CH970-10 Polymers in the Real World
Introductory description
The module runs through term 1 & 2 with seminars delivered by internal researchers (PhD, PDRA, ECFs) and external professionals (e.g. industrial polymer scientists). The seminars take place on Friday afternoons between 1300-1500. Before each lecture you will write a 500 word 'mini-essay' on the topic to be covered in the seminar. This should include 3 questions to be asked and discussed with the speaker and 3 primary references (research articles) from the literature. Following the lecture you will write 100-200 words to discuss the answer to your questions. Finally, working with an academic, you will choose to either write a mini review article or prepare a poster on a research topic covered during the seminar series. You will also be expected to attend the department of Chemistry external seminar series, which also happens every thursday.
Module aims
This module aims to demonstrate current and real-world applications of polymeric materials that have been described in other modules of the Polymer Chemistry taught master program and rationalize how different properties are required for different applications. This module will be delivered by internal and invited external lecturers from industry and academia.
Topics covered include: Polymers in medicine, polymers in energy, advanced polymer processing methods, polymer composite materials, polymers in 'everyday' applications, renewable materials.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
The lectures/seminars will be given by a combination of internal and external academic and industrial visitors. The topics of the lectures will cover a selection from the following subjects.
- Renewable Materials
- Polymers in Medicine and Healthcare
- Polymer Therapeutics
- Polymers in Energy Solutions
- Polymers in Food Sustainability
- Polymers Used for Security
- Advanced Polymer Processing Methods
- Polymer Composite Materials, Lithography and Microelectronics
- Polymers in Everyday Applications
- Patents and Licensing in Polymer Industry
- How to Start Up Your Own Spin-off Company
- Insights of Scientific Publishing
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand the industrial importance of polymers in a range of areas.
- Demonstrate a wider knowledge of the current state-of-the art in polymer chemistry research
- Display a broad knowledge on different applications of polymers.
- To understand the wider impacts of research science in the field of polymer chemistry.
Indicative reading list
Students will use recent literature to write reports/summaries (300 words) on the topics covered.
Subject specific skills
Key Skills:
Demonstrate a successful literature search to select primary source relating to lecture contents.
Discuss a range of applications of polymeric materials
Communicate verbally and in writing
Manage time effectively
Cognitive Skills:
To follow the lectures and interact by asking questions.
Subject-Specific/Professional Skills:
Produce clearly written and original scientific reports.
Research and reference relevant literature.
Transferable skills
TBC
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 sessions of 1 hour (10%) |
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 1 hour (10%) |
| Private study | 80 hours (80%) |
| Total | 100 hours |
Private study description
80 h including; literature searching, reading and writing for preparation of the pre and post-lecture reports, and office hours for feedback and guidance for review abstract and final review/poster.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Final Essay or Poster Presentation | 30% | Yes (extension) | |
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A final essay or a poster presentation on a topic covered in the course. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Coursework | 40% | No | |
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Some 500-word reports including 3 questions to be asked to the speaker on the topic, to be submitted before each lecture/seminar. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Coursework | 30% | No | |
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Some 100-200-word essays to discuss the answers of the questions prepared and asked during the lecture as well as their opinions on the future of the topic. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Timely written feedback for each pre-lecture report
Timely written feedback for each post-lecture report
Timely verbal feedback on poster presentations/mini reviews
Courses
This module is Core optional for:
- Year 1 of TCHS-F1PK Postgraduate Taught Polymer Chemistry
This module is Optional for:
- Year 1 of TCHA-F1PB MSc in Chemistry with Scientific Writing
- Year 1 of TCHA-F1PX Postgraduate Taught Analytical and Polymer Science
- Year 1 of TCHA-F1PE Postgraduate Taught Scientific Research and Communication
This module is Option list A for:
- Year 1 of TCHA-F1PW Postgraduate Taught Polymer Science