Syllabus academic year 2008/2009
(Created 2008-07-17.)
POLYMER PHYSICSKPO010

Higher education credits: 7,5. Grading scale: TH. Level: A (Second level). Language of instruction: The course will be given in English. Compulsory for: K4m. Optional for: B4l, K4l, N4, N4nm. Course coordinator: Professor Frans Maurer, frans.maurer@polymat.lth.se, Polymerteknologi. Prerequisites: KOO052 Material and Polymer Technology or KO095 Functional Materials. Recommended prerequisits: KTE080 Polymer Chemistry. Assessment: Written exam. Approved laboratory and home assignments, and participation in compulsory visits to polymer industries. The final mark of the course is given by the final score on the written exam. Home page: http://www.polymat.lth.se/.

Aim
The course shall give the necessary special knowledge required to read scientific literature in the area of polymer physics, and to participate in research and development within industries that produce or use polymers.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

have insight in the relevance of polymer physics in research and development activities of polymer producing, polymer processing and polymer using industries.

Contents
The course includes the physical properties of polymers in the crystalline state, the amorphous state, mechanical and rheological properties, structure-property relations and processing.

The theoretical contents of the course are discussed during the lectures. The ability of the student to solve problems in polymer physics is practised during the exercises. Through home assignments, the student will practise his or her ability to independently solve problems. Selected main topics are treated during practical laboratory exercises. During visits to local industries, the student will be introduced to modern production and development activities in the area.

Literature
Cowie, J.M.G.: Polymers: Chemistry & Physics of Modern Materials,
3th ed. Chapman & Hall 1993. ISBN: 0-8493-9813-4
Hand outs: labs basics and instructions.