Emergency Response
Course leaders
Ertugrul Alp, PhD, PEng, MCIC,
Principal, Alp & Associates Incorporated, has over 20 years' experience
in assessment and management of risks to environment, health, safety, property
and reputation. His experience covers a number of industrial sectors, including
chemical, energy, pulp and paper, mining, steel, and transportation, and government
sectors such as labour, environment, health, natural resources, and municipal
planning.
Norman Nibber, PhD,
Director, Independent Risk Control Inc., has 20 years' experience in energy
industries including: chemicals production, chemical process development and
design, process safety and risk consulting. His experience covers a number of
industrial sectors including heavy and conventional oil production, refining,
gas production and processing, straddle and fractionation plants, LPG, olefins,
polyolefins, styrene, polystyrene, methanol, pulp and paper, chloro-alkali,
vinyl monomer, and ethylene oxide.
Lecture: An Overview of PET Programs and Tracers Development at the Edmonton PET Centre
Dr. Piyush Kumar, Ph.D.
Department of Oncologic Imaging
Cross Cancer Institute
7:00pm, Thursday, April 20th
Central Academic Building, CAB 235
University of Alberta
Abstract:
Edmonton PET Center (EPC) was established in the premises of Cross Cancer institute, Edmonton in the year 2002 to produce positron emitting radiopharmaceuticals (PERs) for the medical community. It houses a 19 MeV cyclotron (Advanced Cyclotron Systems) for radioisotopes production and a GMP grade manufacturing facility for radiotracers' development. PET radiotracers are short-lived and help in the detection of a variety of disorders including cancer and their treatment planning. This facility, together with Edmonton Radiopharmacy Centre, manufactures a number of PET radiotracers under strict quality control as regulated by Health Canada for their use in cancer patients. Current library of tracers at EPC include 18FAZA, 18FES, 18FLT and 11C-Choline that are used in the diagnoses of cancer diseases and, 18FDG, a metabolically trapped PET radiotracer that is shipped to the centers located in other cities also (Foothills Hospital, Calgary and Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg). Edmonton PET Centre has collaborations in developmental and translational research with other departments at the University of Alberta and international PET Centers working in cancer and other disorders. Edmonton PET Centre is open to any possible research collaboration and related information can be obtained at www.edmontonpetcentre.com <http://www.edmontonpetcentre.com/> .
Parking is available in the Stadium Car Park, 116th St. and 92nd Ave or Education Car Park, 114th St. and 87th Ave.
Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Professor Roald Hoffmann will be visiting Edmonton. He will be given a free public lecture at Edmonton City Hall on Monday, March 20 entitled "Chemistry's Essential Tension: The Same and Not the Same" (reception 7:30 pm, lecture 8:00 pm). Click here for more details.
Prof. Hoffmann will also give a scientific lecture on Tuesday, March 21 at the University of Alberta (Chemistry E1-60, refreshments 9:30 am, lecutre 9:45 am). Click here for more details.Prof. Hoffmann new play "Should've" will be presented on Wednesday, March 22 at 8 pm at The King's University College New Theatre, North Academic Wing.
Dr. Hoffmann is the winner of the l981 Nobel Prize in Chemistry,
and co-writer of Oxygen, a play produced around the world.
Should've is being "workshopped" under the direction of Stephen Heatley,
with dramaturgy by Geoff Brumlik, design by Daniel vanHeyst,
and actors Michele Brown, Robert Clinton, and Marilyn Ryan.
This event is sponsored by the 75th Canadian Chemical Society Lecture
Series in collaboration with AHFMR, The Chemical Institute of Canad, Syncrude,
Theatre Alberta, Alberta Playwrights' Network, The Canada Council for the Arts,
The University of Alberta, The King's University College
Should've explores complementary ethical dilemmas in research science and
innovative visual art. Katie, a bio-chemist involved in the reconstruction of
a long-gone but lethal virus searches for the reasons behind her father's unexpected
suicide. She seeks the help of her friend Stefan, an installation and performance
artist with problems of his own. Her father's second wife, Julia, digs up clues
from Nazi Germany to Argentina.
Dr. Hoffmann will introduce the play, and entertain questions after the reading.
A reception will follow.
Admission is free, but seating is limited. Please RSVP to gelminiL@macewan.ca
TKUC is located at 9125 50th Street, Edmonton, AB. Park free in either
the east or west lot and enter the new Academic Building at the north end
of the campus.
