Polymer Characterisation (MATS65571)
Unit aims / introduction
This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of the behaviour of polymer molecules and with knowledge and skills relevant to characterisation of the composition and molecular structure of polymers, and of the thermal changes they undergo.
Unit dates (to be confirmed) - online distance-learning
- 14 September 2009 – 18 December 09
For information on the campus-based version of this unit, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Team
Unit tutors
- Unit leader – Professor Peter Budd
- Contributors – Dr Frank Mair; Professor Pete Lovell
Unit e-Tutor – Your e-Tutor, assigned when you start the unit, will act as a group mentor throughout the unit and will guide you through all the learning material.
Study time and method
This unit is delivered as an online distance-learning unit and a campus-based unit. This page concentrates on the online distance-learning version, if you would like information on the campus-based version of this unit, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Team.
Online distance-learning (part-time)
This unit is delivered online through a virtual learning environment (VLE) system called Blackboard.
Each unit contains 12 study weeks over a 14-week period. Each study week normally comprises five study sessions, corresponding to five working days.
This unit requires approximately 12.5 study hours each week of the unit (excluding break weeks). You are able to study at a time that suits you, but some group discussions may be scheduled by your e-Tutor.
For more information on online distance-learning, please click here
Unit structure - online distance-learning
- Week 1 – Molecular Characteristics of Polymers
- Week 2 – Vibrational Spectroscopy in Polymer Analysis
- Week 3 – Polymer Chains and Dilute Polymer Solutions
- Week 4 – Polymer Mixtures
- Break – Reflective and catch up week
- Week 5 – Gel Permeation Chromatography and Hydrodynamic Properties
- Week 6 – Light Scattering
- Week 7 – NMR: Principles, Applications and practical Considerations for Polymeric Solids and Solutions
- Week 8 – Determination of Polymer Chemical Structure and Composition by NMR
- Break – Reflective and catch up week
- Week 9 – Chain Stereochemistry and Regiochemistry by NMR
- Week 10 – Quantitative Analysis of Copolymer Structure by NMR
- Week 11 – Thermal Analyses of Polymers: DTA and DSC
- Week 12 – Thermal Analysis of Polymers: Thermogravimetry, Thermochemical Analysis and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis
For information on the campus-based version of this unit, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Team
Assessment
Assessment is a requirement if you are studying a postgraduate qualification. If you choose to take individual units only, the unit assessment is optional.
Assessed coursework
All coursework can be submitted via Blackboard, and feedback from e-Tutors will also be given online.
Unit examination
Formal examinations will take place two or more times each year. An examination will normally be available with six weeks of the unit completion date; you may take the examination at a later date but no more than one year after commencement of the unit.
Examinations can take place at The University of Manchester or at a University approved off-campus location, such as a British Council office / other university.
Please note that The University of Manchester will assist all students in finding a University approved off-campus examination location, but it is ultimately the student's responsibility to find and pay for this. All students are welcome to take their examination at The University of Manchester.
Credits
This is a 15-credit unit which can be built up to lead to a postgraduate qualification.
MSc Polymer Materials Science and Engineering
This unit forms part of the MSc Polymer Materials Science and Engineering. Other units included in the course are:
- Control and Design of Polymerisations
- Structure and Mechanical Properties of Polymers
- Polymer Processing
- Engineering Design and Communication
- Soft Matter and Nanotechnology
- New Directions in Polymerisation
Manchester Materials Masters
The MSc Polymer Materials Science and Engineering is one of four courses under the Manchester Materials Masters (MMM) programme. Other MMM MSc courses include:
Pre-requisites and making an application
There are no formal pre-requisites to study for an individual unit, but we would advise you to have a relevant level of knowledge and understanding of the subject to ensure that you can cope with the postgraduate-level study. If you wish to progress onto a postgraduate qualification following completion of an individual unit, then you will need to complete a formal application.
To make an application to an individual unit or to a postgraduate qualification, please click here
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this unit or other units and courses within the School of Materials, please contact our MMM Team:
- mmm@manchester.ac.uk
- Tel: +44 (0)161 306 4869
Fees
- Full 12-week unit - £1,900
Your registration includes full access to the teaching material on Blackboard and allocated e-Tutor support throughout the programme.