1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and critical evaluation of methodologies and techniques for the design, synthesis and characterisation of organic materials
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
ENQUIRY

2.Demonstrate a critical awareness and evaluation of current developments in organic materials and macromaterials chemistry
ANALYSIS

Students will cover polymer classification, different types of 'common' polymers (e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene, PTFE; nylon), their synthesis, structure and selected physical properties (e.g. crystallisation, glass transition, viscoelasticity). Also, naturally occurring polymers and macromolecules that find applications as materials will be covered, together with their synthetic derivatisation. Characterisation techniques will be described, including NMR/IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, chromatography, light scattering, thermal analysis and viscoelasticity.

Advanced Macromolecule Materials These lectures, intended to introduce students to some of the cutting-edge concepts in Organic Materials Chemistry, will cover a selection from the following topics:

• Physical chemistry of polymers
• Self-healing polymers
• Random and block copolymers
• Optical polymers
• Biodegradeable polymers and environmental issues
• Supramolecular systems as future materials
• Microchip fabrication
• Smart materials with a focus on smart gels
• Organic electronics in biology including issues of biocompatibility
• Chemistry of synthetic photosynthetic centres

Students will complete 2 elements of assessment for this module:

1. REPORT, 2000 words, worth 50% of the module (learning outcome 2)

2. EXAMINATION, 2 hour worth 50% of the module – FINAL (learning outcome 1)

3. Formative assessment: Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via tutorial sessions and specimen exam/test questions. (all learning outcomes)

Each week there will be a 2-hour interactive lecture / seminar during which students will be introduced to core material and develop their understanding through problem-solving exercises undertaken in class = 24 hours

The remaining 126 hours of independent study will be used to research background information related to the delivery of the core material and to work with group members to develop the group presentation.

Cowie and Arrighi (2007), Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modern Materials, 3rd Ed., CRC Press

Nicholson (2011), The Chemistry of Polymers, 4th Ed., Royal Society of Chemistry

Gilbert (2016, Brydson’s Plastics Materials, 8th Ed., Butterworth-Heinemann