The Edmonton Local Section of the CIC is pleased to announce: Dr. Graham Jones, Chief Toxicologist, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will present a talk entitled "Experiences of a Forensic Toxicologist" on Tuesday, October 25 in Room L116 at King's University College, 9125-50th Street, Edmonton.
Refreshments at 7:00 pm. Lecture at 7:30 pm. Cost: Students Free, Members and non-members $2.
RSVP to: GelminiL@macewan.ca
The 75th Canadian Society for Chemistry Conference Lectureship Committee,
The Department of Chemistry and The University of Alberta Senate present a Lecture
for the General Public
Dr. John Polanyi, University of Toronto "Seeing Molecules React One-Molecule-At-A-Time"
Monday, September 26, 2005
7:00 Refreshments
7:30 Talk
Chemistry Lecture Theatre, E1-60, Gunning/Lemieux Chemistry Building, University of Alberta
Parking available in "E" lot off Saskatchewan Dr. after 6 pm, $3.75 max.
Join us on a tour of the Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant
to kick off the year. The evening will start with a short presentation in their
new
auditorium followed by the tour. Please register as soon as possible as registration
may be limited and Gold Bar will need to make arrangements
based on the number of people attending.
To register, email GelminiL@macewan.ca
When: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 6:30pm.
Where: Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant, 10977 50 Street
(From 50th street, follow the detour signs and turn into the main entrance to
Gold Bar Park, proceed until reaching the parking lot, then turn
left and left once again. The Security Guard will direct visitors to the Wastewater
Research & Training Centre or "Centre of Excellence" facility.
Parking is available immediately in front of the building or at any of the adjacent
parking lots. All stalls are available for overflow visitor parking;
none are reserved.)
CIC Local Committee Annual General Meeting.
The AGM was held at the Faculty Club of the University of Alberta on May 10, 2005. Dr. Margaret Ann Armour gave a presentation about her work with waste disposal and with WISEST.
The following summarizes the minutes of the AGM.
1. Ken Schmidt, chair of the CIC local section, gave the welcome and an overview
of all events held from June 2004-present.
2. Wendy Lam, treasurer, gave the financial report for the year.
3. Kirk Michaelian, past chair, presented the new slate of candidates for executive
positions for the 2005-2006 year. All were approved.
4. Glenn Loppnow introduced the AGM speaker, Dr. Margaret Ann Armour.
5. Dr. Armour presented on her work with waste disposal and WISEST.
6. Holly Bigelow, vice chair, thanked the speaker and encouraged participation
at all CIC events next year.
Author and educator Dr. Penny Le Couteur will be in Edmonton to give two lectures.
1st Lecture: "The Making of Napoleon's Buttons"
April 21st - Grant MacEwan College (Room 5-142 at 8 PM)
Brief Abstract:
Were there compounds that proved pivotal at certain times in history? What molecules inspired great feats of exploration? Did compounds control the fates of nations? And have we, as chemists, continually undervalued the role chemistry has played in the development of civilization? In Napoleon's Buttons, chemistry professor Penny Le Couteur has a bit of a different slant: History, they say, is made by molecules." This is sure to be a fascinating talk for one and all.
For this public lecture on "The making of Napoleon's Buttons" Dr.
Le Couteur will be signing books if you bring them in.
For a little more information please check the following website. http://www.artsci.gmcc.ab.ca/people/gelminil/napoleon.htm
2nd Lecture: "The Second Wave of Vitalism"
or
"It May be Natural but You are Just as Dead"
April 22nd - University of Alberta, Room: V-107 at 11:00am
Brief Abstract:
Most people hold the very firm belief that, as far as chemicals are concerned,
natural is good and synthetic is bad (and chemists seem to do little to dispel
this myth.) Is this one of the reasons that there are far fewer books on chemistry
in the science section of bookstores
compared to other sciences? Does chemophobia play a role in public decision
making, and if it does maybe we should we be something doing about it?
About the Author: Dr. Penny Le Couteur Chemistry Professor and Dean, Arts &
Science, Capilano College
Dr. Penny Le Couteur is the Dean of Arts & Science at Capilano College where
she has taught chemistry for the past 36 years. She has a Ph.D. in Physical
Organic Chemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and completed
her M.Sc. and B.Sc. at the University of Auckland in New Zealand.
She recently published Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History
with Penguin Putnam, and is the author of the textbook Chemistry
- A Second Course under the development of the Department of Chemistry at Capilano
College. Dr. Le Couteur has also contributed to curriculum development in many
original and ongoing courses in the department.
She is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry. She is a member of and past-president of both the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology and the College of Chemistry Canada.
