Syllabus academic year 2011/2012
(Created 2011-09-01.)
PROJECT IN POLYMER AND MATERIALS TECHNOLOGYKPON01
Credits: 15. Grading scale: UG. Cycle: A (Second Cycle). Main field: Technology. Language of instruction: The course might be given in English. KPON01 overlaps following cours/es: KPO021. Optional for: K4m, N4. Course coordinator: Prof. Patric Jannasch,, patric.jannasch@polymat.lth.se, and Prof. Sven Lidin, sven.lidin@polymat.lth.se, Polymer Technology. Prerequisites: KTE080 Polymer Chemistry or KPO010 Polymer Physics or KOO045 Materials Chemistry. Recommended prerequisits: KOO052 Materials and Polymer Technology or KOO095 Functional Materials. The course might be cancelled if the number of applicants is less than 3. The number of participants is limited to 20 Selection criteria: Priority will in the first instance be given to students enrolled in a study programme at LTH, and in the second instance to students according to their ECTS credits. Assessment: All scheduled activities are compulsory. Approved reports have to be written and handed in. Active participation in oral presentations and oppositions at seminars. Home page: http://www.polymat.lth.se.

Aim
The course shall give the special insight and specialized knowledge required to plan, carry out, and report on research and development (R&D) projects in polymer and material technology within the industry and universities.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

· Understand how a project group functions and works, including knowledge on some common tools for project management

· Understand the use of subject specific tools and procedures within the project

· Be able to relate structure and properties with application properties of different materials.

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

· Be able to assess the feasibility of the project and determine the factors that contribute to , or impede, the feasibility

· Be able to search, evaluate and use information relevant for the project using library resources and open electronic sources

· Be able to reflect on his/her role in a project group

· Be able to make relevant judgements and validations concerning safety, economy and environmental factors in the project.

· Be able to discuss and generate creative solutions for a practical and relevant problem within the area of polymer and material technology.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

· Work in a group to plan and carry out an R&D project in polymer and material technology

· Take part in written and oral dissemination of the project plan.

Contents
The main part of the course is devoted to a project within a material area. The task is to work in a group to solve a current R&D problem at a university research group, or at a locally based industry with an international focus. The project can be a part of a running R&D program, but may also be a feasibility study of a large project. It may involve a practical problem from industry with supervision from industrial representatives. Included in the planning is a literature survey, an inventory of available resources, estimation of investment requirements, and time planning. Written and oral presentations of the project will be done during the pre-stage of the project, as well as at the handing in of the final report.

The theoretical part of the course provides a background to the various factors that must be considered during the planning of the project: Level of knowledge: current level of knowledge within the area of the project and the necessary knowledge needed to carry out the project. Economic background: Investment and running costs. Personnel requirements. Norms and legislation: chemical products, safely and environmental issues. The theoretical part also gives a general orientation about the different phases of the project – from idea to reporting – and also practical information concerning how to organize and work in a project group.

The course is given in close cooperation with researchers at the university, as well as with specialists at various industries. Invited lectures will cover practical cases, applications and in-depth topics relevant for current polymer and materials technology. The areas may include packaging materials, medical applications of polymers, composite materials, additives, separation materials, thermoelectric materials, magnetic cooling media, nano materials, construction materials, etc. Exercises will be concerned with cost and time estimation, and risk assessment.

Literature
Compendiums and reference literature.