POLYMERS: SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND APPLICATIONS - 2020/1
Module code: ENGD026
Module Overview
This module provides an introduction and up-to-date overview of developments in polymer materials, polymer processing and applications. Students successfully completing the module will have a critical awareness of the use of polymers in engineering, from processing-structure-properties to implementation.
Provisions are also made for students who are not confident in Chemistry, in the form of a quiz and pre-reading notes before they attend the module.
Module provider
Mechanical Engineering Sciences
Module Leader
LEKAKOU Constantina (Mech Eng Sci)
Number of Credits: 0
ECTS Credits: 0
Framework: FHEQ Level 8
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 30
Lecture Hours: 10
Tutorial Hours: 10
Laboratory Hours: 10
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
N/A
Module content
Indicative content: the course includes lectures, exercise classes and laboratory sessions.
• Introduction
• The amorphous state
• The crystalline state
• Synthesis of polymers
• Thermosets
• Thermoplastics
• Mechanical behaviour
• Toughening and Toughening Mechanisms in Polymers
• Degradation of Polymers
• Chemical Characterisation of Polymers
• Physical Characterisation of Polymers
• Processing of Plastics
• Advanced Processing Techniques
• Adhesives and Coatings
• Polymer Blends and Alloys
• Conjugated Polymers for Optoelectronic Applications
• Recycling of Polymers
• Polymers in Microelectronics
• Polymers in Automotive Applications
Provisions are also made for students who are not confident in Chemistry: they can test their knowledge by doing a quiz available on SurreyLearn and do some pre-reading of notes on basics of Organic Chemistry for Polymers, also available on SurreyLearn.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Short answer questions | 50 |
| Coursework | Long answer question involving calculation, analysis, discussion involving core aspects of the module. | 50 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate understanding and application of polymer science.
Thus, the summative assessment for this unit consists of:
• Q1 (Short answer questions) 50%
• Q2 (Essay question) 50%
Formative assessment
• Formative verbal feedback is given in lectures and tutorials.
Feedback
• Written feedback is given on the submitted coursework
Module aims
- provide an up-to-date appreciation of the developments and applications of polymers in engineering
- provide students with important background and conceptual on the structure and properties of polymers with the addition of:
recent developments in
o the chemical and physical structure
o processing
o and production of new classes of polymers that lead to a new range of properties or significant improvement of existing properties
- novel applications for polymers or applications where the polymers have found recent expansion in novel areas due to their enhanced or novel properties.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Have a knowledge of the structure, properties, processing and applications of thermoplastics and thermosets, both bulk and specialised materials, latest developments and new or advanced applications for polymers | CK |
| 002 | Be able to use this knowledge in a critical manner to make justified choices of polymeric materials and processes, plan and design the product and manufacturing route for a given application | CK |
| 003 | Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying issues through the appropriate interpretation of assessment questions | CK |
| 004 | Explain current issues in Polymers which are complex, conceptually challenging, and are at, or informed by, the forefront of field | CK |
| 005 | Apply course subject matter for research and advanced academic enquiry | CKPT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to introduce the above content through lectures and tutorials (including worked example classes). This is delivered through lectures and tutorial classes.
The learning and teaching methods include:
• 22 hours lectures
• 8 hours tutorial classes
• 30 hours coursework.
The teaching is delivered as a one-week intensive course.
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENGD026
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro- and NanoMaterials and Technologies EngD | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.