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Molecular Simulations Research Group
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Teaching

My teaching is focused on bringing modern problem-solving strategies to the chemical and biomedical engineering curriculum. The goal is to teach students how to turn an engineering problem into a mathematical model that can be solved using either classical analytical or numerical methods.

I also have strong interest in incorporating modern classroom techniques such as "flipped" classrooms and active learning to foster independence and creativity in problem solving. I am happy to share materials and discuss ideas for content and teaching with fellow faculty interested in offering similar courses.

Courses at WVU

Current Courses

  • BMEG 321: Thermodynamics and Kinetics for Biomedical Engineering (Fall semesters, 3 credits). PR: BMEG 201 and CHEM 116 and MATH 251. Development of thermodynamic principles and their application to biological and biophysical systems. Topics will include first and second law; phase and reaction equilibria, kinetic rate laws and macromolecular thermodynamics.
  • CHE 615: Transport Phenomena (Fall semesters, 3 credits). PR: Consent. Introduction to equations of change (heat, mass, and momentum transfer) with a differential-balance approach. Use in Newtonian flow, turbulent flow, mass and energy transfer, radiation, convection. Estimation of transport coefficients.
  • CHE 720: Applied Statistical and Molecular Thermodynamics (Spring semesters, 3 credits). PR: CHE 320, BMEG 321,  CHE 620 or consent. The connection between macroscopic phenomena (thermodynamics) and microscopic phenomena (statistical and quantum mechanics). Thermodynamics modeling for process analysis. Equations of state, perturbation theories, mixing rules, computer simulation, group-contribution models, and physical-property prediction. (3 hr. lec.).

Previous Courses

  • CHE 202: Material and Energy Balances 2 (Spring semesters, 3 credits). PR: (CHE 201 or CHE 211) and PR or CONC: CHE 230. Continuation of CHE 201. The second part of a two-semester introduction to chemical engineering fundamentals and calculation procedures, industrial stoichiometry, real gases and vapor-liquid equilibrium,heat capacities and enthalpies, and unsteady material balances and energy balances.
  • CHE 320: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics. PR: (CHE 202 or CHE 212) and MATH 251. First and second laws of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic functions for real materials. Physical equilibrium concepts and applications. (2 hr. lec., 2 hr. calc. lab.). 

Previous Teaching Experience

I have previously offered or co-offered semester-long courses in the following topics, and may offer similar courses at WVU in the future.

  • Simulation Methods II

    The lecture Simulation Methods II teaches the elementary skills for the solution of simulation tasks. Solution methods are presented in the form of a flowchart which is analysed in detail. Methods for isolating and representing technical systems using mathematical equations are also presented. In the progression of the course, different commercial simulation tools are presented and discussed from the perspective of the user.

    These methods are then applied to practical case studies from different technical areas. The mathematical model is created and implemented using a commercial simulation tool.

  • From Atomistic to Continuum Physics

    Preliminaries, Index Notation, Continuum Assumptions, Kinematics, Balance Laws, Laws of Thermodynamics, Constitutive Principles, Hyperelasticity, Navier-Stokes Equations, Variational Methods, Finite Element Methods, Multiscale Methods, Homogenization Methods

  • Introduction to Molecular Simulations

    This course is a combination of lectures and laboratory demos teaches students the basic techniques and strategies of molecular simulations using Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics methods. Students complete an independent project on a topic of their own choosing to demonstrate their acquired proficiency.

  • Introduction to Polymer Physics

    This course introduces the fundamental behavior of polymers in and out of solution. Topics include the physics of single chains, ideal and real chains; the thermodynamics of blends, solutions, and mixing;  branching and gelation; networks and gels; and polymer dynamics. 

  • Introduction to Materials via a Problem-Solving Approach

    We introduce the world of materials science through a problem-solving approach which teaches students to build a model for a given system instead of simply looking for equations to manipulate. The physical topics covered include the states of matter, properties of mixtures and solutions, mechanical and thermal processes such as tension and thermal expansion; and introductions to processes such as diffusion and interfacial behavior.