Introductory description

In the 20th century polymer science gave us materials with remarkable and durable properties to the great benefit of humanity. Plastics were fantastic. Now, a green polymer (r)evolution is urgently needed so that plastics will be the material that rebalances the needs and prosperity of humanity with the environmental and sustainable needs of our planet. This module will discuss how different types of plastics are made, what they are used for and why they are the current material of choice. It will discuss the environmental sustainability challenges that we face and how we can find an environmental sustainable way forward to live in harmony with a healthier planet.

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.

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. Each block is 6 h, forming 30 hours in total.

BLOCK 1 A brief history of polymer science and an overview of global polymer production. Introduction to key polymer chemistry, physics, and engineering; reinforced with more depth for particular polymers in blocks 2-4. [Note that this block will enrich the chemistry UG participant with information NOT provided in year 1 and 2 UG polymer and macromolecules teaching]

BLOCKS 2, 3, and 4. will discuss a selection of particular types of polymers and their products: How are they made, what are their key physical and mechanical features, what are they used for and why? What are the sustainability ideas and challenges? Polymers that can be discussed are:

Poly(olefins): PE/PP
Poly(vinyl chloride): PVC
Polyesters/amides with a focus on PET
Polymer composites (epoxy resins/ poly(urethanes))
Polymer dispersions and their applications

BLOCK 5: The Green Polymer (R)evolution: what are the scientific/societal issues and where do we go from here?

Learning outcomes

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

• Understand some key concepts of polymer science developing knowledge in the area of polymer science and being able to feed this back into underpinning areas such as chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, manufacturing, environmental and socio-economic impact.
• Evaluate diverse points of view on technological/scientific contexts, societal and environmental impact, temporal and trending contexts.
• Engage in inquiry and build a skill set to process, understand, and communicate/explain and evaluate scientific principles and their impact.
• Apply and integrate concepts introduced during the module in an interactive discussion format.
• Effectively verbally communicate and present their ideas.
• Think about the reason for the use (or not) of polymer materials in contemporary society.

Indicative reading list

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

The students will have developed the skills to:
Evaluate scientific principles and their impact.
Assess the social and environmental impact of plastics.
Evaluate designs and assess the pros and cons for the use of polymer materials.
Communicate clearly their understanding of current scientific principles relating to polymers and their impact.

Transferable skills

Numeracy
Problem solving
Critical thinking
Teamwork