2022/23 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
COLO5180M Synthesis and Application of Polymers
15 creditsClass Size: 30
Module manager: Dr Paul Thornton
Email: P.D.Thornton@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
Pre-requisite qualifications
A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related subject, or the equivalent.IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components, or the equivalent.
Module replaces
COLO5080MThis module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
Students will be knowledgeable in the more advanced aspects of polymerisation.Emphasis will be placed on natural and synthetic polymers beginning with fundamental aspects and moving rapidly to more up-to-date and advanced materials. Characterisation will be covered in a general sense. Some emphasis will be placed on functional polymers, biopolymeric, materials coatings systems and polymers for high tech applications.Objectives
Students will be knowledgeable in the more advanced aspects of polymerisations and copolymerisations. The significance of natural and synthetic polymer modification will be emphasised for the creation of commercial products. In addition, the module will disseminate the importance of polymer composites, biomedical polymers and other functional polymers. Finally, students will gain a thorough understanding of the contemporary methods of monomer and polymer characterisation.Learning outcomes
(1) A comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of both theoretical and synthetic polymer chemistry.
(2) Knowledge of key contemporary methods of polymerisation, and their wide-ranging applicability in academic and commercial research.
(3) Familiarity of polymeric properties, and the methods utilised to assess these properties.
(4) An understanding of the medicinal and economical importance of biomedical polymers.
Syllabus
- Introduction to Polymer Chemistry
- General Polymer Synthesis
- Free Radical Polymerisations
- Ionic Polymerisations
- LP1: ATRP
- LP2: RAFT
- LP3: NMP
- Ring-Opening Polymerisations
- Emulsion Polymerisations
- Inorganic Polymers and their Commercial Significance
- Polymer Self-Assembly
- Polymer Processing
- Coordination polymerisation
- Branched Polymers
- Biomedical Polymers (in conjunction with CHEM5600)
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
On-line Learning | 5 | 1.00 | 5.00 |
Example Class | 26 | 1.00 | 26.00 |
Independent online learning hours | 10.00 | ||
Private study hours | 109.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 31.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 |
Private study
Formative problem sheets 8 hrPowerpoint presentation, or Youtube video if preferred, concerning a relevant topic in contemporary polymer chemistry (e.g. The Commercial Exploitation of RAFT Polymerisations) - 8 hr to prepare, delivered in 3 hr session (this element will be worth 15% of the total module mark).
Further study of lecture material, including reading relevant accompanying material in books on the module reading list as directed by the lecturers. (2.5 hr per lecture = 65 hr)
Exam revision, including practise of past papers. (25 hr)
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Formative exercises for workshops, and regularly-spaced online quizzes.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Presentation | . | 15.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 15.00 |
Problem sheets will be offered as formative assessments.
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Open Book exam | 2 hr 00 mins | 85.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 85.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 11/10/2022
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD