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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

COLO5080M

This 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 typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
On-line Learning51.005.00
Example Class261.0026.00
Independent online learning hours10.00
Private study hours109.00
Total Contact hours31.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)150.00

Private study

Formative problem sheets 8 hr

Powerpoint 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 typeNotes% of formal assessment
Presentation.15.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)15.00

Problem sheets will be offered as formative assessments.


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Open Book exam2 hr 00 mins85.00
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 website

Last updated: 11/10/2022

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