Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTRODUCTION TO POLYMER CHEMISTRY
Code CHEM378
Coordinator Prof SP Rannard
Chemistry
S.P.Rannard@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2014-15 Level Three Second Semester 7.5

Aims

This is an introductory module which outlines the basic aspects of polymer synthesis, polymer properties, and polymer characterisation.

The aims of the module are:

  • To explain illustrate how synthetic polymers are synthesized by various techniques.
  • To demonstrate aspects of the relationship between molecular structure physical properties for synthetic polymers.
  • To explain the methods available for the characterisation of polymers.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  1. Name common monomers and polymers.
  2. Understand the basic synthetic routes of step growth and chain growth polymerisation.
  3. Understand the concept of ‘living polymerisation’.
  4. Disconnect a new polymer structure and generate a viable synthetic route
  5. Discuss the methods available for the basic characterisation of synthetic polymers.
  6. Discuss the various polymer morphologies that can be synthesized.
  7. Understand the relationship between polymer structure and physical properties.
  8. Discuss the different methods available for synthesizing dendritic polymers.
.

Syllabus

The syllabus will include
    • Polymer and monomer nomenclature.
    • Addition polymerisation
    • ''Living'' and controlled polymerisations
    • Step-growth polymerisation
    • Dendritic and branched polymer synthesis
    • Polymer properties
    • Polymer microstructure and architecture
    • Polymer characterisation

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lectures

Whole class assessment answer sessions

This module consists of 16 lectures (approx 50 minutes) plus 2 assessment answer lectures. 

2 assessments will be set throughout the course that require completion in writing and handing in for formal marking. Full answer sessions will be provided in each case.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

        2
Assessment answer sessions
18
Timetable (if known)           Assessment answer sessions
 
 
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Unseen  1.5 hours  Semester 2  80  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies   
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
TBC  2x 4 hour problem-ba  Semester 2  20  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  2 course assessments and solution lectures This work is not marked anonymously Written Examination resit in August for Year 2 and PGT students. Year 3 (and Year 4) students resit at the next normal opportunity  

Recommended Texts

An Introduction to Polymer Science (Hans Georg Elias ISBN-13: 978-3527287901)

Polymers: Chemistry & Physics of Modern Materials (J. M. G. Cowie ISBN-13: 978-0849398131)