The History, Art and Chemistry of Beer
March 21st 6:00 to 8:30 PM at Grant MacEwan College
limits: must be over 18 y and first 100 people)
SPEAKERS: Dr. Kenneth E. Newman(The King's University College) Dr. Dietmar Kennepohl (Athabasca University) Mr. Michael Korney (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology)
MUSICIANS: Martin Murphy and Jeremy Spurgeon
ABSTRACT The consumption of beer can be traced to the origins of written history and the production of beer has often been described as the world's second oldest profession. - Why has this beverage become such an integral part of so many cultures around the world? - What are its chemical effects on your health and love life? - What are the characteristics that differentiate a stout from a porter, an ale from a lager and glass of draught from the beer in a bottle? The answers to these and many other questions will be presented at a refreshing evening of music, talk and taste. Come join us on a tour through the origins of this magical liquid, its historical significance, the chemistry of the brewing process and its relationship to your health and life. Be prepared however, as there will be a test at the conclusion of the talk. An oral exam will be used to evaluate your sensory perceptions of taste. You will be given the opportunity to partake in a blind taste test to identify both the type and many characteristic flavours present in a few samples of beer. Interludes of Irish song and music will accompany a series of short talks during the event so don't miss out on this evening of chemical culture in room 6-313H at Grant MacEwan College on March 21st REGISTRATION In advance by e-mail (GelminiL@macewan.ca) COST: (Pay at the door): $5 CIC members $10 Non-members Networking: 6:00 to 7:00 (Cash Bar) Lecture + Musical Interludes 7:00 - 8:00 PM Hands on laboratory component 8:00 - 8:30
Bowling and Billiards night, Gateway Rec Center, starting at 8:00 pm on Saturday January 22.
The Chemistry Graduate Students' Society (CGSS) at the University of Alberta would like to invite you to the first annual Chemistry Bowling and Billiards Night 2005 at Gateway Rec Center on Saturday Jan 22. Compete in Neon 10-pin Bowling from 8-10pm followed by Billiards from 10-11pm!
It will be a great way to "Strike up some fun" and meet fellow chemistry students, professors, and other CIC members. Round-trip bus transportation will be provided between the U of A and the Gateway Rec Center (3414 Gateway Blvd), leaving the U of A at 7pm and returning around midnight.
The U of A Chemistry Department, Graduate Students' Association, CGSS, and the CIC have come together to fund this event and as a result, tickets will only be $5 for graduate and undergraduate students and $10 for professors and CIC members. Each attendee can also choose to purchase one ticket for a friend or significant other at $15.
Jason Anderson (dja@ualberta.ca, office E3-10) will be selling tickets until Jan 17. As there is limited space, we encourage you to purchase your tickets well in advance! We hope to see many of you there!
Thursday, January 14, 2005 at 7:00 pm in room V 1-07 University of Alberta Lecture: Synthetic Glycoconjugate Vaccines
Dr. David R. Bundle, Director Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Carbohydrate Science, Associate Chair of Research Department of Chemistry University of Alberta
Synthetic Glycoconjugate
Vaccines Immunization provides effective and inexpensive protection against bacterial diseases and in many cases the protective antigen is a subunit carbohydrate vaccine. We have developed strategies for the generation of synthetic oligosaccharide vaccines that target the fungal pathogen Candida albicans and ganglioside antigens associated with certain cancers. One novel feature involves the introduction of S-linked sugar residues, which possess enhanced resistant to in-vivo hydrolysis when compared to their O-linked counterparts. Despite known differences in their conformational preferences, these antigens readily generate antibodies that react strongly with native O-linked antigens. Glycoconjugate vaccines synthesized from trisaccharide ÿ-mannan haptens and tetanus toxoid are being evaluated in a neutropenic rabbit model of Candida infection that simulates the condition of immunocompromised patients. The glycoconjugate vaccine induces a vigorous antibody response and the immunized rabbits exhibit enhanced resistance to live Candida albicans challenge.The Harry Emmett Gunning Lecture Series
Professor Mark A. Ratner from the Department of Chemistry at Northwestern University will be speaking at the University of Alberta on September 7-9, 2004. Professor Ratner is widely recognized as one of the founders of molecular electronics. More details are available here.
The 2004 Boomer Lecture Memorial Series
The speaker this year is Robert T. Kennedy, Hobart H. Willard Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Pharmacology, University of Muchigan - Ann Arbor. Professor Kennedy will be giving four lectures from September 13th to 16th, 2004. Click here for details.
Edmonton Regional Science Fair Pictures (2004)
See pictures of the 2004 Successful Edmonton Regional Science Fair
