2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

CHEM5810M Renewable Materials for a Sustainable Future

15 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Robert Menzel
Email: r.menzel@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in engineering, environmental science, physical science or mathematics discipline

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The aim of this module is to provide students with the fundamental theories and techniques in developing and studying a range of sustainable materials, e.g. thermoplastics, ‘green’ polymers, graphene and graphene oxides. The theories will be linked to their applications in day-to-day consumer products and advanced technologies. These will be delivered in research-led topics, each from an academic in Chemistry, Physics and SCAPE. Students will have opportunities to practice and develop their understanding of the topics through interactive workshops.

Objectives

The module will provide students with:
• an awareness of the impact of materials on our environment
• an understanding of how design choices can be made to reduce impact
• an understanding of challenges associated with composite materials
• a working knowledge of biodegradable and renewable natural materials
• a working knowledge of theoretical aspects behind the design of advanced electronic and mechanical materials, including thermoplastics, green polymers, graphene and graphene oxides
• an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of these materials in different applications

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Analyse the impact of materials on our environment and how design choices can be made to reduce it.
2. Explain the sustainable challenges associated with composite materials.
3. Evaluate biodegradable and renewable materials as alternatives to currently employed materials.
4. Apply theoretical design principles of advanced electronic and mechanical materials, such as thermoplastics, green polymers, graphene and graphene oxides

Skills Learning Outcomes
During the module students will demonstrate the following skills:
5. Critically evaluated key properties of materials and their suitability for specific applications.
6. Linked structural features of materials with their critical properties.

Syllabus

Students will be introduced to topics underpinning sustainable materials. They will learn the fundamental theories and techniques in developing and studying a range of sustainable materials, e.g. thermoplastics, ‘green’ polymers, graphene and graphene oxides. The theories will be linked to their applications in day-to-day consumer products and advanced technologies.

Methods of Assessment

We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.

Assessment for this module will consist of;

1 x Coursework
1 x Standard exam

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	12	2.00	24.00
Seminar	2	2.00	4.00
Independent online learning hours			16.00
Private study hours			106.00
Total Contact hours			28.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Written formative feedback will be provided on a short written exercise early in the course. They will also be provided with verbal feedback during the two workshops.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 01/05/2024

Disclaimer

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• Undergraduate module catalogue
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