CH974-10 Advanced Polymer Synthesis
Introductory description
This module is cotaught with the undergraduate MChem course CH404: Synthetic Chemistry III (Macromol) and consists of 10 lectures between October and December. Two lecturers will deliver the content an you will have an extended workshop with each lecturer (just Polymer MSc students) to discuss recent literature in the area. The assessed work component will be to write an essay detailing literature advances by an assigned author relating to the content of the lectures.
Module aims
This module is designed to present and develop awareness of the most recent and advanced techniques in polymer synthesis including advanced techniques, catalysts and polymer modification. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate critically selected current research in this area. The course is designed to allow students to be original in the application of their knowledge to the solution of, research-based problems and will be achieved by a range of teaching methods including directed reading and set exercises. Students will be expected to undertake a significant amount of student centered learning around the subject which will be directed appropriately during the 10 academic contact hours with the whole class.
An additional contact hour a week will be set aside (as bookable) so that students who have concerns with directed reading and student centred learning can discuss their problems with an academic on a one to one or group basis. Students will be expected to demonstrate their abilities by critical evaluation of recent published material in one of the areas of study. This will be achieved the presentation of a written report/poster. Students will also undertake a written examination, which will test both their critical thinking around the subject as well as their ability to apply their knowledge to original problems.
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.
By definition this module will focus on VERY RECENT research in the areas of study. The specific examples used may differ on a year to year basis.
Syllabus
A compulsory set of 10 classes will be used to discuss material in two of the following areas.
New controlled polymer synthetic methods (5 lectures + seminars)
Adaptation of living polymerisation for advanced applications
Responsive polymers (thermal, pH, etc)
Post-polymerisation modification
Polymers in therapeutics
Classic case studies
Degradable and Sustainable Polymers (5 lectures + seminars)
a) Polymers from renewable resources
b) Functional degradable polymers by ring-opening polymerization
c) Degradable polymers in tissue engineering
d) Classic case studies
Polymer Architectures (5 lectures + seminars)
a) Star-shaped and hyperbranched polymers
b) Graft or comb-shaped polymers
c) Dendrimers
d) Classic case studies
Supramolecular Assembly of Polymers (5 lectures + seminars)
a) Methods for poly(peptide) synthesis
b) Secondary and tertiary structure of poly(peptide)s
c) Biologically-inspired self-assembly of macromolecules
d) Classic case studies
An additional review article from each taught area will be provided and supported by a 2 h seminar per article to discuss the content.
An additional contact hour a week will be set aside (as bookable) so that students who have concerns with directed reading and student centered learning can discuss their problems with an academic on a one to one or group basis.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand and be aware of current research and problems in the areas of polymer synthetic methods and supramolecular assembly of polymers.
- Use their knowledge to critically evaluate recent research work in any of the areas of study
- disseminate that knowledge by the preparation of a CONCISE written report. ( A concise report will test the students ability for communicating/abstracting only the MOST relevant material)
- Show originality in application of their knowledge to solving problems in the three areas of study
- Read and understand published literature reviews
- Use IT to prepare a Presentation
Indicative reading list
This is a research module, hence much of the recommended and essential reading will be recently published research articles and thus may change over the years.
However, essential texts and primary material that will be required for directed reading:
Macromolecular
Chemical Reviews December 2001, 101(issue 12)
Polymer Synthesis P Rempp and E W Merrill, Huthig & Wepf
Polymer Chemistry G Odian
Polymer Chemistry Himenz
Subject specific skills
TBC
Transferable skills
TBC
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 sessions of 1 hour (10%) |
| Seminars | 24 sessions of 1 hour (24%) |
| Private study | 66 hours (66%) |
| Total | 100 hours |
Private study description
Self-study.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group D1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Assessed Work | 25% | No | |
Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Online Examination | 75% | No | |
|
A 1.5-hour exam, locally held. |
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Reassessment component |
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| Written Resit Examination (Locally Held) | No | ||
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A 1.5-hour resit exam, locally held. |
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback on assessed work will be given.
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 B for:
- Year 1 of TCHA-F1PW Postgraduate Taught Polymer Science