CHEM3580

Polymers and Colloids

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

This course introduces students to the science of polymeric and colloidal materials with emphasis on the methods of their preparation, structure-property relationships, and industrial and environmental applications. Throughout the course, the relationship between the structure and properties of the materials and their performance and applications will be highlighted. The laboratory component provides training in techniques which are specific to the preparation and characterisation of polymers and colloids, and are relevant to both industrial and research settings.

This course has compulsory course components and students must:
1. must participate in and submit laboratory reports for the established minimum requirements and obtain a minimum passing grade of 50%; and
2. obtain a minimum passing grade of 40% in the final, end-of-semester examination for the course.

In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory Health and Safety requirement. Students will receive full information on this compulsory component in the course outline provided by the school.

Objectives On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the different approaches to the preparation of polymers and colloids.
2. Differentiate the various types of polymeric and colloidal materials.
3. Assess the applicability of the various synthetic approaches in the industrial production of polymeric and colloidal materials.
4. Relate the structure and properties of polymers and colloids to their performance and intended applications.
5. Describe the utility of polymeric and colloidal materials in environmental applications, e.g. wastewater treatment.
6. Demonstrate competence in the use of various procedures and instruments for the synthesis and characterisation of polymers and colloids.
7. Apply the scientific process in the conduct and reporting of experimental investigations.
8. Demonstrate an awareness of the safety responsibilities involved in working with chemicals and hazardous substances.
Content 1. Classification of polymers.
2. Synthesis of polymers:step polymerisation, radical chain polymerisation, emulsion polymerisation, ionic chain polymerisation, ring-opening polymerisation, chain copolymerisation
3. Properties and characterisation of polymers in solid and solution states.
4. Types and preparation of colloidal materials.
5. Characterisation of colloidal dispersions.
6. Theory and control of colloid stability.
7. Industrial and environmental applications of polymeric and colloidal materials.
Replacing Course(s) N/A
Transition N/A
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge CHEM2310 Organic Chemistry
CHEM2410 Physical Chemistry
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Laboratory
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Problems can either be descriptive or numerical.
Examination: Formal This is a compulsory course component. Students must obtain a minimum passing grade of 40% in the final, end-of-semester examination for the course in order to demonstrate that they have fulfilled course objectives relating to the understanding of the material expounded during lectures and/or described in assigned readings.

On achieving a passing grade, a final mark will be given in the course and it will be recorded that the student has satisfied the compulsory course component. Students who fail to satisfy the compulsory course component will be awarded a zero mark and a FF grade, irrespective of their final numeric mark. In such case, the normal avenues of appeal open to them.
Laboratory Exercises This course has acompulsory course component in its laboratory component. Students must participate in and submit laboratory reports for the established minimum requirements and obtain a passing grade of at least 50% in order to demonstrate that the student has fulfilled course objectives relating to appropriate laboratory skills and professional and safety responsibilities. On achieving the passing grade, a final mark will be given in the course and it will be recorded that the student satisfied the compulsory course component. For those students who fail to satisfy the compulsory course component will have the normal avenues of appeal open to them.

Make-up provisions
Students who are unable to complete the required number of laboratory exercises for reasons beyond their control will be offered the opportunity to make up at least one experiment at the discretion of the Discipline of Chemistry.
Contact Hours Laboratory: for 3 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Lecture: for 3 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Compulsory Components
Compulsory Course Component OHS-Safety Induction or Risk Assessment. In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory safety induction.
Compulsory Course Component In order to meet course objectives aligned with the students' understanding of, and ability to manipulate and apply the theoretical concepts which form the core of the material expounding during lectures and/or described in assigned readings, students must:
1. must participate in and submit laboratory reports for the established minimum requirements and obtain a minimum passing grade of 50%; and
2. obtain a minimum passing grade of 40% in the final, end-of-semester examination for the course.
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for CHEM3580