Objectives of Programme's Learning Outcomes

• Understand the fundamentals
• Understand the key areas of chemistry: inorganic, organic, physical, biological and analytical chemistry, as well as basic knowledge required in mathematics, biology and physics
• Provide basic knowledge in more specialised fields of chemistry (e.g. in theoretical chemistry, chemistry of materials, macromolecular chemistry)
• Have developed the learning skills needed to undertake further studies with a sufficient degree of autonomy
• Provide clear and accurate information
• Communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to a qualified scientific partner

Learning Outcomes of UE

This course aims at familiarizing the student with chemistry of organic synthesis (as well as physico-chemistry) of polymers. It focuses on the key-role played by organic and organo-metallic chemistry in the development of the rather new by rich macromolecular science, as witnessed by the huge impact of polymeric materials on our today life.

UE Content: description and pedagogical relevance

After an overview of the different polymeric materials and their main properties, we will study the macromolecule structure levels and the related material states together with related thermal transitions. Solid and liquid state behaviour of polymers will be discussed about as well as the usual techniques developed for determining their molecular weight. Will be then exposed the main polymerisation mechanisms : step-growth or chain polymerisation. These mechanisms will be compared to each other and discussed in direct relation with the resulting polymer structure. More particularly special attention will be drawn on anionic, cationic, free radical and coordination polymerisation mechanisms, including their possibility to control and tailored the macromolecular architectures. Next chapter will focus on copolymerisation process, with emphasis on factors determining the copolymer composition and the comonomer distribution along the copolymer chains, and the reactivity ratios. Prediction models for copolymer composition, comonomer distribution and sequence length will be presented, analysed and compared to experimental data. If sufficient time remains, tudy of chemical reactivity of polymers will be finally approached and illustrated by selected typical examples, basically taken from general organic chemistry. Then degradation of polymeric materials will be shortly discussed as well as the methods and additives industrially used for stabilizing these organic materials.
Assessment of the course (including practical work and exercises) :
- 1 written test (5/20 of the final and overall mark) covering questions relating to the Exercises and practical work. 
NB: this test is organised at the last exercise course.
- 1 oral test (with written preparation) (15/20 of the final and overall mark) covering questions relating to the ex-cathedra course (30h). This test is organised during the assessment session.
 

Prior Experience

Knowledge of Organic Chemistry 1 and 2