Polymer Science and Engineering

Course Description

Welcome to the fascinating world of Polymer Science and Engineering! This advanced-level course, offered by PurdueX, is an in-depth exploration of the fundamental concepts that form the backbone of this multidisciplinary field. While primarily designed for civil and environmental engineering students, this course offers valuable insights for students from various science and engineering backgrounds.

Imagine a field where chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus intersect to create materials that shape our world. That's exactly what you'll dive into in this course. You'll unravel the complexities of polymeric materials, understanding their chemical, physical, and thermal characteristics. But we don't stop at theory - you'll also get hands-on experience with material characterization methods and gain crucial knowledge about degradation modes and mechanisms.

What Students Will Learn

• Fundamental concepts of polymer science and engineering
• Chemical, physical, and thermal characteristics of polymeric materials
• Basic understanding of material characterization methods
• Degradation modes and mechanisms of polymers
• How to explain the properties of polymer materials
• Recognition of performance differences between polymeric materials
• Advantages and disadvantages of polymers for engineering applications

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of chemistry (essential)
• Foundational knowledge in biology and physics
• Willingness to learn new concepts and work collaboratively
• Strong work ethic and committed desire to learn
• Basic calculus skills (helpful but not mandatory)

Note: Students lacking some academic prerequisites can still succeed with additional effort.

Course Content

• Introduction to polymer science and engineering
• Chemical structures and properties of polymers
• Physical characteristics of polymeric materials
• Thermal behavior and analysis of polymers
• Material characterization techniques for polymers
• Degradation mechanisms in polymeric materials
• Engineering applications of polymers
• Environmental impacts and considerations of polymer use
• Interdisciplinary aspects of polymer science

Who This Course Is For

• Civil and environmental engineering students
• Students from other science and engineering specialties
• Professionals in chemistry, biology, environmental science, toxicology, material science, and public health
• Researchers and industry professionals looking to expand their knowledge in polymer science
• Anyone with a strong interest in materials science and its applications

Real-World Applications

The knowledge gained from this course has wide-ranging applications across multiple industries. You'll be equipped to:

• Design and develop new polymeric materials for various applications
• Analyze and improve existing polymer-based products
• Address environmental concerns related to polymer use and disposal
• Contribute to research in fields like biomedical engineering, sustainable materials, and nanotechnology
• Enhance manufacturing processes involving polymeric materials
• Assess the suitability of different polymers for specific engineering applications
• Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams working on complex material science projects

By completing this course, you'll not only gain expertise in polymer science but also develop a versatile skill set applicable to numerous scientific and engineering disciplines. Whether you're aiming for a career in research, industry, or environmental protection, the knowledge you acquire here will be an invaluable asset in your professional journey.