Polymer Chemistry

2025/2026

Recommended prerequisite for participation in the module

The module adds to the knowledge obtained in Fundamental Organic Chemistry, Experimental Organic Chemistry

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

To introduce the students majoring in chemistry or engineering a broad knowledge of polymer chemistry, such as principles of polymerization, polymer morphologies, polymer properties and so on. Meanwhile, some basic experimental techniques will be included in the lab course.

  • Basic Principles: Molecular weight and polymer solutions
  • Chemical Structure and Polymer Properties
  • Polymer Morphology
  • Step-reaction and ring opening polymerization and its lab course
  • Free radical polymerization and its lab course
  • Ionic Polymerization and its lab course
  • Vinyl polymerization with complex coordination catalysts
  • Characterization of polymers, Polyethers, -sulfides, and related polymers, Polyamides and related polymers. Heterocyclic polymers. Miscellaneous organic polymers, Inorganic and partially inorganic polymers. Natural Polymers.
  • Recent developments in the frontier research for novel polymerization technique of new materials
  • Basic experimental techniques will be included in laboratory exercises

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who have passed the module should be able to

  • Account for different categories of polymers and their use in selected applications
  • Characterize and categorize polymers
  • Explain different polymerization and modificaion principles

Skills

  • Design synthetic routes of functional monomers
  • Perform polymerization under various conditions
  • Modify polymer surfaces

Competences

  • Characterize macromolecules: from chemical structure to molecular weights and distributions

Type of instruction

The program is based on a combination of academic, problem-oriented and interdisciplinary approaches and organized based on the following work and evaluation methods that combine skills and reflection:

  • Lectures
  • Workshop exercises (individually and in groups) 
  • Project work and exercises in labs 
  • Teacher feedback

Extent and expected workload

150 hours

Exam

Exams

Name of examPolymer Chemistry
Type of exam
Written or oral exam
ECTS5
AssessmentPassed/Not Passed
Type of gradingInternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titlePolymerkemi
Module codeK-KEM-K2-19
Module typeCourse
Duration1 semester
SemesterSpring
ECTS5
Language of instructionEnglish
Empty-place SchemeYes
Location of the lectureCampus Aalborg
Responsible for the module
Time allocation for external examinersF

Organisation

Education ownerMaster of Science (MSc) in Chemistry
Study BoardStudy Board of Chemistry and Bioscience
DepartmentDepartment of Chemistry and Bioscience
FacultyThe Faculty of Engineering and Science