Skip to main content
NounStudy
Back to Course Catalog
CHM302Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Polymer Chemistry I

This course introduces learners to polymer chemistry, a specialized field of organic chemistry focusing on the formation, structures, reactions, and properties of polymers. It explores both natural and synthetic polymers, emphasizing their importance in modern life. The course covers polymerization reactions, polymer structures, and the modifications that enhance polymer properties. Learners will gain insights into the diverse applications of polymers in various fields, including food, clothing, shelter, medicine, and industry.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

52h
Study Time
13
Weeks
4h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Polymer ChemistryPolymerizationMonomersMacromoleculesSynthetic Polymers

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Polymer Nomenclature

2

Raw Materials for Polymers

3

Polymerization Processes

4

Solubility of Polymers

5

Polymer Structures

6

Biodegradation and Recycling

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Organic Chemistry

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Materials Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Polymer Chemist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Chemical Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Quality Control Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Plastics ManufacturingTextile IndustryAutomotive IndustryPharmaceuticalsPackaging

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Nature of Polymers and their Nomenclature

4h

Unit 1: Introduction to Polymer Chemistry and Nomenclature

2 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to polymer chemistry and nomenclature.
  • •Define polymers and monomers.
  • •Identify distinct polymer scientists and their contributions.

Unit 2: Physical Groupings of Polymers with their Nomenclature

2 study hours
  • •Explain physical groupings of polymers.
  • •Describe elastomers, fibers, resins, and plastics.
  • •Understand the properties and examples of each group.
Week
2

Module 1: Nature of Polymers and their Nomenclature

3h

Unit 3: Chemical Groupings of Polymers with their Nomenclature

3 study hours
  • •Explain chemical groupings of polymers.
  • •Differentiate between addition and condensation polymers.
  • •Understand the types of monomers and cross-linked polymers.
Week
3

Module 2: Sources of Raw Materials for Polymers

3h

Unit 1: Raw Materials from Economic Sources are Industrial Methods of Producing Polymers

3 study hours
  • •Identify raw materials from economic sources.
  • •Describe industrial methods of producing polymers.
  • •Understand the production of polyethylene.
Week
4

Module 2: Sources of Raw Materials for Polymers

3h

Unit 2: Chemical Industries are Important Sources of Raw Materials in Polymer Chemistry

3 study hours
  • •Explain the importance of chemical industries as sources of raw materials.
  • •Identify starting materials from chemical industries.
  • •Understand the roles of coal and petroleum.
Week
5

Module 3: Processes of Polymerization

3h

Unit 1: Synthetic polymerization

3 study hours
  • •Describe synthetic polymerization.
  • •Differentiate between addition and condensation polymerizations.
  • •Understand the designing of synthetic polymers.
Week
6

Module 3: Processes of Polymerization

3h

Unit 2: Addition Chain-growth Polymerization Reactions

3 study hours
  • •Explain addition chain-growth polymerization reactions.
  • •Identify conditions for addition polymerization.
  • •Predict polymer products of specific monomers.
Week
7

Module 3: Processes of Polymerization

3h

Unit 3: Mechanisms in Addition Chain-growth Polymerization Reactions [Radical and Ionic Addition Polymerizations]

3 study hours
  • •Understand the mechanisms in addition chain-growth polymerization reactions.
  • •Describe radical, cationic, and anionic addition.
  • •Identify the stages in each mechanism.
Week
8

Module 3: Processes of Polymerization

3h

Unit 4: Condensation Step-growth polymerization reactions

3 study hours
  • •Explain condensation step-growth polymerization reactions.
  • •Understand the roles of monomers and small molecules.
  • •Describe thermoplastics and thermosets.
Week
9

Module 4: Solubility and Solution Properties of Polymers

3h

Unit 1: Solubility Properties of Polymers

3 study hours
  • •Describe solubility properties of polymers.
  • •State factors responsible for the determination of solubility.
  • •Differentiate between solubility and solvolysis.
Week
10

Module 4: Solubility and Solution Properties of Polymers

3h

Unit 2: Solution Properties of Polymers

3 study hours
  • •Explain solution properties of polymers.
  • •Understand the principles behind liquid crystals.
  • •Describe the importance and applications of solution properties.
Week
11

Module 5: Structures and Properties of Polymers

3h

Unit 1: Crystallinity and Amorphous Properties of Polymers

3 study hours
  • •Describe crystallinity and amorphous properties of polymers.
  • •Understand the arrangements of molecules.
  • •Explain structural effects on properties of polymers.
Week
12

Module 5: Structures and Properties of Polymers

3h

Unit 2: Types and Effects of Linkages on Nature of Polymers

3 study hours
  • •Explain types and effects of linkages on the nature of polymers.
  • •Describe cross-linkings.
  • •Understand Ziegler-Natta catalysts.
Week
13

Module 6: Fiber Forming Polymers, Biodegradation and Recycling of Polymers

4h

Unit 1: Polymers as Fibers

2 study hours
  • •Explain polymers as fibers.
  • •Describe intermolecular forces in fibers.
  • •Understand natural and synthetic fibers.

Unit 2: Biodegradation and Recycling of Polymers

2 study hours
  • •Describe biodegradation and recycling of polymers.
  • •Understand chlorine attack and oxidation.
  • •Explain the implications of biodegradation and recycling.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions.

2

Create concept maps linking different polymerization mechanisms.

3

Practice drawing polymer structures and identifying functional groups.

4

Focus on understanding the relationships between polymer structure and properties.

5

Allocate time to study each module evenly, focusing on key definitions and examples.

Related Courses

Other courses in Sciences that complement your learning

CHM316

Industrial Chemical Technology I

Units
ESM341

Introduction To Instrumentation Measurement And Field Methods In Environmental Science

2 Units
FMT312

Linear Programme 11

3 Units
View All Sciences Courses