Course overview
The aim of this course is to develop understanding of the chemistry of soft materials. The theory component of the course covers a variety of different polymer types (including natural and synthetic polymers and copolymers) with consideration of methods of synthesis, (including step-growth and chain-growth polymerisation), characterisation and physical properties. The physical properties of important general classes of soft materials including colloids, surfactants and polymers will also be addressed. The laboratory component of the course provides practical training with a focus on developing skills to prepare, characterise and rationalise the physical and chemical properties of soft materials. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in both theory-focused workshops and practical-based laboratory sessions, in addition to technical laboratory skills. These are essential skills for a professional scientist and are highly valued by employers because they directly contribute to the capability to innovate and troubleshoot in a variety of settings.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply knowledge of polymer and soft materials chemistry to conceptual and quantitative problems
- Demonstrate proficiency in accurately representing chemical structures, formulae, equations and reaction mechanisms
- Demonstrate proficiency in undertaking individual and/or team-based preparative and measurement-based laboratory investigations using appropriate apparatus, techniques and safe laboratory practices
- Analyse, interpret and present the results of preparative and measurement-based laboratory experiments
- Communicate results of laboratory experiment in written scientific reports and/or oral presentations