This is a core module for the MChem Chemistry course. It provides a grounding in polymer chemistry, natural and synthetic macro molecules and the measurement of polymer molar masses. It goes on to explain the effects of structure and processing on polymer properties and how they can be modified. It also aims to give an understanding of typical applications of macromolecular materials, biomaterials and composites in industry and everyday life. The module introduces various aspects of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry pertinent to possible future careers and aims to cover a wide range of topics including green chemistry, patents, intellectual property, health and safety, and other legislation. Many of the descriptive parts of the module are reinforced by workshops and group assignment to develop their communication, teamwork and independent learning skills.. The core lecture material is supported by workshops and laboratory practical classes which reinforce the theoretical concepts learnt.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
This module is delivered through a variety of lectures, workshops and practical laboratory sessions. Supplementary materials are available as core texts in multiple copies in the LRC. The lecture course will identify key topics for development and supplementary workshops will be used to investigate and pursue the more conceptually demanding aspects of the syllabus. Laboratory sessions have been demonstrates some of the techniques used in the synthesis and characterisation of commercial polymers. Each workshop is designed and sometimes assessed to give them a quick feedback and to encourage regular attendance and self assessment. Also there is an independent learning assignment as a group exercise on a topic of their choice. This is aimed at enhancing the employability skills such as independent thinking, gathering information and presentation skills as well as learning to work as a team.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 44 x one hour Lectures 22 x one hour workshops 18 hours practical (6 x 3hr) 6 hr PBL workshops | 90 |
| Guided independent study | Recommended reading Formative assessment Summative assessment tasks Exam revision | 210 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The module is assessed in two primary strands, with the industrial chemistry being assessed formatively in the classroom setting including group work, practical work, student led investigations and problem based learning tasks. An independent group exercise will be taken as part of the summative assessment to expand students' development of key skills such as group working, communication and information retrieval. This capstone type new assessment is intended to encourage students to gain and improve skills important to their future employability such as entrepreneurship and creativity as well as developing communications skills, critical thinking, presentation skills and objective setting. Practical performance and reporting skills will be partially assessed by evaluation of the quality of samples and data obtained using online feedback during the class. This should assist students to get relevant feedback on their practical skills to act as feed forward for their summatively assessed work in future. Further formative workshop sessions will provide the students with informal exposure to skills needed in employment. As well as a written assignment and practical portfolio in polymer/industrial chemistry, there will be a two hour examination mainly covering the polymer part of the module.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Describe and differentiate the main types of chemistry available for making polymer and its related materials. | Formative assessment opportunity will be provided via workshop sessions and summative assessment during practical by submission of portfolio of work e.g. sample, data analysis as well as via section of examination paper. |
| 2) Discuss the range of physical and chemical properties which may be needed in commercial polymers and biomaterials, and evaluate how the required properties can be realised by choosing appropriate materials and processing. | Formative assessment opportunity will be provided via workshop sessions and summative assessments during practical by submission of portfolio of work e.g. sample, data analysis etc and a single large coursework. |
| 3) Apply the fundamental principles discussed to such fields as textile fibres, elastomers, adhesives, electronic applications, drug delivery, ophthalmology and medical prosthetics | Formative assessment opportunity will be provided via workshop sessions. Also capstone type group assignment covering whole aspect of the module in formal written report. |
| 4) Understand the nature and structure of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry and apply this to how management and operational aspects of the industry is implemented in typical organisations. | Formative assessment opportunity will be provided via workshop sessions. Also capstone type group assignment covering whole aspect of the module in formal written report. |
| 5) Describe aspects of operation of the industry such as patents and licences, health and safety | Formative and summative assessment will be provided via workshop sessions as well as section of examination paper. |
| 6) Critically evaluate chemical processes in terms of the 12 principles of Green Chemistry, calculating atom economies and explaining the importance of catalysts, alternative solvents and renewable raw materials | Green chemistry is assessed largely through section of examination paper and classroom based problem based exercise. |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Formal 2 hour examination | Written Exam | 50% |
| 7 x 5% of portfolio of polymer and industrial practical e.g. sample, data analysis | Practical Portfolio | 35% |
| Capstone assessment with group work assessed as final presentation with final report covering e.g. role of various departments in fictitious chemical/ pharmaceutical company, novel materials, research strategies. | 15% | |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Polymers and Biomaterials:
Core Texts:
Cowie, J M G and Arrighi, V, Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modern Materials latest edition
Dumitriou, S (ed.), Polymeric Biomaterials Latest Edition
Industrial:
Core Text(s):
Green Chemistry, an introductory text, M. Lancaster, RSC paperbacks, 2002
Polymers and Biomaterials:
Recommended Reading:
Billmeyer, F W A Textbook of Polymer Science, Latest Edition
Young, R J and Lovell, PA Introduction to Polymers Latest Edition
Saunders, K Organic Polymer Chemistry Latest Edition
Biomaterials (Journal, Elsevier; available on-line): recommended articles and general reference.
Industrial:
Recommended Reading:
Medicinal Chemistry and Drug discovery, 2nd Ed, Surley M. D. J Wiley Pharmacy Law and Practice, J Merrilles and J Fisher, Slackwell Science
Green Chemistry Theory and Practice, P AC Anastas, J C Warner, Oxford Univ Press Fine Chemicals Manufacture, Technology, and Engineering, ACybulski, J A Moulijn, M Sharma, Elsevier 2001
Hazards in the Chemical laboratory, RSC