- UCAS course code
- J500
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Materials Science and Engineering
Material scientists tackle some of the planet's greatest challenges and help shape the future of our world.
Duration: 3 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: J500 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Scholarships available
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: AAB including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: ABB including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: BBB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 35 points overall with 6,6,5 at HL, including specific requirements
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,535 per annum (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £38,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our the Department funding pages.
Course unit details:
Polymer Synthesis & Characterisation
| Unit code | MATS31902 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 6 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
The unit builds on prior knowledge of step-growth and chain polymerisations and introduces some new polymerisation methods. Emphasis is placed on the chemistry and theory that underpins the key principles for controlling polymerisation reactions, and of the techniques used to characterise the composition, structure and thermal behaviour of polymers.
Aims
The unit aims to:
- Provide students with the ability to discuss and explain the principles and theory underlying a selection of important chain and step-growth polymerisation methods and predict the effects of polymerisation conditions on polymerisation kinetics and the properties of the polymers produced.
- Provide students with the ability to describe the principles and underlying theory of common techniques for molecular and thermal characterisation of polymers and choose appropriate techniques for synthesis and characterisation of specific polymers.
- Develop the students’ ability to find, read, explain and critically review scientific literature, and work in a group to address a polymer science challenge.
- Improve students’ capabilities in the use of applied mathematics, polymer physics and polymer chemistry.
Learning outcomes
A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Intellectual skills
- Practical skills
- Transferable skills and personal qualities
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, online learning resources (Blackboard), group tutorials, non-assessed problems, assessed coursework, recommended textbooks, web resources, past exam papers, electronic supporting information (Blackboard), feedback sessions, revision sessions. Formative feedback will be available during synchronous sessions and model solutions to problems. Non-assessed questions will form the basis of group tutorials in which the answers will be discussed. Feedback will also be given on the outcomes of assessments.
Knowledge and understanding
a. Discuss and explain the principles and theory underlying important polymerisation methods.
b. Predict the effects of polymerisation conditions on polymerisation kinetics and the properties of the polymers produced.
c. Describe and explain the principles and underlying theory of common techniques for molecular and thermal characterisation of polymers.
d. Choose appropriate techniques for synthesis and characterisation of specific polymers.
Intellectual skills
a. Show improved logical reasoning, problem solving and ability in applied mathematics and chemistry.
b. Identify the conditions required to produce a polymer with defined properties.
c. Identify the appropriate technique for the characterisation of given polymer systems.
d. Assess and interpret data from characterisation techniques in order to determine polymer properties.
e. Ability to relate polymer structure and properties with synthesis method.
Practical skills
a. Perform searches of the scientific literature.
b. In the context of polymer science; read, explain and critically review a journal article.
c. Select suitable techniques for solving problems on polymer synthesis & characterisation and critically analyse the solution proposed.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
a. Solve problems utilising appropriate methods.
b. Assess data critically.
c. Communicate reliably and effectively, both individually and as part of a group.
d. Write a report as part of a group.
e. Assess peers fairly and critically.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 70% |
| Written assignment (inc essay) | 30% |
Feedback methods
Written and verbal
Recommended reading
- “Introduction to Polymers”, R.J. Young and P.A. Lovell, 3rd Edition, CRC Press, 2011 (or 2nd Edition, CRC Press, 1991)
- “Polymer Chemistry: An Introduction”, M.P. Stevens, 3rd Ed., OUP, 1999.
- “Principles of Polymerisation”, G. Odian, all editions
- “Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modern Materials”, J.M.G. Cowie, all editions
- “Principles of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry”, P. Haines
- “Atkins' Physical Chemistry”, P. Atkins and J. de Paula
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 |
| Practical classes & workshops | 6 |
| Tutorials | 3 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 71 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Stephen Edmondson | Unit coordinator |