Professor
PhD (University of Waterloo, 1990)
NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow (Cambridge 1990-91
Northwestern 1991-93)
Office: Otto Maass 313
Phone: (514)398-6912
Email: Ashok.Kakkar [at] McGill.CA
Lab: Otto Maass 230
Lab Phone: (514)398-6924
Research Themes
- Materials Chemistry
- Synthesis/Catalysis
- Chemical Biology
Research Description
Our research group is interested in developing smart and multi-tasking nanomaterials for biomedical applications. We use macromolecules (dendrimers, miktoarm polymers, telodendrimers) and metal nanoparticles (iron oxide and gold nanoshells), as two diverse platforms to address key challenges in nanomedicine. Research in our laboratory is highly interdisciplinary, and is at the interface of several scientific fronts including synthetic chemistry (organic and inorganic), materials science, and biology. Our research program aims to prepare students with expertise in organic synthesis (small to large macromolecules) and design of nanoparticles, polymer chemistry, self-assembly, and biology. We have strong collaborations with leading researchers locally and worldwide in pharmacology, chemical and biomedical engineering for example, to develop a detailed understanding and facilitate application of nanotechnology in medicine.
Currently Teaching
CHEM 110. General Chemistry 1.
Credits: 4
Offered by: Chemistry (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Fall 2025
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Fall 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
A study of the fundamental principles of atomic structure, radiation and nuclear chemistry, valence theory, coordination chemistry, and the periodic table.
- Fall
- Prerequisites/corequisites: High school mathematics and physics or permission of the instructor; CHEM 120 is not a prerequisite
- Each lab section is limited enrolment
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CHEM 400. Independent Study in Chemistry.
Credits: 1
Offered by: Chemistry (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
Description
Supervised research.
- Fall, Winter
- Prerequisites: CHEM 243, CHEM 222, CHEM 287, CHEM 281, plus at least one course in Chemistry at 300 level or higher.
- Restrictions: Registration is restricted to Honours and Major students in Chemistry and requires the approval of the Course Instructor.
- **Although this is a research course from May 3rd until August 31st, it does not follow the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines. Therefore, add/drop is July 6th and withdrawal is August 3rd.
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CHEM 534. Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Chemistry (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Fall 2025
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Fall 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
Topics discussed include scanning probe microscopy, chemical self-assembly, computer modelling, and microfabrication/micromachining.
- Fall
- Prerequisites: CHEM 434 or PHYS 334 or permission of instructor
- Corequisites: one of CHEM 345, PHYS 357, or PHYS 346 or permission of instructor
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking PHYS 534
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CHEM 574. Introductory Polymer Chemistry.
Credits: 3
Offered by: Chemistry (Faculty of Science)
Terms offered: Fall 2025
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Fall 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.
Description
A survey course on the structure of polymers, kinetics and mechanisms of polymer and copolymer synthesis; characterization and molecular weight distributions; polymer microstructure, the thermodynamics of polymer solutions; the crystalline and amorphous states, rubber elasticity and structure-property relationships.
- Fall
- Prerequisite(s): Prerequisites: CHEM 223 and CHEM 243 or CHEM 213 and CHEM 273, or CHEM 233 (for engineering students only), or permission of the instructor.
- Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken CHEM 455 or CHEM 674.
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