Introductory description

This module contains a combination of practical analytical and polymer chemistry experiments. The analytical components cover the fundamentals of qualitative and quantitative analysis and the laboratory sessions will include chromatography, titration and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analysis, (Infra-red (IR) and Raman spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy. The polymer component will introduce students to a range of polymerization techniques, including controlled radical, free radical, ionic and heterogeneous polymerization. The course will serve to introduce students to safety aspects of laboratory work and the students will gain experience and expertise in the use of research quality analytical equipment.

Module aims

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.

Lab Induction
Experiment I – Free Radical Polymerisation
Experiment II – Chromatography
Experiment III – Controlled Radical Polymerisation
Experiment IV – Titration & Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)
Experiment VI – Infra-red (IR) and Raman Spectroscopy
Experiment V – Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
Experiment VII – Ionic Polymerisation
Experiment VIII – Heterogeneous polymerisation
Experiment IX – Analysis of heterogeneous polymerisation

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Analytical component: The module will equip students from a range of different backgrounds with essential quantitative and qualitative skills necessary for later modules, to include: • Principles of Chromatography • Titration and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) • Infra-Red (IR) and Raman Spectroscopy • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy Polymer component: By the end of the module, students should be able to: • Critically search literature prior to the lab work • Perform organic reactions for the initiator, monomer or catalyst synthesis • Display an advanced level of synthetic skill in handling polymerization reactions under inert atmosphere • Understand the advanced techniques to synthesize and characterize polymers • Understand how to report experimental findings in international journals

Subject specific skills

Analytical (A) and Polymer (P) skills

Subject knowledge and understanding:

• Show an advanced understanding of the principles behind classical analytical and spectroscopic methods, and the functions of various components in complex spectroscopic instrumentation (A)
• Discriminate between various analytical techniques, understanding the advantages, disadvantages and current applications of each (A)
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and interpret data from a variety of measurements (A)
• Display practical consideration for sources and treatment of experimental error (A)

Key Skills:

• Communicate scientific material verbally and in writing (A and P)
• Demonstrate numeracy (A)
• Independently use information technology: data-fitting software and spreadsheets (A)
• Locate and evaluate relevant information from outside sources/literature
• research (A)
• Demonstrate the ability to literature search and report experiments (P)
• Demonstrate polymer characterization skills (P)
• Demonstrate understanding of different polymer characterization techniques (P)
• Manage time effectively (A and P)

Cognitive Skills:

• Critically analyse experimental data (A and P)
• Comprehensively assess errors in data (A and P)
• Test hypotheses using experimental data Interpret results with aid of information from the literature. (A and P)
• Interpret results with aid of information from literature (A and P)

Subject-Specific/Professional Skills:

• Follow good and safe practice in the laboratory (A and P)
• Demonstrate sound laboratory and measurement skills (A and P)
• Produce clearly written and original scientific reports (A and P)
• Research and reference relevant literature. (A and P)

Transferable skills

Analytical (A) and Polymer (P) transferable skills

1 Critical thinking

• Recognise patterns, themes and key messages from sometimes confused and incomplete data (A)
• Make informed decisions on the value of a range of sources allowing an evidence based conclusion based on this analysis (A)

2 Problem solving

• Use rational and logical reasoning to deduce appropriate and well-reasoned conclusions (A and P)
• Retain an open mind, optimistic of finding solutions, thinking laterally and creatively to look beyond the obvious (A and P)
• Know how to learn from failure (A and P)

3 Self-awareness

• Actively seek opportunities for personal development in the context of employment and life (A and P)
• Aware of personal strengths and emotional intelligence (A and P)
• Reflect on learning, seeking feedback on and evaluating personal practices, strengths and opportunities for personal growth (A and P)

4 Communication

• Communicate orally in a clear and sensitive manner which is appropriately varied according to different audiences (A and P)
• Written: Present arguments, knowledge and ideas, in a range of formats. Active listening: questioning, reflecting, summarising (A and P).

5 Teamwork and working effectively with others

• Operate within, and contribute to, a respectful, supportive and cooperative group climate (A and P)
• Sensitive to the impact of actions on others (A and P)

6 Information literacy (research skills)

• Critical awareness of how information is gathered, used, managed and synthesised (A and P)
• Understanding of the relative value of different sources and the importance of provenance (A and P)
• The systematic collection, analysis and evaluation of information in the investigation of a topic (A and P)

7 Digital literacy

• Has the capabilities that enable living, learning and working in a digital society (A)
• Comfortable with using digital media to communicate, solve problems, manage information, collaborate, create and share content (A)

11 Professionalism

• Prepared to operate autonomously (A)