HND Applied Chemistry
MidKent College
1. Title of the module Polymer Chemistry
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Department responsible for management of the module SPS
Start date of the module September 2013
The number of students expected to take the module 15
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module? X20704V Biochemistry
The level of the module I
Number of credits which the module represents 15
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern) Year 2
Prerequisite/co-requisite modules none
Programme of study to which the module contributes HND Applied Chemistry
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
At the end of this module the student will be able to:
1. Understand polymerisation mechanisms and techniques
2. Understand the basic properties of polymers from their structural features
3. Understand the service performance and environmental behaviour of polymers.
These will contribute to the following programme learning outcomes:
A
1, 2, 3, 6
B
1, 2, 3
C
1, 2, 3, 4
D
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
12. The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning
outcomes
At the end of the module the learner will be able to demonstrate:
a) decision making skills
b) Critical thinking skills
c) Ability to work with complex material
d) Communication and report writing skills
e) Ability to scan and organise data, abstract meaning from information and share knowledge with others
f) Effective self-management skills
These will contribute to the following programme learning outcomes:
A
6
B
1, 2
C
1, 4
D
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
The development of polymer science provides a classic example of systematic chemical innovation and progress. This
module builds on the knowledge and understanding of functional group chemistry and mechanisms and expands these to
give an understanding of polymer science.
Polymerisation mechanisms are used to support different types of polymerisation techniques. This leads to an examination
of structural features of polymers related to their polymeric properties and characteristics. The module concludes by
examining polymer performance together with conditions likely to cause failure in behaviour when polymers are used in
extreme environments.
April 2011
HND Applied Chemistry
MidKent College
Indicative Reading List
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Duncan Shaw, Colloid and Surface Chemistry 4th Ed, (Butterworth Heineman), ISBN 0750611820
G.T. Barnes and I.R. Gentle, Interfacial Science: an Introduction, 2Ed, (Oxford), ISBN 9780199571185
14. Learning and Teaching Methods, including nature and number of contact hours and total study hours which
will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended learning outcomes
The total learning time for the module will be 150 hours. The module will be delivered by means of lectures, seminars,
and practical work. Learners will be expected to undertake approximately 90 hours of independent study, including
research, required reading and answering assignments.
There will be 32 one hour lectures, 4 one hour supervision/problem sessions one per learning outcome and 8 half day
laboratory sessions (total 60 hours). This will include a variety of tasks, discussions, study materials and case studies,
practical’s, as appropriate to the topics being covered, with the focus being on the learning outcomes.
15. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning outcomes
 Laboratory practical reports and questions 20%(learning outcomes 1-4, generic outcome d,e and f)
 Problems for each learning outcome 20% (learning outcomes 1-4, generic outcomes a, b and c)
 Coursework 60% (learning outcomes 1-4, generic outcomes a to f)
Learning outcome
To achieve this outcome a student must demonstrate
the ability to:
Understand polymerisation mechanisms and
techniques
 Explain the mechanisms of free radical polymerization
and step polymerisations employing functional groups
 Deduce rate of equation for free radical and step
polymerisations
 Explain the importance of ionic, step and ring opening
polymerisation techniques in the development of new
polymers
 Explain the importance of co-polymerisation techniques
 Use polymerization techniques safely to produce small
quantities of free radical and step polymers using
standard laboratory apparatus
Understand the basic properties of polymers from
their structural features
 Relate the crystal structures and properties of polymers
to their glass transition temperature
 Deduce the ability of a polymer to crystallize from its
structural features
 Relate crystal structure to the properties and uses of
polymers
 Use literature data to calculate creep strain and stress
employing Maxwell and Kelvin-Voigt equations
 Calculate molecular mass averages and molecular
mass distribution
 Relate molecular mass averages and molecular mass
distributions to mechanical properties and processing
behaviour
Understand the service performance and
environmental behaviour of polymers.
 Discuss the factors responsible for the degradation of
polymers on processing and in service
 Explain the action of common antidegradants
 Explain potential environmental stress cracking of
polymers
 Explain the relation of polymer structure to attack by
common inorganic and organic chemicals
April 2011
HND Applied Chemistry
MidKent College
 perform experiments safely to investigate the influence
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Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
This is an existing module and there are no new implications for learning resources.
As far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of
assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted
on the above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and
required content of module proposals"
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Director of Learning and Teaching
Date
Statement by the Head of Department: "I confirm that the Department has approved the
introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of Department
April 2011
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Date