Teaching directory
Course 2024-2025

Macromolecular chemistry [SCHIB308]

  • 2 credits
  • 22.5h
  • 2nd quarter
Language of instruction: French / Français

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to familiarise chemical science students with synthetic chemistry and the physical chemistry of polymers. It aims to demonstrate the essential contribution of organic and organometallic chemistry to the development of a young but rich science, as demonstrated by the impact of polymeric materials on our daily lives.

Content

After an overview of the different polymeric materials and their main properties, we will move on to a more in-depth study of the structural levels of the macromolecules, the "plastic" states of matter and the associated thermal transitions. The behaviour of polymers in solid phase and in solution will be discussed. The main polymerisation mechanisms will then be presented: step and chain, and more specifically, the mechanisms of anionic, cationic, radical and coordination polymerisation. These mechanisms will be compared and studied in direct relation to the structure of the polymers synthesised. Copolymerisations will be the subject of a separate chapter. The methods of characterisation of polymers will also be presented, in relation to their properties. Processing methods will be presented.


Teaching methods

The courses, given in French, use a combination of Powerpoint slides and writing on the board. The lessons are supplemented by a written material which contains some blank pages so that students can take note of the most important notions.

Evaluations

A written exam of 2 or 3 hours will be organised at the end of the year. The assessment is closed-book, so the student will not be allowed to bring course materials or other documents or tools to the examination. This written examination is divided into two parts: - In the first part, the student answers a series of exercises (4 to 5) related to the different parts of the course. - The second part is intended for a detailed presentation of a point of the course, in order to evaluate the student's mastery of the subject. A mock exam may be organised, depending on the pace and notions acquired during the year, and the vote of the students participating in this course.

Recommended readings

None

Language of instruction

French / Français

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté des sciences
Rue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 NAMUR

Degree of Reference

Undergraduate Degree