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Polymers and Composites (MREN90001)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Professor Greg Qiao
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 - Online |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Students are introduced to Polymer Chemistry. The influence of chemical constituents on structure–property relationships is explained. Polymerisation reactions including free radical and ion are covered including initiation, step and chain growth and termination steps. The physical properties of polymers including MW and how to measure it with viscosity and GPC are described. Chemical characterisation including spectroscopy and NMR is elucidated. Polymer properties such as Tg, Tm and viscoelasticityare are described. The influence of polymer architecture including co-polymers and crystalline domains is discussed. Students are also introduced to other topics covering elastomers and rubbers. Description of polymers in solution including solubility parameter and chi are presented. The role of chain entanglement in polymer melts on viscoelasticity is described. Polymers as solids particularly mechanical behaviour is covered including thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. Polymer processing including injection moulding, compression moulding, blowing, extrusion, fibre and film formation is discussed. Students will be introduced to composites including all material classes. Particular detailed focus is on polymer matrix composites including particle and fibre reinforced materials. Mechanical properties of composites including, elastic modulus, strength and toughening mechanisms are covered.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Relate polymer physio-chemical properties to polymer behaviour
- Evaluate and select polymers for specific applications
- Compare and contrast behaviour of polymers in solutions, melts and solids
- Link processing technologies to types of polymers and shape capabilities
- Design composite microstructures to produce materials with tailored properties
Generic skills
- Capacity for independent thought. Awareness of advanced technologies in the discipline. Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution. The ability to comprehend complex concepts and communicate lucidly this understanding. The ability to confront unfamiliar problems. In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline. Ability to plan work and to use time effectively. Ability to apply engineering methods to solve complex problems.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Entry into the MC-ENG Master of Engineering (Materials) or (Chemical)
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Fundamental concepts in materials science and engineering. Sound foundation in chemistry.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Mid Semester Test (MST) of two hours between Week 6 and Week 8. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 and 3 are assessed in this assessment.
| From Week 6 to Week 8 | 20% |
One assignment with an oral presentation, 1500-2000 words and due between Week 10 and Week 12. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 2 and 5 are assessed in the assignment.
| From Week 10 to Week 12 | 20% |
Final written exam (Closed-book) of two hours during the end-of-semester exam period. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 5 are addressed in this exam.
| End of semester | 60% |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1 - Online
Principal coordinator Greg Qiao Mode of delivery Online Contact hours 1 x 2-hour and 1 x 1-hour lectures and 1 x 1-hour tutorial per week Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 1 March 2021 to 30 May 2021 Last self-enrol date 12 March 2021 Census date 31 March 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 7 May 2021 Assessment period ends 25 June 2021 Semester 1 contact information
Professor Greg Qiao
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
Introduction to Polymers, Third Edition 3rd Edition, R. J. Young, P. A. Lovell, CRC Press, 2011
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 3 November 2022